Some of you may remember PKP-2 from a couple of cool BelOMO pictures that have been around for a few years. It's a pretty interesting red dot optic with a rotating periscope designed to shoot from behind cover, presumably in a hostage scenario context. While PKP-2 has been on my top list to acquire for a very long time, it has been unobtanium and will probably remain so because it has not entered serial production. The good news is that BelOMO updated the PKA-Venezuela to include the same periscope assembly, and thankfully that version called RSP-1 is now available in the US

Original BelOMO photo op (keen observers will note the plum 20 round 5.45 mag)




I was loaned this optic and it is apparently the same one in the photo above, possibly the one and only prototype of the model. PKP-2 is based on the PK01-VS and is essentially the same optic with the addition of the periscope. It functions by using a set of mirrors to reflect the dot into either the primary ocular lens or to the rotating periscope ocular. This is done by flipping a switch which causes one ocular to become opaque and allow the view through the other. I would speculate that based on the serial number of the PKP-2 (100012) and the first two prototypes of VS that came in (100006 and 100009) that these three were made at the same time, probably a small batch of 15-20 total.

PKP-2 on the 74M


Periscope rotates freely around the scope body





RSP-1 appears to be identical to PKA-Venezuela including the distinctive hammer grey finish. The main difference between RSP-1 and PKP-2 is weight and eye relief with RSP-1 being heavier at 27.8 ounces vs 20.3 for the PKP-2. RSP-1 periscope extends about 1.4 inches past the dust cover toward the rear of the stock, PKP-2 is about 1.8 inches giving it a shorter eye relief. It appears that the periscope assembly adds about 7 ounces to either base optic. Absolute cowitness is still present with both types but I found that when shooting through the periscope it was trickier to get low enough to see the do on the front site post. I believe this has something to do with the reflection of the image in the mirror when using the periscope view.  






Normal sighting view


Periscope view. While you obviously cannot get a shoulder tuck using the periscope it should be effective for 100m shots with ease due to the friendly nature of 5.45. This optic was not zeroed at the time of the photo and for safety reasons we did not shoot with it, but after finger banging it for a while I have every confidence this will work as advertised.


PKP-2 and RSP-1 on AK105s. Here you can get an idea of how far back each extends.


If you measure by the two arms of the mounts you can estimate how far back the PKP-2 will be compared to RSP-1 (1.4 inches past dust cover for RSP-1 and 1.8 for PKP-2)


Family view:
Comparison of RSP-1 and PKA Venezuela (top)
PKP-2 and PK01-VS (bottom)




Opaque lens view


The dot appears the same regardless of which ocular is it viewed through. I found that PKP-2 was not as bright as PK01-VS but RSP-1 was every bit as bright as PKA Venezuela.



As with PK01-VS vs PKA Venezuela I favor the PKP-2 over the RSP-1 mainly due to weight. RSP-1 has a bit of heft to it at 27.8 ounces but while noticeable it's not unmanageable. When it comes to PK01-VS and PKA Venezuela I happily recommend them both and if PKP-2 were also available I would recommend them equally even though my preference is slightly toward PKP-2. Overall there is functionally no difference between the two other than weight.


This will probably be my last optic review for a long time due to some exciting personal opportunities. I will be moving overseas for work and will not have access to the collection for the foreseeable future but I will keep the site up as a reference while I'm gone.




Z

You get to play with all the cool stuff.

Wow, we're glad for your opportunity overseas, but we'll miss you here, at least you'll be on the site to guide us in the way of Zen

Congratulations and best of luck on your future endeavor. It's always been interesting to read your reviews and posts. Godspeed!

Badass review. Best of luck overseas!

Veel geluk!

Zeer scherpzinnig mijn vriend. Niet veel mensen weten ga ik naar Nederland




Z

Bump