Saiga M3 (AK103) scope mount rails.

[Dark Skies]

I've just bought a new Saiga AK103 (I'm in the UK - so it's a straight pull bolt action - we can't have semi-auto above .22 here ).

I'm looking at mounting a scope mount. Mooching around online I found someone selling replacement top covers with a weaver rail fitted and wondered if anybody here has fitted one and how they perform.




When I bought the rifle I also bought a side mounting weaver mount with an easy on / off lever. Unfortunately when I looked at it this morning I found it doesn't co-witness the sights - it's about five mm left of centre. It'll have to go back.


Are their any cock-on centre side mounts out there? I've asked around but most I've heard of seem to be out by around 3 mm or so - which is unacceptable.

 

[MAKster]

The scope mounts on the dust cover don't work very well. There is too much wobble. They don't hold zero. The best mounts for an AK are the side mount or the Ultimak mount that goes on the gas tube.

 

[AK103K]

The best mount I've found for the AK's is the Ultimak rail that replaces the upper handguard and gas tube. I use Aimpoint red dots on mine, and with the right ring, the dot cowitnesses with the iron sights. You can also use a Scout type, medium eye relief type scope, but the scope wont cowitness with the sights due to the mounts and power difference. If you mount both the dot and scope on a good lever ring/mount, you can change them out at will, with no loss of zero. You'll probably loose the cowitness capability with the red dot though, as most lever mounts for them are made for the AR type rifles, and sit a little to high.

The Ultimak/Aimpoint set up looks like this....

 

[lipadj46]

The low russian side mounts are your best option. The dust cover mounts are a waste unless you just want something that looks cool. Also that mount is really high, AKs mount scope high enough they don't need any risers.

 

[benEzra]

If ability to cowitness is a requirement, the Ultimak is the only choice; any siderail mount is going to be too high.

If you can live without cowitnessing, a POSP 4x24 illuminated scope with integral siderail mount is a really nice setup, and does sit on the centerline. You can use the irons under the scope, but it's like looking through a keyhole.

If you want closer range utility, a Kobra (1x collimator sight) is an option:

Both of the above sit on the centerline.

Dust cover mounts are pretty much worthless, IMO.

 

[Dark Skies]

Thanks chaps, that's very helpful.

benEzra - I like the look of that scope. Have you got any pics of the scope and mount / left hand side? The guy I bought the rifle from had a lot of Russian gear, mounts and scopes so I might swing by his place and see if he has something similar

 

[lanternlad1]

OP: The rail you showed is a picatinny rail, not a weaver.

I have one of those, and I use it for mounting my flashlight/laser combo. I don't put a scope on it for the reason others have said. Its great for lasers and lights tho. Wobble isnt really a factor in those situations.

 

[benEzra]

Here's a POSP 4x24:

http://www.posp.ru/4x24v.html

They come in larger/higher powered models as well (6x, 8x) but IMO 4x is entirely adequate for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and the AK's capabilities. Price, of course, scales with lens diameter.

Having owned one, I must say that the optical clarity was remarkably good for the price, the reticle was crisp and very usable, and the low-light illumination was crisp. The metal sleeve around the objective end of the scope is an extendable sunshade.

The 1x optic is a Kobra, and you can find more info here:

http://tantal.kalashnikov.guns.ru/bstkobra.html

Mine is the "Gen 2" coin-cell model; the Gen 1 model uses standard AA batteries.


If you purchase either, be aware that there are two mount variants, one for the AK series and one for certain eastern bloc sniper rifles. Make sure you get the AK version.

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

Another +1 for dustcover mounts being totally useless as they will lose their zero as soon as you fire a round. There is just too much wobble on them to be effective. Go with side mount scope.

 

[Dark Skies]

You're right, lantern, I must have had a brain fart. Thanks benEzra - that looks sweet. It's on my shopping list.

 

[nalioth]

Have you got any pics of the scope and mount / left hand side?

Every Combloc optic was designed to fit your side rail, if that's what you're asking.

 

[rangerruck]

There is only two rails to consider here; the best by far is Texasweaponsystems.com total rail, with peep site , it is low, long, and goes
all the way to your eye. next best would be the ultimak.
Again, this is a leap ahead though;
http://www.texasweaponsystems.com/