First Thoughts on the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base
The AK platform, while renowned for its reliability and ruggedness, has often lagged behind in terms of optics mounting solutions. Midwest Industries, a well-respected name in the firearms accessory market, aims to rectify this with their Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base. This mount promises a stable and repeatable platform for optics, addressing a critical need for AK owners seeking enhanced accuracy and versatility.
For years, I struggled to find a reliable way to mount a quality optic on my AK-74. The existing side rails were often flimsy or sat too high, leading to awkward cheek welds and inconsistent accuracy. The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base looked like it could finally solve this problem, offering a low-profile, stable platform that wouldn’t break the bank.
Unboxing the mount, my initial impression was one of solid build quality. The materials felt robust, and the finish was clean and professional. It was noticeably heavier than some of the cheaper, stamped steel mounts I’d previously experimented with, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand recoil and abuse.
Compared to cheaper, less robust mounts from UTG or even some of the older Kalinka Optics offerings, the Midwest Industries mount immediately stood out. Those other options often felt like afterthoughts, while this mount seemed purpose-built. The quick-detach lever also made it more appealing than fixed mounts requiring tools for removal. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this would be the solution I’d been searching for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base was my local shooting range. I mounted a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 optic, a scope I’m very familiar with, to the mount and then the entire assembly to my AK-74. I specifically chose a day with mixed conditions, some light rain and fairly gusty winds, to see how the mount would hold up.
The mount held zero remarkably well through approximately 200 rounds, even with the changing weather conditions. It remained securely attached to the rifle, and the optic showed no signs of shifting. Adjusting to the new optic height was easy, and I immediately noticed an improvement in my accuracy compared to iron sights.
There was one minor issue: after the first 10-15 shots, I noticed the screws holding the picatinny rail to the mount body loosened slightly. I stopped, tightened them, and proceeded with the rest of the session, which ran flawlessly. Later, at home, I applied Loctite to those screws, learning from that initial experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 1000 rounds fired, the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base continues to perform reliably. There are some minor scratches on the finish, typical wear from regular use and storage, but nothing that affects functionality. I regularly clean the mount after each range session and ensure the quick-detach lever remains properly adjusted.
The mount has endured several outdoor shooting sessions, including a dusty desert environment and a humid woodland scenario. It has proven remarkably durable, with no signs of bending or warping. This mount dramatically outperforms the side rail dust cover mounts I used previously. Those would shift and lose zero after only a few magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base is designed to fit AK-47/AK-74 pattern rifles. It features a Picatinny rail for mounting various optics and accessories. The mount is constructed from 6061 aluminum, providing a lightweight yet durable platform.
The quick-detach mechanism allows for rapid removal and reattachment of the mount without losing zero, a critical feature for tactical applications. Its modular design ensures compatibility with a wide range of AK variants. These specifications translate to a user-friendly experience, especially for those needing to quickly switch between optics or iron sights.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base excels at providing a stable and repeatable mounting platform for optics on AK rifles. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to using traditional iron sights, and the quick-detach feature allows for easy optic removal when needed. While the initial loosening of the rail screws was a concern, applying Loctite eliminated this issue.
The mount’s strengths lie in its robust construction, ease of installation, and quick-detach capability. The only notable weakness is the potential for the rail screws to loosen, but this is easily addressed. The mount meets and exceeds expectations, providing a reliable and versatile optics mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The mount is well-designed, with a low profile that minimizes interference with the rifle’s controls. The 6061 aluminum construction keeps the weight manageable, while still providing excellent durability. The quick-detach lever is easy to operate, even with gloved hands.
The design is intuitive, with no significant learning curve required for installation or use. It’s a user-friendly product that enhances the functionality of the AK platform. The mount is comfortable to use and doesn’t add excessive bulk to the rifle.
Durability & Maintenance
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base is built to last, with its aluminum construction and robust design. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a brush and solvent to remove any dirt or debris.
Maintenance primarily involves ensuring the screws are tightened and the quick-detach lever is properly adjusted. The solid construction gives confidence in its longevity. The mount is easy to disassemble for deeper cleaning or maintenance, if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base provides a Picatinny rail that readily accepts a multitude of accessories, including scopes, red dot sights, magnifiers, and even weapon lights. There are no additional accessories included in the box, only the mount itself. The beauty is in its compatibility.
The mount is designed to work seamlessly with most standard Picatinny-compatible accessories, offering a wide range of customization options. Compatibility with other brands ensures users can select the accessories that best suit their needs. This versatility is a major selling point.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base
Pros
- Rock-solid optics mounting platform that holds zero reliably.
- Quick-detach mechanism allows for fast optic removal and reattachment.
- Durable aluminum construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install with minimal tools required.
- Modular design fits a wide range of AK variants.
Cons
- Rail screws may loosen initially.
- Price is higher than some competing mounts.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base?
Perfect for AK owners seeking a reliable and repeatable optics mounting solution. This is a great product for tactical shooters, hunters, and recreational shooters who want to improve the accuracy and versatility of their AK rifles. Anyone who needs to quickly switch between optics and iron sights would greatly benefit.
Those on an extremely tight budget might want to explore cheaper alternatives, although the long-term reliability and performance of those options are questionable. Owners of rare or non-standard AK variants should verify compatibility before purchasing. A must-have accessory would be a small vial of blue Loctite for securing the rail screws.
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 robust optics mounting solution that addresses a common problem for AK owners. It provides a stable and repeatable platform for optics, significantly improving accuracy and versatility. Despite the initial issue with the rail screws, the mount has proven to be reliable and durable.
At $167.95, the price is justified by the mount’s quality, performance, and features. I would highly recommend this mount to anyone looking to upgrade their AK with a quality optics mounting solution. It’s a worthwhile investment that will enhance the shooting experience. Upgrade your AK today with the Midwest Industries Railed Gen2 AK Scope Mount Rifle Base!