Another very interesting optic is this periscope
red dot. I do not have much information on this
either, only that the periscope may be able to rotate
for left or right hand shooting. This is a non
magnified red dot intended for counter terrorist units
and can be fired from behind cover as shown.
Originally an LEMT subsidiary optic this is now on the
main BelOMO page as well.
Update: RSP-1 has entered serial production
and is available in the US, and I was able to take a
look at both RSP-1 and PKP-2 firsthand. RSP-1 appears
to be an updated version of PKP-2 by combining the
rotating assembly of PKP-2 to the robust PKA Venezuela
body. While PKP-2 appears to remain a prototype only,
RSP-1 is actually available for purchase (though rare
and expensive).
I was loaned PKP-2 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
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.
RSP-1
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.
