Best AK Mount? Take this Poll IF YOU KNOW THESE PRODUCTS

Which AK Optic Mount???

  • Texas Weapon Systems "Dog Leg"

    Votes: 6 16.2%
  • Ultimak Gas Tube Rail

    Votes: 21 56.8%
  • Other high quality option

    Votes: 10 27.0%

  • Total voters
    37
  • Poll closed .
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AKElroy

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I am considering a mount for my Armory USA AK & could use advice on a mount. I do not have an optic for this yet, so I can go EER or standard. I am looking for a QUALITY mount & will pay to have a solid, definately will not lose zero rig. I am considering these:

http://www.ultimak.com/M1-b.htm

http://www.texasweaponsystems.com/id1.html

Please make other suggestions if you have a good resource--Thanks!!
 
Ultimak is the proven option. The Texas Weapon Systems rail may be good or not. I just don't know...I'd give it a shot, though...
 
vector1.jpg

http://www.milsurpstuff.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MK002T
 
The Texas Weapon Systems Dog Leg is pretty much(as atlanticfire somewhat pointed out) a beryl style mount, but with some neat upgrades. I've heard mostly good about them, but I know there were one or two guys on here and the Saiga forum that had a problem with the latch. That's the only negative I've ever heard about them. A brief aside, the one atlanticfire linked to requires you to secure the mount with the tang screw. That makes it kind of a pain for cleaning. Another thing that I don't like with beryl mounts in general, is the fact that you lose your rear sight when you use them.

I currently have an Ultimak installed on my Saiga and I love it. I use the same exact cheek weld that I use with my iron sights, and I can co-witness. Another plus is that you aren't really adding anything to the rifle. Also, since you don't take it off, you have no problem retaining zero. The downsides, however, are that it can get pretty hot if you like to dump mag after mag, and it adds more weight(albeit not much, but add in your optic and you can get heavy) to an already front heavy rifle.

I guess it pretty much comes down to what kind of optic you want to put on your AK. I have a red dot mounted on my Ultimak, and I can't really see anything other than a reflex/red dot being mounted on it. If you want a scope, I would go with the beryl rail.
 
Thats actually my AK in the pic. After doing alot of research I found that that was the most ridged top rail type mount. To clean just remove the tang screw lift the rear of the rail up and remove the dust cover and bolt just as normal. This rail system works. . . .imo.
 
I have personally seen, and used both rails; there is no contest, the Texas weapon systems is better; it is super low profile, so it is easier to get a sight picture/cheek weld than the ultimak, it is super ridgid, it is easy to get in and out, it flips all the way up and out of the way, when you wanna open your rifle up. It now has its' own rear windage/elevation sight, that is super low profile. You can cowitness ak sights, or add on's no probs. it is 130 bucks!
the draw backs are; there are a few ak's it won't work with, but you would need to call or email the owner, to ask which. I don't think it will work with a Tantal, or any such that does not have the rear tang, unless he has a new product that works with such.
 
look closely compared to Atlanticfire's rail;
www.texasweaponsystems.com
again, lower profile, has rear adjustments to fit diff length tangs, and aks.
no screw to get on or off with the rear of the rail; it is spring loaded hook.
Also, look how much closer rear of rail, is to your eye, not near as far forward.
If you truly and objectively look at the pros and cons of each rail out there,
you have to conclude this is the best rail, if you are honestly objective about
it. Lower profile, better cheek weld, closer optics to the eye, cowitness of sites,
or add ons. fits a variety of ak's, lock tight, with the rear snap on hook.
can add a super low profile rear sight, made by them as well.
 
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I used an Ultimak on my pre ban Hunkie AMD63 for two 3 daygruelling courses with zero problems. It has an M2 Aimpoint on the factory Aimpoint low ring for true co witness. I also have an Ultimak on a Mitchell M-76 .38 with a 2.5x Leupold Scout scope that has been trouble free and rather cool.
 
I have the Kalinka

Shipping was fast....fits great on my Saiga .308
$59.95 to my door. I'll install a Bushnell 1-4.5X Banner on it

Original BP-02 AK/AKM Low Profile Centered Side Mount to Weaver Rail w/ Black Finish ( #AMBP02 )

Got to have a siderail though.....

Rich
 
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I use a machined aluminum UTG Quadrail fore end and it works great on my Yugo M70. It tightens up the entire front end of the gun and keeps my Burris scout scope firmly in place.
 
I hav the Ultimak on a 7.62, and the TWS on a 5.45. The Ultimak cannot be used with the smaller dia. 5.45 barrel without adapter "rings". The TWS initially had a problem as it was a bit "narrow" for my ARMS throw lever (it wasn't tight, so the rail may have been undersized), and the rear mounting screw, which screws into my wood stock, started working loose during recoil, loosening the whole mount at the rear. I fixed that with Gorilla glue in the screw hole (I guess it's there to stay for awhile!). Both mounts do what they are supposed to do when mounted securely. I cannot mount a long scope on the TWS without unmounting the base from the rear sight (which is the forward mounting point of that mount). A short scope or red dot can be swung up with the rail, instead of removal, for top cover/bot access for cleaning.
 
Some might not agree with this, but I use a UTG quad rail with a Aimpoint/low mount combo. My stock is a T-6 collapsable stock with a cheek riser. Has held zero, and costs less than the other options listed.
 
I have tried the scoutscopes rail, the KVAR-04S and the BP-O2. Here is what a smart AK owner does:
1. Get to understand the Russian sidemount principle, how the clamps do their thing, how to adjust, etc.
2. Use Russian system. It was all designed together.

I think the american stuff is OK but I think the russian sidemounts are better.
 
Some might not agree with this, but I use a UTG quad rail with a Aimpoint/low mount combo. My stock is a T-6 collapsable stock with a cheek riser. Has held zero, and costs less than the other options listed.

Pic of mentioned set-up:
 

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I'm a big fan of two options listed here today. First of all, I've used the Russian BP-02 mount. Is a nice low mount, very solid, holds zero nicely. I had a Burris SpeedDot on one and was a great set-up. However, I'm not a big fan of having to rely on optics. They have batteries, add weight, can be knocked out or broken. I'd much prefer a lighter and simpler system and for that, my vote goes to the Texas Weapon Systems rail with the rear peep sight.
Awesome rail, works great, also very solid mount. I'd highly recommend one.
I've tried the Ultimak and found once you add an optic, makes the gun too front heavy.
 
to sharpdressed; I think there was initially a prob with the screws, in some ak rear tangs, but I think he addressed this, by changing the type of screws, and throws in an extra couple sets of diff sizes. i think that was an early prob., found out and corrected. You may wanna give him a call about it.
 
I used the Texas Weapon Systems dogleg mount to mount a Leupold 2-7X. It works great. I have used it to kill two deer this season so far.

The peep sight is a very good option too. It folds down out of the way when you want to use optics, but is very nice on its own.
 
I have a UTG rail on my AR. You get what you pay for, and the UTG doesnt cost much...

Also, keep in mind that UTG products are imported, so check your parts counts.
 
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