Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1467328
ELECTRO OPTICS MOUNTS These are required for attach- ment of red dots, holo sights, opti- cal sights and more. Every shooter knows that optics are key accesso- ries to effectively increase range of weapon systems. Most of the modern rifles are designed for op- tics attachment. Well, not the AK. The M16 platform was modified multiple times and most of its cur- rent variants have flat-top upper receivers for optics mounting. The AK and AK74 never had integrated optic mounts. The AK was born in times when optics were expensive, complicated and only available for snipers, so the only iron sights were the only way to go. Later, some spe- cialized variants, like AMKL/AKMN with dovetail mounts on the side of the receiver were introduced – these were dedicated for use with night vision devices. DOVETAIL SIDE MOUNT PROS: Simple legacy mount Mount close to shooters' eye, great for telescopic sight Does not change the balance of the gun Ready for Soviet/Russian/ Eastern Block optical sights CONS: Definitely too high for EOTECH HWS, what decreases the field of view and decrease accuracy The center of the mount is usually off the point of aiming, so the zeroing and POI on the short and long distances are shifted The stock can't be folded to the left side of the gun Weight Rear sight mounted rail REAR SIGHT MOUNTED RAIL PROS: Small dimensions does not affect the use of the weapon and does not add weight Perfect for MRDS. Wide choice of mounts available Allows proper aiming Works with foldable stocks CONS: Height of the mount is not comfortable for full sized optics Difficult to install in place of legacy rear sight bracket Dimensions allow to install only small sights TOP COVER RAIL PROS: Lightweight mount, which moves center of gravity towards pistol grip increasing the proper balance Easy to install Real estate for optics attachment CONS: The top cover with rail is held in place by the rear part of the recoil spring assembly. It will lose zero after a few rounds Railed top covers are usually made from thin steel, aluminum alloy or even polymer. They are fragile and prone to damage even in controlled environments Poor quality, usually require some individual tailoring TYPES OF MOUNTS: www.fragoutmag.com