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	<title>Scope &#8211; Small Arms Review</title>
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	<title>Scope &#8211; Small Arms Review</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Leupold Launches Brand New Mark 4HD Scopes</title>
		<link>https://smallarmsreview.com/leupold-launches-brand-new-mark-4hd-scopes/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[SAR Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:52:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[New Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leupold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark 4HD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[optics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rifle Optic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scope]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://smallarmsreview.com/?p=47358</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Leupold &#38; Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the immediate launch of its brand-new Mark 4HD family of riflescopes. No matter the use-case, the Mark 4HD’s optical clarity and lightweight design will get the job done at the range or in the field. The [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Leupold &amp; Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the immediate launch of its brand-new Mark 4HD family of riflescopes.</p>



<p>No matter the use-case, the Mark 4HD’s optical clarity and lightweight design will get the job done at the range or in the field. The Mark 4HD series features a 4:1 zoom ratio and five magnification ranges, giving you an accurate and reliable option for close-quarter engagements, long-range dominance, and everything in between.</p>



<p>The new lineup includes:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Mark 4HD 1-4&#215;24</li>



<li>Mark 4HD 2.5-10&#215;42</li>



<li>Mark 4HD 4.5-18&#215;52</li>



<li>Mark 4HD 6-24&#215;52</li>



<li>Mark 4HD 8-32&#215;56</li>
</ul>



<p>The 1-4.5&#215;24 and 2.5-10&#215;42 models feature 30mm maintubes. All 1-4.5&#215;24 models are Second Focal Plane, while the 2.5-10&#215;42 model is available in first (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP). The three higher magnification options have 34mm maintubes and are all FFP optics. MIL or MOA adjustments and reticles are available throughout the line.</p>



<p>“The Mark 4HD family was designed to deliver incredible performance and versatility–there’s an answer in the line for every rifle, on every range,” said John Snodgrass, Tactical Product Line Manager for Leupold &amp; Stevens, Inc. “While its features will allow it to immediately find a home on the rifle of even the most experienced professionals, we’re also excited that, right away, the Mark 4HD offers shooters across the board the opportunity to make the jump to premium performance optics.”</p>



<p>Illuminated reticle options are available. It is push-button operated and features Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology (MST) which will put the illumination to sleep after five minutes of inactivity, reactivating it as soon as the scope moves.</p>



<p>The entire Mark 4HD family features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which delivers the light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution that professional guides and shooters demand. The push-button ZeroLock dial system eliminates accidental dial movement and allows a rapid return to zero. Select models feature a similar ZeroLock windage turret.</p>



<p>New with the Mark 4HD is the PR3-MIL reticle. Building upon Leupold’s popular PR2-MIL reticle, the PR3 provides a clutter-free image for fast, accurate precision aiming.</p>



<p>“Since we rolled it out, the PR2-MIL reticle has been winning competitions around the world,” Snodgrass said. “The PR3-MIL is based on direct feedback from those very same competitive shooters. It utilizes the .25-MIL increment foundation of the PR2’s vertical and horizontal stadia lines, while removing the ‘Christmas Tree’ portion in the lower field of view. It’s incredibly fast and incredibly clear.”</p>



<p>The Mark 4HD is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and guaranteed to perform for life. Like all Leupold riflescopes, it is proudly designed, machined, and assembled in the company’s Beaverton, Ore., factory.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-scribd wp-block-embed-scribd"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
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<p>More information is available on <a href="https://www.leupold.com/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.leupold.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leupold.com</a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>American Built Arms Mod * X Chassis Stock + Trijicon’s AccuPower® Scope</title>
		<link>https://smallarmsreview.com/american-built-arms-mod-x-chassis-stock-trijicons-accupower-scope/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[SAR Staff]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2016 00:34:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Articles by Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guns & Parts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Optics & Thermals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search by Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volume 20]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2016]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Built Arms Mod]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris A. Choat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARCH 2016]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trijicon’s]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[V20N2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[X Chassis Stock]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dev.smallarmsreview.com/?p=23679</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The A*B Arms Modular Weapons System along with the Trijicon AccuPower 4-16X50 scope can turn your Remington 700 short action rifle into a 21st Century, highly accurate lightweight precision tack driver. By Chris A. Choat The Remington 700 rifle has been around for more years than even this author can remember. If memory serves the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<div style="height:1px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size">The A*B Arms Modular Weapons System along with the Trijicon AccuPower 4-16X50 scope can turn your Remington 700 short action rifle into a 21st Century, highly accurate lightweight precision tack driver.</p>



<div style="height:10px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p>By Chris A. Choat</p>



<p>The Remington 700 rifle has been around for more years than even this author can remember. If memory serves the rifle was introduced in the early 1960’s. Since then it has become the workhorse of bolt actions. The rifle is available in three different action sizes; the Short, Standard and the Long actions. These action sizes are related to the length of the cartridges that they fire. This author has owned one of the first Remington 700 SPS (Special Purpose Synthetic) tactical rifles ever since they were introduced. It is chambered in .308. It came with a very heavy H-S Precision stock and was marketed heavily to the military and law enforcement communities as the perfect sniper or counter sniper rifle. The rifle also features a heavy profile barrel. The barrel combined with the weight of the stock makes for a rifle that the user sure doesn’t want to pack around all day. The rifles’ weight did make it a very pleasant rifle to shoot, one that wouldn’t beat you up even firing several boxes of ammo during a range session. The rifle has an internal 4-shot magazine with a swing-down floorplate. Later in the rifle’s evolution Remington came out with a model that featured a detachable magazine.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="700" height="262" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/002.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23681" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/002.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/002-300x112.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/002-600x225.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>The author&#8217;s Remington SPS 700 rifle was used as a test bed for the A<em>B Arms MOD</em>X chassis and Trijicon scope. The only thing done since it left the factory 20 years ago was the addition of an optic and bipod. The barrel was also shortened and threaded</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>This author’s rifle was and still is one of the most accurate rifles I have ever owned. With a good optic installed it is very capable of 1 MOA with just about any brand of ammunition. Recently I was sent a couple of New Products that proved to make this decades old Remington an even more accurate rifle as well as adding tactical features to bring it up to today’s military or LE standards.</p>



<p>The first product is made by a veteran formed and veteran owned company called A*B (American Built) Arms. Their product is an aluminum chassis called the MOD*X Modular Rifle System and is designed and engineered for military, law enforcement and even hunting enthusiasts. The A*B Arms MOD*X Modular Rifle System is a lightweight, ergonomic, drop-in platform for the Remington 700 Short Action. It serves as a modular foundation on which tactical accessories can be added according to the user’s needs.</p>



<p>The other product is one of Trijicon’s newest magnified optic the AccuPower® 4-16X50 riflescope. Trijicon has been making rugged military grade optics and sights since the early 1980’s. With the introduction of their first tritium powered red dot sight, the Armson OEG, they have been the company to look to for any kind of tritium powered red dot, scope or even iron sights. Their ACOG® line of optics have been chosen for use by military units the world over for their ruggedness. This author owns several of their optics and has never been let down by one.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="700" height="465" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/003.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23682" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/003.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/003-300x199.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/003-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>The railed forearm attaches to the chassis body by means of two socket head screws. The forearm attaches only to the chassis body leaving the barrel completely free-floating.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>These two new products arrived at this author’s office around the same time so they were destined to be combined into the same article. The Mod*X chassis system was installed on the author’s Remington SPS 700 short action .308 rifle. Installation is very easy and involves only removing your existing stock, in this case the heavyweight H-S Precision, and replacing it with the Mod*X chassis. The chassis is made from aluminum that is hard coat anodized to Mil-Spec Type III. The chassis comes in either black or flat dark earth. The sample sent for testing was black. The chassis weighs only 3 pounds 10 ounces and includes a 13.5 inch free-floating modular forearm that will accept even the heaviest custom contour barrel. The forearm has Key-Mod slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions as well as conventional slots at the 11 and 1 o’clock positions. The author added a short KeyMod to Picatinny rail adapter to the bottom of the forearm for installation of a bipod. The company says that their product is made to provide “goof proof” installation. This proved to be exactly the case. Once the original stock is removed the main chassis “body” with attached stock mounting point is attached to the Remington 700 receiver using the supplied socket head screws. The chassis’ stock mount consists of a threaded block that will accept any AR style buffer tube. While any AR platform stock can be used on the MOD*X chassis it is shipped with the excellent LUTH-AR MBA (Modular Buttstock Assembly)-1 stock. This stock is fully adjustable for length of pull and cheek rest height. It weighs just slightly over 1 pound and can be used on any .223 or .308 AR platforms. Also included with the chassis is A*B Arms own P*Grip pistol grip. Here again, this modular chassis accepts any AR-15 style grip so if the user wants they can change it. While the P*Grip is a nice grip and even includes a storage compartment it proved to be just too small for this author&#8217;s large hands and was replaced with a standard A2 pistol grip. The other parts of the MOD*X chassis system are the railed forearm and Picatinny scope mount. The forearm has a Picatinny rail that runs its entire length. The scope mount interlocks with the forearm with a steel alignment pin so the entire unit can be installed together. The forearm is held in place by two socket head screws that go through the chassis body and screw into the forearm itself. This makes for an extremely rigid setup. With the forearm installed and the scope mount installed into the forearm the scope mount is then attached to the rifle’s receiver by way of socket head screws that thread into the receiver’s drilled and tapped scope mounting holes. When it is all assembled it appears and feels as if it had been machined from one solid block of aluminum.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img decoding="async" width="700" height="465" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/004.jpg" alt="" data-id="23683" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/004.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/?attachment_id=23683#main" class="wp-image-23683" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/004.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/004-300x199.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/004-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="465" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/005.jpg" alt="" data-id="23684" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/005.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/?attachment_id=23684#main" class="wp-image-23684" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/005.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/005-300x199.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/005-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="465" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/006.jpg" alt="" data-id="23685" data-full-url="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/006.jpg" data-link="https://smallarmsreview.com/?attachment_id=23685#main" class="wp-image-23685" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/006.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/006-300x199.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/006-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></li></ul><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption"><strong>Left: </strong>The MOD*X comes complete with the LUTH-AR MBA fully adjustable stock. This stock is adjustable for cheek height as well as length of pull. The cheekpiece can also be moved forward and rearward as needed. It has a non-slip buttpad, sockets for sling mounting and a hook for the shooters off hand. <strong>Center:</strong> The author mounted a short KeyMod to Picatinny rail adapter to the rifles forearm for mounting a Harris bipod. <strong>Right:</strong> One of the best features of the new MOC*X chassis is its ability to let the host rifle be magazine fed. It uses MDT or AICS style magazines and one MDT 10-round magazine is included with the chassis. The magazine release is the small button located inside the front of the trigger guard.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Did I mention that the MOD*X system also converts the host rifle to magazine feed? That’s right; the MOD*X chassis system allows the use of MDT and AICS-style magazines. One MDT 10-round polymer magazine comes with the kit. The magazine release is a small round button located inside the front of the trigger guard. The magazine seated very securely into the magazine well with no wobble or movement when locked in place. In fact, the mag needed a firm slap on its baseplate to lock it in. The magazine, when empty, dropped free of the magazine well which is a plus if a rapid reload is needed.</p>



<p>With the MOD*X installed it was time to mount the optic. The folks at Trijicon were nice enough to send a set of their 30mm steel scope rings along with the AccuPower scope. They were the perfect height for the 50mm objective lens to clear the MOD*X forearm. The MOD*X forearm and scope mount have 20 MOA built right into it. The AccuPower scope was then installed in the rings and the scopes’ reticle was leveled and plumbed. With everything tightened down, the scope was aligned with a laser bore sight just so it was “on the paper” at 100 yards.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="354" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/007.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23686" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/007.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/007-300x152.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/007-600x303.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>The complete A*B Arms Modular Rifle System installed on the host rifle. The unit has KeyMod slots as well as conventional slots for attaching accessories. It also comes with the excellent LUTH-AR MBA stock and converts the host rifle to magazine feed. The top rail that extends across the scope mount, as well as the forearm, has 20 MOA built in to it.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>The Trijicon AccuPower scope was their flagship 4-16X50 model. The AccuPower is a versatile, variable powered riflescope with an electronic illuminated reticle and 30mm main tube. Featuring a high quality lens system with full multi-layer coatings, the AccuPower provides an incredibly clear sight picture. The reticle illumination is powered by a single CR2032 lithium battery and has an easy-to-operate brightness adjustment dial with eleven brightness settings and an “off” feature between each setting. The AccuPower features a hard anodized aluminum body that protects against corrosion and is waterproof to ten feet (3m). With a generous adjustment range for windage and elevation, precise adjustment increments, and a re-settable zero, the AccuPower riflescope delivers the precision required for pinpoint accuracy. The test scope featured the Mil-Square reticle with red illumination. Green illumination is also available. The MIL-Square reticle was designed by a former Marine Sniper to give a shooter refined aiming points compared to the widely accepted MIL-Dot. This reticle provides the capability of determining distance to a target, determining the size of a target and to provide visual reference points to be used to compensate for bullet drop and provide reference for follow up shot compensation. Because of the open square (instead of mil-dot) design the user can more accurately align the edge of the MIL-Square with the edge of the object being measured. Intermediate tick marks aid in increased accuracy for ranging or shot placement.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="465" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/008.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23687" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/008.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/008-300x199.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/008-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>The scope used to test the rifle was the Trijicon 4-16X50 AccuPower. This scope along with Trijiconís steel 30mm rings proved to be the perfect match for this rifle.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>With the chassis and optic mounted to the rifle it was time to head to the range. A Harris bipod was mounted to the short section of rail on the forearms bottom. All shooting was done either in the prone position or from a shooting table. Ammunition used included Gorilla Ammunition’s .308 WIN 175 grain Sierra MatchKing©, Federal Premium .308 WIN 180 grain Nosler Partition, Hornady .308 WIN 168 grain TAP and Beck Ammunition .308 WIN 168 grain A-Max Subsonic, for use with a suppressor, but more on that later.</p>



<p>The author has owned the Remington 700 used in this test for over 20 years and it has proven to be deadly accurate. In fact, this author didn’t think that the rifle could be more accurate than it already was. These two new products proved me wrong. Instead of a 1 MOA rifle with the MOD*X installed along with the Trijicon AccuPower the gun is now a ½ MOA rifle. All groups shot with the rifle shrank in size. We had several 3-shot groups, fired at 100 yards, that looked like small cloverleafs. The ammunition used in the test was also shot through the rifle before its “transformation”. Almost all group sizes dropped by at least half. Some were even more than that. The supplied magazine fed all of the test ammunition perfectly regardless of bullet style.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="671" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/009.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23688" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/009.jpg 671w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/009-288x300.jpg 288w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/009-600x626.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 671px) 100vw, 671px" /><figcaption>The AccuPower scope features a Mil-Square reticle with 11 positions of red illumination. The turrets offer very precise 0.1 Mil tactile click adjustments. The turrets are spring loaded and can be reset to the zero mark by simply raising them up to unlock them and turning them back to the ì0&#8243; mark.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Several years ago I had the barrel of this rifle shortened and threaded for suppressor use. A Thompson Machine “Thirty” suppressor was installed and shot using the Beck Ammunition .308 WIN 208 grain Subsonic ammunition. If you have a .308 rifle and a suppressor for it you have to try this ammunition. It is the ultimate in quiet. You can hear the bullets impacting the target. Beck Ammunition also makes a subsonic load with a 168 grain A-Max bullet and well as several .223/5.56 subsonic loads in several bullet weights.</p>



<p>In conclusion, if you have a tired old Remington 700 or even a brand new, right out of the box, gun you can bring it into the 21st Century with the MOD*X Modular Rifle System. You get the advantages of a lighter weight gun that will shoot more accurately as well as the addition of the KeyMod and conventional slots for mounting any accessory that you can think of. With the addition of a full-length Picatinny rail you also have plenty of rail real estate for the mounting of night vision optics along with your regular magnified optic.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="555" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/010.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23689" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/010.jpg 700w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/010-300x238.jpg 300w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/010-600x476.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption>Several types of ammunition were used in the testing. The rifle fed from the magazine perfectly no matter what type of ammunition was used.</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>In regard to the AccuPower, this author has always been a fan of anything made by Trijicon and this scope proved to be no exception. It is rugged, repeatedly accurate and one of the clearest optics I have ever used. The Mil-Square reticle coupled with the illumination proved invaluable in ranging and usability even in low-light situations. I may even have to buy this scope instead of sending it back after the test. I have become quite<br>attached to it.</p>



<p>A*B Arms<br>www.abarms.com</p>



<p>Trijicon<br>www.trijicon.com</p>



<p>Beck Ammunition<br>www.beckammunition.com</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V20N2 (March 2016)</em></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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		<title>Optically Speaking: Scope Options for SVD, FPK/PLS and AK</title>
		<link>https://smallarmsreview.com/optically-speaking-scope-options-for-svd-fpk-pls-and-ak/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[David M. Fortier]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Mar 2000 22:53:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[V3N6 (Mar 2000)]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[Scope mounts. No matter how accurate your rifle or how precise your optics, if your scope is not mounted rock solid all is for naught. Ever since soldiers started mounting optical sights onto their rifles to successfully engage further than was possible with iron sights, the fly in the ointment has been how to properly mount them. And once mounted, how to keep them properly mounted. In his book ‘A RIFLEMAN WENT TO WAR’ H.W. McBride wrote about how he anchored a Warner &#038; Swasey telescope onto his Ross sniping rifle, “I had to tinker up the mounting a bit to keep it from jarring loose; on my particular rifle I rusted all the screws in and spiked them with a center punch, then by ramming a thin wedge or “shim” (made from a safety razor blade) in between the sight base and its holding lug, I finally got it on so tightly I could not get it off. This “anchored” it properly and the sight thereafter worked all right.” I’m sure his method not only worked but made him right popular with his armourer.]]></description>
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<p>By David M. Fortier</p>



<p>Scope mounts. No matter how accurate your rifle or how precise your optics, if your scope is not mounted rock solid all is for naught. Ever since soldiers started mounting optical sights onto their rifles to successfully engage further than was possible with iron sights, the fly in the ointment has been how to properly mount them. And once mounted, how to keep them properly mounted. In his book ‘A RIFLEMAN WENT TO WAR’ H.W. McBride wrote about how he anchored a Warner &amp; Swasey telescope onto his Ross sniping rifle, “I had to tinker up the mounting a bit to keep it from jarring loose; on my particular rifle I rusted all the screws in and spiked them with a center punch, then by ramming a thin wedge or “shim” (made from a safety razor blade) in between the sight base and its holding lug, I finally got it on so tightly I could not get it off. This “anchored” it properly and the sight thereafter worked all right.” I’m sure his method not only worked but made him right popular with his armourer.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="463" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/002-146.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17951" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/002-146.jpg 463w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/002-146-198x300.jpg 198w" sizes="(max-width: 463px) 100vw, 463px" /></figure>
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<p>Rifles and scopes have changed a lot from McBride’s .303 Ross straightpull with an offset mounted Warner &amp; Swasey, but some problems remain timeless. The only country that apparently took the sniping lessons of World War I to heart was the Soviet Union. Dominated by German Scharfschutzen’s (sharpshooters) the Russians suffered dreadfully, but learned their lesson well. From 1932 to 1938 54,160 Model 91/30 Mosin-Nagant sniper rifles were manufactured. From the outset of the Great Patriotic War the Germans suffered alarming losses to Soviet snipers. In 1942 alone the Soviets produced 53,195 scope sighted sniping rifles of which the Germans reissued all they could capture. After the war the Soviets went on to produce the worlds first rifle designed from the ground up for sniping, and sniping only. Named after it’s designer, Evgeniy F. Dragunov (1920-1991), the SVD Dragunov entered Soviet service on July 3rd, 1963. With the SVD a rail mounted scope, the PSO-1, was adopted for service.</p>



<p>Since variants of Kalashnikov’s rifle, hereafter simply referred to as AK’s, became available in the U.S. people have searched for a way to mount optics on them. And since SVD’s in different forms (TIGR’s, Chinese, .308) came into the country, and with Romanian FPK/PSL’s available, shooters have wanted to upgrade their optics. It is now possible to do both, and with excellent results. Originally the only mounts generally available for AK’s were “trash” from China. Topcover mounts that adjusted your zero for you between shots, and clunky receiver mounts that were a take off from the 91/30 Mosin-Nagant mount. Some American companies quickly caught a whiff of money to be made and turned out some horrible trash, good only for separating you from your hard earned cash. While this garbage is still out there I am very happy to say that there are also some excellent options now available for the individual desiring to put optics on their AK, or upgrade the optics on their SVD or FPK.</p>



<p>The Holy Grail required for properly mounting optics on a Kalashnikov is the military rail mount that attaches to the left side of the weapons receiver. SVD’s and FPK’s of course have this rail already mounted, as do many of the semi-auto AK’s now being imported. However, if your favorite shooting iron lacks this important piece don’t despair as they are cheap, readily available, and easy to mount. Both Kalashnikov USA and K-VAR carry this important piece, so properly mounting optics onto your weapon can now be a reality. The rail comes with all needed hardware and a mounting template so that anyone who is not a hazard with power tools should be able to accomplish the task.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="569" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/003-143.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17952" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/003-143.jpg 569w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/003-143-244x300.jpg 244w" sizes="(max-width: 569px) 100vw, 569px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Top: PSO-1 mounted on an AK-74. Featuring 4x, a Bullet Drop Compensator, battery powered illuminated reticle, and retractable sunshade this scope was introduced into Soviet service in 1963 with the SVD Dragunov. Used by the Soviets on everything from AK&#8217;s to heavy machineguns (in slightly modified form), it makes a nice addition to an AK. Bottom: Due to current regulations the PSO-1 scopes currently being sold by Kalashnikov USA utilize a European 1A post reticle rather than the military reticle. In low light simply flicking the protected switch up illuminates the reticle. While a non-illuminated reticle simply disappears into the darkness with the PSO-1 as long as you can see through the scope, such as on a moonlit night, you can place accurate fire on target.</em></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Why bother, you might ask? Why would someone want to go through the trouble of mounting optics on an AK? Well there are several good reasons. One is that not all AK’s shoot like a bucket. The AK-74 used for testing in this article hovers around 1.5 MOA for instance. The second is that you may wish to have the option to use optics or not to at your discretion as the situation calls. The third is that you may wish to install not a scope per say but a red dot sight for quick target acquisition. And the fourth may be that while your AK shoots like a bucket you just feel like doing it. All good reasons.</p>



<p>To show you what is available I contacted three companies and tested what they have to offer. Product from Kalashnikov USA, K-VAR, and I.O.R. Valdada were all put through their paces. For testing purposes a Russian SVD TIGR 7.62x54R and a Romanian 5.45&#215;39 AK-74 from Tennessee Guns were used. The AK-74 was outfitted with a stock from Ace Tech to increase the length of pull. It is without a doubt the finest stock available for an AK. Patterned after an FN-FAL sidefolder they are available in both fixed and folding versions for legality. Testing was done at 100, 300 and for the SVD, 600 yards. Ammunition for testing purposes was Wolf Performance Ammunition from Tula Arsenal and supplied by Sporting Supplies Int. Inc.</p>



<p>Kalashnikov USA has an extensive line available at reasonable prices. A joint partnership with Izhmash Joint Stock Company of Izhevsk, Russia they import products of Russian design and manufacture. Founded in 1807, Izhmash JSC is where Mikhail Kalashnikov and Evgeniy Dragunov’s weapons were originally manufactured so they have plenty of experience with both AK’s and SVD’s. I tested three scopes, one red dot sight, and two mounts from Kalashnikov USA.</p>



<p>Kalashnikov USA carries a PSO-1 variant. Adopted in 1963 with the SVD the PSO-1 is still the standard issue sniping scope in the Russian Army. With a built in mount, the whole assembly simply slides onto the weapons side rail and locks with a throw lever. A fixed 4x with a 24 mm objective, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), battery operated illuminated reticle, sunshade, and finger adjustable target turrets. It comes with a post reticle, as the original military reticle is not allowed to be imported. With coated lenses and an exit pupil of 6mm it does a surprisingly good job of transmitting light. The optics are very clear, and the illuminated reticle is an excellent feature that once you get used to you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. While I at first did not expect that it would actually hold a zero, I can honestly say that my PSO-1 returned to zero flawlessly no matter how many times I dismounted it. The standard scope for an SVD, it makes a nice addition to an AK, but you will want to increase your length of pull.</p>



<p>Of interest to SVD and FPK owners is a 6x version of the PSO-1. At the extreme ranges encountered during the fighting in Afghanistan the Soviets found the PSO-1’s 4x lacking. This scope not only has increased magnification, but also a larger objective lens. Advertised as a 6x36mm the objective lens actually measures a full 40 mm and appears to be the largest lens they could utilize without a major redesign. In all other respects this scope is identical to the PSO-1. It does however have a different reticle. It uses an inverted chevron aiming point and a Zeiss style rangefinder. Optics are coated, surprisingly good, and very clear, better than my Leupolds. The BDC proved very accurate and with a 100 yard zero simply dialing the knob to “6” put me on a military silhouette at 600 yards. For me, 6x seems to be the perfect balance of magnification in a fixed power scope, even at 600 yards (at this range 4x was lacking however). For someone wanting to upgrade their SVD/FPK to more magnification and a larger objective lens without sacrificing ruggedness, durability, the illuminated reticle or BDC, this is the way to go.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="561" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/004-137.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17954" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/004-137.jpg 561w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/004-137-240x300.jpg 240w" sizes="(max-width: 561px) 100vw, 561px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Top: PSO 6&#215;36 shown mounted on SVD TIGR test rifle with PSO-1 shown above it for size comparison. During the fighting in Afghanistan the Soviets found the 4x magnification of the PSO-1 insufficient. The PSO 6&#215;36 basically a PSO-1 with 6x magnification and a 40 mm objective lens. I was impressed with this scope and its performance on the test SVD. After exhausting our supply of Wolf 7.62x54R we turned to Sellier &amp; Bellot&#8217;s excellent 180 FMJ load. At 600 yards this combination was good for a consistent MOA. Bottom: Reticle of the PSO 6&#215;36 is a modified post. It features an inverted chevron aiming point and vertical lines for rangefinding. The vertical lines are calibrated for the length of an Elk. Bracketing an animal between lines will give the correct range. Dial it into the BDC and fire.</em></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Red dot sights have become very popular lately, and for good reason. Lightning fast and allowing accurate fire to be placed at reasonable ranges they work well for their intended purpose. Kalashnikov USA’s entry in this field is called the Cobra. A collimator sight, instead of having a tube it projects the aiming point onto a single lens. It has a built in mount that allows the whole unit to quickly and easily be attached or removed from the weapon. Powered by two 3-volt lithium batteries it has some outstanding features. Instead of just simply having a dot for an aiming point, the user has the option from choosing a dot, a post with horizontal stadia, or a combination of the two. Changes in reticle are accomplished simply with the push of a button. Brightness settings are changed easily and the unit has a memory feature so that when you turn it on it will automatically give you the same settings as when turned off.</p>



<p>Also offered by Kalashnikov USA is the PSO-2. A conventional looking 7&#215;29 scope with a 1-inch tube, it comes with a mount. What is interesting about this scope is the reticle. Consisting of a vertical row of inverted chevron aiming points, each marked with the corresponding range. This allows the shooter to zero his weapon at 100 meters and then use his reticle hold over marks at all further ranges. Hold-over marks are given all the way out to 1100 meters.</p>



<p>For those of you who wish to mount their own choice of 1-inch scope they offer the MTK-75. This mount has integral rings and is angled forward to allow proper eye relief with most scopes. Sitting directly over the bore it seems to be the perfect height, not to tall so that your cheek weld goes out the window, but high enough that you can mount a scope with a 40-42mm objective bell on an AK, 56mm on an SVD. Like all the other mounts it attaches and detaches easily with the throw of a lever.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="546" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/005-114.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17955" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/005-114.jpg 546w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/005-114-234x300.jpg 234w" sizes="(max-width: 546px) 100vw, 546px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Top: PSO-2 with mount. A 7&#215;29 scope with a conventional 1î tube, this inexpensive scope system performed surprisingly well at 300 yards. It&#8217;s low light use though is limited. The mount however will accept any one inch tube scope. Bottom: Reticle of the PSO-2 consists of inverted chevron aiming points giving the proper holdover points from 100 to 1100 meters. The 500 meter chevron has additional aiming points to the right and left for lead or hasty windage corrections. Vertical lines on either side of hold over marks are for rangefinding an Elk sized animal by bracketing it between the lines.</em></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Another company that offers a mount is K-VAR. They have a wide selection of AK parts and accessories, Krinkov conversion kits, Romanian FPK magazines and mag pouches, to just scratch the surface. One of the neatest machineguns I have ever shot was an AKS-74U built on a K-VAR kit. Of interest here is their scope mount for AK’s. Extremely rugged and blocky, your receiver will flex before K-VAR’s mount does. It sports a standard Weaver rail so that you can use whatever rings you wish. Plus it’s high enough that any size scope bell, including 56mm, will fit without a problem. Mounting simply consists of sliding it onto the rail and locking it in place via a lever. Like the Soviet military mount, it is adjustable for a perfect fit to each individual weapons rail quickly and easily.</p>



<p>The last mount tested is from I.O.R. (Industry Optic Romania) Valdada. Almost unknown in the U.S., I.O.R. has been manufacturing precision optics since 1936. A supplier of optics to elite Warsaw Pact units, I.O.R.’s product line of state of the art military and hunting scopes and binoculars is now available through Valdada in the United States. Utilizing glass for their lenses manufactured in Germany these precision optics compare with anything Schmidt undt Bender, Zeiss, or Leica manufacture. In a phone conversation with Valdada’s president Valentine Leatu, he mentioned that although they don’t advertise it they also carry mounts for SVD’s, AK’s, and FPK’s. Like everything else they make I quickly noticed that their mount is very well thought out, well made, and rugged. Slightly offset to the left, this mount is very low to the bore, just barely high enough to allow the weapons top cover to be removed for maintenance. It features a rail that accepts both Weaver or Stanag rings for your convenience. No cheap junk here, this mount is definitely mil spec. Either mounted on the AK-74 or my SVD this mount proved to be an awesome performer.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="559" height="700" src="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/006-101.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-17956" srcset="https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/006-101.jpg 559w, https://smallarmsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/006-101-240x300.jpg 240w" sizes="(max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Top: I.O.R. Valdada offers an excellent low profile mount. Of military grade quality, the mount is just barely high enough to allow field stripping of the weapon. Slightly offset to the left, it features a standard Weaver rail and also accepts Stanag rings to allow a variety of scopes to be mounted. Shown is Valdada&#8217;s 4&#215;24 Tactical scope which features a 30mm tube, BDC, tritium illuminated rangefinding reticle and adjustable ocular lens. The 7.62 version&#8217;s BDC goes out to 1000 meters while the 5.56 version (shown) goes out to 800 meters. Of extremely high quality Valdada scopes surpass Leupold and rival the expensive German offerings. Bottom: Reticle of 4x Valdada Tactical scope. A direct copy of the Soviet military PSO-1 reticle, it features a inverted chevron aiming point with hash marks to either side for lead or windage corrections. For use at 100 to 1000 meters simply set the BDC and use the top chevron. For use at 1100 meters set the BDC to ë10í and use the next chevron down. Use the next one down for 1200 and the bottom chevron for 1300 meters. To the lower left is the rangefinder. Designed to bracket a standing person (not elk), simply put their feet on the bottom flat line, where their head touches the upper curved line is the range they are at. Read the range, set the BDC and fire. No mil dots to count, no multiplication, no fuss.</em></figcaption></figure>
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<p>I also tested three scopes from Valdada that will be of particular interest to AK/SVD owners. They offer two fixed 4x scopes with straight 30 mm tubes, BDC’s, Tritium illuminated military reticle with range finder, and matte finish. One is calibrated for the 7.62x54R/7.62 Nato and the other is calibrated for the 5.56/5.45’s trajectory. They both feature the Soviet military SVD reticle and the rangefinder is calibrated for a standing person out to 1000 meters. Of extremely high quality I tested one on my AK-74 out to 300 yards with excellent results. Also of interest to someone looking for a true Tactical scope for their SVD/FPK is Valdada’s 2.5x10x42. With optics that put my Leupold on the trailer, handsome good looks, and flawless performance at 600 yards this is simply an incredible scope. The clarity is good enough to allow you to easily spot .30 caliber holes at 300 yards. A modified mil reticle is utilized allowing ranging of a 6 foot figure past 1000 yards. The mil marks can be used for hold over points out to 1000 yards. Adjustment repeatability is flawless. I could go on and on, suffice to say you will be hearing a lot about Valdada and I.O.R.’s scopes in the future.</p>



<p>Throughout testing I was extremely impressed with the quality of the Wolf Performance Ammunition and I recommend it highly, it is definitely a cut above. Both their FMJ and HP 5.45&#215;39 loads shot extremely well. High quality 7.62x54R ammunition is extremely hard to come by and I was incredulous when their soft point hunting ammunition shot into 3/4 of an inch at 100 yards. For someone looking for reloadable 7.62x54R I highly recommend Sellier &amp; Bellot’s 180 grain FMJ. Inexpensive and reloadable it shot sub-MOA at 600 yards. I have had very poor results from their soft point load however. I also cannot say enough about Ace Technology’s AK stock, it simply must be experienced to be appreciated.</p>



<p>If you intend on putting optics on your AK do it the right way, the way the Soviet military did. There is no excuse for using cheap junk that uses the pistol grip or top cover to hold your scope onto the weapon. If the military rail will securely hold a huge Night Vision Device it will hold your scope. I have found all of these companies to be excellent to deal with from a customer’s point of view. Decide what your needs are and give them a call.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Acknowledgments:</h2>



<p>Thanks to R&amp;D Outfitters of Warren, Maine for allowing us the use of their 600 yard range during renovations, it was greatly appreciated. Also thanks to Gabe Sende of THE RUSSIAN STORE for providing the uniforms and field gear used in the photo’s and Paul J. Martin (The Red Rifle Man) for allowing us to pick his brain and Jim Mcloud for letting us shoot his Krinkov and RPD.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">References:</h2>



<p>A RIFLEMAN WENT TO WAR<br>by H.W. McBride,<br>Lancer Militaria, Mt. Ida,<br>Arkansas 1987.</p>



<p>THE GERMAN SNIPER<br>1914-1945<br>by Peter R. Senich,<br>Paladin Press,<br>Boulder, Colorado 1982.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SOURCES</h2>



<p>KALASHNIKOV-USA-LTD<br>1-561-337-3398<br>(Scopes, Mounts, Rifles, Shotguns, Target Rifles, Parts, More!)</p>



<p>I.O.R. VALDADA<br>1-970-879-2983<br>(Scope Mounts, Tactical Scopes, Hunting Scopes, Binoculars, Rings)</p>



<p>K-VAR<br>1-702-364-8880<br>(Scope Mounts, Parts, Accessories, Krinkov kits)</p>



<p>SPORTING SUPPLIES INT. INC.<br>1-714-635-4246<br>(Wolf High Performance Ammunition)</p>



<p>WESTERN INTERNATIONAL<br>1-503-887-6921<br>(Sellier&amp;Bellot Ammunition)</p>



<p>INTERNATIONAL MILITARY PUBLICATIONS<br>1-703-221-4339<br>(English Translation of Soviet SVD and other Russian Weapon Manuals)</p>



<p>TENNESSEE GUNS<br>1-423-577-1939<br>(Pre-Ban style AK-74’s, Guns, Ammo, More)</p>



<p>ACE LTD<br>1-530-346-2492<br>(U.S. made Pre and Post Ban AK Stock Conversions)</p>



<p>THE RUSSIAN STORE<br>1-818-999-1257<br>(Soviet Uniforms, Gear, Medals, More)</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><em>This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V3N6 (March 2000)</em></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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