What's the difference between receiver mounted scope rails on an AK?

[epijunkie67]

I have an Arsenal arms AK (SA M-7 A1) with a milled receiver and no rail. I was looking at some of the aftermarket rails available and see there are several different kinds. Some are for the AK74, some for the AK 47, some are "universal". And even for the AK 47 there are a couple of different rails available. What's the difference? Will any rail dsigned for the Ak 47 work on my weapon?

A few links to possible rails;
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16170&cat=265&page=1
http://tantal.kalashnikov.guns.ru/bstmounts.html
http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=40

 

[beerslurpy]

The first one looks like what I have on all my AKs. I would get that installed by a proper AK gunsmith and get the AK side-mount to weaver rail adaptor. Having a bunch of awesome scopes that only work on AKs is a pain in the ass. Having a bunch of AKs that take weaver scopes is great.

 

[ugaarguy]

Looks like the differences are lightening cuts and whether they attach with rivets or screws. Since you have a milled reciever, IMO, the models that screw in would be a better match for your weapon. I'm no expert, but thats what I gathered from the pics and info you provided.

 

[Harry Tuttle]

As Tantal

hes a great guy:
http://www.tantal.kalashnikov.guns.ru/bstmounts.html

 

[clange]

There arent really any differences between them as far as what will fit. Just make sure its for an AK, and not svd or something.

The first one listed is bulgarian, and is pretty close to what the romanians use as well. Tantal has screw on ones, as well as the new style russian ones (third from the left). These would be like whats on saigas. Any AK mount optic should work on any of the rails I just listed.

The AKM, AK-74 stuff only applies to the rails that rivet on, and really only on stamped receivers. The rear rivet hole was located differently on AKMs as opposed to the 74. For milled, any of them should work.

 

[AndyC]

Have a look at the Ultimak mount as well - it replaces the gas-tube and has an integral Picatinny rail.