The AK and the optics

Most optics mounts on the market are designed for the AR platform. This isn't necessarily bad, but if you don't have an AR and switch to a different platform, small issues may arise. The AK platform has a particularly unique problem, namely the mounting of optics and specifically the mounting height. Today, we want to share our thoughts on this.

As mentioned, mounting heights always refer to the distance from the optical centerline to the top edge of the rail, specifically on an AR with a "Flat Top Receiver." The most common heights are:

• Absolute Co-witness: 1.4" approximately 36 mm
• Lower 1/3 Co-witness: 1.6" approximately 40 mm
• Mid-high: 1.91" approximately 49 mm
• UNITY FAST Mount: 2.26" approximately 57 mm
• HYDRA Mount: 2.91" approximately 74 mm

The HYDRA is the highest mount and is intended for those who primarily shoot with gas masks and night vision goggles. The FAST mount is for those who want to occasionally use night vision goggles. Both have the disadvantage that the standing position works great, but the prone position can become somewhat uncomfortable for the neck.

The High AK

Now onto the AK. It is known to be built differently than an AR. Due to the top-mounted, massive gas intake system, it sits higher than an AR. The picture shows you just how much higher it is. The top edge of the AR rail lies approximately at half the height of the cover on the AK.

By the time you finally reach the mounting rail on the AK, you have to add a good 20 mm.

On our AK, we mounted the optic with an "Absolute Co-witness mount," achieving a measured mounting height of about 56 mm, which corresponds to UNITY height. There are still 15 mm to reach the HYDRA, but anything higher becomes extremely cumbersome in the prone position. Unfortunately, we had to learn this the hard way during a shooting competition. Even if you use a very low mount, you usually can't go below 50 mm. That would then be between Lower 1/3 and UNITY height.

The Final Word

In summary, if you are looking for an optics mount for your AK, you need to add another 20 mm to the height specifications of the mounts to make a comparison with AR mounting heights.