RS-Regulate AK300 base with AKM mount and AImpoint Comp M3
RS Regulate AK Optics Mount
By Darryl Bolke
The AK-47 platform has made some huge inroads in the last decade as a more mainstream primary rifle system for many American shooters. It is also becoming one of those systems that you need to learn to run even if it is not your normal issued rifle for either military or L/E shooters. While the AK system is usually a robust and reliable rifle (especially in true military issued form rather than “assembled” rifles), it is lacking in many areas for efficient use. One of the biggest shortcomings of most AK’s is that they are essentially equipped with a rough pistol sighting system.
I have found that the single best upgrade you can do to an AK is to equip it with a modern red dot sighting system. I have used a variety of systems to get Aimpoint Micro sights on to my various AK platforms. The Ultimak rail is good, and I have had exceptional luck with the Midwest Industries rail system with a dedicated Aimpoint Micro mount on top. The only real short –coming to these systems are the need to truly alter the firearm to get them mounted and they become a dedicated part of the firearm. This is fine for a U.S. based shooter with a personal gun, but it is not a workable solution for those issued guns in foreign countries or working out of an armory with rack guns handed out as needed. A solution for working professionals needing a easily adaptable system for optics mounting, or for those who do not wish to alter their guns is the RS Regulate AK-300 side mounting system.
I was introduced to this system in its Gen 1 form over a year ago and it was a very viable solution for my Arsenal AK 107CR. I used the system for the Aimpoint T1 Micro. It was essentially a highly refined mount that utilized the common Soviet style of mounting to the mounting rail on the left side of the more modern AK receivers. I had zero issues with this mount and I did not see much need to change it. Scott Hoskisson, the man behind RS Regulate called me to inform me that he was making many changes to the system based on end user input. I recently received the Gen 2 mount, and “impressed” is an understatement. The new rail is far more refined and shows what American ingenuity and manufacturing is capable of. It is slimmer and uses a much more refined and clean locking system. The new mount has several variations. I went with the longest rail (AK-300) base to allow for the maximum range of positioning with both Aimpoint Micro (AKML mount) and Aimpoint 30mm tube mounts (AKM mount). I changed to running a Comp M3 (M68 CCO) sight that is still commonly encountered worldwide, in both U.S. and foreign military arsenals, and it will also work with the outstanding Aimpoint PRO. I actually prefer the larger tube sight in this application where it is mounted low over the top cover, and I run it back far enough to not interfere with the charging handle operation. The battery compartment is set up in the 11 o’clock position to further clear the charging handle side of the gun. I also equipped my gun with a RS’s light mount system with a Surefire 300C light. Otherwise, the gun is stock. These small removable enhancements make the AK a far more capable system. I also have a mount for an Aimpoint Micro (AKML). Other mounts are available for outstanding scopes like the Trijicon ACOG (AKOG) and Browe BCO (AK-300-BCO) are also available.
The RS Regulate mounting system is becoming popular with contractors and other professionals who are being issued an AK overseas, but do not own the gun. In some operations, the firearm itself is a disposable asset. In these cases the end user can simply carry a RS Regulate mount with their Red Dot or optic of choice and a lighting system with the RS light mount. The RS mount can be mounted to a side optics rail equipped AK without the need of any tools, the red dot rough zeroed to the irons (until properly zero’d) and the light mount affixed to the barrel via a single Allen-head wrench. When whatever operation is completed, the RS mounts are removed with the optics and light and the weapon dumped or turned in. This allows and end user to maximize their individual capabilities to identify and hit targets in all lighting conditions with an issue rifle. For the individual with several rifles, this will also allow them to move their optics package around.
Overall, I have found the RS Regulate system to be a simple to use and easy to mount package that is very rugged and reliable. The only “con” I really found was the inability to fold the rear stock to the left on guns equipped with a left side folder. This has not been a huge concern to me as I only fold the stock on mine for storage in smaller discrete cases. Once opened and readied for use, the optics rail is easily slid on and locked.
info@rsregulate.com
Good article, with a fair perspective on the actual weapon system. I often wonder if a fair number of people wouldn’t be better off with a quality AKM platform. Particularly those who are in areas where it is the more common system.