The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base Made a Bold First Impression
As a long-time AK enthusiast, I’ve always sought ways to improve the platform’s versatility. The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base immediately caught my eye as a potential solution for adding optics without permanently altering my rifle. I was looking for a stable, reliable, and easily detachable mount that wouldn’t break the bank.
I needed a way to reliably mount a red dot optic to my AK-74 for improved target acquisition at shorter ranges. Traditional side-mounted rails can sometimes sit too high, requiring a cheek riser, or be difficult to remove quickly. The Midwest Industries mount promised a lower profile and a quick detach (QD) lever, addressing both concerns.
Upon unboxing, the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base felt solid and well-machined. The black anodized finish was even and blemish-free, suggesting good quality control. Its weight felt appropriate, not too heavy to unbalance the rifle but substantial enough to inspire confidence. I was definitely intrigued.
Compared to some cheaper, no-name AK scope mounts I’d seen, the Midwest Industries option appeared significantly more robust. I considered a few other reputable brands like RS Regulate, but the Midwest Industries mount offered a similar feature set at a slightly lower price point. The deciding factor was the positive user feedback and the Midwest Industries reputation for quality AR accessories. I hoped that reputation would translate to their AK offerings.
My initial impression was definitely positive. The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base seemed like a well-thought-out and well-executed product. I was excited to see how it performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base was at my local outdoor range. I mounted a Holosun HS503CU red dot and zeroed it at 50 yards. The mount held zero perfectly, even after repeated firing.
The conditions were sunny and mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. Installation was straightforward, and the QD lever made attaching and detaching the mount a breeze. No tools were needed. After firing around 200 rounds, the mount remained securely attached to the side rail of my AK-74.
The only minor issue I encountered was the screws holding the Picatinny rail to the base seemed to loosen slightly. This mirrored a user comment I had seen before purchasing. However, this was easily remedied.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve used it in various conditions, including a dusty desert environment and during a rainy training session. It still locks up tight.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scratches on the finish. I clean the mount after each range trip with a basic CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) and have had no issues with rust or corrosion. The QD lever continues to function smoothly and reliably.
In comparison to a cheaper, Chinese-made AK mount I had previously used, the Midwest Industries mount is a night and day difference. The cheaper mount would constantly loosen, shift zero, and eventually broke after only a few hundred rounds. The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base
Specifications
- Fits AK 47/74 rifles: Designed to universally fit most standard AK pattern rifles. This is crucial for broad compatibility.
- Picatinny Rail: Provides a standard platform for mounting a wide variety of optics and accessories. This ensures versatility for different setups.
- Quick Detach (QD) lever: Allows for rapid attachment and detachment of the mount without tools. This is a huge advantage in dynamic situations.
- Modular design: Offers the flexibility to swap out the top rail for other mounting options (sold separately). This adds futureproofing and adaptability.
- Lightweight and durable construction: Made from 6061 aluminum with a hardcoat anodized finish for corrosion resistance. This provides durability without excessive weight.
These specifications are important because they ensure the mount’s compatibility, stability, and ease of use. The Picatinny rail is essential for mounting optics. The QD lever allows for quick changes in the field if necessary.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and repeatable mounting platform for optics. The mount holds zero even after repeated removal and re-attachment.
The primary strength is its rock-solid stability and easy-to-use QD lever. The only area for potential improvement is ensuring the screws holding the rail to the base are properly secured with Loctite from the factory.
It meets my expectations and, in some ways, exceeds them. The simplicity of the design and the robustness of the construction are impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. Midwest Industries uses high-quality materials and precise machining. The mount feels solid in hand without being overly heavy.
The design is user-friendly. The installation process is straightforward. The QD lever operates smoothly and securely.
Durability & Maintenance
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked rag is all that’s needed to keep it in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base itself doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it is designed to accept any optic or accessory that mounts to a standard Picatinny rail.
Midwest Industries also offers different top rail options for this mount. This includes a low-profile red dot mount and a forward-mounted optic rail. These options allow for further customization based on individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base
Pros
- Rock-solid stability for reliable zero retention.
- Easy-to-use QD lever for quick optic changes.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
- Low-profile design avoids the need for a cheek riser in many cases.
- Modular design allows for future customization.
Cons
- Screws holding the rail may loosen initially (easily fixed with Loctite).
- The price is slightly higher than some budget options.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base?
This mount is perfect for AK owners who want a reliable and easily detachable platform for mounting optics. This includes recreational shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and those who participate in tactical training. Anyone looking to improve the accuracy and versatility of their AK will benefit from this mount.
Those who should skip this product are AK owners on a very tight budget who are willing to sacrifice quality and reliability. Also those who prefer a permanently mounted optic and don’t need the quick detach feature.
A must-have modification is applying Loctite to the screws holding the Picatinny rail to the base before initial use.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base is a well-designed and well-executed product that delivers on its promises. It provides a stable, reliable, and easily detachable mounting platform for optics on AK pattern rifles.
The price of $167.95 is justified given the quality of materials, the robust construction, and the practical features. It’s an investment in a quality product that will enhance the performance and versatility of your AK.
I would definitely recommend the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base to any AK owner looking to add optics to their rifle. It’s a solid choice that will not disappoint. Upgrade your AK today and experience the difference a quality scope mount can make!
