almiz111 26 Posted July 2, 2013 Any suggestions? 1-2 MOA Dot. Maybe $350 price. AK side mount scope rail. Aimpoint Pro?? Lucid HD7?? I did my homework and read a bunch in the Optics section but wanted to ask AK users directly. As usual sorry if this this is old stuff posted elsewhere!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted July 2, 2013 Ultimak Scout rail. Rock solid. Low profile optic. Aimpoint T1 or H1. Or primary Arms for cheap alternative. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sticky Grips 4 Posted July 2, 2013 Try an ultimak and a trs-25 bushnell or an RS mount on the side rail with a 30mm aimpoint clone. Both Co witness. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tuktuk 16 Posted July 2, 2013 ultimak tube is the way to go and which ever quality red dot u pick. guys are all using different ones, I'm using eotech and happy with it. HOWEVER if u want to stay "original" and use side mount look here >>>> http://kalinkaoptics.com/ they have great Russian / Belarus red dot with proven record. I know ppl who bought from there and very happy with their optics . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted July 2, 2013 i ran an ultimak on ALL my AKs and was never disappointed.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neon333 0 Posted July 2, 2013 I run a RS Regulate side rail mounting system and a Bushnell TRS-25. No complaints here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
almiz111 26 Posted July 3, 2013 Many thanks, Gents. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe Danger 0 Posted July 3, 2013 Sight mark ultra shot z series. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted July 3, 2013 the advantage to an Ultimak and micro sight is you can cowitness iron sights.. these were probably my two favorite rifles.. the sight was great on both.. one is 556 and the other is 7.62 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acuevo 0 Posted July 9, 2013 i will second the ultimak/bushnell trs-25 combo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M1152 713 Posted July 9, 2013 the advantage to an Ultimak and micro sight is you can cowitness iron sights.. these were probably my two favorite rifles.. the sight was great on both.. one is 556 and the other is 7.62 I’ve been thinking about doing any optic on my S223 for a while so glad to see this thread. I hadn’t heard of the Ultimak before and you probably had it on there last year after you did the MSA adapter post, I probably didn’t notice because the focus was on the mag adapter. BTW I still have S223 with TAK-D mag adapter and LRBHO, I upgraded to the Bastard over the winter. I think you would have loved the upgrade. Anyway after briefly looking into the Ultimak rail I haven’t seen anything written bad except some say it does get hot. I forget where that was posted but someone said the heat could be an issue for the cheaper Red Dots, what do you think? That’s probably not much of an issue for me, I generally only shoot 10 rds (or less) and may load again then toggle between rifles. I just ordered the Ultimak and looking forward to putting on my S233. Now for the Red Dot, what do you Vortex Sparc? It looks pretty good for < $200. Also when you cowitness do you use Lower 1/3 or Absolute method? Thanks in advance edit: typo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted July 11, 2013 I’ve been thinking about doing any optic on my S223 for a while so glad to see this thread. I hadn’t heard of the Ultimak before and you probably had it on there last year after you did the MSA adapter post, I probably didn’t notice because the focus was on the mag adapter. BTW I still have S223 with TAK-D mag adapter and LRBHO, I upgraded to the Bastard over the winter. I think you would have loved the upgrade. Anyway after briefly looking into the Ultimak rail I haven’t seen anything written bad except some say it does get hot. I forget where that was posted but someone said the heat could be an issue for the cheaper Red Dots, what do you think? That’s probably not much of an issue for me, I generally only shoot 10 rds (or less) and may load again then toggle between rifles. I just ordered the Ultimak and looking forward to putting on my S233. Now for the Red Dot, what do you Vortex Sparc? It looks pretty good for < $200. Also when you cowitness do you use Lower 1/3 or Absolute method? Thanks in advance edit: typo I don't see any issues with heat... But I also ran an aimpoint which is a prett high quality optic.... I know of people using the ultimak and primary arms without issue..... I loved my AKs but just found the AR platform to offer more so I've stuck with that... I still have my Saiga 12... And doubt ill ever give that up... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M1152 713 Posted July 15, 2013 Thanks almiz111 for the post and all the guys that suggested the Ultimak rail. I hadn’t heard of them but I’m a believer now as well. I ordered one and installed it yesterday, its very well made and it beats the snot out of those over-sized clunky side rails.I didn’t get my Vortex Red Dot yet but I had a Bushnell stowed away that I put on to test. Looking forward to trying it out, will probably order another soon for my S223. I’ve been trying to get by with iron sights but after 50 my eyes need some help, LOL, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scrap 4 Posted July 15, 2013 *STRONGLY* recommend Aimpoint. Aimpoint Micro is basically custom dreamed up/tailored for the front of an AK rifle w/ an Ultimak rail... BUT an option of a regular Midwest Industries / SGM Tactical quad rail will get the job done and while Aimpoint priced the Micro out of the regular folk's pocket as it shot up in popularity, they DID do the regular folk a solid, with the PRO. Just realize it is a significant bit bigger and the included mount is for a flat top AR, it's most definitely not set up for a forward , AK type setup, you'd need the $75-ish low/wide ring mount available for it. $400 + $75 for a PRO and a low mount is a lot cheaper than nearly $600+ for the Micro, but I have Two Micro's and they are amazing. I tried to get two more when they were on sale back in late 2010 but they sold out and didn't come back like they promised they would. *if ONLY* ONLY ONLY I had had the cash when Botach was selling the Aimpoint 3x Magnifier + mount for like $275..... I still cry about that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
almiz111 26 Posted July 15, 2013 I thought I would check in since there is still some activity here. I actually did take (some of) your advice!! I now have the RS side mount and this is corny but it is state of the (mechanical) art. It's not micro anything but also not really klunky like most others. Red dot is 30mm Vortex Strikefire. Yes I cheaped out on Aimpoint. Also didn't see many less expensive micro clones to choose. Maybe in the future? Vortex is a little large but no big deal. Has a 2x magnifier included and 1st class warranty (so they say ). Anyway the co-witness is at the bottom of the circle but pretty darn good and usable if needed, like dead battery or??. The Ultimak looked real good but the side rail was already there and calling me. LOL. That is all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sht 3 Posted August 4, 2013 I have next to zero Ak experience but I can't recommend the aimpoint pro enough. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted August 4, 2013 I have next to zero Ak experience but I can't recommend the aimpoint pro enough. Too heavy for forward gas tube type mount Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RUTGERS95 890 Posted August 5, 2013 the advantage to an Ultimak and micro sight is you can cowitness iron sights.. these were probably my two favorite rifles.. the sight was great on both.. one is 556 and the other is 7.62 still love that 5.56 one Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted August 5, 2013 still love that 5.56 one me too.. someone on the board bought it.. I think if AKs didnt dent brass I might have tried to keep it.. there are days I still think about a SBR AK with a 556 mag conversion and a folding stock... if I ever do another project.. it MIGHT be that.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
almiz111 26 Posted August 6, 2013 Speaking of dots I bought a HIViz FO front sight post for my Saiga. It improves my iron sight shooting about 1000%. Yah it was pretty bad to start. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M1152 713 Posted August 10, 2013 the advantage to an Ultimak and micro sight is you can cowitness iron sights.. these were probably my two favorite rifles.. the sight was great on both.. one is 556 and the other is 7.62 Quick question, did you do anything with the horizontal pin that locks in the front of the factory handguard ? I did my S762 with the original handguard but I'm going to do my S223 like yours, I have the KVFM-B and UltiMAK Optics Mount but still waiting for the forend cap. Just wondering if you left the pin in place, drifted it out or ground it down.... Thanks in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted August 10, 2013 Quick question, did you do anything with the horizontal pin that locks in the front of the factory handguard ? I did my S762 with the original handguard but I'm going to do my S223 like yours, I have the KVFM-B and UltiMAK Optics Mount but still waiting for the forend cap. Just wondering if you left the pin in place, drifted it out or ground it down.... Thanks in advance ground it down flush and just touched it up Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted August 10, 2013 ground it down flush and just touched it upDo you have a picture of this pin that you guys are talking about? Thanks-carl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted August 10, 2013 Do you have a picture of this pin that you guys are talking about? Thanks -carl They use a longer pin on bottom of gas bloc as a means of attaching the hand guard.... You need a pin in there... So I simply trimmed it down... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted August 10, 2013 They use a longer pin on bottom of gas bloc as a means of attaching the hand guard.... You need a pin in there... So I simply trimmed it down...Ok got it thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites