Do AK iron sights suck?

Published on December 5, 2020
Duration: 12:30

This video explores the effectiveness of standard AK iron sights in a competition setting after significant firearm modifications. While the AK was heavily upgraded for ergonomics and performance, the shooter found iron sights challenging for speed and accuracy, particularly on moving targets. The conclusion suggests red dots are superior for speed, but AK iron sights are 'doable' with practice, though astigmatism can be a significant factor.

Quick Summary

AK iron sights are 'doable' for competition but present challenges for speed and accuracy compared to red dots, especially with astigmatism. Modifications like an ALG trigger and Krebs safety improve ergonomics, while KS pistons may have reliability issues for recoil tuning without a suppressor.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Checking Zero on Modified AK
  2. 01:51AK Modifications Overview
  3. 02:21Stock Modifications & Goon Tape
  4. 02:39Krebs Custom Safety Lever
  5. 02:51ALG AKT Trigger Upgrade
  6. 03:04M+M Extended Mag Release
  7. 03:14ALG Extra Power Spring
  8. 03:22KS Adjustable Gas Piston
  9. 03:32Zenitco Handguard & BCM Grip
  10. 03:41JMac RRD2C Muzzle Brake
  11. 03:57Testing AK Iron Sights at Match
  12. 05:09Pre-Match Practice & KS Piston Issues
  13. 05:54Match Stage 1: Malfunction & Penalty
  14. 06:57Match Stage 2: Penalties Explained
  15. 08:09Match Stage 3: Swinging Targets
  16. 09:23End of Day Frustration & Reload
  17. 09:58Conclusion: AK Iron Sights vs. Red Dots
  18. 10:39KS Piston Reliability Issues
  19. 11:54Final Thoughts on KS Piston & Muzzle Brakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AK iron sights suitable for competitive shooting?

AK iron sights are 'doable' for competition, but they present significant challenges for speed and accuracy compared to red dot sights. Factors like astigmatism can further complicate their use, leading to missed shots and penalties in fast-paced scenarios.

What modifications can improve an AK for competition?

Key modifications include an improved trigger (like the ALG AKT at 2 lbs), a more ergonomic safety lever (Krebs Custom), an extended magazine release (M+M), and a tunable gas system. Adding grip tape (Goon tape) and a quality muzzle brake (JMac RRD2C) also enhances performance.

What issues can arise with adjustable gas pistons on AKs?

While adjustable gas pistons like the KS model can tune recoil, they may exhibit reliability issues for recoil tuning without a suppressor. The shooter experienced short-stroking at a match despite prior testing, suggesting potential unreliability in certain configurations.

How does astigmatism affect shooting with iron sights?

Astigmatism can make it difficult to clearly see and align iron sights, especially when trying to shoot quickly. This can lead to pulled shots and difficulty in achieving accurate sight alignment, impacting performance in shooting competitions.

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