Optic mount for AK with no side rail

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

I recently purchase a Century Arms VSKA in black polymer which has no side rail.  I have looked at options for mounting an optic, and I have found they include an Ultimak to replace the gas tube, or some kind of post production rail, like the AK Master Mount.  I don't think the latter works with Century Arms, so the choices are limited.

Does anyone here have experience with this, and if so, what are your thoughts?

[High Exposure 5,664]

Attero Arms:

https://atteroarms.com/products/optic-mounts

I have the bravo mount - it’s direct mount for an Aimpoint T1. Super low profile, lightweight, robust, easy to install and has an integrated rear BUIS.

The also make a direct mount version for different MRDS type, as well as Trij MRO and a pic rail version.

MI makes a similar one, but it is not as reliable.

 

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

Thanks HE.  Does that attach to the dust cover?  I have heard that dust cover mounts generally struggle to hold zero.  How has yours held up?

[Krdshrk 3,877]

1 hour ago, Old Glock guy said:

Thanks HE.  Does that attach to the dust cover?  I have heard that dust cover mounts generally struggle to hold zero.  How has yours held up?

Looks like it replaces the rear leaf sight 

[Krdshrk 3,877]

I would also say take a look at the TWS Dog Leg Gen 3 rail - they make one specifically for the VSKA.

https://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/Texas-Weapons-System-TWS-Dog-Leg-Gen-3-Rail-33317-p/tws-mount-33317.htm

[High Exposure 5,664]

1 hour ago, Old Glock guy said:

Thanks HE.  Does that attach to the dust cover?  I have heard that dust cover mounts generally struggle to hold zero.  How has yours held up?

Nope. Replaces the rear leaf sight. Only downside (if you can even call it that) is you have to be a little more precise on the angle when installing the dustcover to fit it under the mount.

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

Thanks so much HE and Krdshrk.  I really appreciate the very helpful advice both of you have provided.

After considering all the options, I placed an order for the Attero Arms mount.  It appears to be easy to install, it seems pretty solid, and its price is a fraction of some of the others.  Plus, it's recommended by HE, so I'm sure it's going to work just fine. 

[High Exposure 5,664]

Awesome!

What optic are you putting on there?

Here’s my Arsenal with a T1 in the Attero mount:

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

Looks great!  I'm going with a Sig Romeo 5 that I had lying around.  The Attero Bravo mount said it should work with that.

[Travis 3]

My favorite has to be UltiMAK gas tube. I had one on my Yugo with a EOTECH red dot. Very accurate and held zero. https://ultimak.com/product-category/ak-mounts/

[High Exposure 5,664]

I never understood putting an optic there above the gas tube. Especially an EO Tech.

It’s the hottest part of the gun (which can’t be good for any optic) and the EOTech has proven issues with thermal shift affecting their zero.

The EO is also a relatively heavy optic and putting it out in front of the center of balance of the rifle makes it harder than it has to be when driving the gun.

[Travis 3]

2 hours ago, High Exposure said:

I never understood putting an optic there above the gas tube. Especially an EO Tech.

It’s the hottest part of the gun (which can’t be good for any optic) and the EOTech has proven issues with thermal shift affecting their zero.

The EO is also a relatively heavy optic and putting it out in front of the center of balance of the rifle makes it harder than it has to be when driving the gun.

I ran the EOTECH for a while and never had a issue, I did one Rifle class with it before changing to a Aimpoint T2. I began to dislike the EOTECH for several reasons mainly its size and the 60 MOA circle it was to much going on IMO. The funny part about having the EOTECH on the front of the rifle it acted as a counter weight combined with a Zenit DTK-2 muzzle brake the rifle had little movement while rapid firing LOL.

[High Exposure 5,664]

Firing isn’t the issue I’m speaking of - sure, a heavy muzzle-end will help with recoil effect, but you can do the same with a brake/comp without the weight.

It’s driving the muzzle to engage multiple targets in the horizontal or even vertical plane. Starting and stopping the rifle as you point it at targets.

For that you want any significant extra weight at the center of balance, which is usually where the mag is, or between the center of balance and your shoulder. 

[Travis 3]

24 minutes ago, High Exposure said:

Firing isn’t the issue I’m speaking of - sure, a heavy muzzle-end will help with recoil effect, but you can do the same with a brake/comp without the weight.

It’s driving the muzzle to engage multiple targets in the horizontal or even vertical plane. Starting and stopping the rifle as you point it at targets.

For that you want any significant extra weight at the center of balance, which is usually where the mag is, or between the center of balance and your shoulder. 

Hence why I took the EOTECH off the rifle and switched to a smaller red dot.