TX-Zen
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Posts posted by TX-Zen
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Two mags is kinda light, do you have more ammo in your buttpack?
Those pics are my SVD setup but as I mentioned UW gear is going to make a 74 chest rig to try out. I normally use a TT-MAV with tacos
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LBE with HSGI Tacos. Works for every rifle I own in 1 rig. The tacos are very versitile IMO.
used it with good results in my last class
can do more detailed pics if need wanted.
ETA: I'm on the left.
+1 to the taco's
I'm on the right
Need to make room for the holster, thinking of Safariland 6360 for XD40 + X300
SVD rig by UW gear, will have them make me a 74 rig here soon:
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Another quick post on my never ending quest to acquire all the Russian optics -
PGO-7B
The PGO-7B was originally designed for the RPG-7 but there are a few pics floating around of them being used on AKS-74's in the Russian Afghanistan war. I always thought they were interesting optics for a rifle but wasn't sure if they could really be zeroed on an AK...some say yes and some say no. After fiddling with these now I'm 100% sure they can be zeroed and actually used to engage targets with. Good news is that once you figure it out it's pretty easy to get it dialed in.
They are a little tricky to zero when you first look at them because while the windage is pretty obvious the elevation is different than most Russian optics. Instead of trajectory up and trajectory down as normal, the PGO only has a simple + and - sign on the elevation turret and it only moves a tiny bit when changed between the two settings. It's also on the bottom where you don't normally expect to find it. I was perplexed for a while because I wasn't sure if it was even intended for the elevation to change (I don't have any experience with RPG's and so don't know) but after some semi-educated guess work I discovered that if you loosen the 3 screws on the elevation turret you can use a screw driver to turn the center screw, which then moves the reticule in the FOV. While it doesn't seem possible to bring the boresight cross low enough to use as the POA, it is possible to bring the grid pattern down far enough so that the very top line and the double center lines can be used as the POA. The optic is 2.8x I believe and has a decent FOV along with a 2.7m range finder incase you are engaging Yao Ming or some other NBA star
The new optic I picked up is has a 1971 data plate with a second 1980 date code. I'm not sure if the second year is the 'best used by' date or if it's a new plate adding showing the optic was retrofitted or upgraded somehow. These are illuminated and use the same style bulb as the PSO series, though all the PGO bulbs I've run across have been a flat amber instead of red. Also note that the Chinese versions of the PGO do not appear to fit most AK rails, I've heard that the Chinese mount is slightly smaller than the Russian original. And while the NPZ style clamp is slightly different than other rifle optics it can be adjusted and fits all the SGL and SLR pattern rifles I have and seems like it will hold zero.
Enjoy:
1971 data plate with 1980 date as well
Comparison to what I believe is the BelOMO version of the PGO-7
Loosen these three screws and then turn the center screw to adjust elevation
POA can be adjusted so that the top horizontal line (range line 2) and the double center line match POI
Edit: other info here:
http://forums.gunboa...scope-(updated)
NIT-A
I think it has always been one of the more interesting looking Russian optics and it has without doubt set the standard for being the highest mounted optic that I believe I've seen on AK (in person anyway). You guys who like cowitness might as well skip this review, NIT-A is liable to give you a heart attack due to how high it sits.
I passed on the NIT-A when they made a brief appearance in the States back in 2005-2006, but I have always wished that I would have picked one up when I had the chance. As luck would have it I recently bumped into a friendly overseas collector who had one for a good price so I snagged it and after getting ahold of it in person I really wished I would have bought one a long time ago when they were available.
First thing out of the box I learned something very interesting about NIT...it is the forerunner of the space age looking Obzor and appears to use the same light gathering sensor method of making the reticule always on. The lense coating is the same purplish color and the reticule is the same green illumination, it has a switch for darkening the view to make the reticle higher contrast and it is tritium illuminated for low light shooting (or it was tritium lit... mine is almost completely gone). Interestingly to me it uses a smaller version of the German post reticule similar to 1P76 Rakurs instead of the Obzor's pattern. I like the Obzor pattern quite a bit and think it's pretty ingenious actually, but I'm also partial to the more traditional Rakurs.
I had a chance to put a few rounds down range last weekend and FWIW I think the sight is very practical...like Obzor the reticule is easy to acquire and works with both eyes open. When using both eyes and I found it was harder for the NIT-A (and Obzor) to superimpose the reticule image due to the darker tint of the lense, for me it tended to draw me into the shooting eye being dominant which made the rest of the world disappear. Other optics like Rakurs, PK-AS and Kobra are generally easier to keep the reticule superimposed because the both eyes are seeing mostly the same background, whereas NIT-A is pretty clearly darker in one eye than the other. Still works but I found it required more concentration to keep both eyes open and during different periods my dominant eye would switch on at random. The height of NIT-A is actually very comfortable when standing up...not so much sitting down and I think it might be tough using it when prone. One thing I believe is probably true about Russian optics is that it's not an accident some of them are so high, I think they are designed for CQB/ on the move, as well as for using ballistic helmets like the K6-3 Altyn for example. With the visor down there is really no way to get on the irons from what I can see and concepts like cowitness go out the window too, so I believe part of the reason NIT-A is high is for helmet use.
This isn't one of the optics I'd recommend running out and getting for everyday use but I find it to be a pretty interesting addition to the collection and will be looking forward to getting more range time with it.
Pics:
SLG31 simulating an AK74M
The family
NIT-A reticule
1P76 Rakurs
1P63 Obzor
Shooting position from the bench
NIT light sensors
Obzor light sensors
On the S12
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Saigatech:
3032 3v lithium
perhaps? I read that somewhere recently
I have nothing to add to this conversation other than to say TxZen is DEAD to me as he beat me out of a 500M AK-105 leaf sight on the AK Forum.
I'm giving him the silent treatment.
That thing was $100 though. No rear sight leaf is worth that much. I'm sure one will come up for cheaper. Even if it is a 500m. Is it really that much better than any other site, like will it make you more accurate? I understand the authenticity part of it but really that's alot of money for a sight. I just bought a Russian rpk sight with windage adjustments on it for $50. That's funny though how much we spend on rare item.
I think leland and I have the same idea at this point, we've both been waiting for so dang long that the price didn't matter on this one. I don't see the AK105 sights come up very often at all (been many months for me too) and when they do I can't think of once when they were less than $100
Sorry leland!
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The first one looks like 4x24 with Simonov reticule, calibrated for 7.62x39. You are correct the second and 3rd chevrons are for 200 and 300m but no, they won't work for 223
The second one is the SVD scope called PSO-1, which has the military pattern reticule. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th chevrons do not correspond to 200, 300 and 400m though, they are used for 1100-1300m shooting when the elevation turret is rotated to 10, or 1000m
There is some correlation with the second, third and 4th chevrons being close at specific ranges but I don't recall what they are off the top of my head (and it's coincidence from what I am told, it's not by design)
Simonov Reticule:
PSO-1
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why do i only see two chevrons in this image off kalinkaoptics?
Most versions have 3 chevrons but apparently the latest ones coming in the US have only two
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Try Dmitry at Eastwave
Google should turn up the site and there should be a way to contact him. I've ordered a lot of optics from him over the years he's GTG
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I've spent a ton of money with Kalinka and never had a problem personally, FWIW
Don't order from binocularsmart though, not only are they out of business but they are a-holes to deal with. I got burned by them a long time ago and it wasn't too pretty.
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Nice!
Glad you went with the Rakurs, mine has been a real pleasure for a long time now. I zeroed mine for slugs at 50 yards and have been pretty happy with it, the slug zero works well enough for clays too.
Congrats!
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Right about 2K I think, but the S12 itself was only about $280 back in the day
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PK-A
I prefer the grey model
.JPG)
PK01-Vi is a good aimpoint style red dot though I actually prefer the PK-A over the PK01. The VE model sits very high but has a spacer that can be removed
This PK01-VA is about the lowest you can get (same family as PK01V but slight differences in construction. Also confusing terminology...PK01VA, VE, or just V)
And here's the PDK23 (commonly known as PK23 or PK02)
(Shown in the RS Regulate mount)
No experience with Vortex but PA is well regarded and my friends that have them are happy. I'd get one too if I needed another MRD
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I definitely have the outer wear, this year I'll be rolling around in my Gorka mountain suit
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I've used my Rakurs for a year and a half on my S12, 1500 rounds of bird shot, slug and high brass with no problems. Rakurs has proven itself to me over and over again.
These days I'm really digging the space age funkiness of Obzor but haven't been to the range nearly as much to get it broken in.
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The AKSU and AK105 FSB/GB's are timed differently than the AK74 FSB because the locking detent is in a different place, but Bulgarian and Russian AK74 FSB's and brakes have the detent in the same spot as each other.
That means you'd run into a small alignment problem trying to use an AKSU booster on a regular 74 FSB or a 74 brake on an AKSU, but mixing and matching Bulgarian or Russian brakes and FSB's is fine.
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I'd stay away from the Kobra sight unless you are building a display of obsolete cold war technology.
They are poorly made. On mine, the switch broke and there are no replacement parts available.
It is literally made of pot metal.
Generally speaking they are well made but there was a batch that had defective switches. This is what caused them to have a bad rap over here but in the field they appear to have a proven combat reputation, Russian troops apparently like them quite a bit.
That being said I think there are modern optics like 1P76 Rakurs and 1P63 Obzor that are better, and as mentioned the PK-AS is a fantastic optic as well (and was my personal favorite until Rakurs and Obzor came out).
eta: I've also ordered a ton of stuff from Eastwave since 2005 and never had a problem. Dmitry is a good seller and takes care of business.
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We Texans have shipped our guns and ammo to the site, looking forward to a great class
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There shouldn't be any functional difference between Russian/Soviet or Bulgarian and it is common to use Bulgarian brakes on Saiga's mainly due to price. There are zillions of Bulgarian kits and parts in the US but not nearly as many Russian parts.
The Bulgarians made AK74's using early 80's pattern design on Russian tooling but the Russians themselves continually tweaked the machinery over the decade and ended up with several distinctly different AK74 pattern rifles. The differences are mostly cosmetic to you and I, and are mainly important only if you are trying to build a period correct rifle. On a technical level the correct brake for a Saiga sporter would be an AK74M pattern brake but those are very rare here and not easily found.
Here's a pic of the main visual style of brakes:
Top 74M
Middle Late Eighties Faceted
Bottom Early Eighties
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My S12 runs like a scalded ass monkey, shoots literally anything I put down the pipe. It's a 4 port gun that's always been smooth after it broke in, I haven't had to polish or do anything to it. Dinzag's gas tube mod uses the factory gas system and puck yes. He does great work and I think his gas tube mod makes the look and brings out the inner AK of any S12.
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The 030 was my inspiration for mine, this was the closest I was able to get,
Gas block is obviously IZ109 and no hinged topcover, but I got what I was after. Thankfully most of the parts are much easier to come by these days, it took me all of 2008 to find them back in the day.
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but the reason I would recommend commie optics is low cost for decent glass, on mounts that don't lose zero if you take them off the rifle.
Good advice and its the same thing I think also.
POSP's are a great value for the money, optical quality is higher than similarly priced western optics. Some people certainly like to keep it authentic but fact is they are decent optics in their own right and when you add in the low cost, that's probably the main reason so many people recommend them. I've heard of mount issues from time to time depending on what rail is installed on the AK but I just don't see a lot of complaints about the quality of the optic itself, or things breaking from use. I've owned 9 or 10 POSP's and PSO's and only had a minor bit of trouble with an 8x42 mildot version and how it mounted to che drag. Otherwise zero problems that I can remember.
If there is an effect from the optic being slightly offset I haven't noticed it. Remember the SVD has been in service for almost 50 years with an offset scope...doesn't seem to be a problem from what I can see. In my experience I just haven't seen any negative effect.
I also don't think eye relief is a problem so lack of it being adjustable probably won't be a factor...but the whole shooting position does take some getting used to for westerners I think. Just be prepared to adapt to it and don't expect it to be exactly like what you are used to right off the bat. I think that's what turns some people off...maybe it's too different all at once and it throws some guys for a loop.
I know for me I have zero problems shooting optics on AK's, it didn't take me long to get used to it and I'm glad I did. For me it all started with 'I wonder why people bitch about Russian optics all the time' so I bought one and went from there. Years later I'm convinced it's not much more than cultural bias and lack of knowledge on the wide range of Russian optics. Some people never do take to them but IMO most people can if they just practice a bit.
POSP is a safe bet to start with too...cheap and easily resold if you don't care for it. It's one of the optics I recommend most.
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BP02 with the AK mount is a dependable choice. I can't comment on the UTG but it is an airsoft mount which isn't really exciting to me
If it were my rifle I'd get a 4x24 POSP with an AK mount and call it a day. They won't be calibrated for 308 but that shouldn't matter at hog hunting distances. They are cheap and tough optics, I've had a bunch and haven't had issues with them. Check Kalinka or the for sale section here on the forum.
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I like reading reviews, thought you guys might also. Plus it was a good experience and not something you get to do every day.
Looks like 7-10 people have signed up so far according to Marco. Anyone need info or help with logistics LMK.
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The LPS/TIP2 is calibrated for 54R like Shandlanos said, but you can still use it at practical ranges. It's actually a very cost effective optic for an AK because they are usually cheaper than the BelOMO POSP and real NPZ PSO-1 optics. You'll probably want to swap the base to an AK mount though, the LPS/TIP2 uses an SVD mount that doesn't work on most common AK rails.
As far as zeroing, two easy ways come mind.
You can zero POA/POI to be the same at 100 yards and know your bullet drop at 200, 300, 400 etc or you could zero POI to be XXX inches high at 100 yards. Depending on how much higher you zeroed, you'll end up being dead on at 200, 300 or 400 yards for example.
At close ranges there won't be a big difference in impact when aiming at a man size target. At longer ranges you should be able to drop the rounds center mass because you've calculated for gravity drop by how much higher your rounds impacted during the 100 yard zero.
The LPS does sit higher on an AK receiver than the equivalent POSP because the LPS is taller.
Example of LPS with MTK83 AK mount (see how the optic is grey and the mount/clamp is black)
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Little bump, three of us from Texas are flying up to PA this year. There are still a few slots open if anyone is interested, hit me up or contact Marco directly on his website.
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While I'm at it, a few pics of the new AKARS top rail cover by Parabellum LLC. Replaces the AK top cover and rear sight leaf but has built in irons that replace the leaf. I picked this rail over the TWS mainly because the TWS uses a peep for irons and I don't care for them on my AK's, I prefer the standard notch sight.
Pics, rail seems really nice so far but not ready to do a review just yet
PO 4x24P
PK01-Vi
(Cowitnesses nicely FYI)
Beat to hell Konus MRD
The rear notch for the irons is much wider than expected, actually about the same width as the FSB ears
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Load Bearing Gear?
in Saiga 5.45
Posted
I can't think of any real world scenario where I would deploy with an SVD and need a secondary, but in the training classes I've taken I used a full size 74 mainly because I didn't bother with ATF paperwork to transport the AKSU to class and back.
In the AK classes I've taken I've split between the AKSU as the primary and a fullsize 74. If SHTF for real I'd take a fullsize 74 over most anything else including the Krink.
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