Need opinions on AK47 sights/scopes.

4596 Views 47 Replies 19 Participants Last post by Mad Russian, May 2, 2016

Toothy

Discussion Starter · May 19, 2011

good evening to you all.
wondering if I could pick your collective brain on the subject of sighting my Arsenal sgl24.

So my beloved WASR got it's big brother Saiga and I want to dress him up a bit.

I am going to keep the Romy stock with its sight leaf.

Now...I don't want, nor need to go all "tacticool" on the Arsenal, but I have been debating on whether to use the standard scope mount that is built into the ak, or get a rail attached to the receiver/dust cover.
Do picatinny rails attach to the standard side scope mount? or does the scope attach itself directly to the gun?

I have a lot of questions. I know that there is alot of info out there, I did a search here and found nothing that exactly fit my needs.

I would theoretically, like something with an effective range of 100-200 yards, that would still allow me to use my irons for close range (I feel pretty competent up to 50 yards). I would like to not spend over $350. American made would be great, but not a deal killer.

Do most red dots negate use of the iron sights? are the front sights superfluous when you are using a red dot?

Who amongst you favors traditional scopes over laser sights? What are your reasons?

I have been picking up info and knowledge about firearms at an amazing rate in the last 6 months, but am still noobish on certain subjects.
Are there any particular websites that explain pro/cons of these systems?
Help me out if you are so inclined...

Saturday is Armed Forces Day. Hope all who serve return safe.

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1 - 20 of 48 Posts

DanJ

· #2 · May 19, 2011

It would break the bank but I would go with an ultimak rail ($100) and then mount an aimpoint R1 ($350) which is basically the same as the T1 without the nightvision settings.

I haven't used this set up in a while but if my memory serves me well if the R1 goes down you should be able to use your iron sights without removing the R1. My buddy has this exact set up, I helped him zero it and put a few rounds through it. It maintained zero and if I was still in the AK game I would get this set up.

ETA: There is also a much more inexpensive version of the red dot that is getting good reviews. I think primary arms makes it.

Toothy

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 19, 2011

DanJ said:
It would break the bank but I would go with an ultimak rail ($100) and then mount an aimpoint R1 ($350) which is basically the same as the T1 without the nightvision settings.

I haven't used this set up in a while but if my memory serves me well if the R1 goes down you should be able to use your iron sights without removing the R1. My buddy has this exact set up, I helped him zero it and put a few rounds through it. It maintained zero and if I was still in the AK game I would get this set up.

ETA: There is also a much more inexpensive version of the red dot that is getting good reviews. I think primary arms makes it.

Thanks dan. appreciate it. I bookmarked the aimpoint website.
Madrussian, I see you are on the boards. You are an AK guy...what say you?

Mad Russian

· #4 · May 19, 2011

Absolutely do not get the cover with the rail, it will never hold zero after removal for cleaning...assuming you will clean.
Get the side mount either the generic chinese made mounts for use with modern scopes, or this: http://www.opticsbestbuy.com/POSP-Scope-8x42.html

This scope allows use of iron sights.

You can use a double rail mount like this: http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-147/AK47-SIDE-LOW-PROFILE/Detail

But its a low profile mount that precludes the use of iron sights. On the
plus side you can use an optical scope and a red dot on the same mount.

AkunaMatata

· #5 · May 19, 2011

Just buy a side mount with a quick release (abo $30) and the scope of your choice. Should be pretty easy to get out to 200.

If you want a mount that goes under the sights I can also second the ultimak rail, I have a fairly recent post on my experiences with that. But, you have the side mount already on the reciever... "why not use that?" is my question.

As you can see in this chart, 200 yards is not unattainable, especially with optics... zero yourself 3" high at 100 yards, and you should be 3" low at 200. 300+ is where it gets interesting.

m1lk

· #6 · May 19, 2011

dont get a rail for the dust cover, you will never have a set zero.

i have an eotech 551 on a utg siderail, works fine but the rail rides a bit high and id like to change it out in the future. everyone loves the ultimak rail, but i sometimes worry about the heat damaging the optic.

personally id say go russian. get a PK-A, or better. kalinka optics sells lots of russian sights and mounts if youre interested.
www.kalinkaoptics.com

or, just go all out and get a giant russian night vis scope.

AkunaMatata

· #7 · May 19, 2011

AkunaMatata said:
Just buy a side mount with a quick release (abo $30) and the scope of your choice. Should be pretty easy to get out to 200.

If you want a mount that goes under the sights I can also second the ultimak rail, I have a fairly recent post on my experiences with that. But, you have the side mount already on the reciever... "why not use that?" is my question.

As you can see in this chart, 200 yards is not unattainable, especially with optics... zero yourself 3" high at 100 yards, and you should be 3" low at 200. 300+ is where it gets interesting.

Trying again to post the chart in an alternate format...

AkunaMatata

· #8 · May 19, 2011

Bah that's no good either...

Here's a link to it:
http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ak-talk/83885-7-62-bullet-drop-chart.html#post658495

Toothy

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 19, 2011

m1lk said:
dont get a rail for the dust cover, you will never have a set zero.

i have an eotech 551 on a utg siderail, works fine but the rail rides a bit high and id like to change it out in the future. everyone loves the ultimak rail, but i sometimes worry about the heat damaging the optic.

personally id say go russian. get a PK-A, or better. kalinka optics sells lots of russian sights and mounts if youre interested.
www.kalinkaoptics.com

or, just go all out and get a giant russian night vis scope.

is that AK trying to compensate for something?

:shoccker:shoccker:shoccker

Toothy

Discussion Starter · #10 · May 19, 2011

AkunaMatata said:
Bah that's no good either...

Here's a link to it:
http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ak-talk/83885-7-62-bullet-drop-chart.html#post658495

you get an "A" for effort my friend... I had to put on my monocle for that second attempt.

Maybe one day I could bring the Saiga to Calverton and see some of your setups..

Toothy

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 19, 2011

m1lk said:
personally id say go russian. get a PK-A, or better. kalinka optics sells lots of russian sights and mounts if youre interested.
www.kalinkaoptics.com

the pk-01 reviewer said that the 1.5 moa dot sight is good for 200 meters? is that legit?

Mad Russian

· #12 · May 19, 2011

Its an AK! What's the point of worrying about 200 meters?...crap...I can't believe I said that!...get a low power scope with a side mount, or a red dot scope. Put enough lead in the target's viscinity, and your bound to hit something.

Toothy

Discussion Starter · #13 · May 19, 2011

Mad Russian said:
Its an AK! What's the point of worrying about 200 meters?...crap...I can't believe I said that!...get a low power scope with a side mount, or a red dot scope. Put enough lead in the target's viscinity, and your bound to hit something.

haha. yeah you said it! u sold us out by admitting our limitations!!
still torn on scope vs red dot. so many choices......

AkunaMatata

· #14 · May 19, 2011

Toothy said:
you get an "A" for effort my friend... I had to put on my monocle for that second attempt.

Maybe one day I could bring the Saiga to Calverton and see some of your setups..

Anytime (well not literally).

I just have the one AK right now, itching for another though. I'm thinking I'll buy a nicer scout scope and a red dot to try out before I start saving for another separate rifle though... *Decision subject to change*

Mad Russian

· #15 · May 19, 2011

Toothy said:
haha. yeah you said it! u sold us out by admitting our limitations!!
still torn on scope vs red dot. so many choices......

I most certainly did not! Didn't I say you have to "... put enough lead in the viscninity of the target..."?

Toothy

Discussion Starter · #16 · May 19, 2011

Mad Russian said:
I most certainly did not! Didn't I say you have to "... put enough lead in the viscninity of the target..."?

ah yes, victory via the "swiss cheese" effect.

bruzz123

· #17 · May 19, 2011

Mad Russian said:
Its an AK! What's the point of worrying about 200 meters?...crap...I can't believe I said that!...get a low power scope with a side mount, or a red dot scope. Put enough lead in the target's viscinity, and your bound to hit something.

:yepthat

The Robfather

· #18 · May 19, 2011

first and foremost agreed on the cover mount. worthless.

second point is to consider what distances you're going to be shooting at, what type of ammo you're going to be shooting and where you're going to be shooting.

sure an aimpoint, eotech and such are nice. but again they are capable beyond most likely your needs, ammo and the rifle. it's an ak. accuracy is not job one as far as it's design.

this being said, the side mounting picatinny scope mounts are more than sufficient for the job and will set you back $20-$25.

second consider what type of optic you're considering. if you want a scope consider the vortex cross from swfa.com. $100 and it's a solid optic for distance.

if you're looking more for the tacticool look perhaps the red dot sort of job will suit your needs. look into the bushnell trophy red dot. about $100-$125.

remember the ak is based off a machine gun design. it's not a tack driver nor was it intended to be. this is not to say that it can't be spot on at 100 yards but all the optics in the world won't make it a remmy 700. again have fun, enjoy and let us know how you make out.

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Toothy

Discussion Starter · #19 · May 20, 2011

The Robfather said:
first and foremost agreed on the cover mount. worthless.

second point is to consider what distances you're going to be shooting at, what type of ammo you're going to be shooting and where you're going to be shooting.

sure an aimpoint, eotech and such are nice. but again they are capable beyond most likely your needs, ammo and the rifle. it's an ak. accuracy is not job one as far as it's design.

this being said, the side mounting picatinny scope mounts are more than sufficient for the job and will set you back $20-$25.

second consider what type of optic you're considering. if you want a scope consider the vortex cross from swfa.com. $100 and it's a solid optic for distance.

if you're looking more for the tacticool look perhaps the red dot sort of job will suit your needs. look into the bushnell trophy red dot. about $100-$125.

remember the ak is based off a machine gun design. it's not a tack driver nor was it intended to be. this is not to say that it can't be spot on at 100 yards but all the optics in the world won't make it a remmy 700. again have fun, enjoy and let us know how you make out.

thanks for the advise. I just want to make the most of the Arsenals capabilities. I shoot silver bear 7.62x39. FMJ for target, hollow point for HD.
So I could get a side mounting picatinny scope mount and put the bushnell on that. That might be I viable option. my concern is that this may be too many mounted parts and would "loosen" over time.
I know I won't be hitting soda bottles at 300 yards...but I can try right?

Robfather, someday you will come looking for a favor I assume?

Mad Russian

· #20 · May 20, 2011

Here you go Sparky: http://www.opticsbestbuy.com/POSP-4x24-Russian-AK-Scope.html

You want an authentic scope built for the "capabilities" of the AK, you got it, $200 out the door!

Stop agonizing over this! Buy it, mount it, shoot it!

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