AK operators are constantly looking for innovative devices to improve the AK platform.
And as the demand for these devices continues to go up, manufacturers have to come up with devices that can greatly improve the capabilities of an AK47.
The AK47 rail systems have been around for a while, and the most common ones are the Picatinny rail, Dovetail rail, Weaver rail, and Warsaw rail.
These rails come in different sizes and styles, but they all allow you to mount different types of optics and a large variety of other firearm accessories like lasers and flashlights. And most of them are designed to fit many AK47 variants.
So finding a rail system is not hard, the challenge is getting one that is going to meet your shooting needs and is suitable for your AK47 variant.
Now, if you are a veteran AK operator, you may already own a quality AK47 rail system. But if you are a novice looking to buy the best rail system for your AK47, take a look at our recommendations.
Top Pick
MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MIAKBLK
- 6061 T6 Aluminum
- MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny Rails
- Installs In Minutes
AK47 Rail Systems Comparison Chart
| Photo | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MIAKBLK | Length: 6" Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum Weight: 10 oz | Check Price |
| Texas Weapon Systems 33310 GEN-3 | Length: 9.3", 12" Material: High-Grade Aluminum Weight: 9 oz | Check Price |
| RS Regulate AK303M | Length: 5.87" Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum Weight: 3.5 oz | Check Price |
| Samson AKRSR1 | Length: 3.5" Material: Machined Steel Weight: 3.5 oz | Check Price |
| Zenitco Zenit B13 Classic | Rail Length: 7.82" Material: D16T Aluminum Weight: 6.17 oz | Check Price |
5 Best AK47 Rail Systems (as of September, 2024):
1. MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MIAKBLK AK47 Rail System Review
Midwest Industries is well known in the gun industry as a quality producer of firearms accessories.
So it should not surprise you that this MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MIAKBLK model is at the top of our list of the best AK47 rail systems.
This universal railed handguard comes with mil-spec 1913 rails on which you can mount scopes, flashlights, and other rifle accessories.
The handguard is made of high-quality aluminum for durability and portability. And its hard coat anodized for waterproof performance.
Installation is extremely easy and straightforward. You don’t need to modify your rifle to attach the handguard. You simply clamp it to your rifle and secure it tightly with screws. It comes with the mounting screws and a wrench for installation.
It’s not budget-friendly when you compare it with similar products, but it does come with a Picatinny rail system and that is a huge plus.
Main Features
- For AK-47/74 With Stamped Or Milled Receivers
- For Lights, Lasers, Optics, Vertical Grips
- Provides Cooler Operating Environment For Optic
- 6″ Extended Universal Handguard
- T-Marked MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny Rails
- Standard Picatinny Top Cover
- 6061 T6 Aluminum
- Hardcoat Anodized
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- Installs In Minutes
- Installation Requires Field Stripping
Pros:
- Aluminum alloy construction and hard coat anodized for durability and waterproof performance
- Fits most AK47 variants with milled or stamped receivers
- Six inches in length
- Comes with a Picatinny rail mounting for optics, lasers, and flashlights
- Easy to install
- Ideal for self-defense, tactical use, and competitive shooting
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
Makes it hard to clean the gas tube
2. Texas Weapon Systems 33310 GEN-3 AK47 Rail System Review
The Gen-3 Dog Leg Rail is a versatile rail system that completely replaces your AK47 factory rear sight and dust cover.
It’s a Picatinny rail, so you can mount your red dot scopes, flashlights, or other firearm accessories.
The top cover comes with one adjustable piece that has two bolts to hold it in place. And this adjustable piece allows the rail system to fit many AK variants.
The rail comes with everything that you need to install it including a recoil spring replacement and wrench.
You may need extra tools like a mallet for the installation because you are going to need to remove the existing rear sight and the rear leaf spring recoil to replace it with the one that comes with the Dog Leg rail.
Other than that, you don’t need to modify your rifle to install this rail system. It attaches to your rifle with screws.
As for the build, its made of high-grade aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. So the rail is not going to add to the weight of your rifle.
The only major downside is that it is expensive.
Main Features
- Forward Hinged, Quick-Release Cover
- Rear Cam-Lock
- Adjustable Front Tab
- Cam-Lock Release Button
- High-Grade Aluminum
- Drop-In Installation
- Takedown Pin Behind The Main Hinge
- Comes With All Mounting Hardware
- Picatinny Rail For Red Dot Scopes
- Lightweight & Durable
Pros:
- Lightweight, durable, and tough
- Sturdy construction that can withstand harsh conditions
- Waterproof
- Picatinny rail for red dot scopes and other rifle accessories
- Doesn’t interfere with regular cleaning and firearm stripping
- Comes with the mounting hardware
- Fits any AK47 variant with milled or stamped receiver
Cons:
- It is expensive
- Installation is a bit tricky
3. RS Regulate AK303M AK47 Rail System Review
The RS Regulate is a leader in the AK market.
And what’s great about this company is that they are constantly looking for ways to modernize the AK platform.
So this RS Regulate AK303M full-length rail made using high-quality aluminum for strength and durability is extremely versatile.
It’s Teflon coated to add to its strength and make it waterproof.
Aside from the sturdy construction, the rail system is designed for easy installation. You don’t need to drill or make any modifications to your rifle for the installation. The rail clamps onto your rifle, you don’t even need any tools to install it.
If you need to tighten the rail to snugly fit onto your rifle, there is a screw for tightening and loosening the rail. And the screw is inbuilt into the rail.
Once installed, you can mount a red dot scope or any other type of scope. You can also mount a flashlight or other gun accessory.
If you clean your rifle regularly, the rail does not interfere with the cleaning or disassembly of the rifle even if you have mounted a scope on it.
Main Features
- Updated Design
- Option Of Three Different Lower Mounts
- Ability To Stake Position For Extreme Duty
- 6061 T6 Aluminum
- Teflon Coated Finish
- Accepts Optics With 30mm OD Tube
- Fits AK47 Variants That Have a Dovetail Side Rail Mount
- Easy To Install
- Durable & Weather-Resistant
Pros:
- Strong, durable, and weather-resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Fits AK47 variants that have a dovetail side rail mount
- Allows the mounting of ACOG and red dot sight scopes
Cons:
- Some users find it expensive
4. Samson AKRSR1 Review
This Samson AKRSR1 rail system is absolutely easy to install.
It replaces your factory rear sight rail and you don’t need to remove any other part or modify your rifle to install it.
Once installed, it does not interfere with the removal of the receiver cover.
The rail is a 1913 Picatinny rail, so you can mount your red dot optics and other rifle accessories.
The rail is made of steel and it’s treated with black oxide to give it a nice finish and add to the durability and strength of the rail.
It is a little expensive. You can get cheaper rear sight rails, but they may not be as good as this one. It’s not ridiculously expensive in AK rail standards. But if you want a good quality rail, you have to be ready to pay for it.
Main Features
- 1913 Picatinny Mil-Spec
- Machined Steel & Black Oxide Coating
- Rock-Solid Attachment Point For The Optic
- Fits AK-47 Models With Rear Sight
- Precision Laser Engraving
- Resistant To Corrosion & Rusting
- All Mounting Hardware Included
- Easy to Install
Pros:
- Durable, solid and corrosion-resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to install and extremely stable
- Does not interfere with firearm stripping
- 1913 Picatinny rail for red dot sight and other firearm accessories
- Fits a wide range of AK47 variants
Cons:
- It’s pricey
5. Zenitco Zenit B13 Classic Review
This is a Russian product and it has been in the AK market for years.
Zenitco Zenit B13 Classic is a favorite with many AK operators.
And it’s one of the best looking rail systems on the market.
It is a side rail mount, so you install it on the side of your AK47. You don’t need to modify your gun to install it.
But if your rifle does not have a side mount platform where you can mount the rail, you can choose a different type of rail system. Or you can talk to a gunsmith and find out if it’s possible to install the platform.
It has a quick detach lever for easy and quick removal. And to loosen it or make it tighter, there is an inbuilt screw that allows you to make the adjustments.
The mount gives your rifle a Picatinny rail to mount firearm accessories like red dot scopes and flashlights. And it does not obstruct your iron sight view once installed.
Some users find it expensive. But this is a rail system that you can use on any modern AK47, variant a side mount base. Plus it gives your rifle the capability to mount different types of scopes.
Main Features
- Side Mounted on AK
- Quick Detachable
- Picatinny Rail For Scopes
- Does Not Obstruct Iron Sights
- Fully CNC Machined
- D16T Alluminum Alloy
- Powder Coating
- Can Be Additionaly Secured With Screw
Pros:
- Side rail mount
- Rigid construction for improved durability and strength
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Extremely easy to install
- Does not obstruct iron sights
- Picatinny rail for scopes and other rifle accessories
- Quick detachable level for quick and easy removal
- Compatible with AK47s that have side mount platforms
Cons:
- Not ideal for milled AKs
Buyer’s Guide
What makes a good AK47 rail system? Well, for those who go for looks, remember, not all that glitters is gold.
Choosing an AK47 is serious business. The AK market is already saturated with rail systems. And figuring out which one to buy requires some knowledge and wisdom.
So without further a due, here are some key factors that you need to consider before purchasing an AK47 rail system.
Material
AK47 rail systems are usually made using steel or aluminum. And this is because these materials are resistant to corrosion, heat, and wear. They are also durable, sturdy, and lightweight.
Furthermore, most if not all of them have coated or anodized finishes for added durability and strength. The material the rail is made from determines not just its hardwearing capabilities, but also its performance.
Type of Rail System
The rail system style is a key factor when selecting a rail for your AK47 if you are looking to attach certain accessories to it. Some are extremely versatile and easier to use than others.
So when it comes to the rail system, your choice is going to depend on the accessories you want to mount on your rifle. It also going to depend on your AK47 variant. The system should be fit without you need to modify your rifle.
Durability
A majority of rail systems are made of steel or aluminum and are coated to harden them and increase their durability.
It can be hard to tell if a rail system is durable or not by looking at it. But the material used to in its construction is a good determinant. So check what material the rail is crafted from to determine if its of good quality.
If a rail is not durable, then it’s not worth a single penny.
Weather-Resistant
You don’t want a rail system that starts to show signs of corrosion or rusting after a short period of time. Or a rail that does not give you the flexibility to hunt or shoot in any weather condition.
So make sure that the rail system is weather resistant. You can determine how well it can withstand harsh conditions by the materials its made from.
Installation
Most rail systems use simple clamps and screws to attach to a rifle. So you don’t need to modify your rifle to install them, which is convenient and cost-effective.
If there are any modifications to be made, you need to get a gunsmith to do it. But with a wide variety of AK47 rail systems to choose from, you are don’t need to modify your rifle to get one that fits.
Attachments
Do you want a rail system to mount a red dot scope or other optics? Or a rail that allows you to mount optics and other rifle accessories?
Not all rails systems allow you to mount any type of firearm accessory. Some are designed for red dot sights scopes only. And others are designed for sights, scopes, flashlights, and other accessories.
Those that can accommodate a wide variety of firearm accessories offer more advantages, but they are also expensive. Your choice, in this case, is going to depend on your personal preference and budget.
Price
Not everyone wants to spend more than a few bucks on a rail system. But if you want a high-quality versatile rail, you should be ready and willing to spend a little bit more money.
Price should not be a key factor when selecting a rail system, but if you are on a tight budget, there are affordable options. But before you make a purchase, read what other users are saying about the quality and performance of the rail system.
And if the price is too good, then the product is probably bogus.
Conclusion
Rail systems allow you to attach firearm accessories to your AK that can greatly improve and make your shooting experience more enjoyable. And with so many options available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
But when you know what you are looking for, then it’s not going to be hard at all. As long as you focus on the quality and less on the price tag, you cannot go wrong.
