Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny Review

First Thoughts on the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny

The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny promises a simple yet effective solution for mounting red dot optics on the venerable AK platform. This mount boasts compatibility with both Picatinny and T2 footprint red dots, and includes an integrated iron sight for lower 1/3 cowitness, a feature appealing to both traditionalists and modern tactical shooters alike. Midwest Industries is a well-regarded manufacturer known for producing quality aftermarket components, so my expectations are already fairly high.

I was initially drawn to this mount because I wanted to modernize my WASR-10 without sacrificing the AK’s inherent ruggedness. I needed a solution that wouldn’t require permanent modification to the rifle, and one that offered a stable platform for a red dot sight. The AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount seemed to tick all the right boxes.

Upon unboxing, the mount felt solid and well-made, especially with the steel locking blocks. The hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum gave it a robust feel without adding excessive weight. Compared to other AK optic mounts I’ve seen, especially the railed dust cover options, this one seemed significantly more rigid. I chose it over a railed dust cover because those can sometimes introduce zeroing issues.

My first impression was positive. The design appeared well-thought-out, and the materials seemed durable enough to withstand the rigors of regular use. I’m eager to see how it performs at the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, where I subjected the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny to a few hundred rounds of 7.62x39mm. The weather was fair, but a light breeze carried dust across the range. I used a Holosun 507C red dot, known for its ruggedness and clear glass.

The mount installed easily, clamping securely to the rear sight trunnion. It required a bit of force to seat properly, instilling confidence in its stability. The red dot co-witnessed perfectly with the integrated iron sights.

The mount held zero consistently throughout the session. No noticeable shifting or loosening occurred, even after rapid firing strings. The dust didn’t seem to affect its performance at all.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, and many more range trips, the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny has held up remarkably well. I have also tested it during a rainy day at an outdoor range and even after getting completely wet, it still held zero. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session keeps it clean and functional. Compared to other mounting solutions I’ve tried, this one offers far superior stability and ease of maintenance. I’m confident in its long-term reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny

Specifications

• Action Type: Semi-Auto. Designed for semi-automatic AK platforms, ensuring compatibility with most common variants.
• Color: Black. The black finish provides a low-profile, tactical aesthetic.
• Make: AK-47. Specifically designed for AK-47 and AK-74 rifles.
• Material: Steel. Steel locking blocks enhance rigidity and durability.
• Number of Bases: 1-Piece. The one-piece design simplifies installation and reduces potential weak points.
• Style: Picatinny Rail. Offers compatibility with a wide range of red dot optics.

The specifications highlight the mount’s robust construction and compatibility. The steel locking blocks are particularly noteworthy, as they contribute significantly to its ability to maintain zero under recoil.

Performance & Functionality

The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting red dot optics on the AK platform. Accuracy is noticeably improved with the addition of a red dot, and the co-witnessed iron sights offer a valuable backup.

Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and ruggedness. There are no complicated mechanisms or fragile parts to worry about. The one potential area for improvement would be the finish, a slightly more durable coating would be welcome. It meets my expectations and provides a very solid optic mounting solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny feels solid and well-engineered. The weight is minimal, barely adding to the overall heft of the rifle.

The design is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, and the integrated iron sights are a nice touch. There’s no learning curve to speak of.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its steel and aluminum construction, the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is built to last. It shows no signs of weakening or degradation after several months of consistent use.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick cleaning with a standard gun solvent and a light coat of oil are all that’s required to keep it in top condition. Its simple design means there are few areas where dirt and debris can accumulate.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is primarily designed to interface with red dot optics utilizing either a Picatinny or T2 footprint. The Picatinny rail allows for a wide variety of red dot sights to be mounted.

It is compatible with most standard AKM pattern rifles. Some users might consider adding a riser to achieve a higher degree of co-witness, depending on their preferred cheek weld.

Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny

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 looking to modernize their rifles with a red dot optic without permanently altering the firearm. It’s well-suited for recreational shooters, competitive shooters, and those seeking a reliable optic mounting solution for home defense or tactical applications.

Those who prefer traditional AK iron sights and are unwilling to consider red dot optics should skip this product. Individuals seeking an extremely lightweight mount above all else may want to explore other options, but will likely sacrifice some rigidity.

A quality red dot optic is a must-have accessory. Consider a micro red dot with a T2 footprint or one that is Picatinny compatible.

Conclusion on Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny

The Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny is an excellent option for anyone wanting to add a red dot optic to their AK. It offers a robust, reliable, and easy-to-install solution that doesn’t require permanent modification to the rifle. The price of $73.99 is justified by the quality of materials and construction.

I would absolutely recommend the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount Picatinny to fellow AK enthusiasts. If you’re looking to improve your AK’s accuracy and speed of target acquisition, this is a solid choice. Upgrade your AK today and experience the difference!