The Ultimak design looks really sleek. But I wonder whether the optic sights will withstand the sort of heat that could come off that tube.
Wonder no more (gotta defend my honor here). In long-term testing, starting circa 1999, we put over 7,000 rounds through the same AK, with the same Aimpoint CompML (the earlier version, 'cause it was the current version back then. They've since come out with the ML2 and then the ML3 and 4) cleaning only the bore and bolt (at no point was any part of the gas system cleaned).
We wanted to get a "worst case scenario" so we loaded up a 75 round drum, emptied it rapid fire, then followed that by two 30 round mags. (Keep in mind that the whole purpose of putting that optic on your AK is to solve your problem
before you've expended more ammunition than you can carry)
We did this time and time again on many range sessions over several years. Did the sight get hot? Yup. Was it a problem? Nope. My son is still using that old Aimpoint. Is getting the lowest possible sight axis on your AK, giving you a good cheekweld, with a mount that adds less than an ounce to the rifle (in some cases it reduces the total rifle weight) and that you never need to remove, worthwhile? That's for the user to decide.
And FWIW; EOTech distributes the UltiMAK mount as their solution to AK mounting (EOTech part number 9-UM-M2B).
Will you ruin your barrel before you ruin the optic with heat? Haven't tried it. Not sure what it would prove if I did. That's just not the point (doctrine, people) though I have personally fired 1,000 rounds in one day (7.62 x 39) with the above described AK. Ever done that? Don't know why you would, though I hear some of the more intense combat courses get close. Can you carry 1,000 rounds along with your other gear? Maybe if you're Jesssie Ventura, who is depicted in the movie
Predator as carrying a minigun and who knows how many rounds of 7.62 NATO through the jungle mountains of South America. But in reality, no.
