Mounting an optic on an AK-47 presents a unique set of challenges compared to modern sporting rifles. The platform’s iconic side rail is the traditional mounting point, but not all mounts are created equal. A secure, reliable scope mount is absolutely critical for maintaining zero and ensuring your shots land where you aim, especially under the AK’s formidable recoil impulse.
Choosing the right mount depends on your specific needs, whether it’s a classic side rail mount, a rock-solid top cover replacement, or a minimalist option. This roundup covers eight of the best AK-47 scope mounts available, evaluating them on their construction, locking mechanism, and overall value to help you find the perfect solution for a secure fit on your rifle.
The Best AK-47 Scope Mounts for a Secure Fit
- Gotical A-K Side Rail Scope Mount with Picatinny Quick Detach System
- NTC Elite GEN 4 Scope Mount for Standard Mount Models 47, 74
- TRSAIM Side Scope Mount – Quick Detach Scope Mount Side Picatinny Rail
- UTG Super Duty Bi-pod with QD Lever Mount, Height 8.0″-12.8″
- PRISM PIONT Gen 4 Scope Mount for Standard Mount Models 47 74
- Texas Weapon Systems Dog Leg Scope Rail Top Cover, Gen-3, Yugo AK
- RS Regulate AKR 1913 Upper Rail for AK-47 / AK-74
- Attero Arms Bravo Mount for AK-47 / AK-74
Gotical A-K Side Rail Scope Mount with Picatinny Quick Detach System
This Gotical mount is a comprehensive package that includes not only a robust side rail mount but also a red/green reflex sight. The 6.75-inch long Picatinny rail provides ample space for a variety of optics, and its quick-detach system allows for fast installation and removal. It is constructed from CNC aluminum for a solid, lightweight feel.
The mount attaches to the integrated AK receiver rail using the Elite Defense automatic locking system, designed for a secure connection. The rail is built to 1913 Mil-Spec standards and is T-marked, making it simple to consistently position your optic. This combination of a reliable mount and an included optic makes it a strong value-oriented choice for getting your rifle equipped quickly.
NTC Elite GEN 4 Scope Mount for Standard Mount Models 47, 74
The NTC Elite GEN 4 is engineered with a focus on lightweight strength and unwavering reliability. Weighing only 6.8 ounces, it is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and finished with a hardcoat anodization, providing a durable and corrosion-resistant surface. Its primary claim to fame is its consistent return-to-zero capability, built to retain alignment shot after shot.
This mount is noted for its great fit on a wide range of AK models, including Palmetto, USA, Chinese, and Russian variants. The construction and quality control processes are designed to create a “buy once and use for life” product. For shooters seeking a proven, no-nonsense side rail mount that prioritizes long-term durability and zero retention, the NTC Elite is a top contender.
TRSAIM Side Scope Mount – Quick Detach Scope Mount Side Picatinny Rail
TRSAIM’s offering focuses on a straightforward and effective quick-detach mechanism. Made from premium aluminum alloy with a CNC-machined and anodized finish, this mount is built to be solid and durable on your AK. The tool-free operation is a key benefit, allowing for fast attachment and detachment from the side rail.
The design features a quick-detach lever and a spring-loaded adjustment part for a secure lock-up. With 17 Picatinny rail slots and 8 drilled holes, it provides a versatile platform for mounting red dot sights, optics, or other tactical accessories. This mount is an excellent option for those who value speed and simplicity without compromising on a metal construction.
UTG Super Duty Bi-pod with QD Lever Mount
While not a traditional scope mount, the UTG Super Duty Bi-pod with its integrated QD Lever Mount serves a critical role in stabilizing your AK platform for accurate shooting. This bipod attaches directly to a Picatinny rail, offering a height range from 8.0 to 12.8 inches to adapt to various shooting positions and terrains.
The quick-detach lever mount makes it easy to install or remove the bipod in seconds, providing flexibility for when you need a stable shooting platform and when you do not. Its robust construction is designed to handle the recoil and rigors of use with a powerful rifle like the AK-47, making it a valuable accessory for precision work from a supported position.
PRISM PIONT Gen 4 Scope Mount for Standard Mount Models 47 74
The PRISM PIONT Gen 4 scope mount is a tactical side rail lock mount designed for a secure foundation. Its durable aluminum construction provides a stable base that can handle the recoil of the AK platform. This mount acts as a versatile bridge, allowing you to install any standard Picatinny-compatible scope, red dot, or flashlight.
This model is compatible with the standard 47, 74, and 103 series AK rifles. It represents a straightforward solution for shooters who need a reliable mounting platform without extra frills. The focus is on providing a solid connection between your optic and the rifle’s side rail, ensuring your accessory stays put during use.
Texas Weapon Systems Dog Leg Scope Rail Top Cover, Gen-3, Yugo AK
The Texas Weapon Systems (TWS) Dog Leg Gen-3 is a unique and highly regarded solution that replaces the factory rear sight leaf and standard top dust cover with a single, solid Picatinny rail. This design provides a rock-solid mounting platform that is integral to the receiver, offering excellent stability and a consistent return to zero.
This specific model is designed for Yugo-pattern AK rifles (like the Zastava M70), ensuring a proper fit. By replacing the dust cover, the TWS system avoids the potential for flex found in some side-mounted options. It is a premium choice for shooters who demand the highest level of stability for their optics and prefer a more modern, streamlined look for their AK.
RS Regulate AKR 1913 Upper Rail for AK-47 / AK-74
RS Regulate is a name synonymous with precision and quality in the AK community. The AKR 1913 Upper Rail is part of a two-piece mount system that is renowned for its ultra-low profile and exceptional return-to-zero performance. This upper rail attaches to a model-specific lower mount, creating a custom-fit system for your particular AK.
The two-piece design allows for extensive windage adjustment, ensuring you can perfectly center your optic over the bore. Made from high-quality materials with exacting tolerances, RS Regulate mounts are considered by many to be the gold standard. This option is for the shooter who will accept nothing less than the best possible fit and lowest possible optic height.
Attero Arms Bravo Mount for AK-47 / AK-74
The Attero Arms Bravo Mount offers a minimalist and lightweight solution for mounting specific red dot sights directly to the AK platform. Instead of using the side rail, this mount replaces the rear sight leaf, allowing for a cowitness with your iron sights through the optic. This provides an incredibly low-profile setup.
This design is specifically engineered for popular micro red dots like the Aimpoint T-2 and Holosun 403/503 series, offering a direct bolt-on fit. By eliminating the need for a tall Picatinny rail, it keeps the optic close to the bore axis and reduces overall weight and bulk. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a dedicated, streamlined red dot mount that preserves a clean sight picture.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best AK 47 Scope Mount
Choosing the right scope mount for your AK isn’t just about slapping on a rail and hoping for the best. It’s about finding a piece of hardware that can handle the rifle’s unique personality. I’ve learned through trial and error that a few key factors make all the difference between a solid zero and a frustrating day at the range. Let’s talk about what you should really be looking for.
First and foremost, you need to consider the mounting system. The classic AK side rail is the most common and often the most robust option. If your rifle has this rail, a mount that clamps onto it is your best bet for a secure fit. These mounts, like the famous RS Regulate, use a lever-actuated mechanism that locks tightly onto the rail. The beauty of this system is its repeatability; you can take the mount off and put it back on without losing your zero, which is a huge advantage for maintenance or if you need to use your iron sights in a pinch. For rifles without a side rail, you’re looking at options that replace the rear sight leaf or attach to the receiver cover. These can work, but I find they often lack the same rock-solid stability as a good side rail mount.
Next, think about the material and construction. This isn’t the place to save a few bucks. You want a mount made from high-quality, hardened aluminum or steel. The AK platform has a stout recoil impulse, and a flimsy mount will not only lose zero but could also break. Look for mounts that are CNC-machined from a solid billet of material rather than cast. Machined parts are significantly stronger and more precise. The finish is also important; a good hard-anodized coating will resist wear and corrosion, keeping your gear looking and functioning well for years.
Finally, consider the height and the type of rail on the mount itself. The height will determine your cheek weld. A low mount is great for a more heads-up position, similar to using iron sights, but it might not clear the rear sight housing or the dust cover on some AK models. A higher mount gives you more clearance but can force an awkward chin weld. As for the top rail, most are Picatinny, which gives you the most optic options, but some are specific to certain red dot footprints. Think about what optic you plan to run and make sure the mount is compatible. Getting the right AK 47 scope mount is about balancing these factors to find the perfect union of stability, compatibility, and comfort for your specific rifle and shooting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a scope mount hold zero on my AK-47?
Yes, a high-quality mount designed for the AK platform absolutely can and should hold zero. The key is choosing a robust system, primarily one that attaches to the rifle’s side rail. These mounts use a strong clamping mechanism that locks securely onto the rail. I’ve had great success with mounts from reputable manufacturers that maintain their zero even after being removed and reattached multiple times. The AK’s reputation for rough handling is precisely why you shouldn’t cut corners here; invest in a well-made mount and it will perform reliably.
What is the difference between a Picatinny and a Weaver rail?
This is a common point of confusion. While they look similar, the key difference is in the specifications. Picatinny rails (MIL-STD-1913) have consistently sized and spaced slots, with the cross-bars being 0.206 inches wide. Weaver rails have slots that are not standardized and can vary in size. For all practical purposes today, when you buy a modern scope mount, it will almost certainly have a Picatinny rail on top. This is the industry standard, and virtually all modern optics and rings are designed to fit a Picatinny rail. You can usually attach a Weaver-style ring to a Picatinny rail, but the reverse isn’t always true or secure.
Can I co-witness my iron sights with a scope mount?
It depends on the height of the mount and the type of optic you’re using. Absolute co-witness, where the red dot sits directly on the front sight post, is very difficult to achieve on an AK with a magnified scope due to the scope’s large objective bell. However, lower 1/3 co-witness, where the iron sights are visible in the lower third of your optic’s window, is a more common and practical goal, especially with red dot sights. Many manufacturers design their mounts with specific heights to achieve this on the AK platform. You’ll need to research the specific mount and optic combination to see if co-witness is possible.
Do I need a specific mount for my Zastava or PSA AK?
Potentially, yes. While the AK side rail is generally standardized, there can be small variations between manufacturers that affect fit. For example, Zastava rifles (Yugo pattern) have a side rail that is mounted slightly lower than standard AKM-pattern rifles. Because of this, many standard AKM scope mounts will sit too high on a Zastava, preventing a proper zero. Companies like RS Regulate make specific lower halves for these different patterns. Always check the mount’s compatibility list to ensure it is confirmed to work with your specific rifle model before purchasing.
Is it better to get a dedicated mount or a universal one?
I almost always recommend a dedicated, high-quality mount over a universal one. Universal mounts, which often replace the rear sight leaf or clamp onto the receiver cover, are a compromise. They can work for casual plinking, but they frequently lack the rigid, repeatable lock-up of a mount designed specifically for the AK’s side rail. For a secure and reliable setup that you can count on, a dedicated side rail mount is the superior choice. It’s the difference between a temporary fix and a permanent solution for your optic mounting needs.