Which optic, if any for my AKs? Plus light.

[Greg Bell]

Guys,

I love my AKs, pure and simple. I have been debating putting an optic on the gun. Being something of a "less is more" guy, I haven't tricked out my rifles much (except for my Steyr Scout, which is pre-tricked).

Still, I have been wondering if my AKs might be improved for their intended role (SHTF CQB to 200 yards) with a few editions:

1. Optic. I think the dot sights would be best. There are a few options: (a) Kobra, (b) PK-AV or (c) Aimpoint with Ultimak rail. It seems that the PK-AV might be best, but it seems like it may sit very high on the gun, like the Kobra. The Aimpoint seems nice, but I wonder about the heat from the rail system and shifting POI. Hmm.

Do I even need one? I am a fine shot with irons, but I suspect I would be faster with the dot. Are these things reliable enough to be worthwhile. What about option (d) Krebs peep sight with tritium front post?



2. Light. If I don't buy the Aimpoint I don't want a damn rail system on my gun. They seem like tacticool wastes of money and adders of unnecessary weight. Further, they look like they would burn the crap out of you if you grabbed them wrong, and possibly snag on stuff. Is there a way to affix a good tactical light to my AK without adding one of these things. Obviously, I want something solid that won't interfere with the functionality of the gun.


Help!
__________________

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I don't have any optics on my rifles of that type. If you're used to the iron sights I think they are fine. I've spent years training and don't wish to retrain myself (bit lazy, and not so into new stuff now).

Also, don't like the cost of the things! For a good optic you could buy another AK Now that's a good idea!

I wouldn't put one on an Ak unless you have the newer updated version with the rails. It's money that could be better spent on ammo.

The lights are a better idea in my mind. However, there also, if it didn't come with the rails I don't think I would spend the cash for the rails and the light. Enjoy it for what it is.

That's just my 2 cents.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I am a firm believer in the Russian red dots on the Kalashnikov. I have a PK-AS-V on my WASR and just ordered a Kobra for my bro. The PK strikes me as a better all around sight, being better suited to medium range engagements out to 300 meters or more, while still be well suited to CQB. The reticle is similar to that of the EOTech with a large ring (44 mils in the case of the PK) around a precise 1 MOA dot. The Russians claim good results out to 450 meters with their 5.45 meter rifles and this sight, and I think I could get my WASR good out to 300 meters or more with it. Eye relief is more critical with it than with the open HUD style reflex sights, like the Kobra for example, but once you have it mounted and learn head position, it is quick and instinctive both eyes open shooting. The two main faults of the system are that it is mounted rather high--too high to allow solid cheek weld (at least with my ACE folder), but not high enough to allow use of iron sights (remember mine is a "V" model)--and initial sighting adjustments are a PITA. Other than that the scope seems simple, rugged, reliable, and practical. I got mine for just over $200 shipped from Tantal. The Kobra is a little less but seems less versitile--more limited to CQB engagements--though I have no experience with it yet. Also, lest we forget, the PK-AS can be used without batteries while the Kobra can not.

Good iron sights like the Mojo do a decent job on the AK, but if you're like me, I think you'll find the rifle seems to rise to a whole new level with a red dot on it. The short sight radius and crude sights of the AK are its primary weakness. Given the economical cost of several quality Russian red dot sights, and the ease at which they mount to the Kalashnikov, I really see little or no reason for anyone who is serious about the platform to not at least try a red dot like the PK or Kobra.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

http://kalinkaoptics.com/detail.aspx?ID=238

As to the optics, I'd probably try to find a friend, or a high-roader, with one of the russian optics discussed who lives in your area, so you can try before you buy.

If you can make hits quickly at varying distances with the irons, I don't see a real reason to switch.

 

[Tokugawa]

The PK AS is a really nice dot sight. Small, crisp black dot (no power required) surrounded by a big circle, and it lights up to varing intensity. Also, you can get a low, offset mount that is the russian militay style, this allows use of the iron sights. Tantals website has a lot of info.