The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny Made a Bold First Impression
The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny promises a simple, no-nonsense solution for mounting a red dot optic on your AK platform. This mount eliminates the need for permanent modifications and boasts a built-in iron sight for co-witnessing. It’s a solution that grabbed my attention immediately.
After years of fiddling with clunky side rails and dust cover mounts that never quite held zero, I was searching for a rock-solid, lightweight option for my AKM pattern rifle. The promise of easy installation and a lower 1/3 co-witness with my existing iron sights sealed the deal. Upon receiving the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny, I was immediately struck by its compact size and the clean lines of the design. The hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum felt robust and the steel locking blocks instilled confidence.
Compared to some bulkier alternatives I’ve experimented with, such as the UTG Pro AK side mount or even a railed gas tube, the Midwest Industries mount felt streamlined and far less intrusive. I chose this mount because it seemed to offer the best balance of stability, weight, and ease of installation, without compromising the classic AK aesthetic. Initially, I was very excited, hoping this would be the red dot mounting solution I’d been searching for on my AK platform.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny at my local shooting range, a fairly typical outdoor setup with distances out to 200 yards. The mount was installed on a WASR-10 AKM pattern rifle chambered in 7.62×39. The weather was clear and dry, with temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
Installation proved to be straightforward, as advertised. The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny slid into place with minimal fuss and the steel locking blocks provided a secure fit. I mounted a Trijicon RMR using a compatible picatinny adapter, and the lower 1/3 co-witness with the iron sights was spot-on. After zeroing the red dot, I ran about 200 rounds through the rifle, and the mount held zero flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple range trips and a weekend-long training course, the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny has held up admirably. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, and the finish remains in excellent condition, despite exposure to typical range grime and cleaning solvents. The durability of this mount is a real selling point.
Maintaining the mount is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each range session is all that’s required. Compared to some other AK optic mounting solutions I’ve tried, this Midwest Industries mount has been a significant improvement in terms of stability and ease of use. It consistently delivers reliable performance and maintains zero even after being bumped and jostled around.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny
Specifications
The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is designed to fit AK47 and AK74 rear sights on stamped or milled receivers. It is constructed from hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum with steel locking blocks. This ensures a strong and lightweight platform.
The mount is a one-piece design that replaces the rear sight leaf and features a built-in iron sight for lower 1/3 co-witness. It is compatible with both picatinny and T2 footprint red dots. The combination of lightweight aluminum and steel reinforcement provides a balance of durability and minimal weight, crucial for maintaining the AK’s handling characteristics.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny excels in its primary function: providing a stable and reliable platform for mounting a red dot optic on an AK rifle. It achieves this without requiring permanent modifications to the firearm. The built-in iron sight is a valuable feature.
The mount offers a clear sight picture with a lower 1/3 co-witness, allowing for quick transitions between the red dot and iron sights in case of optic failure. Its strengths lie in its simplicity, ease of installation, and solid construction. A minor improvement could be a slightly more refined finish on the edges of the picatinny rail. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a simple, effective AK red dot mount.
Design & Ergonomics
The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is designed with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The build quality is excellent, with the hard coat anodized aluminum providing a robust and corrosion-resistant finish. The mount is lightweight and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the rifle.
The mount’s low profile design keeps the red dot close to the bore axis. This contributes to improved accuracy and faster target acquisition. The installation process is straightforward and doesn’t require any specialized tools. This mount is very user-friendly, even for those with limited experience working on AK rifles.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of 6061 aluminum and steel locking blocks ensures that the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is built to last. The hard coat anodized finish provides excellent resistance to scratches, corrosion, and wear. With proper care, this mount should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe down with a clean cloth after each use is all that’s typically required to keep the mount in good condition. The durable construction and corrosion-resistant finish minimize the need for more extensive maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is primarily designed to accommodate red dot optics with a picatinny or T2 footprint. This includes a wide range of popular models from manufacturers like Trijicon, Aimpoint, Holosun, and Sig Sauer. The mount does not directly offer additional customization options.
However, its compatibility with standard picatinny red dots allows users to choose from a vast selection of optics based on their individual preferences and needs. The fact that the mount allows for a lower 1/3 co-witness with standard AK iron sights is another form of customization, allowing users to maintain a backup sighting system.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny
- Pros
- Simple Installation: Easy to install without permanent modifications.
- Durable Construction: Made from hard coat anodized aluminum and steel.
- Lower 1/3 Co-witness: Allows for use of iron sights as backup.
- Lightweight Design: Minimizes added weight to the rifle.
- Stable Platform: Provides a secure and reliable mount for red dots.
- Cons
- Limited Customization: Offers minimal additional accessory mounting options.
- Rear Sight Obstructed: Can make using the iron sights slightly more difficult due to the optic’s presence, even with co-witness.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny?
The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is perfect for AK owners who want to easily and reliably mount a red dot optic without permanently modifying their rifle. This is ideal for recreational shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and those who want a simple, effective sighting system. It is especially beneficial for those who value the ability to co-witness their iron sights.
Those who prefer more extensive customization options, such as multiple accessory rails or adjustable cheek risers, might want to consider alternative mounting solutions like a full-length railed dust cover or a side-mounted rail system. A must-have accessory would be a quality red dot optic, such as a Trijicon RMR or Holosun HS507C.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny
The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny offers a compelling solution for mounting red dot optics on AK rifles. Its simple installation, durable construction, and ability to co-witness with iron sights make it a standout product in its category. The mount offers excellent value.
The price is justified by its performance, reliability, and ease of use. I would highly recommend this mount to anyone looking for a no-nonsense way to add a red dot to their AK platform. Upgrade your AK today and experience the enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition that this mount provides!