Shooting rounds of 7.62×39 is about as fun as it gets. It performs incredibly well up to around 200-yards (183-meters), with accuracy decreasing over longer distances. This Soviet round is often understandably confused with NATO rounds.
The most common rifle to use 7.62×39 rounds is the ever-popular AK-47. What makes shooting these guns even more enjoyable? Pairing it with a great scope for better accuracy, of course. But there are so many scopes available out there, so choosing can be difficult.
That’s why I decided to check out the best scope for 7.62×39 currently on the market, so let’s go through them and find the perfect option for you…
Top 6 Best Scope For 7.62×39 You Should Buy In 2023 Reviews
1 Swampfox Tomahawk – Best Affordable Scope for 7.62×39
With the AK-47 or similar rifle being reasonably affordable, it makes sense not to spend too much on your scope. At the same time, though, you don’t want to sacrifice too much on quality and performance.
The Swampfox Tomahawk is a lightweight and compact scope that is built tough and performs brilliantly. In fact, it’s probably the best budget scope for 7.62×39 that you can buy, offering a variable zoom range of between true 1x and up to 6x magnification; you can target close to mid-range.
Glass etched reticle…
No shortcuts have been taken when it comes to the reticle on the Tomahawk. There is a choice of either a Gorilla Dot BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) or Gorilla Cross MOA style, both of which are glass etched and illuminated.
Lens clarity is second-to-none at this price point, with images appearing bright and distortion-free. Thanks to the true 1x magnification, it’s possible to acquire targets with both eyes open allowing for shooters to maintain complete situational awareness.
Don’t lose your zero…
Given that 7.62×39 Soviet rounds are known for dropping over longer ranges, it’s handy that the Tomahawk features zero lock turrets. Set your zero and adjust the turrets so that the markings line up, then you’ll never need to keep count of your clicks again.
Best of all, this scope can take a knock plus withstand the elements in almost any condition. Rated shockproof up to 1,100 G’s, you don’t need to baby your gun. It’s also waterproof, sand-proof, and fog-proof.
Pros
- Affordable LPVO with great quality and performance.
- Two glass-etched illuminated reticle choices.
- Zero lock turrets for simple dialing at longer ranges.
Cons
- Battery life isn’t as great as other comparable products.
- Glass is good, but not as good as on more expensive options.
2 Vortex Viper PST Gen II – Best Value Scope for 7.62×39
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, Vortex Optics is always at the top of a list of the Best Scopes for AK47. They consistently provide great quality, reliable, and accurate products at affordable prices, and the Viper PST Gen II continues this trend.
It is an LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) with true 1x up to 6x magnification power perfectly matched to 7.62×39 capabilities. It includes all the latest features and is built using the latest in manufacturing techniques.
Ten illumination settings…
A simple yet accurate and effective VMR-2 MOA reticle uses a traditional crosshair design. For improved accuracy, there are hash markings on the elevation and windage planes. For ultra-fast target acquisition, the center dot is illuminated using a red LED.
To ensure that you can always view the center dot in any lighting condition, there are ten selectable brightness settings. This is all packed into a lightweight and compact 22.7-ounce (644-gram) and 10.9-inch (277-millimeter) long package.
Premium XD lenses…
Vortex has gone all out by including XD (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses on the Viper PST Gen II. To be honest, it’s tough to tell the difference between this fantastic glass and what’s on offer from some products which cost twice as much.
The Viper can take on almost anything, too, with the single-piece 30mm tube being constructed from shockproof aluminum. O-ring seals and nitrogen purging also provide waterproof and fog-proof performance, making this one of the best value for money 7.62×39 scopes you can buy.
Pros
- Fast and accurate simple reticle design.
- Ten brightness settings.
- Premium XD glass used for lenses.
Cons
- Zoom ring is tough to move at first.
- Not made in the USA.
3 Trijicon ACOG – Best Military-Grade Scope for 7.62×39
For anyone after a scope that is tough enough and reliable enough to be used in the US Military, the Trijicon ACOG is your answer. The beauty of this product is how it just continues to perform simply no matter what the circumstances.
No matter what situation is being faced, you can guarantee that the ACOG will always send your shots to where it’s pointing. Using only the most high-quality materials and workmanship, it’s little wonder why this is the standard many other optics are measured by.
No batteries, no worries…
When you need your scope the most, you don’t want to be worrying about batteries running out of power. Trijicon uses fiber optic during the day and tritium for night targeting to illuminate the chevron-style reticle.
During the day, the fiber optics harnesses the surrounding light to light up the reticle to the perfect brightness for your surroundings. When there’s no light available, tritium is the same material used on premium watches to light up the face.
Staying fixed…
Unlike the other products so far, the ACOG offers fixed magnification of 4x through a 32-millimeter objective lens. Due to the absolute crisp clarity of the lenses, you can still take advantage of both eyes open shooting.
There is almost nothing that can prevent this scope from performing due to being constructed from forged 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The ACOG will never fog up, and your visibility will never be compromised.
Pros
- Almost indestructible level of construction.
- No power supply is ever needed for reticle illumination.
- Best lens clarity in its class.
Cons
- An incredibly expensive piece of kit.
- No variable zoom available.
4 Leupold VX-3HD – Best Clarity Scope for 7.62×39
Next in my rundown of the Best Scope for 7.62×39, the Leupold VX-3HD rifle scope is durable, lightweight, and performs fantastically well in low-light situations. When it comes to unbelievable levels of lens clarity, nobody comes close to what Leupold products have to offer.
A variable zoom range of between 1.5x and 5x magnification allows shooters to effectively and efficiently acquire close to mid-range targets. This is all delivered in a tough, compact, and lightweight package.
Make precise adjustments…
To ensure that you’ll always hit your target accurately, there is plenty of precise movement available through the turrets. Each click makes 0.25 MOA of movement with a generous 125 MOA of adjustment for both windage and elevation.
To ensure that once you have your scope zeroed in, it stays put, Leupold has included the CDS Zero Lock feature. Push a button to unlock it, dial-in, then rotate back to zero and lock it firmly into place. It couldn’t be easier.
Dawn to dusk performance…
Shooters can enjoy outstanding performance with dusk-to-dawn light transmission bringing impressively bright images. This is along with elite-level glare reduction when faced with bright conditions for unmatched levels of resolution and clarity at all times.
The VX-3HD is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA to ensure the highest levels of quality possible. It is also backed by the Leupold Lifetime Guarantee, which promises to repair or replace the scope if any issues arise.
Pros
- Unmatched levels of lens clarity.
- CDC Zero Lock feature.
- American made with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Turret caps arrive way too tight to release.
- Very simple reticle.
5 NightForce NX8 – Best Precision Scope for 7.62×39
NightForce has produced a compact and lightweight LPVO with a huge zoom range. It offers true 1x up to 8x magnification power with accuracy and clarity throughout the entire range. This scope is also built to stand up to whatever is thrown at it.
Despite its durability and lens quality, this is one of the most compact and lightweight scopes in its class. It measures only 8.75-inches (222-millimeters) in length and weighs just 17-ounces (471-grams).
Choice of reticles…
There are two reticle choices, including either an MOA or Mil-Rad option, depending on which you prefer. Both are glass etched on the first focal plane, meaning that it will grow larger as the magnification power is increased.
Both reticle designs have a “T” shape, including detailed hash marks on the windage and elevation lines. The center dot is illuminated in red using LED technology. When at true 1x magnification, it’s possible for ultra-fast target acquisition.
Incredible levels of precision…
No matter if you prefer MOA or Mil-Rad, both options can be adjusted with precise levels of movement. Each click for the MOA reticle makes 0.5 MOA of adjustment, and the Mil-Rad makes 0.2 per click.
Other great features include a zero stop turret system, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction, and multi-coated lenses. There’s also a power throw lever for quickly moving throughout that vast zoom range.
Pros
- One of the most compact and lightweight designs in this class.
- Choice of MOA or Mil-Rad glass-etched illuminated reticle.
- Vast zoom range of between 1x and 8x magnification.
Cons
- Not the most affordable option.
- Red dot center makes tight groups difficult at long-range.
6 Steiner P4Xi – Best Tactical Scope for 7.62×39
For a tactical weapon like a 7.62×39 caliber rifle, you need a tactical scope. If you’re someone who enjoys the finer things in life, then you’ll probably already be familiar with the quality on offer from Steiner products.
Basically, what’s on offer here is everything you would expect from a larger long-range tactical scope condensed into a compact package. A variable zoom range of between true 1x and up to 4x magnification along with a bunch of useful features can be enjoyed.
Red dot performance…
Take advantage of red dot-like performance in a lightweight and compact package. Weighing only 17.3-ounces (490-grams) and at a length of 10.3-inches (262-millimeters), it’s a little heavier but offers more features than a red dot sight.
Even though the compact 24-millimeter objective lens light transmission is an impressive 90%. Lens clarity is beyond what any red dot optic is capable of providing crisp, bright, highly contrasted, detailed images.
Night vision compatible…
There’s a choice of two reticle designs, including either the P3TR with red illumination or G1 in green. Both are glass etched on the second focal plane for static performance featuring windage and elevation hash markings.
Illumination settings are tuned for four low light settings with ultra-low brightness. It also includes five daylight settings and even two that is compatible with night vision equipment for those that want to hunt effectively at night.
Pros
- Red dot-like performance with a variable zoom rifle scope.
- Impressive levels of glass clarity.
- Reticle illumination includes two night vision compatible settings.
Cons
- No locking feature on the diopter.
- Turret clicks aren’t as tactile as the competition.
Best Scope for 7.62×39 Buying Guide
There’s no shortage of compact and durable LPVO scopes on the market, but not all are equal. I’ve reviewed the best products that are suited for 7.62×39 ammunition, and each has its own unique qualities to offer a variety of shooters.
Therefore, to ensure you’re making the right decision when choosing which of these fantastic products is best for you, I’ve included this handy buying guide. By identifying some of the key differences in these products, you can make an informed and confident decision.
Staying within Range
Even though 7.62×39 ammunition isn’t considered long-range, sometimes having that extra reach available can be handy. It might not be as accurate, but with practice, you can make some effective shots if necessary.
Both the Swampfox Tomahawk and Vortex Viper PST Gen II provide up to 6x magnification from their true 1x base. If you really want that extra reach, though, you’ll need the NightForce NX8 with an incredible range of true 1x up to 8x magnification power.
Seeing in The Dark
If you intend to shoot in low-light or dark environments, then you’ll need a scope with the correct features. While all of these scopes offer reticle illumination, some provide that little bit extra for low to no light performance.
Trijicon’s ACOG can be used in absolutely any lighting condition, even without any power supply. But if you require something that can really perform, check out the Steiner P4Xi with night vision compatible illumination.
If you still don’t know which of these scopes will suit your needs, then make sure you check out the next section. I will reveal my decision for the best scope for AK-47 and why. But before that…
Are You Looking for Some More Excellent Scope Options?
If so, then check out my reviews of the Best Ruger AR 556 Scope, the Best Simmons Rifle Scopes, the Best 308 Rifles Scopes, the Best Scout Scopes, the Best Vortex Scopes, Best Mini 14 Ranch Rifle Scopes, as well as the Best Scope for Hog Hunting you can buy in 2023.
Or, take a look at our comprehensive reviews of the Best Handgun Scopes & Optics, the Best Scopes for AR15 under 100 Dollars, the Best 300 Win Mag Scopes, the Best Air Rifle Scopes, the Best Scope for AK-47, the Best Rimfire Scopes, or the Best Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor on the market.
So, What is The Best Scope for 7.62×39?
After considering all these products, I’ve made my decision by comparing exactly what each scope has to offer. To be the best 7.62×39 scope, it must be durable, have impressive lens clarity, useful features, and still be of great value.
The scope I believe performs best in all these areas is the…
It’s built tough and backed by a reliable warranty, offers amazing levels of lens clarity, and has all the features you’ll ever need. The best part is that it’s amazing value for money. Highly recommended.
Happy and safe shooting.
