Buyer’s Guide to AK Red Dot Mount

Here are the best AK red dots mounts for Kalashnikovs. There was a time when Kalashnikovs were criticized for their lack of modularity. This is no longer true. Although rifles aren’t as customizable as ARs, there are many solid methods to attach modern accessories to your Kalash. AK Red Dot Mount MethodsNo matter what model you have, or how classic or tactical you want it to look, there is an AK Red Dot mount that will work for you. This is thanks to the large section of Picatinny rail on most modern upper receivers. It doesn’t matter if you want your optic closer to your eyes or farther forward, it will be mounted on the receiver rail. This gives the user more options. Depending on which method you choose, your optic can be mounted as far back as the receiver’s back or as far forward and as far forward as it is at the gas tube’s front. This adds approximately 11 inches to total real estate (7 inches for AK, 18 inches for AR), and is due to the fact that there are four main styles of AK red dots mounts. Each type places the optic along different areas within the 18-inch area. These four options are side rail mounts (railed dustcover mounts), gas tube mounts (gas tube mounts) and rear sight leaf mountings (rear sight leaf mounts). Each has its pros and cons. Side Rail MountsAn AKS74UN equipped with a night scope. Photo by Modernfirearms. The AK was not originally designed to accept optics. After the Soviets invented night vision scopes, they devised a way for them to be mounted to Kalashnikovs. The AKN was the first model to be capable of this. The N indicates that it can accept a night vision scope via rail on the left side. This concept was maintained throughout the Kalashnikov’s evolution, as the AKMN for AKM and the AK-74N AK-74N AK-74N AKs. They can attach much more scopes than the original Soviet 1PN34 scopes. There are many brands and styles of side rail optic mounts that can attach anything, from red dots to LPVOs. This method also has the added benefit of being quick-attach/detach and retaining zero. These mounts prevent underfolding and left-side stocks from closing when the optic is mounted. Stocks that fold to one side are still possible. Photo by AR15.com. When AKs became popular in the U.S. in ’80s and ’90s, there were a lot of poorly designed accessories. One of the worst examples was dust covers with Picatinnyrails welded to their top. The problem with this method is that the component is held in position with only the rear tab of a recoil spring. Although it is perfectly acceptable to hold the cover in place (as intended), it was foolish to use this unstable base to mount an optical. It was easy to take off the dust cover, but the recoil of firing or just being bumped enough to give off a zero. Thankfully, people have learned. It is likely that Americans still use this method, even though they purchased their AK in 1989. They don’t have internet access. Optic mounts require repeatability in their lockup to keep zero. This was something that the Soviets understood when they attached rear iron sights to the dust cover of the AKS-74U. Photo: Ultimak. Optic mounts need repeatability in their lockup to retain zero. This was something that the Soviets understood when they put rear iron sights on the dust cover of the AKS-74U (Krinkov). Photo: Ultimak. This method is a result of some of the earliest attempts at mounting modern optics to AKs. It was used by some American special forces as well as contractors during the early GWOT (Global War on Terror) days. This mount replaces the AK’s gas tubes with one with a Picatinny rail. However, it has its limitations. First, the gas tube can get hot and not all optics are made to withstand the heat. This style prevents you from grasping the handguard fully as the optic is usually placed where your thumb would be. Some models don’t allow co-witnessing the iron sights. It’s still a viable option.Rear sight leaf mountsAn Attero Arms Bravo Mount with a Holosun HS503CU. This is one of the most popular AK red dots mount methods. This style replaces the rear view leaf with a mount that has either a specific red dots footprint or a universal Picatinny rail. The main advantage is how sleek it keeps your rifle. These are the simplest of all the options. They add the least amount width, bulk, and weight. A rear sight leaf mount can be used to add a small red dot on your AK, while keeping a clean profile. Some models also have a co-witness capability, as this mount replaces the rear sight. Some models have this feature, but not all. These mounts are a great choice for those with an AK without a side rail. They are also much cheaper than railed dust covers or good side rail mounts. All models are made from aircraft-grade aluminum or titanium, which are both extremely light and strong. RS Regulate’s side rail mounts are two-piece, which is a departure from most other brands. The mounts are more modular than AKs because they can be attached to almost any optic and any Kalashnikov pattern. First, choose the lower half that is compatible with your rifle. This can be either the standard Warsaw Pact pattern or the Yugo-pattern siderail. The upper half can be either a Picatinny or footprint rail for a specific red dots pattern, such as a Trijicon RMR, or a 30mm scope band. The upper is fastened to the rifle’s side rail using screws and a central bolt. Mounts suspend the optic millimeters from the dust cover. This allows one to co-witness the iron sights and keeps the bore offset as low possible. Mounts and optics can be attached or removed quickly without affecting the zero. The company seems to produce its products in small batches and they sell quickly. It is possible that you will need to wait for months before the exact models are in stock. The Zenitco requires a new handguard to support the hinge system. TWS has a few models that are compatible with most AK patterns. The TWS Dog Leg Gen III replaces the rear view leaf with a hinge mechanism. However, it provides a reliable method to mount optics with ample rail space. TWS has a few different models available that are compatible with most patterns of AKs.MSRP: $174-$185 // texasweaponsystems.comUltimak Railed Gas TubeFor those who really want to mount an optic to their AK’s gas tube, this is considered your best option. This is, however, the most insecure of all the tube mount systems. AK gas tubes were not designed to accommodate an optical. The Ultimak railed gas tubes are not designed to accommodate an optic. Attero Arms offers a variety of options that are compatible with most red dot footprints. It is easy to install. Picatinny rail models are also available from the company. Most also feature a built-in rear iron sight to retain co-witness capabilities despite replacing the original rear sight.MSRP: $74.99 // atteroarms.comOriginal Soviet/Russian Red DotsBelOMO PK-A Venezuela.While admittedly an objectively poor option compared to modern optics in terms of practicality, some people want their AKs to retain as much original style as possible. If this is you, you might consider an original red spot from the Eastern Bloc with a side rail mount. These are a far superior option to modern optics made in China and Western countries. They are still very reliable and can be used for most purposes due to their heavier and bulkier construction. They are also very cool looking. Prices and availability may vary. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. This is a great option for long-range shooting. Enter your email address below.