Ak47 optic and mount advice

Win.308

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 26, 2007
69
0
37
Sarepta ,Louisiana
I'm wanting to put a optic of some type on my Ak and was wondering what setups you guys would recommend. I'm thinking an eotech or something similar with quick sight acquisition mainly gonna use it hog hunting with dogs and possibly run into a few opportunities to take some 300+yd shots at them. Any mounting ideas or other optic suggestions are appreciated.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
I just got done building an AK and I'm going a different direction. I'm looking at getting a DRAKO and OPMOD setup from armasight. That will give me a visible laser and an IR laser for night vision. Same setup I ran clearing houses in Fallujah (mind you I had a Pac2 and Gen 3 night vision). But the visible lazer will put you on at range if your looking at taking shots at dusk. AKs are more than capable of taking 300yard shots but most people don't put high enough quality ammo in them to take those. I have run plenty of optics in combat situations and a 3MOA red dot at 300yards is not the kind of accuracy you need at that range. However someone well trained with a set of irons is accurate at that range with no issue.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
Personally, I would stick with light/small reflex sights like what has been recommended above. It becomes pretty awkward with larger sights up front, shifting balance and no longer feeling like an AK. Using the Ultimak or similar front mount would be ideal. If you don't want to replace I would use the side mount but will need to raise your cheek weld.

27f8f5000773b5ab40d5a3ab228433f9.jpg


Others may have better experience, but I have not had or seen much success mounting with modified dust covers. There are also several companies that make mounts to replace the leaf spring sight. I believe their suited for micro sights like FastFire, RMR, Delta Point, Doctor etc...I'm not very familiar with them but I assume it would be tighter than using the dust cover. Again, you will likely have to raise your cheek weld though.

Replacing the top portion of the hand guard over the gas tube will allow for lower mounting than other options... Certainly the preferred solution by most. The mounts can be specific to the sight used.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
back in the day i had a cobra,an e. block item. cheap and worked well. had an integral mount as i recall. i think they are still around at a higher price,of course. i would say as others have that forward mounting would change weapon balance. BobD's setup looks like a good one
 
I personally would think an eotech would be a bit taller than I would like. ive been debating trying a 1-4x scope on one but it would require some custom fitting of the mount and such to get it as low as I would like.
 
Umm....

Body is very thin for an Eotech. I tried this once and was pretty awkward. Even with the smaller XPS/EXPS line it would be a bit much. For me the larger sights really detract from what makes it unique. The 7mm riser makes it even more ridiculous. Aside from the height they're really fat

2012-09-12_11-46-01_965.jpg


I like Eotechs a lot, just not there... Or in the front


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
For 7.62x39
4x32 BROWE Combat Optic - 7.62x39mm Chevron Reticle
4x32 BROWE Combat Optic - 7.62x39mm Chevron Reticle
and
TA33A-13: Тrijicon ACOG 3x30 Scope, Dual Illuminated Amber Horseshoe/Dot 7.62x39 Ballistic Reticle w/ TA51 mount
TA33A-13 ACOG - Trijicon, Inc.

I'm wanting to put a optic of some type on my Ak and was wondering what setups you guys would recommend. I'm thinking an eotech or something similar with quick sight acquisition mainly gonna use it hog hunting with dogs and possibly run into a few opportunities to take some 300+yd shots at them. Any mounting ideas or other optic suggestions are appreciated.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
The Aimpoint on an Ultimak is the way to go if you are looking for quick site acquisition. I have heard very good reviews from guys running the Browe optic mentioned by kristan55.
 
I like the looks of that side mount and like the dogleg mount as well I don't really like the idea of mounting it so far forward on the ultimac setup seems to far away from the eye to me I haven't seen it in person to make a judgement but just looks ackward not to mention if you lean it up against a wall you'll be leaning it on the optic more than not

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
I have the RS regulate and aimpoint micro clone on one, and ultimak and micro clone on another. I prefer the ultimak, but the RS regulate is quality. For me, the optic forward position works better for the micro optic, and a larger tube optic works better closer to my eye. I will probably sell the RS mount and do another ultimak.

Greg
 
I've had the ulti mak, it was ok but now have the MI side mount and like it a lot, good cheek weld unlike the imported side mounts. Mine is used on a milled Bulgarian arsenal , and a 1x4 leupold. With good ammo it will surprise you, I never thought an AK would preform that well. Like the poster above said, good ammo is the key.
 
I got the ultimak and trs25 mounted up. I like it so far and it is more accurate than I figured it would be haven't been able to stretch it very far yet but inside 100yds its spot on

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
Since you don't have a rail, I'd go with the Ultimak and a red dot of your choosing, like others have mentioned, which would allow a co-witness of your irons and optics. If you wanted a rail, any AK smith worth their salt can install a rail for you if you prefer that, then I'd go with a RS AK-300 mount system. This would allow you to mount an optic with a variable power magnification for engaging more distant targets.
 
The plus of the ultimak and MI rail are that they are barrel clamp designs which guarantee that the sight is perfectly aligned over the bore.

Anything mounted in the back (on top of the receiver, or the side rail) doesn't proceed under that assumption because it depends on how the gun was built.

There can be a lot of variance there.

If the RSB isn't pinned perfectly square, the trunnion isn't sitting perfectly square in the end of the receiver AND centered within it, etc. If your top cover is tighter on one side than the other or the rear sight leaf pin holes are not drilled square through it, the rail will want to sit leaning to one side or the other. If your top cover is tighter on one side than the other, you've got this issue and should go with the ulti or the MI rail.

I've got examples of them all, but the only ones straight enough to handle an AKARS or TWS are an arsenal and a krebs. The safest best is the ultimak or the MI handguard system. Those will work on every gun, every time. Don't add a side rail. It's a waste of time.

HTH,

--Fargo007
 
Last edited:
well lets see if you have a side rail for mounting there are several russian and american side mounts that work well
2 of the better american mounts work extremely well-texas dog-leg mount and parabellem armamentsd similar mount. both of these put the sight right over the bore.
this is the parabellum it has a sight built into the mount for your irons

this is the bellaurus side mount which on my machined ak-47 works extremely well
 
If you want an awesome ak set up, then make sure the ak is an arsenal brand, and get a nice non qd side receiver mounted scope mount so you can still clean the rifle without the need to re zero the rifle. You dont need a quick detach side mounted ak scope mount. Just get a nice fixed side receiver scope mount. This will be one of my future rifle purchases and im kicking myself for selling the same milled receiver arsenal set up years ago.

Mine will have a non QD side receiver scope mount with a 1-4 vortex viper scope. Fuck that red dot shit. Not for me.

Ill need to look into this ultimak mount also.

I'm wanting to put a optic of some type on my Ak and was wondering what setups you guys would recommend. I'm thinking an eotech or something similar with quick sight acquisition mainly gonna use it hog hunting with dogs and possibly run into a few opportunities to take some 300+yd shots at them. Any mounting ideas or other optic suggestions are appreciated.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
Last edited:
Do yourself a favor and at least check out the parabellum armament AKARS. Beats the crap out of the Russian side mount or putting the dot way forward on a gas tube replacement. I know. I have ran both, no contest.
 
I have shot all 3 types (gas tube rail/akars/Russian side mount) and it (akars mount) in fact IS the best weld you can get from an AK. Low and in line. I say this from having used all of them. I have a lot of time with everything from AK to ZPU-2. This isn't from internet search results.
 
I have shot all 3 types (gas tube rail/akars/Russian side mount) and it (akars mount) in fact IS the best weld you can get from an AK. Low and in line. I say this from having used all of them. I have a lot of time with everything from AK to ZPU-2. This isn't from internet search results.

What are you using on it?

On mine I've got an aimpoint CompM4 in an AD Low mount. It does not co-witness but I can still see the front sight. Since it's QD it doesn't need to.

I agree they are excellent, and (outside of the Beryl Archer's excellent proprietary rail) the only credible way to get a magnified optic onto a Kalashnikov, but like I said before if the gun isn't build PERFECTLY square AND straight, you are going to be shooting to one side or the other past your zero distance because the sight will not be aligned with the bore. Check with feeler gauges between the AKARS and the receiver at the front, middle, and back of the receiver on each side.

--Fargo007
 
I have shot all 3 types (gas tube rail/akars/Russian side mount) and it (akars mount) in fact IS the best weld you can get from an AK. Low and in line. I say this from having used all of them. I have a lot of time with everything from AK to ZPU-2. This isn't from internet search results.


To each his own. I am not a fan of things mounted on the top cover. I have / like the MI rail w/ an H1 and a simple SF G2 for white light. The dot on the H1 isn't absolute co-witness (which I prefer) but it does lolli-pop the front post.
 
You're right. That's what I stated in post 33. I shared your POV until I ran both extensively to see what was truly faster and more natural at the standard height of 1.5. Prior to the AKARS, a solid forend/gas tube mount was my favorite.
 
You're right. That's what I stated in post 33. I shared your POV until I ran both extensively to see what was truly faster and more natural at the standard height of 1.5. Prior to the AKARS, a solid forend/gas tube mount was my favorite.

What you said in #33 is there is a disparity in HOB for the mount resulting in a chin weld.

Good luck with chinweld. To each his own.

I can tell you that based on my AK samples - you've buffaloed your brain into thinking one is radically different than the other.

The HOB for the top cover without the AKAR rail is 1.5" - then add the rail + the mount + type of RDS to get the final HOB of the dot.

The MI rail is the mount and the H1 mounts 1.625" (1 5/8's) over the bore axis. Unless AKAR rail + mount is 1/8" - it ain't any lower.
 
Take your buffalo crap somewhere else. I was specifically talking
to elfster about chin weld on the Russian style side mount NOT the height
of the FAR forward rail mount. If I came off as saying the far forward mount is drastically
different in height according to cheek weld, that wasn't my intention. The reply was to elfster since he
posted about the Russian side mount.

I DID say to each his own. I also said I liked the forward rail
Mount until I ran the the akars mount during many courses of
instruction, CQB as well as opfor.

In my experience in dozens of shooters, AK,s and more rounds than I am sure of, once
a shooter is used to the akars, they are faster and more accurate than both other styles.

Do better than insult me with silly comments about my brain.
 
Here is some more silliness for your brain:

I have shot all 3 types (gas tube rail/akars/Russian side mount) and it (akars mount) in fact IS the best weld you can get from an AK. Low and in line. I say this from having used all of them. I have a lot of time with everything from AK to ZPU-2. This isn't from internet search results.

You're right. That's what I stated in post 33. I shared your POV until I ran both extensively to see what was truly faster and more natural at the standard height of 1.5. Prior to the AKARS, a solid forend/gas tube mount was my favorite.



String and caliper time? Pretty clear that your stating that the AKAR mount is best b/c of HOB. The top cover is 1.5 + rail + mount height + the dot height inside the RDS. The MI rail is the mount itself and therefore the mount is 1 5/8s. Additional benefit - the mount isn't on the top cover which can move.




Oh and because I still love you - Merry Christmas.


,
 
I tried to clarify in my last post. I have ran all three. You're reading the net.

I just wanted to pSs word from extensive use to the OP to consider it.

MOST haven't tried it or all 3 for many thousands of rounds each. I have. Your petty shit is not worth it. The gas tube mount easily melts loctite under heavy use as well. Just something to consider. Not maybe, it does.

Thanks for the lesson on your internet theory versus real use.
 
I dunno - I've run a lot of rounds specifically trying to see if I can loosen up the RDS - haven't had any issues, but I've only had for a couple years and a few cases of ammo. That, an just throw it in the front seat on my way out to run around with (on foot and bouncing around in the rig) in the woods.

So if it isn't an HOB issue - why don't you lay out for me - based on your experience - why is it better to mount an RDS on a top cover that moves and has greater HOB than the MI rail?
 
Last edited:
Look up Sturmwerkz it is the best way to mount to an AK. I usually don't own a cheap scope. Usually in 1000-1800 range. But the Primary arms 2.5 is pretty bad ass for an AK. The reticle is the best design for tac shooting. It is awesome.
 
My dust cover is pinned as its on a real ak74 Krinkov. Mine allows me to hit targets regular at 400 and lots of times at 600. Further more than than it is light weight allows me to use my iron sights and cost 70 installed and was turned around in 4 days. All in all I would recommend stormwerkz to any one.