Maximizing Your AK’s Potential with EOTech
EOTech is one of the most prominent names that come up when holographic sights are mentioned. Although holographic sights are very durable, they aren’t compatible with all types of firearms.
So, what about AK with EOTech?
EOTech holographic sights are compatible with most AK firearms. But the placement of it on the mounting rail is kind of problematic. It’s because the sight sits too high and the barrel sit is too low. An adapter or mounting rail can solve this problem.
That was the highlight of the main discussion. To learn more about this topic join us in the full discussion. Let’s begin!
Can You Use EoTech With AK?
Yes, EoTech sights are compatible with AK rifles. In fact, the EOTech holographic sights were initially made for AKs. Just like how ATN, AGM, and, Pulsar is especially renowned for thermal imaging.
But there are some issues that make people complain while combining an AK with EOTech. That is even with an ultra-low profile mounting, Eotechs appear to sit far too high on an AK. So, people complain about the difficulty of combining them with a proper cheek weld.
There are also complaints about the barrel sit being too low compared to EOTech. Basically, EOTech has a poor fit with AK, which makes a lot of people uninterested in pairing them up.
While mounting them, they sit too high above the rail. EOTech sights already of a higher axis. So, the fitting doesn’t become too helpful for the users.
That’s why, while fitting an EOTech sight with an AK you’ll need a mounting rail or adapter. Picatinny rails are the best fit for EOTech optics as they are used for many other firearms including AK.
You can also use receiver-mounted rails or dust cover rails for your EOTech. These rails are simple to use and install. Also, the EOTech sight can be securely fitted with AK with them.
While on the topic, note that some of the EOTech sights are incompatible with AK-47. It’s due to the differences in the receiver design, barrel profile, or rail system.
That’s why before purchasing an EOTech for your AK, make sure you check the compatibility. It should be mentioned in the manufacturer’s specification.
You can also consult a qualified gunsmith if you need further assistance.
How To Mount EOTech On AK?
To mount your EOTech on your AK rifle, you’d be needing a few tools and components first. Such as-
- A compatible mounting rail or an adapter (Picatinny rails, receiver-mounted rails, or dust cover rails)
- A hex head wrench
- A small punch/ long nail
Do you have them? Then let’s get started! Follow these simple steps.
Step-1: Remove The Existing Dust Cover
Since the existing mounting rear sight won’t fit with the EOTech sight, you must remove it first. It also goes by the name dust cover.
There are some retaining screws or pins that hold it together with the firearm. There are 3 hex socket screws, 1 M3 nut, 1 rear rail, and 1 M3 screw.
Start with the hex socket screws. Use a hex head wrench to remove those screws and nuts to detach the dust cover.
Step-2: Install The New Mounting Rail
Now it’s time to install the new mounting rail or adapter. Installing it should be easy as it’ll sit at the old dust cover’s position. But it’s better to look at the directions given by the user manual.
The manual has sections explaining the installation process of the adapter or mounting rail. For most of the AK models, the steps are somewhat similar.
These steps are-
- Remove the factory axis pins with the help of a punch or a long nail.
- Place the bolt’s female end on the nail’s top.
- Now place the octagon head of the custom bolt in the appropriate cut-out on the rail
- Place the screws on the mounting rail and tighten them properly.
- Lastly, position the dust cover in the designated location and attach the screws.
Step-3: Install The EOTech Sight
Position the EOTech sight on the mounting rail. Now, start attaching the mounting screws that are with the EOTech sight. Tighten the screws properly to ensure they are stable.
Step-4: Zero The Sight
In the final step, after the sight is installed on the mounting rail, you’ve to zero the EOTech holographic sight. It is to ensure you can accurately point your firearm to a target.
Adjust the windage and the elevation setup on your EOTech sight. Line the reticle with the point of impact of your shots. Practice a few rounds and it’s good to go.
Top EOTech Sights For AK
Not all EOTech holographic sights are compatible with AK rifles. Also, not all of the compatible ones can be a good match. So, if you’re looking for some suggestions, here are some top-tier EOTech sights for AK to look for,
EOTech HWS 512:
EOTech HWS 512 is an excellent match for AK rifles. It’s well-favored due to its rigidity, durability, and fast acquisition. It is the most popular model in the HWS lineup. Let’s see the list of their specifications, pros, and cons.
Specification:
Refer to the below table for a detailed specification of the EOTech HWS 512.
| Aspect | EOTech HWS 512 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 5.6” x 2.0” x 2.5” (142.2mm x 50.8mm x 63.5mm) |
| Weight | 11.5 oz (326g) |
| Mount | 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail |
| Water resistance | 10ft. or (3m) depth |
| Windage & elevation adjustment | 0.5 MOA per click |
| Power source | 2 x 1.5 V AA batteries, Also supports alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable batteries |
| Battery life | Lithium: 2,500 hours Alkaline: 2,200 hours |
| Brightness | 20 daylight settings |
| Operating temperature | -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) |
Pros:
- The EOTech HWS 512 has a huge sight window, which helps people to find the target quickly.
- It requires two 1.5V AA batteries They are significantly cheaper and widely available.
- The EOTech HWS 512 is made to last for a long time. Harsh usage or harsh environment doesn’t affect it much.
- It’s inexpensive compared to other EOTech sights.
- It is very easy to operate and adjust.
Cons:
- The size of the EOTech HWS 512 is a disadvantage. It takes up the majority of the rail space.
- It’s not compatible with night vision.
Although it doesn’t have a night vision feature, it can still detect lasers. In fact, the visibility is better than the laser visible with night vision.
EOTech XPS2-0:
EOTech XPS2-0 is another great holographic sight that goes well with AK rifles. It is extremely popular among holographic optic users.
Especially, if you’re searching for an optic with a longer battery life and a broad viewing area. Let’s see more details about its specification, pros, and cons.
Specification:
For a detailed list of specifications for the EOTech XPS2-0, see the following table.
| Aspect | EOTech XPS2-0 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5” |
| Weight | 9 oz |
| Mount | 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail |
| Water resistance | 10ft. or (3m) depth |
| Windage & elevation adjustment | 0.5 MOA per click |
| Power source | 1 x CR123 battery |
| Battery life | 1,000 hours |
| Brightness | 20 daylight settings |
| Operating temperature | -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) |
Pros:
- EOTech XPS2-0 uses state-of-art technology and is waterproof.
- Has several brightness levels.
- It has an auto shut-off feature to save battery life.
- It has a large viewing window and a fantastic reticle.
- Very durable
- Comes with an integrated mount.
Cons:
- Its battery life is adequate but not exceptional. Despite the fact that it includes an auto-shutdown option to assist it.
- Not compatible with night vision.
Most EOTech sights don’t have a night vision feature. If you are looking for a sight with an NV, choosing from Elbit or l3 tubes would be better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the advantages of mounting sights in side rail?
One major advantage of side rail-mounted sights is they can be easily mounted and detached without tools. The closeness between the rail and the shooter’s face makes the ideal distance. It also enhances the balance with the added weight from the sight.
What are the advantages of rail dust cover?
One of the most important advantages of a rail dust cover is that it lets users keep their zero. That is even when the dust cover is opened and closed. They are lightweight and shift the weight above the grip. So, the balance doesn’t get affected. It also doesn’t require any tools for installation.
Which one is better between red dot and holographic sight?
Red dot sights are suitable for people who’re looking for a budget-friendly, long-lasting, and lightweight optic. Holographic sights are suitable for people who’re looking for fast target acquisition and a wide field of view.
Conclusion
In conclusion, combining your AK with an EOTech optic can greatly enhance your nighttime shooting capabilities, providing you with increased accuracy, speed, and versatility in low-light conditions. However, to achieve optimal compatibility and performance, it is important to carefully consider a range of factors when selecting accessories and configuring your setup.
When choosing an EOTech optic for your AK, factors such as reticle type, magnification, battery life, and durability should be taken into account. Additionally, choosing compatible mounting hardware and other accessories such as weapon lights, foregrips, and suppressors can further improve your shooting experience and allow you to customize your setup to meet your specific needs.
By following the tips and guidelines presented in this article, you can achieve an AK and EOTech configuration that is optimized for nighttime shooting, whether you’re engaged in tactical operations, hunting, or target shooting. So take the time to carefully select your equipment and accessories, and don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments until you find the setup that works best for you. With the right combination of gear and technique, you’ll be able to take your shooting skills to the next level and excel in even the most challenging low-light scenarios.
Good luck!
