AK74 5.45x39 Optics

[Escobert]

Hi guys! Recently got my hands on a ak74. I'd been asking my friend for a couple years to sell it to me and he finally caved. I loved shooting it so much I had to have it.

My question is where should I go optics wise? It doesn't have a rail or anything on it right now. But, I know a good gunsmith who specializes in AKs so he should be able to get one on for me no problem.

I'd be looking in the $100+- range. thanks!

[Schuetzenman]

$100+, your choices are limited. I might recommend a Vortex Strikefire II from Midway USA. Right now they should have them on sale for $180 ish. I paid about 190 for mine, like it fine. http://www.midwayusa.com/ Black Friday sales are still on for 2 more days. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/754...ProductFinding They make a red and green dot version that is less but there have been reports of them being dim and washing out in bright daylight. I have the red only version and it has no problems being seen in high noon bright day light.

Then there is the Vortex Sparc, it is closer to $200 usually. It is a lot smaller and lighter sight, uses a 2032 type coin shaped battery. Midway seems to be out of them at the moment. http://www.brownells.com/optics-moun...turer_1=vortex optics Brownell's has them in stock now.

Putting an optic on an AK you want to keep it low as possible. There are some top cover replacements that have Pic rails on top of them. They replace the rear sight and then secure to the tang of the rear Trunion. http://www.brownells.com/optics-moun...prod45043.aspx Like this one at Brownell's by Texas Weapon Systems. IMHO these are a better option than the side rails. Those rarely put the optic over the center of the bore, instead they are usually offset to the left quite a bit. They also put the sight higher than I like, though I do have one and it does put it over bore center. I can't remember who makes it, probably was made in Russia or another former Soviet block country. Had it a long time.

[ubersoldate]

Kashtan 1P78

You mentioned $100 plus, and this one is expensive, but well worth it.

There is a waiting list, but they are floating around. Its made for the 5.45, and its a great optic, I love mine.

[Escobert]

Thanks guys! If it's worth the money I'm willing to pay more would just have to wait a bit longer is all

I had been looking at some vortex red dots for a sks I was going to get. I liked the look of them. But, a sight made for 5.45 would be ideal. I'll look up the Kashtan 1P78.

EDIT: Oh wow, yeah that's a bit out of my price range. I'm really liking the Vortex StrikeFire II Red Dot.

Any specific mounts you guys would recommend?

[FunkyPertwee]

I would recomend saving your pennies and buying a Primary Arms Advanced Microdot ($180), along with Ultimak gas tube sight rail (~$100).

Any mount your gunsmith can rig up is going to cost money.

[imanaknut]

Adding a side mount would allow you to get a scope mount with a rail so that all attachment points are solid and will hold zero or near zero. The problem with a side mount is like FunkyPertwee said, a gunsmith is going to charge you to do it, and the alignment is critical as the mount is riveted to the receiver. Then you add the cost of the scope attachment mount and you are starting to get expensive.

I agree with the others, that using a gas tube mount with a good red dot would be the preferred way to go in your case. That is unless you have a friend who is a gunsmith who could install the side plate for free or a case of beer, and guarantee it's alignment.