All Purpose Optics and Mounts Thread

[SeerSavant]

I've got an RS mount, mated to a Vortex Strikefire on my SGL, and I'm very happy with it, feels like it locks up very tight, haven't thrown it out of a truck or driven over it, but so far I'm very happy.

It's adjustible in the rail mount, and it's drift adjustible to sit centered over the dust cover.
The Vortex cowitnesses easily...

My only complaint, the front dust cover on the Vortex is too close to the rear sight, so I have to flip up the rear iron sight, then open the dust cover, then drop the sight back down...

Eventually I'd like to put a Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic on it, but just ain't got the money, and so far the Strikefire is pretty nice...


No torture test, so no definitive answer, but I'm happy with it so far.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

I just saw a reference to a "KOBRA" RDS on an AK, a la Battlefield 3 (the only other place I've seen it.) Anyone got an idea of how they work, how durable they are?

What about the other "classic" AK optics, with all the numbers and letters that I can't remember? POSP, I think? I have an Aimpoint R1 (two actually) but I wanted to look into a bigger optic with some magnification, and the optic I'm most used to (ACOG) costs more than any rifle I own.

[SeerSavant]

The Kobra is simply another Red dot HUD optic, 1x....



Kalinka Optics has them for 450 bucks... I don't think they are any better than an AimpointPRO or similar item, and magnification is nil. They are 1X...
Dunno how durable they are, but for the money, i'd rather have the PRO. Most folks talk about them as on par or less than the others, but for the AK purist who HAS to have the russian optic...
http://kalinkaoptics.com/rifle-scopes/red-dot/kobra-military-red-dot-ak-1s-03-rifle-scope-side-mount.html


On the POSP, you have two ends of the the choices... (again, Kalinka Optics)
The POSP 6X24

It has a integral rangefinder which is 1000 meters for the optimistic shooter
The Simonov variant (this is the dragunov variant) has a 400 meter rangefinder/ reticle chevrons...
Price tag; 230 bucks for either variant.


and the POSP 4-10X42 variable zoom;

it comes with a small Weaver Rail and 240 lumens light, also comes with red and Infrared 20 mW Lasers...
price tag 699 bucks...


Personally, if I wanted to go russian, I'd probably drop cash on the PK-01, more of a traditional red dot about 270 bucks;

[Kommander]

The Russian sights used to be a decent value, but now that they cost close to what the better western optics cost I see no reason to use them.

[SeerSavant]

The Russian sights used to be a decent value, but now that they cost close to what the better western optics cost I see no reason to use them.

Exactly... only for the purist...

Especially when stateside manufacturers are now making decent mounts...

Ultimak of course, but also the rail mounts (which I would definitely prefer over the dog legs and other huge ladder rack looking deals) from RSregulate,




I prefer them for two reasons, A; they utilize the standard AK rail mount on the side of the reciever (it's what it's meant for... Be a shame not to use it) and B; You can take it off, pretty easy and quick, stow it, or pull it and install it, keeping your zero without hinging it to the rear site, or anything else...

And personally, i think it just looks a lot sexier...

[ZomBosox]

No torture test, so no definitive answer, but I'm happy with it so far.

Any torture test yet? I am looking at grabbing the strikefire as its a lot more cost effective than the eotechs and aimpoints. Great reviews too

[SeerSavant]

A lot more cost effective, yes, put up with abuse, sure.... On the same level as an Eotech or Aimpoint... Not really...

The strikefire is a great first optic, and I consider it my "first" red dot, which will be replaced, I've got my eye on acquiring a Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic as my next upgrade unless I can find a M3 for a decent price... or a smaller unit for mounting on an Ultimak.... Dunno yet.... No money yet, so not really on the horizon, but budget dictates, so for now, Strikefire...

I'm not unhappy, I do like it... I also like the way I can keep both eyes open and I don't loose sight of the dot...



On the rail mounts, looks like Midwest industries is getting in on it.



Looks cool, and the lever is supposed to self adjust, and retain zero.

No reviews that I've read yet, but it is cheaper than the RS mount I already have...

[nimdabew]

To all looking at the XPS series. Spend the extra 75 dollars and get the EXPS. The mount is freaking awesome. If you can, get the OPMOD with the side buttons if at all possible. I like this one 10x better than the XPS 2-0 that I had before.

[AKFTW]

they utilize the standard AK rail mount on the side of the reciever (it's what it's meant for... Be a shame not to use it

You know, oddly enough they were originally intended for mounting gigantic NV optics like this one


They were then later used for magnified optics, then finally red dots and the like.

[Dave_M]

To all looking at the XPS series. Spend the extra 75 dollars and get the EXPS. The mount is freaking awesome. If you can, get the OPMOD with the side buttons if at all possible. I like this one 10x better than the XPS 2-0 that I had before.

The EXPS 3-0 I just bought for my girlfriend had side buttons and it's not marked OPMOD. IIRC, this is standard now with the EXPS series. Older models may not be setup like this, however.

[nimdabew]

To all looking at the XPS series. Spend the extra 75 dollars and get the EXPS. The mount is freaking awesome. If you can, get the OPMOD with the side buttons if at all possible. I like this one 10x better than the XPS 2-0 that I had before.

The EXPS 3-0 I just bought for my girlfriend had side buttons and it's not marked OPMOD. IIRC, this is standard now with the EXPS series. Older models may not be setup like this, however.

The OPMOD version is side buttons, no NV. AFAIK, EOTech doesn't make the EXPS 2-0 with side buttons and only the OPMOD version has them.

[nimdabew]

You're right Dave. The EXPS 2-0 has side buttons. I don't know what makes the OPMOD special then. w/e, I got it on the used market. I just need to paint the hood so I don't have to look at it anymore.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_277/187104_Vortex_SPARC_Review.html

Either this d00d is lying, or I may be getting a SPARC for my AK, if the mounting options let me get a decent cheek weld.

[UndeadInfidel]

To all looking at the XPS series. Spend the extra 75 dollars and get the EXPS. The mount is freaking awesome. If you can, get the OPMOD with the side buttons if at all possible. I like this one 10x better than the XPS 2-0 that I had before.

Agreed here. I have an XPS2-0 and hate that there is no riser built in. I looked at all the options and unbelievably no one makes an EXPS style riser for it. It seems all of the companies that make risers just focus on making big ass rails that cover almost the entire flat top. I'd have to spend almost $100 on something and hack it down.

[JTNieman]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_277/187104_Vortex_SPARC_Review.html

Either this d00d is lying, or I may be getting a SPARC for my AK, if the mounting options let me get a decent cheek weld.

Just noticed the multi-thread discussion on this, so figured I'd link my reply to that, since it's actually more relevant here, I guess.

viewtopic.php?p=2093439#p2093439

[The Commander]

I'VE been looking for a long range rifle scope for a while now. I would like it to be variable zoom, around $400-$500 with MOA turrets and an MOA reticle, MAYBE dot-mil if the price is right. In consideration were the Millett 4-16x50 TRS-1 30mm for $300+ until I learned it was Chinese. I have a Barska Swat that turned to be an ultimate piece of shit and it is Chinese made. I also purposely missed out on the Midway Vortex Viper HS 5-15x 44mm when it was on sale recently, just because Midway assholes feel like charging credit cards and shipping shit despite you telling them not to. Anyways, I was also considering the Falcon Menace 4-14x44mm for around $400.

Any other brands I have missed?

[The Commander]

It seems like I have completely ground this thread to a screeching halt!!! Any ideas on my above post? I am still searching for a scope. It also seems like with all the damn gun shops in town, none have anything worth a shit.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

It seems like I have completely ground this thread to a screeching halt!!! Any ideas on my above post? I am still searching for a scope. It also seems like with all the damn gun shops in town, none have anything worth a shit.

The price is likely a bit low for a good optic with your specs.

[thechin]

It seems like I have completely ground this thread to a screeching halt!!! Any ideas on my above post? I am still searching for a scope. It also seems like with all the damn gun shops in town, none have anything worth a shit.

I was kinda hoping that you would buy Falcon Menace 4-14x44mm FFP and tell us how it performs. I plan on getting mine after I purchase my Aadmount

[0122358]

A lot more cost effective, yes, put up with abuse, sure.... On the same level as an Eotech or Aimpoint... Not really...

The strikefire is a great first optic, and I consider it my "first" red dot, which will be replaced, I've got my eye on acquiring a Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic as my next upgrade unless I can find a M3 for a decent price... or a smaller unit for mounting on an Ultimak.... Dunno yet.... No money yet, so not really on the horizon, but budget dictates, so for now, Strikefire...

I'm not unhappy, I do like it... I also like the way I can keep both eyes open and I don't loose sight of the dot...



On the rail mounts, looks like Midwest industries is getting in on it.



Looks cool, and the lever is supposed to self adjust, and retain zero.

No reviews that I've read yet, but it is cheaper than the RS mount I already have...

You think an AK Tech-Sight would co-witness with that?

[AKFTW]

A lot more cost effective, yes, put up with abuse, sure.... On the same level as an Eotech or Aimpoint... Not really...

The strikefire is a great first optic, and I consider it my "first" red dot, which will be replaced, I've got my eye on acquiring a Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic as my next upgrade unless I can find a M3 for a decent price... or a smaller unit for mounting on an Ultimak.... Dunno yet.... No money yet, so not really on the horizon, but budget dictates, so for now, Strikefire...

I'm not unhappy, I do like it... I also like the way I can keep both eyes open and I don't loose sight of the dot...



On the rail mounts, looks like Midwest industries is getting in on it.



Looks cool, and the lever is supposed to self adjust, and retain zero.

No reviews that I've read yet, but it is cheaper than the RS mount I already have...

You think an AK Tech-Sight would co-witness with that?

Fuck no. You couldn't get the mount on with the tech sights installed, for one.

[jdbl14]

I am almost finished building a 16" ad and I find myself at a crossroads. I was originally going to get a good fixed iron sight and a quality red dot. Now I am thinking of throwing a mbus on it and getting something with magnification, like an acog or an adjustable scope in the 1-4x or so range with illuminated sight. I would like to make it to some millcopp classes, what would be the best choice of optic? Btw I am experienced with acogs, and intrigued with the adjustable scopes.

[PotatoMuncher]

Just put a down payment on my first ACOG, a TA47R-4 2X. The place is letting me do a payment plan over a span of 6 months, so basically $126 a month. Itll be a long wait, but I should have it mounted on my AR by November this year

[The Commander]

Well I called Millett which turned out to be Bushnell (which I knew already) to ask where their scopes are made. Sure enough, they are made in China. Just for that my budget has now gone up to $500, MOA or Mil-dot. For all they have, gun shows usually do not have good scopes. You can get UTG and Leapers shit all day long at a show though.