It's a little less than lower third but still workable. Can remove dust cover w/o removing optic but it's not difficult to remove anyway. Hopefully it holds zero. I didn't like any of the gas tube options. That thing gets crazy hot plus I remove the tube for cleaning and didn't want to get a screwdriver out an re-zero anything after every cleaning. Have to lift rear sight up to open front lens cap. Might just get a bikini cover to alleviate that issue or just deal with it.
-RS Products AKM mount (AKML if you have a micro). they're designed specifically or aimpoints but work with several optics. $135
-Vortex Strikefire optic (saving pennies for aimpoint M2 or 3) 4moa red/green, no parallax beyond 50', cheap 2x screw-in included. $140
I know it's kind of like dressing up a pig but I like it.
Sighting in and checking zero hold after re-mount in the morning. Wish me luck.