Limited AK real estate for NVG rig (solved)

[MarikinaMan]

I need to reconfigure an AK for night vision drills. I just received an IR laser and illuminator and the switch is eating up a lot of my handguard real estate.

My set up right now is below

Picatinny Rail on top with M-lok on 3 sides


The light I am replacing is on the left, mounted with a Magpul cantilever rail that pushes it forward, creating space.



I am going to mount IR device under the gas block. You'll see my light switch zip tied to the handguard there too.


This is how its gonna look


And I think the switch with the adjustment knobs will be on the side. Its pretty big.


I am moving back my red dot to a side mount to give me more space, freeing up the top rail and moving weight further back.


Hoping to get a light/mount/switch combo from those with wider knowledge of mounting and light options.

Option for mounting, right cantilever rail and top rail. I am not dismissing buying other m-lok mounting options. I need something that sits closer to the rail, and front forward. This will allow it to fit in a quick access safe.

I need a 750ish lumen light give or take, AND I need the pressure switch to be small within reason. I would like to be able to zip tie it on the rail for the best possible ergo. If the light is smaller size, and is lighter than most, that would be a big plus.
A light on top rail that doesnt block the red dot would be awesome.

Thanks for your help.

[QuinnBayArea]

Just FYI if you are in CA the illuminator is illegal.

[flavor]

How or why is this illuminator illegal?

[MarikinaMan]

Just FYI if you are in CA the illuminator is illegal.

I will look into what you are saying. My current info follows the matrix below. I am on the last line with the asterisk.

Summary...
Active IR scope with magnification = illegal
Active IR scope with no magnification = legal

Passive IR scope with magnification = legal
Passive IR scope with magnification and an IR illuminator = illegal
Passive IR scope with no magnifcation = legal
Passive IR scope with no magnification and an IR illuminator = legal

Active IR goggles with magnification = legal
Active IR goggles with no magnification = legal

Passive IR goggles with magnification = legal
Passive IR goggles with magnification and an IR illuminator = legal
Passive IR googles with no magnification = legal
*Passive IR goggles with no magnification and an IR illuminator = legal

[QuinnBayArea]

Didnt say you were using goggles. Just dont go hunting with it. Illegal to hunt with any kind of NV, doesnt matter what kind. Also gonna depend on the CA DOJ guy you get. Ours said no illuminator at all, he didnt care if active or non-active.

[MarikinaMan]

Didnt say you were using goggles. Just dont go hunting with it. Illegal to hunt with any kind of NV, doesnt matter what kind. Also gonna depend on the CA DOJ guy you get. Ours said no illuminator at all, he didnt care if active or non-active.

Thanks. Info appreciated. I kept the post focused on a light mount request. I was already aware the set up is legal. I double checked when you mentioned it.

Now I understand why people pony up for BE Meyers MAWLs. Less mounting BS.

[The War Wagon]

Nyet! TOO much crap on that AK!

[BigPimping]

That looks absolutely ridiculous on an AK-47.

[MarikinaMan]

^^^

The Russian designer from the Russian company that made this AK-47 specific IR device disagrees with the members.

If you don’t mind, I’m going to trust Zenitco and Spetsnaz with what they do to AKs.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/11/06/potd-russian-alpha-group-spetsnaz-inspired-ak/

Between two rifles I have outfitted for SHTF, this one doesnt have a magnified optic, and the other does. So this by default gets the IR stuff. I dont really have a choice there, unless I buy another rifle.

[SCVlongstroke]

Nyet! TOO much crap on that AK!

[MarikinaMan]

I took out the red dot to test if I should go ahead and buy the side mount. It gave me the real estate to mount the IR switch, leave the light switch in place and still have a hand/thumb rest that is still free an clear of obstructions.



It looks a little busy, but I am still looking to replace the flashlight with a sleeker unit and also try and find better rail mounts like offsets and cantis. The important part is Ive found the space for my hand and the devices.




I have not found too many AK's playing in the dark. I'm looking forward to having a rifle with a slightly different retort than the rest

[Wordupmybrotha]

Is this a parody thread?

[shooter777]

Check out an SLR Rifleworks handguards. Put a cantilever scout mount with a Surefire light. Or you could go full Zenitco. Either way it won’t be cheap

[MarikinaMan]

Check out an SLR Rifleworks handguards. Put a cantilever scout mount with a Surefire light. Or you could go full Zenitco. Either way it won’t be cheap

Thanks. I will be exploring Surefire options. Maybe even a Modlite.

I found a way to mount the IR device bring it closer to the barrel, only produces a 1.2" offset to the bore, AND pushes it farther forward. This is going make a parallel zero target so much easier.

[MarikinaMan]

I used a shorter gooseneck rail and brought the weight in. I tested it outdoors. The barrel isnt catching the IR light and not causing reflections.



That open M-Lok spot above it looks like it will take some sort of offset 1" light mount. Looking for one.

This is getting better. I have a lot of space for switches, the devices look like they are getting mounted in good positions.

To be continued.