AK Sponsor
Posted: 10/14/2005 9:10:56 AM EDT
 Having tried the PK-AS (couldn't get a cheek weld using right eye, couldn't get tight enough on stock to use left eye), an Eotech on an Ulitmak (Ulitmak gets too hot too quickly, which became mighty distracting when fingers inadvertantly touched it) and the Eotech on the BP-02 (sat too high for me), I think this new combo pictured above will work out well. The centerline of the Aimpoint sits about 1-3/4 inches above the top of the cover, and about 3/16" to the right of bore centerline. A good repeatable cheekweld is attainable in all positions, and as with all 1X sights, taret acquisition is very fast. From the prone position for the 100 and 200 yard stages of our matches, a consistant chin weld is attainable. Since the full length of the Weaver rail is not needed, I cut it down flush with the mount and repainted the cut area with flat black paint. With the Aimpoint mounted this way, I have about 4 inches of eye relief in all positions. Looks like a winning set up for me. I plan on giving it a try this weekend at the range and will report back with my live fire impressions. |
| Cobra sits about 1/4" higher (about the same as the Eotech), plus the rear of the base is an obstruction to looking through optic - see this thread. The unobstructed view through the Aimpoint looks like it will be a big advantage. |
|
The bottom line is that if it works for you then it is the correct set up. I think that with certain modifications the PK-AS could be the best but in it's current incarnation it is too quirky to use effectively. The reticule is about perfect, though, as is the FOV provided by the collimated lens. |
|
Supposedly, their CQB tactics dictate a "heads-up" posture rather than a traditional Western cheek-weld. This is just what I've read, though. It is still pretty uncommon for these devices to be issued to soldiers. The rails are primarily still for night vision devices and in some cases the POSP series scopes. I have found that the use of a current generation Kobra and a NATO length stock make for a good combination. But just the bottom of your chin touches the stock... I am experimenting with the UltiMak myself. |
|
Please tell me more about the heat issue with the eotech and the gas tube mount. I am assuming it’s your weak that is inadvertently touching the gas tube. How does the fact that it’s the Ultimak tube instead of the stock tube matter? I would think the heat issue would be more grip related than tube related. Also, I know you have chosen the above-pictured set up, but if you were to choose between the eotech on the ultimak vs. the aimpoint on the ultimak, which would you choose and why? Lastly, what size dot did you opt for with the aimpoint? Question for the general population: Can or does the heat conducted by the gas tube affect directly-mounted sights such as an eotech? |
The Ultimak replaces both the factory gas tube and the upper half of fore end grip as a single piece. On the factory set up, the upper half of the fore end grip covers the gas tube above the lower half of the grip - with the Ultimak, it's all one piece of aluminum, which conducts heat extremely well. The fingertips of my left (support) hand definitely come in contact with the upper half of the fore end, and in the case of the Ultimak, the Ultimak itself. I suppose I could train myself to hold the fore end differently, or perhaps install a vertical grip. The Eotech worked out very nicely on the Ultimak, and I think the Aimpoint would work just as well. In terms of preference, I think the Aimpoint suits me better, plus it has better battery life and I find it easier to turn on and off, and adjust dot brightness. That said, if I had the Eotech the differences are not great enough that I would dump the Eotech and buy the Aimpoint instead. On the BP-02 mount, I prefer the Aimpoint since it sits lower on the mount. I have the 2 MOA dot, which seems to work well for me. I think the Aimpoint, due to its smaller contact via a ring to the Ultimak may stand up to the heat better, but that's entirely speculation. |
Thanks for your detailed response, I appreciate it.  As you might have guessed, I’m looking into the ultimak but I can’t really decide if I want the eotech or aimpoint. And when it comes to the aimpoint, I’ve read that that people like the 4moa since it’s mounted far forward in the scout set up. You may have read a thread I wrote asking about combing the eotech on the gas tube, with the aimpoint 3x magnifer on a side-mount weaver rail like you have. Of course that assumes they even line up. I’m just trying to educate myself on all the different options. |
|
Aimpoint offers a low ring and high ring, plus there are many quick-release mounts available for the Aimpoint. My understanding is that with the low ring, the irons can co-witness in the lower half of the optic. No co-witness with the Eotech on the Ultimak - if that's important to you. BTW, I spent some time at the range with my new set up this past weekend and I really like it. The side rail mount goes on and off quickly and zeros perfectly after remounting. The nice thing about using the side rail with BP-02 mounts is that you can set up a different scope on each mount and quickly change them - a big plus for me. |
|
Nice pics and details, thanks. Aimpoints seem to have crisper dots that wash out less at brighter levels than Kobras. While you will note the heat with an Ultimak, I have yet to read about an optic being killed by the heat, assuming a top quality unit is used. The BSAs were going to die anyway.... In Aim vs Eo, I prefer Eo for the 'more reticle' that makes for faster target sighting with my eyes, and the small dot still allowing for precision when needed. The circle dot helps me adjust elevation minutely at varied yardages, like the dot over chevron of the Kobra. Some prefer just a dot, and the Aim's ability to sit lower so there is less parallax to work out between the sight line and muzzle. In combat, I can see the Aim's knob being easier to adjust as needed for brightness than finding a little button. It's all up to you, I've enjoyed each, and bought Kobras when the exchange rate made them $120. |
AK Sponsor