It's started so think I want to get my AK before it hits the fan

[Intercooler]

They also have a tan one without the rails but same stock as the all black one:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=297117785

[uz2bUSMC]

It can ship without a mag and be legal. So will one of these scope mounts make it normal functioning?

The scope mount will not hurt functioning unless it blocks your iron sight picture, if that's what you mean. The gun is designed to utilize these types of optics mounts.

As for the stock being better... well that depends, the obvious advantage is that you can adjust the length of pull to your liking for various situations. The disadvantages will be durability and a rattle if it's a low quality calapsable buttstock.

Also, I'm not an AK expert by any stretch. Just wanted to throw that out there. I've done my research over the years but the scope of what I know has a narrow field of view, mostly directly relatede to features I like.

[Intercooler]

I'm trying to find someone that can tell me if it works okay with a scope for your cheek rest. Other thing I didn't realize is the front sight is on the gas tube. Some say that may not be good and it ruins mounting other things on there.

[hillbillyhans]

I stand by Noricos for the price. Val's are out of sight in price! Stick with GOOD iron sights. I don't like anything that takes batteries on a battle rifle, and scopes are for hunters/designated marksmen. Also, a good upgrade is the lightening bolt. It puts the charging handle on the left side. Grips, stocks.......all the other stuff that people stick on their "adult legos" or rifles, is good stuff, but in my humble opinion your money is better spent on ammo and mags.

[sqlbullet]

I wish I had gotten into building back when barreled kits were $100.  I have some friends that were into building 5 years ago and they have tens of AK's that they built from $150 or less.

[uz2bUSMC]

I'm trying to find someone that can tell me if it works okay with a scope for your cheek rest. Other thing I didn't realize is the front sight is on the gas tube. Some say that may not be good and it ruins mounting other things on there.

The cheek rest will be low but it's a wash since you're not going to get great accuracy anyway, imho. With the sight on the gas tube your sight radius is shortened, well, even more. Can't think off hand what it might prevent you from mounting.

[uz2bUSMC]

I stand by Noricos for the price. Val's are out of sight in price! Stick with GOOD iron sights. I don't like anything that takes batteries on a battle rifle, and scopes are for hunters/designated marksmen. Also, a good upgrade is the lightening bolt. It puts the charging handle on the left side. Grips, stocks.......all the other stuff that people stick on their "adult legos" or rifles, is good stuff, but in my humble opinion your money is better spent on ammo and mags.

Tritium dots aren't bad, no need for batts. Not up to date on what's available AND good these days, though. Red dots are pretty fast. A dot set up to co-witness is pretty handy.

[hillbillyhans]

Acog's are good.