Backsight for Kalashnikov assault rifle

Fitting optics to a Kalashnikov is awkward. Usually you need a side bracket and an adapter, which looks bulky, and not every rifle even has the bracket. The alternative is swapping the receiver cover or improvising a rail.

The "Snake" rail from AKademia, a Russian maker of weapon accessories, solves this neatly. It mounts on top of the receiver cover of AK-series guns.

Fitting in three steps

1. Press the spring under the standard rear sight and slide the sight off its guides.
2. Slide the front of the rail onto the same guides until the spring clicks into place.
3. Lower the back of the rail onto the receiver and lock it with the latch.

Why it works

• A rigid fit, with an adjustable rear sight so you can still shoot with iron sights and no optics.
• The stock still folds.
• No drilling or modification: remove the rail and refit the original rear sight at any time.
• Made for real firearms, so it is more than strong enough for laser tag.