Howdy Ya'll,

I ordered two AKM scope mounts from Kalinka optics a few weeks ago. They were backordered for a while and finally they came in on Saturday.

The Kalinka website advertises them as such:

"Description:
AK BMP-1 Side Mounting Rail. A copy of the original early style AK-74 military rivet style version used in the 1970’s, it is one of the only available military AK rails with the proper rivet spacing for use on receivers using AKM rear trunions. These will fit all models of stamped or milled receivers including the Bulgarian AK-47M1 (SLR) series, Hungarian AKM (SA series), Maadi AKM (ARM, RPM, RML), Chinese AK (AKS,MAK90) and others. When aligned with the front rivet on the AKM rear trunnion, the clearance cuts for the trigger and hammer pins align perfectly for a trouble free installation."

and here is the photo they show:

http://hometown.aol.com/Derekundrwd/zenit_ak_plate_600.jpg

Yesterday I open the box and low & behold I get these:

http://hometown.aol.com/Derekundrwd/P1010752.JPG
http://hometown.aol.com/Derekundrwd/P1010753.JPG

Now, I bought the rails for rifles that I wanted a FIRM & STABLE mounting base for a POSP & a Cobra. I have no AKs with a rail to compare with nor have I ordered my optics/mounts yet. I am a novice builder and have not yet installed a rail. I am not so concerned with whether these are historically correct, etc but I do want a firm mounting platform.

Anybody recognize these mounts? Should I send them back and buy K-Var?

They seem a little far forward compared to many I'm seeing online. I have long arms and my cheekweld is a little further forward than most, so having the scope a hair more forward may not be a bad idea. Also, I am not sure how to get proper alignment with the bore so elevation is not a problem.

Here is a photo of the Kalinka rail laying on a Maadi in its aprox correct postion.
http://hometown.aol.com/Derekundrwd/P1010757.JPG

When one installs a standard AK type mount to the rail, does it fit in only one position, or does it allow for adjustment (forward & rearward) on the rail, changing eye relief? I assume it does not, and that the verticle groove in the rail is where the lever has to pivot from.

Any help or installation instructions would be nice since its clear that these will not reach the forwardmost rear trunion rivet as described on their website, and the "manual" they offer online is not for this mount, nor the one they show.

Thanks to all in advance.

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."
-- William Pitt Speech to the House of Commons

Here are 3 photos of other AK side rails. Notice how the verticle milled area (where I assume the tightening lever goes) on the Kalinka siderail is closer to the hammer pivot pin than the others are. I am assuming that this will make the scope sit closer to the front (just a bit)?

http://hometown.aol.com/Derekundrwd/xAKS74315.jpg

http://hometown.aol.com/Derekundrwd/74mp0301.jpg

http://hometown.aol.com/Derekundrwd/1981rpk74plate.jpg

It does have the relief cut for the cross support pin, and it doesn't reach any of the rear trunion rivots like most of the other versions I have found. Seems to sit completely flush on the reciever.

I would return it. That is dog crap. I have read around the net that KALINKA is using back door factory seconds on alot of their products. That mount reaffirms for me.


Hootbro

I wouldn't want that turd on my build.  Listen to RS39