AK47 optics systems. Options and opinions?

[epijunkie67]

I'm looking for feedback on some possible optics options for my AK. Please don't bother telling me that installing a scope on an AK is a waste of time or money. The purpose of this thread isn't to debate AK accuracy, it's to discuss the optics systems available and get some feed back on them.

I have an Arsenal AK that currently does not have a side mounted rail for optics. I've been looking at my various options and wanted to get some feedback. Ideally I'd like to install a rear peep sight and have a scope mount also which leaves me with a couple of options.

Tech sights makes a nice rear peep that is adjustable for windage. http://www.tech-sights.com/. $125 for the one I'd get. Then I could buy a regular side mount almost anywhere for about $20 (just an example here http://www.centerfiresystems.com/ak-psrb-2.aspx). My local gunsmith says he will charge me $80 to install a rail with rivets. Then I need a scope mount which will run between $35-50 depending on what I get.

Total cost = $260-275.

I can knock off the $80 install fee by buying the self installed rail from collectors source http://www.collectorssourcedfw.com/mpk-2.html. Still, that still leaves a cost of $195-210.

Other options include the top mounted rail systems like The DPH Beryl style rails. http://dpharms.com/product_info.php?cPath=61_37&products_id=230 or http://dpharms.com/product_info.php?cPath=61_37&products_id=1000. At a cost of $35 or $180 they would both work for scopes but neither has a peep sight.

There is also the newer "dog leg" mount from TWS http://texasweaponsystems.com/id1.html which does come with a non adjustable rear peep. I've read very mixed reviews about this system so far. Some people like it and others don't feel it holds decent zero. $140.

My last option seems like the best, although of course the most expensive. The Krebs Custom rail. http://www.krebscustom.com/ProductLine/Rail_System-AssembledLocked.shtml. $295. But it has a fully adjustable rear peep, quick detach system, solid lock up. It seems like exactly what I've been looking for in an optics system. And it's not that much more than a traditional mount system combined with the tech sights.

So I'm currently leaning towards the Krebs. I'm not looking for the cheapest system. I'm looking for the best system. An extra $80-100 is worth it to me for a better system. Thoughts? Reviews?

 

[A_Matthew]

My brother has the Scout scope mount. It has been working great for him. It also includes built-in iron sights, so that if your scope fails, just pop off the scope and use your irons.

The other mount that I've been looking at is the Ultimak. My friend has had great success with his, and I like the feature of looking at the irons through the red dot. (If the red dot fails.)

 

[epijunkie67]

Yeah, I looked at the forward mounted scope options but would really prefer something that sits farther back. And I would still need to install the tech sights if I want a rear peep sight.

 

[nalioth]

Other options include the top mounted rail systems like The DPH Beryl style rails. At a cost of $35 or $180 they would both work for scopes but neither has a peep sight.

Picatinny mounted peep sights are readily available, and not that expensive.

 

[mshootnit]

I would say Krebs, would be very good but I have not tried that one. The best way to do an optic on an AK is first to install an Ace sidefolding stock which is adjustable vertically so that you can raise it up for proper cheek weld. Then you need to find the best mount you can find and put an Aimpoint on it. Done. I have not tried the Molot extra low mount, but it might be worth a go. You can get an MPK 2 side rail bolt on kit for about $60 and put it on yourself. I did this and went on perfect. Highly recommended.
I also highly recommend the Kobra for daylight shooting. Parallax free and built like a tank.