AK47 Scope Mount Question

[possom813]

So I finally picked up a red dot sight for the aklone.

Now I have to figure out how to mount it without putting on a quadrail or knocking off the rear sight.

If found this,

http://www.opticsplanet.net/leapers...with-quick-detachable-lock-lever-mnt-978.html

But I don't know if it will fit what I have, or exactly how it works.

Here's a pic of the left side of the receiver and what I'm assuming they're calling the siderail.

Will the leapers fit and work, or is there a better mount out there?

 

[Babarsac]

The Leapers will work but I've heard that the eastern European mounts are of better quality and fit. Of course the trade-off is that they cost more. Check here:

http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/mounts/ak-vepr-saiga-romak-1-2-slr.html

 

[Sky]

Go to youtube and look at Nutnfancy with his AK red dot side mount. I have a #978 model 47 quick-release double rail side mount but am sorry i do not remember where I purchased it from. Think it was from CDNN or Centerfire systems?? In Scootch's video he goes all through fixed and quick disconnect mounts.

 

[ofitg]

The Leapers will work but I've heard that the eastern European mounts are of better quality and fit. Of course the trade-off is that they cost more. Check here:

http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/mounts/...k-1-2-slr.html

I use the BP-02 mount (shown at this link) on my WASR-10, it's rock solid.

 

[amd6547]

The UTG mount works great...got one from amazon for about $30 shipped, and could not be happier.

 

[possom813]

I use the BP-02 mount (shown at this link) on my WASR-10, it's rock solid.

That's the one I'm looking at, how does it actually mount to the rail on the ak?

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

It just slides on from the stock-end.

 

[Telekinesis]

I'm actually looking at picking up an Ultimak rail for my AK. It is a rail that's over the gas tube rather than one that's over the top cover, but I think it would be more secure as well as letting you keep the optic lower (I've seen some of those claw mounts and they can be pretty high...) The downside is you can't use very many optics that are magnified.

 

[Deus Machina]

I'm looking for something, myself. A friend has a UTG that works well enough as long as you leave it on, but it's off-center and a bit high.

I'm looking for something solid and as low as possible. Never have been able to get used to optics up front like the Ultimak.

The BP-02 the one, far as riding low?

 

[amd6547]

Look...normally I would not touch a UTG product. But, I started looking at reviews for their AK mount, and they were almost 100% positive...incredibly so. When I found it for about $30 shipped, I figured why not give it a try.
It goes on the rail smoothly, and locks up tight. It repeats zero when removed and replaced. It sits plenty low enough and very close to center on my Saiga.
I'm glad I gave it a try.
The rail on the side is something I doubt I will ever use, but I have a feeling it serves to stiffin the mount.
While a genuine Russian mount would be nice, they, and all the Russian optics, are not the bargains they were a couple years ago.

 

[M1key]

big +1 on the UTG mount

Tried three of the BP-02 mounts. Don't alignment over the barrel on several AKs and Saigas, and too heavy.

Picked up a UTG...locks tight, aligns over barrel, lighter weight...much prefer it. Sold the BP-02s. Ordered two more UTGs, and might order a fourth.

M

 

[Sky]

BRAND NEW PRODUCT FOR 2011!!!!
http://www.onesourcetactical.com/

Pictures:
http://www.onesourcetactical.com/images/products/detail/ak105.1.jpg
(Minor gunsmithing may be required)


Scoping the AK platform has always been a compromise. If you wanted a forward mounted red dot optic (like an Aimpoint or Trijicon RMR), the answer was simple. You went with either an Ultimak or a Midwest Industries handguard and that was that. But if you wanted a traditional rear mount for your optic, or if you wanted to use a traditional scope like a Burris or Leupold, your only option was a side mounted unit.


These had several problems. One was eye relief. With eye relief, you got what you got. If it was not good for you, too bad. The other was cheekweld. You either opted for a low mount which required removal of the scope mount to clean the rifle, or you opted for a high mount that required either a special cheek piece or a chin weld type of shooting position.


None of these were optimal.


Then we saw a photo smuggled out of Russia of the new AK rifles. All of them sported a Krinkov-like hinged top cover with a rail over the top. I thought it would be a great opportunity for an american company to make one. Soon after that I came across Texas Weapon Systems. I think it is one of the greatest advancements of the AK platform I have ever seen, and recommend it strongly.

The rest of it is from their website -


Most scope mounts for the AK place the optics too high to maintain a proper cheek weld. This is done as a compromise solution to allow scope mounting while permitting dust cover removal. This unfortunate compromise forces the shooter to brace the buttstock along the jaw line or in some cases completely under the chin.

TWS solves this dilemma with the innovative new second generation Dog Leg™ Scope Rail with integral dust cover. Incorporating a unique joggle shape behind the rear sight block the Dog Leg™ railed top cover provides the lowest possible MIL-STD-1913 mounting surface. Field stripping capability is preserved with the quick release cam lock mechanism that precisely returns to zero, yet is so simple to operate.

The Dog Leg™ replaces the standard dust cover and easily installs with a single hinge pin to the rear sight block in place of the rear leaf sight. The included cam lock release button replaces the standard release button and is installed to the return spring.

Fits most AK pattern rifles including stamped and milled receivers, as well as fixed, underfolder, and side folding stocks. The adjustable front tab allows custom fitting to the user's individual weapon. Will not fit Yugo AKs.

***If this is for your Saiga 308, please make sure to choose that option. You will recieve BOTH the Saiga 308 button and the AK button.


Gabe's Note: In addition, those using the popular AK-100 side folders can fold their stocks without having to remove the side scope mount

another option and mine should be here this week.

 

[mshootnit]

I could write a three paragraph diatribe on this but the longer I mess with AK's the more I realize that every optic option for the platform is a compromise in some way or another. You just don't have a solid top surface to work with like you do on other weapons. The pictures I have seen of the actual Russian top rails show me that it is the best mount I have seen yet. I have not seen any setups like that in the US to date. The Original TWS rail was a somewhat close attempt, but had two major drawbacks not present in the Russian design. It's no wonder really, as the Russians have the most on the line when it comes to this issue.

 

[Sky]

I could write a three paragraph diatribe on this but the longer I mess with AK's the more I realize that every optic option for the platform is a compromise in some way or another.

I tend to agree with that. Yes you can get an optic on one but for many it messes up cheek weld and or eye relief depending on what you are trying to do.

Scootch ( Nutnfancy) just mounted a cheap red dot forward of his sights (scout mount) and it is a nice set up for a red dot on his AK.

I have been shooting my AK with the original motherland's iron sights which for their purpose and close in pig popping work OK but when the new rail comes in this week I thought I would see how it goes with a few loose end optics I have.

 

[amd6547]

I don't agree...you are not building a sniper rifle, or a classic hunting rifle...you are optimizing and improving speed aiming with a combat rifle made for intermediate ranges.
Look at the optics the russians themselves purpose built for the AK...all involve fast reticals and heads up fast handling sighting.

 

[Sky]

I don't agree...you are not building a sniper rifle, or a classic hunting rifle...you are optimizing and improving speed aiming with a combat rifle made for intermediate ranges.

I agree. The problem with a cheap Red Dot is Parallax; cheek weld and mount height magnify problems with parallax in cheap red dots. Aimpoints or high dollar/quality red dots no problem. Many who have AKs just get by with cheap red dots and I can not fault them for their set up. For me the scout set up has worked best with what I have tried.