A crucial part of this build is the optics mounting. I wanted to load from stripper clips, so an offset scope mount like on the M1D Garand was necessary. I don't like scout mounts personally, and such a mount would be unworkable with the "Mosage" barrel nut system anyhow.
To save R&D and machine time, I designed a side rail mount to accept any AKM side rail optic. With a sniper bent bolt handle, most AK optics would work fine. But to clear the stripper clip guide, I still needed to offset the optic to the left a good degree. Here is where I capitalized on RSRegulate's modular system: I ordered an AK-310M lower, which is designed for the PSL and RH-10, which have a higher side rail than most AKs. This will set the optic a good bit lower than their standard AK lower halves. Then, I designed an upper of my own that will offset the optic far enough to the left to allow stripper clip loading. It has plenty of side to side adjustment, so I can even clear an optic with a relatively large turret if I want to.
Since I don't actually know what optic I'm going to go with yet, designing around the LaRue LTR rings made a lot of sense to me because I can easily change the rings out later. It also saves me a lot of effort and time on the machining side of things.
If all goes well, the metal versions will get machined in the next week or so.
