Best way to mount AK optic

Teej · 06-05-2012, 21:20

What is the best way to mount an AK 47 red dot optic?

Forearm mount, or rear side mount? Pros & cons of both?

I'm thinking side mount as the optic will be closer to where I'm used to having my rifle scopes.

I don't know if it makes any difference but I do wear glasses.

thank you

Oh, I just realized, I have an underfolder. I don't think I can side mount on an underfolder. I guess I could put a 6 position stock on it or just go with the forend mount...

TedG · 06-05-2012, 21:23

There's quite a difference between mounting your optic on the forearm vs the receiver. I personally prefer a receiver mount, but that's my personal choice. Your choice should be what fits you.

You should try each type and then decide.

This works best for me.

copo9560 · 06-05-2012, 21:50

My son has the removable receiver mount on his AK. Problem is it puts the red dot a little high for his rifle with folding stock. Make sure to check height with your stock.

Getting this sighted in was harder than normal as well. With such a high mount, traditional bore sight method does not work. We ended up using a lazer to get on the page at 25 yards.

Lastly, accuracy is not very good even though mount seems pretty stable. Still trying to figure this out.

maxxmojo · 06-05-2012, 22:03

Kinda depends on the optic really. Some will handle better on the upper handguard area than others. Personal preference dictates this as well, as any results are really an opinion and not too factual.

Inebriated · 06-06-2012, 01:03

To me, there's no better way to go than an RS Products mount... They've got an Aimpoint T1/Vortex Sparc mount, and a 30mm ring mount. They are quick release (mounts to the side-rail), and sit very low to the receiver, and I THINK you get a 1/3 cowitness. And as an added bonus, you can adjust it left or right to center it perfectly over the bore. But I like the quick release. If that isn't a concern, then the TWS dog leg rail is great, and the US Palm/Midwest Industries optic-specific handguards are perfect for getting a very low-mounted dot.

MadMonkey · 06-06-2012, 02:28

Look into Midwest Industry's mounts that replace the rear site. I had a nice long reply then my browser crashed.

plouffedaddy · 06-06-2012, 07:18

I'm a fan of the MI rails but they will open up your groups a few inches at 100m (barrel harmonics). That said, I don't really shoot my AKs for groups and have AKs witso it doesn't concern me that much The Ultimak rail is another solid option. Another downside to this set up is that shooting corrosive ammo is a no-go with this set up since you'd have to re-zero your optic after cleaning ever time.

The side mount is a good option but with an underfolder you'll just have to keep the stock extended.

MadMonkey · 06-06-2012, 09:14

This is the one I was talking about. Not a forward rail.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Burris_F...-mdm-bndle.htm

Teej · 06-06-2012, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMonkey

This is the one I was talking about. Not a forward rail.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Burris_F...-mdm-bndle.htm

MadMonkey, I like the looks of this set up. Do you have it? How does it do keeping its zero??

Reswob · 06-06-2012, 20:13

I have the Attero Arms Bravo mount and a PA Micro Dot. While I'm not 100% happy with the mount, it seems to work just fine and holds zero (though I have not done any "torture tests" yet). When I move up to a real Aimpoint micro, I think I will also change the mount to a TWS topcover, if the built in notch sight ever becomes available.

MadMonkey · 06-06-2012, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teej

MadMonkey, I like the looks of this set up. Do you have it? How does it do keeping its zero??

I don't have one yet and haven't seen many reviews as it hasn't been out that long (I think). However out of all the mounts I've looked at, I like it the most. I was going to go with an Ultimak, but don't like the optic that far forward... then I wanted a side rail mount, but no micro dots would cowitness, and I try to keep my optics narrowed down to those that use CR123 or C2032s and I don't want to spend the money on another Aimpoint that is more expensive than the rifle was. Although I suppose an RMR would be nice...

El Whapo · 06-06-2012, 23:25

Hey Teej I also have an underfolder and my biggest dilemma was trying a way to add a red dot to it. I looked at several rail systems and was concern about making the front end too heavy since there is no rear stock to balance it out. Then I found a Texas Weapon systems dog leg scope rail Gen-2 also adding the rear peep sight. So far I'm have been happy with it and have been able to co witness it with my T-1 perfectly. So far it's been keeping the zero.

vettely · 06-07-2012, 17:51

Ultimak is another option. I have one and it is rock solid.

https://www.primaryarms.com/UltiMAK_...mak%20m2-b.htm

phalanxr · 06-08-2012, 16:33

Just got the midwest industries universal rail with vortex sparc and specific mount for my SGL21 and love it.

Id go with them.

HWI · 06-09-2012, 03:55

I switched my Aimpoint H-1 from being mounted on a Midwest Industries handguard with optic specific upper to a RS Regulate AKML and I am definitely happy with the switch. I prefer the balance of having the optic over the receiver and I also have an easier time using it with both eyes open now that it is in front of the rear sight. YMMV, but I definitely dig the side mount and the RS Regulate sits nice and low for an easy cheek weld and can still be field stripped.

Excuse the white legs. XD

El Whapo · 06-16-2012, 12:53

http://http://imageshack.us/photo/my.../imagexvc.jpg/

blackbag · 06-17-2012, 16:18

If you have the funds Ultimak gastube rail and Aim Point T-1. It will be durable and lightweight!

theblakester · 06-25-2012, 13:31

Check out Texas weapon systems dog leg rail cover. Texasweaponsystems.com

Outdoor Hub mobile, the outdoor information engine

Hamrhed · 06-25-2012, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbag

If you have the funds Ultimak gastube rail and Aim Point T-1. It will be durable and lightweight!

This is the way I went, albeit with a less expensive rds. HWI makes a great point: it really depends where you feel most comfortable having the rds located

mjkeat · 06-25-2012, 20:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teej

MadMonkey, I like the looks of this set up. Do you have it? How does it do keeping its zero??

I have a converted Draco w/ the MI micro mount. I forgot to loc tite one set screw and it backed out in a couple magazines dropping the RDS onto the ground leaving w/o optic or irons. I think Ill go w/ the RS Regulate. It really seems to be the most sturdy option.

I have a TWS railed dust cover I'm going to give a go and see how it works out.

toshbar · 06-25-2012, 21:41

The thing that pushes me away from an Ultimak is that I shoot corrosive ammo and the gas tube has to be removed every time I shoot to be cleaned. Does the ultimak quick disco, or does it have to be unscrewed to come off for cleaning?

I'm also looking at the PA micro dot/RS AKML combo. Seems good for $240.

vettely · 06-25-2012, 22:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by toshbar

The thing that pushes me away from an Ultimak is that I shoot corrosive ammo and the gas tube has to be removed every time I shoot to be cleaned. Does the ultimak quick disco, or does it have to be unscrewed to come off for cleaning?

I'm also looking at the PA micro dot/RS AKML combo. Seems good for $240.

The Ultimak uses two U-bolts to secure it. That is why it is a rock solid mount.

HWI · 06-25-2012, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by toshbar

The thing that pushes me away from an Ultimak is that I shoot corrosive ammo and the gas tube has to be removed every time I shoot to be cleaned. Does the ultimak quick disco, or does it have to be unscrewed to come off for cleaning?

I'm also looking at the PA micro dot/RS AKML combo. Seems good for $240.

I am not an Ultimak user and understand your concern, but the gas tube doesn't need to be removed to do a good cleaning after shooting corrosive ammo.
I generally just field strip my AK then take it outside and spray it down with a hose, making sure to get plenty of water down the gas tube and barrel. Then I dry it out with an air compressor and follow up with a normal cleaning.

Edit: The AKML is definitely an awesome way to mount a micro red dot.

toshbar · 06-25-2012, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by HWI

I am not an Ultimak user and understand your concern, but the gas tube doesn't need to be removed to do a good cleaning after shooting corrosive ammo.
I generally just field strip my AK then take it outside and spray it down with a hose, making sure to get plenty of water down the gas tube and barrel. Then I dry it out with an air compressor and follow up with a normal cleaning.

Edit: The AKML is definitely an awesome way to mount a micro red dot.

I take mine apart and spray it with the hose too. I brush the gas tube and gas block with a 12 gauge bore brush to get all the carbon buildup out.

Have you taken your gas tube off and looked down it since you started shooting corrosive?

HWI · 06-25-2012, 22:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by toshbar

I take mine apart and spray it with the hose too. I brush the gas tube and gas block with a 12 gauge bore brush to get all the carbon buildup out.

Have you taken your gas tube off and looked down it since you started shooting corrosive?

I actually just took the gas tube off a couple weeks ago when I changed the handguard out. That was the first time I had removed it in a number of months.