ak/47. sight/ red-dot questions.

[Cpl Punishment]

Well, there's several opinions on this, so I'll chime in with mine.

Keep in mind, I'm not trying to argue with anyone, this is what works for ME.

For a rear mounted sight, IMO the Kobra EKP-1S-03M is the best. It is a military(Russian)-spec optic and is rugged and reliable. Personally, I prefer this version'a use of AA batteries as it allows me to use batteries I stockpile for other electronic goodies. Also, I prefer the holographic "heads-up" kind of sight for the rear mount because if your head is somewhat off to the side, the red dot "tube" sights will restrict your field of view, whereas the holographic sights don't. This might not be a problem at the range, but we tend to like to visualize our rifle being used for serious purposes, and this would be a bad thing in the field (or even the hunting field). The Bushnell sights are probably a little clearer than the Kobra, but cost twice the money and you have to buy the mounting hardware separately.

For an Ultimak mount, I prefer the red dot "tube" sights. I don't know why, my eyes work better with them in a forward mount. Only problem here is that, as far as I can see, none of the Russian red dot optics come on a piccatinny rail, they all have integral rear mounts and wouldn't work on an ultimak. The other options are the cheaper red dots, that aren't mil-spec and are not as rugged as a mil-spec optic, or go with the mil-spec Aimpoints, which are undoubtedly the best, but carry a $400+ price tag.

I suppose if I was mounting something to a high-end (Krebs) AK, I could see mounting an EOTech or Bushnell holosight to a rear mount, or an Aimpoint to an Ultimak, but for a standard AK, the Russian models are very good, very rugged, and half the price. Definite best buys IMO.

Plus, I believe Tantal offers free shipping to the continental US.

 

[AK103K]

clange,

Nice rifle.

Who did the work?

I like the folder, was it part of the package? I'm interested in one of the solid type, like on the AK 103's.

As for this: "it seems like you'd get more of the 'looking through a tube' thing..."

I guess if you focused on the tube and the dot, it would look like this. I'm usually looking at the target and the dot is just out there on it, so I really dont notice the sight itself. But now that you brought it up, its probably all I'll see every time I look at it now! Thanks a lot there buddy!

 

[clange]

I think you have it backward. The EKP-1S is the original Kobra. It comes with the sun shield. The EKP-1S-03M is an updated version that uses AA batteries, but it is still the first gen Kobra.

The EKP-8-02 is the "Gen II" Kobra. It is the newer technology.

I have the EKP-8-02, and I'm very happy with it. I've never compared it side-by-side with a 1S, though.

Whoops, guess you're right. I misread the descriptions. Tantal says the gen IIs use the lithium batteries for better performance in cold weather. Makes sense. And like i said before, the controls would be better on the right side, so that makes sense as well. I think thats the only difference though?

clange,

Nice rifle.

Who did the work?

Thanks. It was built by a guy on ak47.net named Josh Newton that started up a little business doing builds. He did great work, but got swamped, then tired of it, so he closed up shop.

I like the folder, was it part of the package? I'm interested in one of the solid type, like on the AK 103's.

Yep, it was part of the kit. The polymer stocks have never come in with parts kits so they're tougher to find. The only place i know of is a guy on gunbroker for like $160 i think, but he's in russia so it could take awhile to get here. Pretty good reputation though. Some local builders had some but they were like $300 or so and i dont even know if they have any left. You could ask over at ak47.net.

It would cost a decent amount for the stock + hardware, and to have a builder convert it since theres a lot of receiver work involved, but they're pretty cool.

As for this: "it seems like you'd get more of the 'looking through a tube' thing..."

I guess if you focused on the tube and the dot, it would look like this. I'm usually looking at the target and the dot is just out there on it, so I really dont notice the sight itself. But now that you brought it up, its probably all I'll see every time I look at it now! Thanks a lot there buddy!

Sorry.

 

[thereisnospoon]

I just put an Ultimak on my SAR-1 and I put a cheap Tasco ProPoint 1X42 from Wal-Mart. This is a temporary setup as I am looking for a Bushnell Holosite, which looks to be a great setup. The 42mm tube does allow co-witnessing of my irons, which seems a plus to me, but I'll have to see with the Bushnell.

Definately go with the forward mounted optics, you'll not be dissapointed, as I have this setup on my Polytech M14/S (Springfield scout mount+Bushnell) and 2 bolt guns set up as Scout guns.

 

[solive]

These are good mounts but they replace the rear sights, but they hold strong
and do not lose zero.

http://scoutscopes.com/gallery.html

 

[garrett1955]

These are good mounts but they replace the rear sights, but they hold strong
and do not lose zero.

http://scoutscopes.com/gallery.html

holy crap!!!! thats perfect. i was dreaming about how i could make something work with the the mount thats there. and you sir are the man. thank you!!!!


i wonder how high the sight will sit??? too high?

 

[Gordon]

I just went thru a tactical carbine/vehicle assault course with my Ak(s) , I had an m-2 aimpoint/Ultimak mounted Hungarian AMD 63 as my primary gun and an East German AK47 with the Scout Mount and Leupold scout scope as my secondary weapon. I looked pretty weird with a bunch of HSLD LEOs also working the 2 Black and Whites BUT my AK was way cool. Plenty accurate (better than most CARs) 100% reliable BUT a little slower on the first shot because of the dagburn safety that shredded my trigger finger upper edge after hundreds of evolutions. Both mounts are great with a slight nod to the more expensive Ultimak for strength and utility. The East German AK-47 with the scout mount and 2.5x Leupold is able to produce right at 2 moa at 100 meters with 88 vintage South African ball from prone. The Aimpoint Hunky does twice that BUT the dot is 4MOA. I feel confident with the AK red dot system and had many HSLD operators shaking their heads and wondering!