Let’s Dive into Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail
The Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail offers a simple and effective way to mount optics on your AK platform rifle. Manufactured by Strike Industries, this rail replaces the standard AK rear sight, providing a 1913 Picatinny rail for various low-profile red dot sights and other optics. It addresses the inherent difficulty of mounting optics on AKs without bulky side mounts or permanent modifications.
I recently acquired a Draco AK pistol and quickly realized how challenging it was to effectively utilize the factory iron sights, especially for quick target acquisition. The short sight radius combined with the already less-than-stellar AK sights pushed me to seek an alternative optic mounting solution. I was looking for a low-profile, stable, and non-permanent way to add a red dot to my Draco.
Upon unboxing the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the aircraft 6061 aluminum. The hard coat anodized finish gives it a robust and durable appearance, suggesting it can withstand the harsh conditions often associated with AK usage. It feels lightweight yet sturdy, a crucial aspect considering it’s mounted directly onto the rear sight trunnion.
I considered other options, including traditional side-mounted rails and railed gas tubes. I chose the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail because it offered a more streamlined and centered optic placement, avoiding the offset associated with side mounts. Railed gas tubes often require more extensive installation and can potentially affect gas system performance, making this the simpler alternative.
My first impression was positive; the machining appeared clean and precise. It seemed like a well-thought-out solution for mounting optics on an AK without significantly altering the rifle’s original configuration. I was eager to install it and test its stability and performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail took place at an outdoor shooting range under varied weather conditions. The range offered both static shooting bays and dynamic movement courses, providing a good mix of precision and practical application. The weather was slightly overcast with a light drizzle, presenting a real-world scenario that could test the rail’s durability.
The rail performed surprisingly well in the damp conditions, exhibiting no slippage or loosening despite the added moisture. Mounting my Holosun 507C red dot was straightforward, and the rail provided a stable platform. It was easy to use, though the included adjustment screws required some fine-tuning to achieve perfect alignment with the front sight post.
The only initial issue was ensuring the correct tension on the mounting screws to prevent the rail from shifting under recoil. After tightening them incrementally, the rail held firm through several magazines worth of ammunition. I was surprised at how stable it felt compared to some of the other options I considered.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through my Draco with the rail installed, and it hasn’t shifted or shown any signs of loosening. It has consistently held zero, providing confidence in its stability and functionality.
The hard-coat anodized finish shows minimal wear and tear, despite being subjected to typical range use and handling. Cleaning the rail is simple; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s required. It’s far easier to clean than some of the more complex mounting solutions available.
Compared to my previous experiences with side-mounted AK rails, the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail offers a superior shooting experience. It eliminates the offset associated with side mounts and provides a more natural and intuitive sight picture. It has definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of use, stability, and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail
Specifications
The Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail is constructed from Aircraft 6061 Aluminum, providing a lightweight yet robust mounting platform. Its black hard coat anodized finish enhances durability and corrosion resistance. Designed specifically for Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, the rail converts the rear sight into a 1913 Picatinny rail.
The rail allows for customizable level adjustment in both the up/down and left/right directions. It accommodates various low-profile red dot sights. One of the most important aspects is that the original rear sight notch can be used as a backup for reference aiming if the optic fails.
These specifications are important because they ensure a stable and reliable mounting platform for optics. The aluminum construction keeps the overall weight of the rifle manageable, while the hard coat anodizing protects against wear and tear. The adjustability feature allows users to fine-tune the rail for optimal alignment.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail performs its job exceptionally well by providing a stable and centered platform for mounting optics. It maintains zero consistently even under sustained fire. It is also easier to field strip the AK for cleaning and maintenance with the rail installed compared to side-mounted solutions.
Its primary strength lies in its ease of installation and solid construction. The adjustability is also a significant advantage. One potential area for improvement would be to include more detailed installation instructions to guide users through the initial setup process.
Overall, the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail has met and exceeded my expectations. It has provided a reliable and effective way to mount optics on my AK pistol. The rail is a fantastic solution for those looking to improve the sighting system of their AK pattern rifles without any permanent modification.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail is impressive. The materials used feel premium and durable. The rail’s lightweight design doesn’t add noticeable weight to the rifle, contributing to better handling and maneuverability.
The design is user-friendly, with a straightforward installation process. The included adjustment screws allow for fine-tuning the rail’s position to ensure proper alignment. The learning curve is minimal, even for those with limited experience in AK modifications.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail is designed for long-lasting durability. The aircraft-grade aluminum and hard coat anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and impact damage. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years of use.
Maintenance is simple; the rail requires minimal attention. A quick cleaning with a cloth after each range session is typically sufficient to keep it in good condition. No specialized tools or cleaning products are needed, making it easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail is primarily designed to accommodate low-profile red dot sights and similar optics that utilize the 1913 Picatinny rail standard. The rail is compatible with a wide range of red dot sights from various brands, including Holosun, Trijicon, and Aimpoint. The fact that you retain the ability to utilize the original rear sight notch is an added bonus.
While the rail itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the ability to easily mount and swap out different optics provides ample flexibility. There are no proprietary attachments or modifications required, making it easy to integrate into existing AK setups.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail
Pros
- Provides a stable and centered optic mounting platform.
- Easy to install with minimal modifications required.
- Aircraft 6061 Aluminum construction ensures durability and lightweight design.
- Customizable level adjustment for optimal alignment.
- Retains the ability to use the original rear sight for backup aiming.
Cons
- The included instructions could be more detailed.
- Best suited for low-profile red dot sights; larger optics may be too bulky.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail?
The Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail is perfect for AK owners who want to easily and affordably mount optics without permanent modifications. It’s ideal for recreational shooters, tactical enthusiasts, and those who want to improve their AK’s accuracy and target acquisition speed. It would also be beneficial to those looking to upgrade their AK pistols like the Draco.
This product might not be the best choice for those who prefer using traditional iron sights or those who require a side-mounted rail for specific optic setups. Also, if you prefer a more robust, permanent solution and are comfortable with gunsmithing, other options might be better suited.
A must-have accessory for this rail is a quality low-profile red dot sight. A thread-locking compound, like Loctite, can also be beneficial to ensure the mounting screws stay secure under heavy recoil.
Conclusion on Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail
The Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail offers a compelling solution for mounting optics on AK-pattern rifles and pistols. Its simple installation, durable construction, and customizable adjustments make it a standout product in the market. It improves the shooting experience with the AK platform.
At a price of $47.95, the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail represents excellent value for money. It provides a significant upgrade in terms of optic mounting capabilities without breaking the bank. It competes favorably with other optic mounting solutions.
I would absolutely recommend the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail to any AK owner looking to improve their rifle’s sighting system. It’s an effective, affordable, and easy-to-install upgrade that significantly enhances the overall shooting experience. Check out the Strike Industries AK Rear Sight Rail and experience the difference for yourself!