2015-02-17

Aimpoint Micro T-2: The Micro T-2 red-dot sight is an updated and enhanced version of the original Aimpoint Micro model. It features a new sight housing that allows for the use of both front and rear flip-up lens covers and anti-reflective devices, beefed-up protection for the unit’s adjustments turrets, and increased ruggedness for the
internal electronic components. The T-2 uses one CR-2032 battery that will last
for up to five years of constant-on use. (aimpoint.com; 877-246-7646)

PK-A From Atlantic Firearms: The PK-A red-dot rifle sight from Atlantic Firearms is compatible with the AK,
Vepr, Saiga and SLR platforms. The PK-A is the current issue for Venezuela’s military and has a special finish developed for humid climates. The sight uses
AA batteries and has 1,000 working hours of battery life. The integrated adjustable
AK side clamp mount has a low profile and centers the optic over the bore. The reticle is a bright, 1-MOA red dot with variable brightness controls, allowing an operator to adjust the brightness of the dot, including special brightness levels
for use with night-vision equipment. (atlanticfirearms.com; 410-352-5183)

Crimson Trace CMR-204: The CMR-204 Rail Master Pro Universal Green Laser Sight and Tactical Light
from Crimson Trace provides users with a rail-mounted green laser/white light combination unit ready for any tactical role. Designed to fit on Picatinny or
Weaver-style accessory rails, the CMR-204 is designed for use on long guns
as well as handguns. The unit features multiple operational modes and has a rugged waterproof aluminum housing. It runs on a single CR2 lithium battery. (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)

STEINER XTR II Tactical Scope: The Steiner 1-5x24mm XTR II tactical riflescope offers an illuminated reticle in
two options—a Ballistic 5.56 Gen 3 or a CQ Mil—in either rear or dual focal planes. The XTR II is constructed from a tube that is 25 percent thicker than
other scopes. There are 11 illumination settings with a “battery off” position
between settings. Windage and elevation turrets feature “Zero Click Stop”
adjustment knobs. (steiner-optics.com; 970-356-1670)

CenterPoint Open Reflex: The Open Reflex Sight allows an operator to keep both eyes open while
shooting for a complete field of view. Four different red or green reticle options
are featured, each with adjustable brightness. The unit mounts to any Picatinny
or Weaver-style rail. (centerpointhunting.com; 866-726-1122)

Hi-Lux CMR-AK762: The 1-4x24mm CMR-AK762 was specifically designed to be compatible with the standard AK-47 service round, which uses a 122-grain bullet. The illuminated reticle is calibrated to the trajectory of the Soviet round with a circular center and dot and numerous marks for both elevation and windage. The bullet-drop-compensating lines offer aiming out to 1,000 meters. (hi-luxoptics.com; 888-445-8912)

Kashtan 1P78 Tactical Combat Scope: Kalinka Optics imports new and surplus optics from Eastern Europe. The Kashtan 1P78 Tactical Combat Scope is the newest collimator scope for the AK used by Russia’s elite forces. The scope features a solar-powered dual black/green German post-style reticle and is well suited for close- to medium-range
shooting. The scope comes with a latch lever to attach the unit to the side of an AK. (kalinkaoptics.com; 910-454-8194)

LaserLyte Sight CM Dual Lens: The CM (Center Mass) unit features two green laser patterns: single dot or center-mass pattern. The center-mass pattern projects a ring of eight green laser dots with one green laser dot in the center. Either laser pattern is visible in normal and low-light environments. It has a six-hour runtime on the constant-on setting with one CR-123 battery. (laserlyte.com; 928-649-3201)

LaserMax Uni-IR: The LaserMax Uni-IR unit is the smallest and lightest IR (infrared) laser on the market, requiring only 1.75 inches of rail space on any Weaver or Picatinny-style rail. The unit operates on two 357 silver oxide batteries with a six-hour runtime. The unit also includes a rail so other accessories can be mounted on the Uni-IR. (lasermax.com; 800-527-3703)

MeoTac 1-4x24mm RD: The 1-4x24mm RD riflescope offers true 1x usage with a zoom range up to 4x power magnification. The illuminated reticle K-5.56ZD red dot offers fast target acquisition with seven illumination settings to adjust for bright daylight to low-light conditions. Adjustment turrets offer .05 Mil Rad per click. The fast-focus eyepiece allows an operator to rapidly bring a target into sharp focus. (meoptasportsoptics.com; 800-828-8928)

Streamlight TLR-4 G: The TLR-4 G from Streamlight combines a 115-lumen LED tactical light with a 510-530nm direct drive green laser. The three-position mode switch allows operators to run the unit with LED only, LED and laser or laser only. Depending on the mode selected, runtime is 1.25 to four hours. Constructed of impact-resistant polymer, the TLR-4 G offers quick, one-hand mounting to most Picatinny and Weaver-style rails. (streamlight.com; 800-523-7488)

Texas Weapon Systems
AK Peep Sight: The Peep Sight from Texas Weapon Systems is mounted on the rear of the company’s Dog Leg Rail and nearly doubles the sight radius of an AK rifle. The aperture diameter is 0.07 inches and is made of 6061-T6 aluminum with a hardcoat black anodized finish. It weighs about 0.5 ounces. When used with a micro-dot sight, a lower co-witness is typically used with the peep sight. (texasweaponsystems.com; 512-554-1136)

TruGlo Triton: The Triton 20mm Tri-Color red-dot sight from TruGlo features a 5-MOA dot reticle in three reticle colors (red, green or blue) so the reticle will contrast against any background. The one-piece unit is compact and lightweight and features an integrated Weaver-style mounting clamp. The Triton is powered by one CR2032 battery. (truglo.com; 888-887-8456)

Viridian X5L-RS : The X5L-RS by Viridian features a rotary selector dial offering multiple white light and green laser modes. The light pushes out 178 lumens continuously, 224 lumens on strobe, and the green laser is visible to 100 yards in daylight and up to 2 miles at night. The unit is completely adjustable and runs on one CR-123 battery. A two-button pressure pad operates the unit. Constructed of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, it weighs slightly over 3 ounces with the battery installed. (viridiangreenlaser.com; 800-990-9390)

Target acquisition is made easier with optics, and the AK design in recent years has become much more adaptable to mounting them and other aiming devices.

RELATED: Running Red: 20 Top AK-47s & Soviet Weapons

RELATED: 29 Must-Have Optics & Sights

Though the AK design debuted in 1947, it has gone through numerous design revisions and had a myriad of aftermarket adapters designed for it that have made it more suitable to mounting these products. These include side-mounted optic rails to top-mounted rails to forend-mounted systems, to name just a few.

Consumers have many options these days when it comes to aiming devices for their AK, from surplus optics to high-tech lasers. Here’s a look at some top optic AK upgrades for enthusiasts.

For more information on the AK upgrades listed above, please visit the following websites:

Aimpoint Micro T-2: (aimpoint.com; 877-246-7646)

PK-A From Atlantic Firearms: (atlanticfirearms.com; 410-352-5183)

Crimson Trace CMR-204: (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)

STEINER XTR II Tactical Scope: (steiner-optics.com; 970-356-1670)

CenterPoint Open Reflex: (centerpoint.crosman.com; 866-726-1122)

Hi-Lux CMR-AK762: (hi-luxoptics.com; 888-445-8912)

Kashtan 1P78 Tactical Combat Scope: (kalinkaoptics.com; 910-454-8194)

LaserLyte Sight CM Dual Lens: (laserlyte.com; 928-649-3201)

LaserMax Uni-IR: (lasermax.com; 800-527-3703)

MeoTac 1-4x24mm RD: (meoptasportsoptics.com; 800-828-8928)

Streamlight TLR-4 G: (streamlight.com; 800-523-7488)

Texas Weapon Systems AK Peep Sight:(texasweaponsystems.com; 512-554-1136)

TruGlo Triton: (truglo.com; 888-887-8456)

Viridian X5L-RS: (viridiangreenlaser.com; 800-990-9390)

The post AK Upgrades: 14 Top Optics, Sights & Lasers appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

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