AK's and optics mounts

2547 Views 19 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Tangodown0311, Dec 1, 2010

Tangodown0311

Discussion Starter · Nov 25, 2010

So I picked up an Arsenal SLR107 and wanted a good mount so I can install an EOTech on this rifle. I'm new to AK's and wanted to know what the best optics mount for the platform would be? I looked at the Ultimak gas tube rail, but decided I want to keep weight off the muzzle end of the rifle. I began searching and came across this mount: http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/mounts...side-mount-to-weaver-rail-w-black-finish.html

Does anyone have any experience with that particular mount?

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

BBJones

· #2 · Nov 25, 2010

No experience with that mount but here is my unsolicited opinion ...

If you want a dot, I reccommend an ultimak and a Aimpoint H1/T1. Allows lower 1/3 co-witness, very light, most stable mount, and you don't lose your zero every time you need to maintain/clean your rifle. It also allows for a natural head position as opposed to the mount you linked that will be very high.

just my .02.

TedG

· #3 · Nov 25, 2010

Take a look at Scoutscope.com Their rail mounts to the rear sight fixture.

fkizdi

· #4 · Nov 25, 2010

The K-Var/Arsenal side mount is a solid option.
The Ultimak gas tube mount is worth a look.
And check out Texas Weapon Systems Dog Leg rail.

TedG

· #5 · Nov 25, 2010 (Edited)

If you decide to use an Ultimak, here's a great deal:

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1288071

9mm +p+

· #6 · Nov 26, 2010

BBJones said:
No experience with that mount but here is my unsolicited opinion ...

If you want a dot, I reccommend an ultimak and a Aimpoint H1/T1. Allows lower 1/3 co-witness, very light, most stable mount, and you don't lose your zero every time you need to maintain/clean your rifle. It also allows for a natural head position as opposed to the mount you linked that will be very high.

just my .02.

Agreed, it's how my 107 is set up.

dglockster

· #7 · Nov 26, 2010

I have that mount on one of my Romanian SAR-1 rifles.

It is very solid and is easy to mount/dismount and if the sight you use is a good one, the zero should not be disturbed by removing the mount with the sight attached.

That mount actually comes in two models:

Both place the optic directly over the receiver and the one on the left sits higher so you can also use the rifle's iron sights without removing the optic.

The scope mounts are also available from www.goodoptics.com/catalog/mounts.

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roundgun

· #8 · Nov 26, 2010

check out AIM Surplus, and Primary Arms, they have ultimaks and other mounts at good prices. I think they also offer bundle kits, mount and scope or red dot.

.45Super-Man

· #9 · Nov 26, 2010

dglockster said:
I have that mount on one of my Romanian SAR-1 rifles.

It is very solid and is easy to mount/dismount and if the sight you use is a good one, the zero should not be disturbed by removing the mount with the sight attached.

That mount actually comes in two models:

Both place the optic directly over the receiver and the one on the left sits higher so you can also use the rifle's iron sights without removing the optic.

The scope mounts are also available from www.goodoptics.com/catalog/mounts.

This!

Aceman

· #10 · Nov 28, 2010

I say go side mount. It's what was designed for the gun in the first place. And, IMO, nothing beats a quick release for a dead optic, however it died.

KYJoe

· #11 · Nov 28, 2010

I heard mixed reviews on side mounts except for one. http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/mounts...e-side-mount-weaver-rail-w-30-mm-rings-1.html

It is definitely pricey, but I went for it. Perfectly centered, very low, holds solidly onto the rail, and it retains zero when removed and put back on.

Wriggly

· #12 · Nov 28, 2010 (Edited)

KYJoe said:
I heard mixed reviews on side mounts except for one. http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/mounts...e-side-mount-weaver-rail-w-30-mm-rings-1.html

It is definitely pricey, but I went for it. Perfectly centered, very low, holds solidly onto the rail, and it retains zero when removed and put back on.

That is a nice looking siderail.......But its in three pieces and has two additional attachment points besides the V groove clamp that attaches to the siderail. So, you have three potential fail points over the one of a single piece siderail.

Before commiting to spend that kind of money, go buy a UTG side rail mount for around $25. They are made out of one piece of aluminum, and they work and hold very tight. I had one on a Saiga, and it worked just fine. I sold the gun to a friend that is ex Bulgarian military, and he is thrilled with it.

You will get tired of the height your optic will be at soon after you start using it. The UTG mounts very close over the cover, and it is still way too high.
As for having a quick release for when an optic fails? very valid, but if you use an Ultimak with an Aimpoint H-1 or T-1 or a Primary Arms Gen 7, you will have no more weight on the front of the gun, because the Ultimak and the red dot weigh about the same as the stock handguard upper. Plus, you will have a co witness setup, and if the dot fails, you will just continue using your Irons.

If you have a siderail on your AK, go ahead and try the cheap mount first. I can just about gaurantee you will eventually run into someone at the range with an Ultimak, and you will switch. :supergrin:

I almost forgot.....If you do a little Googlefu, you can find a lot of pictures of our Special forces, and various contractors in Afghanistan, and Iraq too that use AK's for their weapon of choice, and you will never see one with a sidemount optic. But you will see a lot of Ultimaks in use in the sandbox. http://ultimak.com/photos.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMosefuud0I

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Wriggly

· #13 · Nov 28, 2010 (Edited)

Aceman said:
It's what was designed for the gun in the first place.

:supergrin: The Russians designed a bunch of Submarines that leak water too.

Or how about the Travant? :supergrin:

Aceman said:
nothing beats a quick release for a dead optic, however it died.

Except one....A cowitnessed red dot that does not have to be "Released" when it fails, you just continue using the sights that you were already looking through when the lights went out.

Broncbuster

· #14 · Nov 28, 2010 (Edited)

I have a Ultimak on mine with a Aimpont Micro H1. I have tried other mounts and optics but this is by far the best set-up for an AK. Puts the RDS out there where it needs to be for a clear field of vision. Plus helps stabilize the barrel not to mention allows you to co-witness with the factory sights.

PlasticGuy

· #15 · Nov 28, 2010

The Ultimak is the way to go. It only adds about an ounce, sits low enough that cheek weld is good, you can co-witness with your iron sights, and it allows the stock to fold.

An Arsenal 107 with a side mount is not ideal. You're adding significant extra weight, the optic is sitting high enough that cheek weld sucks, you can't co-witness with your irons, and your stock won't fold with the optic attached.

Tangodown0311

Discussion Starter · #16 · Nov 30, 2010 (Edited)

Can you still co-witness using an EOTech 551/552 and an Ultimak rail? I'm not sure if you can see the irons with the EOTech mounted in place. As far as I know, only the Aimpoints can co-witness when mounted on an Ultimak rail.

maxxmojo

· #17 · Nov 30, 2010

I wouldn't think you could co-witness with an EOTech, however it'd help keep the optic from being too high over the bore.

Wriggly

· #18 · Nov 30, 2010

Tangodown0311 said:
Can you still co-witness using an EOTech 551/552 and an Ultimak rail? I'm not sure if you can see the irons with the EOTech mounted in place. As far as I know, only the Aimpoints can co-witness when mounted on an Ultimak rail.

No! But you can get a QD mount for your Eotech, and if it dies, just flick it off and continue the action.

PlasticGuy

· #19 · Nov 30, 2010

Tangodown0311 said:
Can you still co-witness using an EOTech 551/552 and an Ultimak rail? I'm not sure if you can see the irons with the EOTech mounted in place. As far as I know, only the Aimpoints can co-witness when mounted on an Ultimak rail.

No, the EOTech is huge and can't co-witness. It also adds a lot of forward weight. I tried one on my Arsenal 107 with an Ultimak, and hated it. I'm not an EOTech fan anyway, so no great loss.

To co-witness you will need to use one of the very low mount micro red dots. I am using a full sized Aimpoint with a low mount that drops it right down onto the rear sight. It does not co-witness this way, but it's a larger field of view and it is a QD mount so I can get it off quickly if I need to.

Tangodown0311

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 1, 2010

What do you guys think of running a Larue Iron Dot? That seems to be a good alternative that will allow co-witnessing of the irons while still being light and low profile.

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