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Posted: 2/27/2008 10:12:18 PM EDT
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Just picked up my first AK at the gun show last weekend and, kind of like my first AR, I'm overwhelmed with the accessory options. First order of business is attaching an optic. I plan to put a red dot sight on it -- probably an AimPoint. I've seen several different configurations and location options and I'm wondering what are the pros/cons of different choices. What is your favorite AK scope mount and location, and why? Which ones suck and should be avoided? Thanks in advance, Ed |
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+1 on Tantal There are other sources like Kalinka Optics... I hear good things about them as well. First off, what variant of the AK did you get? Does it have the side rail mount? If you want the good stuff do some research. I'd try to stay away from Tapco fucking your AK. (Note: I do like Tapco, just not on a AK) I bought this a week ago... PK-AV I hope it arrives today :( I'm itching to try the damn thing out. I'll have to get some good pictures posted up as I have only found limited reviews/information of this system on many popular forums. Even fewer pictures... I was going to get the PK-AS but I started getting other goodies from Tantal... and it all added up haha so I settled on the PK-AV. They are right it is probably the premiere eastern European military red dot system... I've had the chance to use one in person... it was bad ass to say the least... Besides spending too much, after some info gathering on the net in my mind I already settled on the PK-AV. I just can't find any real reviews on it, what I do find is good stuff... JUST VERY LIMITED. Will report back once I get it installed and tested this weekend. With pics! |
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I have a Kobra and love that. I've also heard nothing but good things about the PK-AS mentioned. So far as mounts go, my understanding is to stick to the side rail. It maintains zero and is rock solid. There are a number of railed receiver tops but I've heard that they don't maintain zero, meaning your sight is jacked every time you want to strip your rifle for cleaning or anything else. That's hearsay though, so if anyone with personal experience can correct me there feel free. |
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Choosing an Aimpoint is definitely the best decision you could make. I have no long term experience with the Ultimak mounts but many here have good results with them and the Micro Aimpoint is practically made for one. You couldn't go wrong with that combination, and the only example I briefly used (with my Micro T-1 Aimpoint) was very impressive. The other good idea is: Install a side rail, then a modified BP02 mount with the SA low 30mm Aimpoint ring and your choice of Aimpoints (ML2 on mine).   The other good option on the BP02 is the Micro Aimpoint, although I personally prefer the ML2.  |
Yes, you can add a side rail. In fact, I think you can get it right from Tantal. |
It screws in from the inside of the receiver, 3 screws. Very simple, very effective. about 40 bucks. 35 if you order a optic with it. MPk2 |
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Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the forward-located optic. Looks like I need to buy a side rail mount, then a scope mount, and then the optic. Derek said I need to have the mounting holes drilled in the receiver, so add another step to the process. I'm kind of leaning toward the combo PK-AV from Tantal. I'm a bit unclear after viewing their website -- is the PK-AV the scope? And then you need to buy the scope mount in addition? Or do they price a combo of the two? Thanks for the input so far. Ed |
Russian optics come as 1 piece for the most part. Optics + the Scope Mount. In the PK-AVs case what you see is what you get. You can buy scope mounts that have no optics attached for the side rail AKs... Tantal has them tantal.kalashnikov.guns.ru/bstmounts.html |
Why do you prefer the ML2 to the T-1? Seems like the T-1 would be lighter and also put the dot a bit closer to the irons. |
I'm at work right now, I was up late last night or I would of got more pictures. Got my PK-AV from Tantal (amazing service), I'll get some more pics together and some range testing this week. Here is how it looks on my Yugo for now... I was reluctant to do it at first... But It just felt like it was missing something to me and after seeing some military pics of yugo ak variants with optics installed... I had to.  I can say this much, with the M70b1s wood stock... and my fat head, My eyes line right up with this optic. I find it more comfortable then the Eotechs on Ar15s I've played with. Slightly left offset, Irons are wide open and easily switched too if needed. Clear Red Dot, multiple levels of brightness. The PK-AV itself, seems like a very solid piece of technology. |
Because on the A1R I shoot better and faster with the ML2 than the T-1. Comparing the two, on the A1R I feel more "combat effective" with the bigger Aimpoint, it's a little faster/easier on multiple targets, prone or not. It just feels "right" in comparison to the T-1. Now put the T-1 on a Ultimak or other even higher forward rail and and it just rocks also, with practice I'd think it would be marginally better than the ML-2-BP-02 Low Mount. However, on the M92 Yugo Krink, I actually shoot better and faster with the T-1 forward or on the NDS Receiver Cover rail mount. A1R/ML2 100 yard target, prone on the range bag, Golden Tiger ammo, fairly rapid fire & poor weather, and my relatively poor vision.  M92/T-1 50 yard rapid fire target, prone on the range bag, Iraqi surplus ammo.  |
Ok so i just bought my First Ak and was looking around for optics and found the tantal web site but there is no way to order off their site. How do you order or get a price list so you can order? |
He basically runs everything off e-mail. Hit the 'contact' button to get Tantal's e-mail. Or IM me and I'll send it to you. BSW |
The Ultimak has a feature that most of the others do not. The Ultimak can cowitness the Aimpoint with the irons. That means in a fight if your Aimpoint goes down for what ever reason you will instantly have a back up iron sight without having to throw a switch or remove a mount. You can see the AK iron sights through the Ultimak mounted Aimpoint.   I was in your position and have tried a number of mounts but the simplest and easiest to use for me was the Ultimak. Also if you use the Ultimak you can set a side mounted PSO-1 4x scope on the AK side rail and have both options at once. The Ultimak allows a number of options for a red dot that most side mount options lack. Heres a pic it is not the prettiest but it is the best fuctioning Cowitness option for an AK and Aimpoint.  Also Arsenal USA does a really great parkarization job it is the toughest matte finish I have come across. |
| I used to think that the Ultimak and co-witnessing was just a bunch of bull. My original set up was a simple UTG side mount with an Aimpoint on a quick detach mount. Then I tried the Ultimak with an Springfield Armory ring on an Aimpoint. WOW what a difference. Co witnessing is a natural back up especially when the bright outdoor sunlight might wash out your red dot. |
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