I’ve tried almost every style of optic on my AK rifles and pistols. Nothing provides the ideal mix of speed and accuracy that befits a platform designed for close to mid-range engagement quite like a red dot. As this build continues, I’m testing out the Holosun HS503R Red Dot Sight and the results are solid.
AK Optics — Pros and Cons
Iron Sights
I’ll keep these criticisms brief. Iron sights are capable and not terribly slow for those of us who grew up shooting long distances with them. The field-of-view afforded by iron sights for down-range targets and everything else is unmatched. Furthermore, the batteries on iron sights never die. They’re solar powered. Cons? Well, the sights on an AK are so 20th century.
Red Dots
The Holosun HS503R, like many in this category, build their optics around rugged housings that allow for speed and durability. Smaller optics (like a Trijicon RMR) or larger optics (like the classic EOTech) seem to be slightly easier to use, as the field of view around them (or even in them) is larger. While this affords a modest increase in time-to-target, it isn’t always a win. Mid-sized red dot optics take up less room on top than the big boxes and are often more robust than the micro red dots. Train with them regularly, and you’ll have no difficulty landing on target when you pull the rifle up.
Traditional Scopes
There are too many options here to do a deep dive, but I’ll stick to three classes. There are the fixed power scopes with negligible magnification. Meanwhile, there are the 1-4x and 1-6x optics (commonly referred to as LPVOs, or low-powered variable optics) that are exceptionally versatile. Finally, there are higher power magnification scopes that can maximize reach on a capable AK build.
Scopes, though, can only aspire to the rugged reputation of the AK itself — and they’re large. Furthermore, the design of the AK doesn’t always lend itself to the addition of optics. This may prove problematic for anyone looking for sub-MOA accuracy from a 7.62×39.
Is the Holosun HS503R the best of both worlds?
The Holosun HS503R red dot seems to hold zero well. I’m more than 300 rounds in without an adjustment, and I’m getting solid repeat accuracy. I’ve accomplished this even when I take off the Midwest Industries Gen 2 AK Railed Top Side QD Mount for travel and put it back on weeks later.
The housing on the Holosun is 6061 T6 aluminum. While this doesn’t have the strength of titanium, it can take abuse. The optic has 12 brightness levels which is key for having solid performance during the day. With three distinct reticles to choose from, you can dial in anything from a 2 MOA single dot up to a dot/ring combo that covers 65 MOA.
Holosun HS503R Specifications
| Material: | Aluminum |
| Reticle: | Ballistic Circle Quadplex |
| Reticle Dot Size: | 2 MOA, 65 MOA |
| Finish: | Mil-Spec Hard Anodized |
| Color: | Black |
| Reticle Color: | Red |
| Battery: | CR2032 |
| Runtime: | 50,000 hours |
| Adjustment: | MOA |
| Adjustment Increments: | 0.5 MOA |
| Objective Diameter: | 20 mm |
| Magnification Range: | 1x |
These reticles make this optic much more versatile than most. Dialed all the way down, the 2 MOA dot will put rounds in respectable groups at 100 yards — well within the performance expectations of most AK-47s.
With the red ring lit around the outside of the center dot, the optic can be used for closer, defensive fire. With the open ring only, the reticle more closely replicates the shot pattern of buckshot. The result is an optic that is at home on a defensive, fighting, or hunting rifle meant for close contact (like hogs).
Mounting the Holosun HS503R
The optic comes with what you’d expect for mounting: a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 rail mount. You can mount it low or use the included riser. This riser allows for a limited amount of co-witnessing.
Versatility is the key here. Available aftermarket red dot mounts will allow you to get just about any degree of rise you could possibly want. For the AK, I have it mounted only with the rise of the Midwest mount. For something like a Ruger 10/22, I’d put on the tall riser. The options are pretty much limitless here.
The amount of rise is dependent on the need for targeting off the cheek weld. However, placing the optic higher does add some inconvenience, but no more than most optics. Keep in mind anything that puts a blocky chunk of aluminum up above the receiver will be a change if you’re accustomed to the slick top of a bog-standard AK.
Battery Life
The HS503R runs on a single CR2032 battery. Battery life is supposed to be 50,000 hours on the low setting, but I’ve not had a spare 50,000 hours to test this claim. It is efficient and I’ve yet to replace the stock battery it came with despite running on various levels (and forgetting to turn it off).
The battery compartment and the whole unit is waterproof. That adds one more element to this that other low-end optics can’t boast.
How much does it cost?
The HS503R is currently selling for $199.99. That puts it squarely at the affordable end of what I’d call mid-tier, perfectly functional optics. There was a time, not so long ago, when an equivalent optic was running closer to $500 — but now, many feel paying that much is akin to paying for fashion.
How much do you want to invest in an optic? This is a running concern almost all of us who shoot at any distance ask. It isn’t uncommon to find a $1k rifle with a scope that costs three times as much up top, but for an AK? If you’re wanting to add a mount and an optic, you’ll still easily be well under $500 with money well spent with this optic.
