Back to irons.

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

Its going to be wider but not nearly as much as the big dot XS, posting a link to a video below. As for the issue of one side only being visible I cant really say send an email to XS to ask, with a maximum error of half a turn that isnt going to be a deal breaker given the low light benefits or find a different sight to cut the error to max 1/4 turn.

 

BTW finding the guy that made these videos was a stroke of luck he addresses a LOT of issues on the AK. Subscribe and see what I mean. Hes not a slick producer but is pretty damn knowledgeable rifleman differences of opinion withstanding.

 

AK XS Post Review

[jimdigriz 580]

Its going to be wider but not nearly as much as the big dot XS, posting a link to a video below.

 

Thanks for the answer.

 

Hmm...that's a bit too much for me. The factory post is already too thick for precision shooting in my view. I have a Tech Sights skinny front post on one of my rifles that I like. I may just paint my posts with some sort of fluorescent paint.

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

I haven't had much luck with those paints for use at night. Hopefully yours will be better.

Edited January 28, 2010 by Rhodes1968

[leadslinger 37]

rhodes how does the xs post work? install and adjust? Took a look at the you tube link you had and I know i am going with you setup now.

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

Install would just be the same as any FS removal. Unscrew top post, remove, use AK sight tool to push out barrel and remove. Install in reverse order, the XS site has vid iirc.

THe XS site has full explanation but basically its a small very low level radioactive source that will glow in the dark for about five more years. IIRC this mater comes from nuclear triggers that no longer meet specs. This is why no outside light source is need as in phosphorus paint and works better in low light than phosphorus. The white around the source surrounded by black aides in targeting speed in all light conditions.

[thehopping1 105]

I use some Meprolight night sights that drop right in. Small enough to be accurate and I can still see fine during the day. I don't play well with peep sights and wanted tritium front and rear and I picked them up for under $100 shipped. Just another option I guess.

 

[jimdigriz 580]

I use some Meprolight night sights that drop right in. Small enough to be accurate and I can still see fine during the day.

 

How does it compare in thickness to the factory post?

 

Thanks.

[thehopping1 105]

I use some Meprolight night sights that drop right in. Small enough to be accurate and I can still see fine during the day.

 

How does it compare in thickness to the factory post?

 

Thanks.

 

The post itself is about 1/16 of an inch wider than the factory post. Which reminds me that I have to dremel out my sight adjustment tool so it fits.

[imarangemaster 315]

I guess I am old school. (maybe because I am old!) I was taught to use iron sights as a kid (on an old DCM M1 carbine in the early 60s), iron sights on my M16A1 in Army in the early 70s, my Air Force Reserve GAU (Colt Commando) in the late 70s, and on ALL of my trunk gun LEO weapons until I retired in 97-98. Those LE qualified weapons included: M1 Carbine (most of the time), assorted ARs, FN FAL, UZI, MP5, XM177E2, and even a Poly tech AK. Since I retired, I switched from mainly an AR guy (selling my DPMS M4gery) to strictly using my USGI Inland M1 Carbine as a PDW, and an AK for main weapon. All of my rabbit, squirrel, deer, and Black Russian boar hunting through the years has been with iron sights.

 

I tried an optic on the first 223 Saiga I had, but preferred iron, and still do. Even though I know the .223 Saiga I just switched to will shoot flatter than the 7.62x39 I traded away, I will stick with irons. Like the drill Sgt. said in basic training: KISS "Keep It Simple Shithead". Iron sights take a lot more to knock out of alignment, they don't have lenses that fog, they don't have batteries that go dead, and I think they are quicker to deploy, since I just point shoot across the top of the weapon at point blanks range.

 

With my .223 it will be light, fast, and simple - just like my M1 carbine.

Edited January 30, 2010 by imarangemaster

[imarangemaster 315]

I use some Meprolight night sights that drop right in. Small enough to be accurate and I can still see fine during the day. I don't play well with peep sights and wanted tritium front and rear and I picked them up for under $100 shipped. Just another option I guess.

 

 

 

I have to admit, though, I like those mepro-lights. I think those are a worthy addition. Had them on a Glock 23C and liked them.

[evi1joe 1]

This is a timely post for me. While I do use and love my Tech-sights (since, for me, the increased sight-radius AND/OR familiarity, increased accuracy and speed), I have also recently installed the Ultimak rail and plan on trying out the Primary Arms micro-dot...if it speeds things up or works well with both eyes open, I may end up switching it out for a high-priced Aimpoint micro.

 

Note: I love the TA-33 acogs, but until it can be mounted with the Tech-sights, I can't get it--though I'm always on the lookout for a side-mount that won't interfere with the TS. Since it's only 3X, it really isn't much of a "scope" and works fine with the AK...probably faster and more accurate than my eyes (certainly at 350yrds).

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

Wondered about those Mepros they are interesting. One thing about irons at night was you just dont see the front post and unless its point blank that means a miss these new sights just largely remove that problem.

 

Glad to see Im not the only one that keeps coming back to irons, yeah I play with stuff and take it out in the field and find out theres always a down side to optics or dots. Keep it simple shithead..sounds just like a DI I knew that rode my ass for a couple months. To this day I can still hear trash cans being thrown down the hall at 0500...

[jimdigriz 580]

This is a timely post for me. While I do use and love my Tech-sights (since, for me, the increased sight-radius AND/OR familiarity, increased accuracy and speed), I have also recently installed the Ultimak rail and plan on trying out the Primary Arms micro-dot...if it speeds things up or works well with both eyes open, I may end up switching it out for a high-priced Aimpoint micro.

 

I was not able to make the Tech Sights work with an Ultimak-mounted optic. The Tech Sights sit a little too low.

 

 

Note: I love the TA-33 acogs, but until it can be mounted with the Tech-sights, I can't get it--though I'm always on the lookout for a side-mount that won't interfere with the TS. Since it's only 3X, it really isn't much of a "scope" and works fine with the AK...probably faster and more accurate than my eyes (certainly at 350yrds).

 

A high-rise side mount like the BP-01 will work with the Tech Sights. Here's another high rise mount that obviously works:

 

 

 

(Not my rifle)

[shades_of_grey 1,092]

^ That's a VEPR, right?

 

Anyway, when it comes to this subject, I always come back to the LaRue AK IronDot, (whenever they start sellin em again). I haven't bought any sight for my SGL21 just yet, but the LaRue product seems just about perfect, (compact, accurate, durable, co-witness sights).

 

ymmv.

[Donkismash 81]

^ That's a VEPR, right?

 

Anyway, when it comes to this subject, I always come back to the LaRue AK IronDot, (whenever they start sellin em again). I haven't bought any sight for my SGL21 just yet, but the LaRue product seems just about perfect, (compact, accurate, durable, co-witness sights).

 

ymmv.

 

I like the XS sights tritium stripe....tried the big dot and it felt sloppy...I do love it on my XDm 9mm

[jimdigriz 580]

^ That's a VEPR, right?

 

Yep. And I'm wondering what in the world the guy did to it.

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

The MeProLight front sight is thinner than the XS and the tritium is visible on two sides unlike the XS, at least that is what the vendor is claiming and this fits the photos Ive seen. So you will get a better zero with a maximum error of one quarter turn. Its also black instead of white which will work better in good light at the cost of some speed in low light and the thinner post should give better accuracy than the XS.

 

Still either is a massive improvement over the stock front sight. I cant see putting a match post on a battle rifle anyway, its just never going to be a competition rifle but then it was never intended to be. K.I.S.S. works for me.

 

Note its a front sight only I don't think they sell a rear yet or at least I haven't found one but the Krebs aperture is my choice anyway.

 

Edit: Some are selling front sight only for under $50, others advertise both for about 115.00 but its a 800M rear not the 1000M that should go on a Saiga. How much a real issue that is Im not real sure.

Edited February 6, 2010 by Rhodes1968

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

Some people are reporting problems with the MeProLight grove cut into the rear sight for short range settings. Seems its too narrow causing inference or fuzzy sight pictures. Will keep digging. This would all be moot if they still made radium paint.

[photoshooter 5]

I appreciate all of the research your putting into this especially since I'm currently in the market for iron sights. I agree that any of these options would be an improvement over the stock sights. Using the Krebs rear peep sight, the MeproLight front seems like a good match since it's a circle/dot and would be easy to center in the rear aperture. I have Meprolights on my Sigs and like them.

 

I've seen the AK front and rear set from $80ish to $135 but I haven't found any place that sells the front sight only.

When I'm ready for sights I'll be fine with either the Mep front or XS stripe.

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

I found one that sold front only when I find it again will send it to you just been through so many tonight they all run together.

[Rhodes1968 1,638]

Bump for visability

[leadslinger 37]

I am kind of concerned with the xs tritium stripe as I read in one description that each adjustment is about 4 inches at 100 yards. I sure would like smaller amount of adjustments. I am not looking for the rifle to be a tack driver but that is a little too much movement. meprolights but i can't find anyone selling the front sight by itself. Then there is the Ameriglo front AK night sight but haven't found any detailed reviews.

 

Anyone have any experience with these as far as accuracy and adjustably? I am going to use the Krebs rear pep or use my old Mojo AK micro click.

 

Anyone?

[photoshooter 5]

At this point I've decided to go with the Ameriglo front dot sight and Krebs rear. I couldn't find too much in the way of reviews either but I'm starting to suspect that the Ameriglo and Meprolight front sight are the same product sold by different companies.

[leadslinger 37]

At this point I've decided to go with the Ameriglo front dot sight and Krebs rear. I couldn't find too much in the way of reviews either but I'm starting to suspect that the Ameriglo and Meprolight front sight are the same product sold by different companies.

 

do you have them installed? Any problems with installation of front sight? Is it a correct fit (i.e threads same?) how do you like them? accuaracy and visibility at shooting range?

 

thanks in advance.

Edited February 14, 2010 by leadslinger

[photoshooter 5]

No sorry, didn't mean to mislead. I've decided to go with that combo but haven't purchased them yet. My Saiga is currently in pieces on my bench so no use ordering the sights until my conversion is near complete. I'll be sure to post my thoughts on the setup along with pics.

[leadslinger 37]

cool. thanks can't wait to hear about the results. keep us posted.

[Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393]

How about mounting a rear sight on the Dust Cover?

 

I have an x39 in the works again and I want this build to be an irons build. I don't like the AK sights much. I was thinking about getting something like the Krebs aperture sight that replaces the factory rear sight. But I was also thinking of maybe trying to mount a rear sight on the dust cover. Maybe an AR-15 rear sight? Or even an H&K one. But I have no idea where to find where I can buy just a rear sight for an AR15 or HK. If anyone would like to share experiences with that, or where to find?

[photoshooter 5]

From what I've read two issues I can see with that are holding a zero since there is some play in the dust cover. Also there's a thread elsewhere on here where someone is having trouble getting their side-rail on the rifle because it won't slide past the rear mounted Tech Sight.

I have a set of Tech Sights on one of my Ruger 10/22s and I like them very much. I had been considering getting them for one of my AKs too but for now I've decided to stick with the standard sight placement.

 

Edit:

 

I read over some of the posts again and a side-mount is only a problem if it sits low. A higher mount seems to be fine with Tech Sights.

Edited February 15, 2010 by photoshooter

[protected static 19]

Dust cover play is only an issue with optics, not so much with irons (though you can always shim the rear of the dust cover for less wiggle if you want).

 

Finding an HK or AR rear sight isn't too difficult: Carolina Shooting System carries (or at least did) Tromix HK sights, but they're available from any number of HK parts specialists... RTG Parts comes to mind as someone with a good reputation, though there are others.

 

AR rear sight assemblies can be ordered from Midway or Brownells, among others. Some of the AR manufacturers sell them as well. You either want an A1 assembly in an A2 housing, or you want an A2 assembly with the elevation screw cut off. DSArms sells a slick-looking AR-style rear sight assembly for their Para FALs that mounts on a dovetail.

 

There's a thread here on making your own AR sight mount. If I remember, I'll add the link later.

[sapper1371usmc 107]

I added the Krebs rear peep sight to my SGL21. I love it. For me, it is easier to pick up the front sight post due to the extra light, offers fast target aquisition, and just like an ar, you can easily center the Front sight post for great accuracy everytime.