Is the Russian tech KOBRA EKP125 red-dot sight any good?

[Pond James Pond]

Some will know of my interest in a possible Saiga purchase.

With this rifle is a sight being offered: a KOBRA EKP 125 red-dot sight.

I'm interested to know of any opinions and experiences with these sights and if I do indeed buy this rifle, is it worth trying to nuy the sight too...

Here is a link to a sight selling that same site although this has nothing to do with my possible purchase: (Mods please delete if not appropriate to have this link in)

KOBRA EKP125

 

[wogpotter]

The link is not working, sorry. I can't find a reference to a Kobra sight with that designation, either, but opefully this will help anyway.

I've had a "Kobra collimator sight" for several years & used it on some notoriously heavy kicking 7.62mm NATO rifles that are well known for destroying sights that are less than optimal for quality & ruggedness. Mine has continued to hold zero & work despite all that it has been put through & I assure you it has not been babied.

Unfortunately there is no model number anywhere on the unit nor with its instructions so I don't know if this is the same model. This is what mine looks like, its referred to as a 2nd generation model using coin type batteries. It has 4 different reticules, a dot, dot & chevron, a chevron, or an open "T" & it has 11 brightness settings.

It is basic, rugged & dependable with one notable exception, the ON/OFF switch which is junk. Fortunately it is easily replacable/repairable junk & has been repaired & upgraded. Since that was done it has had zero problems.

It is exactly what you'd expect from Russian optics & mechanics. Basic operation, rugged if over built, crudely finished by western standards, but very functional. It the switch were not made from cheap easily broken plastic I'd say it was excellent. Unfortunately the switch is a major let down.

 

[Ruthless4christ]

is it really made in russia?

 

[JohnKSa]

They are made in Russia.

I have a Kobra collimator sight, can't remember the model off the top of my head. I can't provide much information on its functional aspects. The contact in the battery compartment broke and I can't find parts for it.

 

[wogpotter]

Yes it is really made in "La Rodina". That's why it looks like it was made like a tank. Hell, it was probably made from a tank, one of the ones the Nazis left lying about everywhere!

Parts & service for Russian/Soviet optics are always problematic. This was true back in the '60's & is still true today. I have no doubt it will still be true in the 2060's as well, The concept of "build it to last foreve & no support is needed" is ingrained into Soviet/Russian industry & I don't see it changing any time soon.