Hello,
Im looking at getting an older SA-85M with the shorter AMD-65 length gas tube. For anyone that’s not familiar, the gas tube + gas block are closer up to the front hand guards. The front hand guards are standard AKM pattern; not the traditional AMD-65 front end.
I wanted to know if it would be possible to install the RS Regulate BM-1 mount for a light between the front hand guard retainer and gas block. Has anyone done this?
Also while the thread is up, has anyone ever considered mounting an AK side rail on an AKM? I’d like to mount an RDS with the RS Regulate side mount, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the trouble of having the side rail installed. The gun will be at a gunsmith anyway; getting a barrel chop. It just seems like there might be easier solutions for mounting an RDS. As FYI:
-I looked at the Ultimak; and it’s not a route I’d like to take. I know an Aimpoint can take the heat, but I place my thumb on the gas tube cover. The heat makes it uncomfortable.
-The MI rails, from what I read/heard, tend to heat up. Again, I’d like to avoid excessive heat.
-I’m not interested in the TWS Dogleg either.
-I see Manticore has the Alpha rail with the railed gas tube cover. Does anyone have experience with this? I’d like to keep the wood hand guards, or install plain polymer hand guards, but I’m open to other suggestions. I’m also not too sure about the whole ARC Loc thing; maybe it’s great, but I really haven’t heard nor do I know much about it. I don’t really want to be limited to one companies accessories. Assuming ARC Loc is a Manticore Arms only thing.
I’d like to keep the front end weight down as much as possible. And an RDS is pretty necessary IMO with the short sight radius; I will have the site post pushed all the way back.