Is an AK74 worthy of a scope?

[rifletex91]

Was kind of board and just want to get some peoples thoughts on this. I know a lot of people say that scopes aren't worth putting on a ak47(7.62x39) simply because the ballistics of the bullet aren't that great. Aren't the ballistics similar to a 30-30? But wouldn't maybe a 3-9x40 scope be worth mounting on an ak74. The 5.45x39 does have better ballistics compared to the 7.62 and is a very flat shooting round. I wouldn't think using it as a DMR would be practical, seeing as it would loose a lot of power out to 600 yards. But just maybe as a 1 to 400 yard mini super fast DMR. I'm guessing with a 3-9x40 scope with the super low recoil of ak74 you can get some pretty quick shots on target out to 2 or 300 yards no problem. Anyways, just my thoughts on this, might even become a project.

 

[Jakashh]

I would try out a nice POSP scope.

Welcome to Kalinka Optics Warehouse!

 

[Steve M]

For some historical context, the East Germans did indeed field an AK-74 with a nice Zeiss-Jena 4x optic in what we would call a DMR role. These optics are really clear and crisp, and calibrated for 5.45 7n6 bullet drop. You can find them on auction sites from time to time, known as ZFK4.

Here's one, not mine: Zeiss GERMAN SNIPER SCOPE ZFK 4X25 AK 74 : Scopes at GunBroker.com

Normally they go for about $400, which a lot of guys balk at because they are surplus. But if you were to buy this scope new today it would be $800+, and it comes with a siderail mount.

Now the East Germans planned on getting hits out to 800m with this setup, but what kind of ballistic result you are going to have at that range is questionable.

 

[Texas1911]

Normally they go for about $400, which a lot of guys balk at because they are surplus. But if you were to buy this scope new today it would be $800+, and it comes with a siderail mount.

Just show them what a Zeiss-Hensoldt sells for ... but then again, most Comblock fans are in it because it's cheap ... not for the quality.

 

[jr urbina]

A post from Gabe Suarez on his forum:

ACOGs and AKs
Yesterday I picked up my new Rifle Dynamics AK. It is an AK105, with the shorter barrel, muzzle device and side folder. It also has top rails....an Ultimak (for which I have plans that cannot yet be disclosed) and the new Texas Weapon Systems top cover.

At almost the same time, the UPS driver delivered our order from Trijicon and it contained the Trijicon TA33-R-8. The TA-60 mount that comes n it is too tall so we quickly switched that for an ADM B2.

The ACOG went on the top cover like it was made for it. The sight hole in the ACOG (traditionally there for mounting on the M16 carry handle) sat low enough to be used as a rear "ghost ring" sight. Yet with a slight shifting of cheekweld, you are looking through the ACOG. Very nice, albeit unintentional feature.

I have not had a chance to shoot this yet but in dry handling drills I am quite impressed with the comobination. This is not for those on tight budgets (the RD Rifle being about $1200, and the ACOG going for about $1000) but for those with flexible financing, it may just be the ultimate expression of the Kalashnikov Platform.

Pics and range report to follow.

 

[Mikewood]

The AK-47 does it's job very well without a scope.
A scope could help it do it's job better but you have to get a good mount.
The great thing about the AK is you can see the battlefield. Head up, looking thru the front sight and over the barrel. You can get great hits while not loosing anything behind or around extra crap. Add a scope and you add crap. You can look around and thru it but I think an unobstructed view is better.

 

[Steve M]

Yesterday I picked up my new Rifle Dynamics AK. It is an AK105, with the shorter barrel, muzzle device and side folder. It also has top rails....an Ultimak (for which I have plans that cannot yet be disclosed) and the new Texas Weapon Systems top cover.

Hmmm...he's basically got an all-rail top end between that TWS top cover and the Ultimak. I'm thinking PVS-22 or TaNS night optic with that ACOG if he thinks he can sell to the "flexible financing" crowd. That would be a great set up.

 

[jr urbina]

The AK-47 does it's job very well without a scope.
A scope could help it do it's job better but you have to get a good mount.
The great thing about the AK is you can see the battlefield. Head up, looking thru the front sight and over the barrel. You can get great hits while not loosing anything behind or around extra crap. Add a scope and you add crap. You can look around and thru it but I think an unobstructed view is better.

I agree 100% with your thoughts on the AK sights, but with the 5.45x39 the OP is asking about, a scope can very well extend his ability to get hits at distance.

 

[cuate]

Eyesight factors in, I have a WASR that I shoot out back across an old dry tank and with the scope mounted on the side rail its a hit if the crosshair are laid on the desired can, rock, or whatever. The scope, Leapers fairly cheap 4x.....No I haven't tried it at 300 or 400 yds., too many trees and brush. I did change the rear iron sight to a Mojo peep type...Military sight picture I like, not the fastest but I like...Were I going somewhere hunting and there would be serious thought in bringing home some game, I do have a Ruger .243, scoped nicely that would suffice for deer. Or Dad's old Winchester Mod 1895 30-06....

 

[rifletex91]

I would try out a nice POSP scope.

Welcome to Kalinka Optics Warehouse!

I heard good things about this type of scope, but it looks like it sits very high. I would think maybe a kalinka optics BP02 low side rail and a Nikon Prostaff. In that case, if my optic ever fails for whatever reason, I can just flip that QD lever and get back to shooting with the irons.

 

[jr urbina]

A post from Gabe Suarez on his forum:

ACOGs and AKs
Yesterday I picked up my new Rifle Dynamics AK. It is an AK105, with the shorter barrel, muzzle device and side folder. It also has top rails....an Ultimak (for which I have plans that cannot yet be disclosed) and the new Texas Weapon Systems top cover.

At almost the same time, the UPS driver delivered our order from Trijicon and it contained the Trijicon TA33-R-8. The TA-60 mount that comes n it is too tall so we quickly switched that for an ADM B2.

The ACOG went on the top cover like it was made for it. The sight hole in the ACOG (traditionally there for mounting on the M16 carry handle) sat low enough to be used as a rear "ghost ring" sight. Yet with a slight shifting of cheekweld, you are looking through the ACOG. Very nice, albeit unintentional feature.

I have not had a chance to shoot this yet but in dry handling drills I am quite impressed with the comobination. This is not for those on tight budgets (the RD Rifle being about $1200, and the ACOG going for about $1000) but for those with flexible financing, it may just be the ultimate expression of the Kalashnikov Platform.

Pics and range report to follow.

 

[rifletex91]

That is one fine looking piece, hope it shoots as good as it looks.

 

[Angered_Kabar]

Side mounted trijicon reflex. That's what I'm talking about.

Most of the pictures of an AK with a reflex mount it on the gas tube. Don't know if that's easier or if mounting it above the dust cover on a side mount rail would be too close to your eye.

 

[Steve M]

Side mounted trijicon reflex. That's what I'm talking about.

Most of the pictures of an AK with a reflex mount it on the gas tube. Don't know if that's easier or if mounting it above the dust cover on a side mount rail would be too close to your eye.

That's not a side rail mount. He's got one of those Texas Weapon Systems Railed Top Covers on there. Among other advantages you can still fold the sidefolding stock with the optic attached, whereas a side rail mount will not allow it.

 

[jr urbina]

Side mounted trijicon reflex. That's what I'm talking about.

Most of the pictures of an AK with a reflex mount it on the gas tube. Don't know if that's easier or if mounting it above the dust cover on a side mount rail would be too close to your eye.

That ACOG is actually mounted on the Texas Weapon Systems new Dogleg II top cover. The rail is machined into the cover.

 

[M. Sage]

Yes, an AK can be a great tool with an added scope.

Most of the "poor accuracy" complaints about the AK platform come from (IMO) are the piss-poor sights that they come with. Put a better sighting solution on the rifle and it's as good as any other primary military arm on the planet.

 

[rifletex91]

Is that a US Palm AK Battlegrip?

 

[jr urbina]

Is that a US Palm AK Battlegrip?

Yep.

 

[Angered_Kabar]

Wasn't talking about the ACOG.

 

[majormadmax]

Nice socks!