Let's talk rails for the AK47

[Jer]

Which is the most stable? Which of the cheap is still good? Why would I want to stay away from one or place another higher on my list?

I'm wanting to add a quad rail and see that UTG has a few offerings. Looks like one is an underfold variant and then there's on that I'm looking at that runs about $85 but looks solid. The model on that one is MNT-HGSG39 and the way it mounts it looks like it may be more solid than some of the others. I'm planning to run a Trijicon RX30 and possible a stubby VFG and a tac light but not 100% sure which way I'm going to go yet.

Just looking for a little input since I'm new to the AK arena.

Thanks!

[Driftwood]

I recommend going to http://warriortalk.com/ and signing up as a member there (it's free). Unfortunately, one can't just read the forums without registering.

They have a Kalashnikov section to the forum with literally tons of information to sift through. Even though he's controversial, Gabe Suarez knows a lot about the AK platform. Not to mention the sponsors over there such as Jim Fuller, Sonny Puzikas, Krebs rifles, etc.

[Broadsword]

I recommend going to http://warriortalk.com/ and signing up as a member there (it's free). Unfortunately, one can't just read the forums without registering.

They have a Kalashnikov section to the forum with literally tons of information to sift through. Even though he's controversial, Gabe Suarez knows a lot about the AK platform. Not to mention the sponsors over there such as Jim Fuller, Sonny Puzikas, Krebs rifles, etc.

Couldn't agree more about warriortalk. Look into the Ultimak rail system. If you decide thats where you want to start drop me a line. I have a spare upper rail I just pulled off of an Arsenal AK. I'll cut you a good deal on it.
Broadsword

[Hannu]

+1 to Ultimak http://ultimak.com/pic2.htm It solves many problems common to AK-47. Very common thing, binding gas tube, is solved with Ultimak, at least with little grinding.
Attachment to barrel provides usually stable enough platform for mounting optics. But, if barrel does bend when heated up (pretty common thing in some AK:s), it does not help.
If you install lower handguard part also, make sure it will not bind the barrel. Just in case you want to hit something and not only kick dust

Yes, I worked with hundreds of AK:s, AKS:s etc. before Northern Europe got their AR-15 boom

[palepainter]

I am quite happy with the UTG quadrail on mine. It sights in perfectly with the iron sights. You just need to get the right spacers in between the rail and the receiver to get it to be absolutely stable. Not a difficult task. It handles my reflex sight perfectly and holds zero just fine. I picked mine up last year at a local show for 65.

[SU405]

I am quite happy with the UTG quadrail on mine. It sights in perfectly with the iron sights. You just need to get the right spacers in between the rail and the receiver to get it to be absolutely stable. Not a difficult task. It handles my reflex sight perfectly and holds zero just fine. I picked mine up last year at a local show for 65.

+1 for the UTG rails. They may not be on par with Ultimak, but very stable and at a fraction of the price.

More funds for other guns or ammo.

[7.62x39(4)life]

my vote is for an ultimak ak-47 optic mount.
1. it's machined out of 1 piece of metal
2. it clamps to the barrel for stability
3. it allows you to use a low to the rail optic (T1 micro) and co-witness the ironsights
4. allows you to still use your lower handguard


(In my warped opinion quad rails are for AR's)
(Ultimak+ aimpoint T1 micro)=the best

Jer what kind of ak is this going to go on ?

[Jer]

my vote is for an ultimak ak-47 optic mount.
1. it's machined out of 1 piece of metal
2. it clamps to the barrel for stability
3. it allows you to use a low to the rail optic (T1 micro) and co-witness the ironsights
4. allows you to still use your lower handguard


(In my warped opinion quad rails are for AR's)
(Ultimak+ aimpoint T1 micro)=the best

Jer what kind of ak is this going to go on ?

I really like the idea of the UltiMAK M1-B but the cheapest I'm seeing is just shy of $100. I want to keep this rifle VERY basic and simple. That's why I'm leaning towards a Trijicon RX30 so I don't have to worry about batteries. I want simple and light and the UltiMAK fits the bill, I just need to decide if I want to spend that much. It's going on a converted Saiga. My first AK.

[7.62x39(4)life]

I am not sure if a ultimak mount will fit a saiga, that is unless is has an ak-47 style front handguards... make sure it fits a saiga before you order.

Both Optics would be fine choices (i have shot both)
Tritium is nice because you don't have to turn it on and off.
The battery life of a t-1 micro is 5 years of continous use 24/7, so that is of litttle concern. I know I don't want to be changing batteries when the SHTF


I am not sure you want to be spending 500$ for an optic and 100$ for a mount

I saw an ultimak mount for 88$ +free shipping online the other day... from some company I had never heard of. (google shopping search)

[Jer]

I am not sure if a ultimak mount will fit a saiga, that is unless is has an ak-47 style front handguards... make sure it fits a saiga before you order.

Both Optics would be fine choices (i have shot both)
Tritium is nice because you don't have to turn it on and off.
The battery life of a t-1 micro is 5 years of continous use 24/7, so that is of litttle concern. I know I don't want to be changing batteries when the SHTF


I am not sure you want to be spending 500$ for an optic and 100$ for a mount

I saw an ultimak mount for 88$ +free shipping online the other day... from some company I had never heard of. (google shopping search)

My Saiga has been converted so it does take standard AK mags as well as having standard AK style fore end so it should work.

I don't want to spend $500 for T1, $100 for a mount and then another $? for the mount to mount the T1 to the mount... if that all makes sense. Don't you have to have a mount for the T1 to actually mount it to a mount?

I too say that place that had the UltiMAK for $88 shipped and there were two places matter of fact that had them for the same price. So that's doable and really not that bad considering. I just hope I don't decide after I order that I wanted a stubby VFG or weapon light attached to it but as of now I'm thinking the Trijicon will be where I call it good... if I go with an optic at all. I'm tempted to just run irons on it too and that's why I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet. The more I think about it the more I think irons is the way to go on my AK47.