Recently while looking at my planned gun modifications for the Summer, I came across an interesting dilemma that may nor may not be helpful to you Yugo M70 Owners.
I had planned to install a light mount for some time on My Yugo M70AB2 Underfolder AK . Currently, it is equipped with an Ultimak rail which I consider to be one of the best options out there for mounting a co-witnessing optic to an AK while still keeping it lightweight. The only issue with this particular model of AK (Yugo M70) is the folding grenade launcher sight, which in this case, folds down over the front half of very useful real estate on my ultimak rail, rendering it useless. Now logic would dictate the easy fix would be just to remove the apparatus entirely, since I will not be shooting any grenades anytime soon. But unfortunately, the sight lever also controls the gas system, so removing it entirely would not be wise. But alas, there is a fix. Instead of removing the entire thing, why not just remove the part that sits over the ultimak rail, basically about 3 inches of the launcher sight leaf? This way, the lever can still be operated, your gas system is un-impaired and you get full use of all the Ultimak rail real estate!
Now I do want to add a disclaimer here: Anytime you alter a weapon from its original state, you by some degree or another, detract from the weapons inherent value. So having said that, if you plan on re-selling a gun at some time and not keeping it forever (like I am mine) DO NOT DO THIS!
The process is pretty simple. Break out your handy dandy dremel tool, some eye protection and some patience.
Now once the Ultimak rail is clear, now all you have to do is install your light mount. Now, again, you will face a dilemma (sort of). You have to find a mount that is low enough so that it does not impair the sight picture of your optic, nor your co-witness of your irons. Now currently I have found three models of offset mounts that fit this criteria. Each of them are all priced about the same, with the Vltor the only one offering a Quick Detach Model.
- Impact Weapons Components Thorntail SBR Offset Adaptive Light Mount
- VLTOR SM-O Offset Scout Mount
- Gear Sector Offset Mounts
It is interesting to note also that both the Vltor and the Gear Sector mounts are designed around Surefire light models..now this is not to say you cannot use other brands of lights with these mounts, it is just you will have to match the size of the light you plan to use with the correct mount. If you are in doubt, just email the company, they are typically always more than happy to help you.
BTW, I chose the IWC Thorntail SBR Mount (picture at top of page) which I will be reviewing in a future post.
Stay Alert, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!