The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

bamaranger · May 25, 2013, 02:03 AM

Hey T,

There are about 3 options to mount an optic on an AK not equipped w/ a rail. The first is a forward rail, out ahead where the top handguard normally is. The handguard is replaced by the rail hardware. The best of these is made by an outfit called Ultimak. The rail runs about $100 +/-.

Next option is to use the bracket for the rear sight. Midwest industries makes such a rig, called the mini dot, and a package deal, (bracket and budget dot sight) runs in the $160 range. There are others. Dillon sells one as well.

Last option is a replacement top dust cover, that allows the mounting of rings and scope conventionally centered over the rear of the receiver. Tx Weapons Systems sells a high quality top cover for about $140. There are cheaper top cover rails, but I question the quality.

I have also seen a saddle type rig that uses the holes in the receiver for the trigger group, to mount a horseshoe type rail. I cannot advise on the quality or stability of those.

May 25, 2013, 02:03 AM	#7
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,306	Hey T, There are about 3 options to mount an optic on an AK not equipped w/ a rail. The first is a forward rail, out ahead where the top handguard normally is. The handguard is replaced by the rail hardware. The best of these is made by an outfit called Ultimak. The rail runs about $100 +/-. Next option is to use the bracket for the rear sight. Midwest industries makes such a rig, called the mini dot, and a package deal, (bracket and budget dot sight) runs in the $160 range. There are others. Dillon sells one as well. Last option is a replacement top dust cover, that allows the mounting of rings and scope conventionally centered over the rear of the receiver. Tx Weapons Systems sells a high quality top cover for about $140. There are cheaper top cover rails, but I question the quality. I have also seen a saddle type rig that uses the holes in the receiver for the trigger group, to mount a horseshoe type rail. I cannot advise on the quality or stability of those.