Kobra Resource Center

Russian Special Forces, including OMON SPETsNAZ

The Kobra is used by members of the OMON SPETsNAZ, famous worldwide as the elite special operations forces of the Russian MVD. Photographs from various trade publications show the sight used on both training missions and in combat action.

(Photo courtesy of Kalashnikov-USA, Ltd.)

The Kobra Sight is an open collimator "red dot" combat optic using laser-generated "heads-up display" (HUD) technology to superimpose a reticle pattern onto a filtered lens which acts as an aiming device for the shooter. This system presents an unobstructed field of view, in 1x power which allows for extremely comfortable, "both eyes open" shooting. On average, most users will see a 1.5 times faster target acquisition and a 50% smaller shot group at 100 meters, in comparison to the iron sights. The filtered lens allows crystal clear viewing and the mounting bracket (which is an integral part of the sight) is centered over the bore for comfortable shooting by both right or left handed end users.

Two primary versions and several sub-type upgrades have been designed for the AK rifle.
Generation 1 model EKP-1S-01, EKP-1S-02, and early EKP-1S-03 (left in image above) used AA batteries but most were of 6-volt operation and had to be run on lithium type 3-volt batteries. They also had flat panel riser brackets with left hand control panels with recessed elevation and windage wheels.
The improved "Generation 1+" EKP-1S-03M (center) uses regular AA batteries and has an improved, extra-strong ribbed riser bracket. EKP-1S-03M is often referred to as the "Generation 3" model, I assume because it has a "3" in the model number, or because it was developed and released after the Generation 2 EKP-8 model. Although it is the most recent release and most upgraded model, it is still based on the Generation 1 frame design and electronics package. It is the most commonly available and most popular model on the Western market.
EKP-8-02 sights (right) are Generation 2 models with completely different frames and sight bodies. They feature a coin type lithium battery driven 3-volt operating system, a new modular designed solid construction riser bracket assembly, right hand controls with flip switch on-off power control, slightly higher main lens, and the omission of the rubber sun hood (a plastic rotary locking sun hood is available only to military personnel). EKP-8-02 has seen limited use among special forces operators, and has been seen at recent military displays inside Russia. One development of Gen 2 modular design has been the creation of Weaver/Picatinney models (not shown on this page).

The Kobra EKP-1S-03M Fast Acquisition Collimator Sight, made for fitment to standard military Kalashnikov side mount base plates (shown in action above used on an AK-105 carbine with the older style metal stock), is currently used by the Russian armed forces, to include special operators of the MVD including OMON. It has also been seen in service over the last several years in Chechnya, and is a battle tested design which has proven worthy of the Russian military tradition of reliability, form, and function.
We have sold the Kobra sight for many years, and proudly continue to offer this reliable, effective sighting tool designed to fit the side mounting scope rail base of the AK rifle. The latest variant EKP-1S-03M, in factory mint condition, with all accessories, packaged in original factory wrapping with camouflage ballistic nylon soft case. If you would like to learn more, please click the link below and we will be glad to send you our current e-mail master product listing. You can also visit our Products Section to see more images and keep up with the current availability and models, as these are continuing to be upgraded at the factory.
These are robust, simple, and effective sights are designed to fit almost all standard side mounting optics plates currently used on Kalashnikov AK rifles of every type. The Kobra will attach without modifications to all forms of European AK side optics plates, to include the Saiga rifle and shotgun, all versions of the Romanian WUM, Romak, CUR, SAR variants, Vepr rifles, Bulgarian w/side mount and many others. They will also fit the side plate of the Dragunov SVD and the Romanian PSL/FPK/Romak 3.
If your rifle has no side plate for optics installed at the factory, you can add one that will mount the Kobra as well as most other Russian weapons optics. We also carry Russian designed side plates that can be easily installed by the owner. These work on both milled and stamped receivers. This would include the Chinese Polytech and Norinco stamped or milled receivers, Hungarian SA-85 and SA2000, Egyptian Maadi ARM/RPM/RML/Misr-90, and practically every other model known to exist. We can include the side mount as a package deal, if your rifle need one, at a reduced price if you decide to order the sight from us.

Since the sight has no magnification, and no lens system, you can use it with both eyes open and maintain full field of view for maximum speed in acquisition, and there is no need to worry about comfort of the shooter, as eye relief can be whatever you feel most accustomed to. The entire sight sits low above the receiver cover, with no overhang towards the stock, meaning you can use it without the need for cheek pads and maintain a good cheek weld with your original stocks. You will be amazed at how comfortable and easy it is to use, as there are no sighting points to align. You just simply point to rifle and overlay the red dot onto the target and fire.

The sight is totally adjustable in every respect. it can be adjusted for both windage and elevation, brightness control (16 levels), and also in reticule design (four built-in designs to choose from, simply by pressing a button). You can also adjust the tightness of the standard mil-spec clamping mechanism for any differences in the clearances of individual rifle optics plates.

>The latest version, EKP-1S-03, runs on two standard AA batteries. Two fresh batteries are provided with each sight.
The adjustment of the sight for course zero can be accomplished by the use of a special tool (or a small screwdriver). This tool is provided with the sight, and the instruction manual details the adjustment. The manual is sometimes hard to follow in this regard, so I will detail the adjustment here in my web site for anyone to review at their convenience. Once course zero is obtained, fine adjustment for range and windage is made simply by turning scale marked thumbwheels.

Package includes: Sight unit w/bracket and clamp integral, special rubber sun shield, two AA batteries, cleaning cloth, special spanner adjusting wrench/tool, manual, and soft case. The case has internal compartments for the carrying and storage of spare batteries, cleaning supplies, wrench, and rubber sun shield. The nylon case has heavy nylon loops on the rear for carrying on a belt.

For Kobra FAQ Sheet and Technical Information

For Photos of Kobra installation on the SLR-95

How do I zero the Kobra sight?

Pictorial instructions for adjusting the Kobra sight mounting clamp/lever to obtain a rock tight fit on any rifle.

For the most current information on the latest models available, please click here to go directly to our Products and Sales Section.

to e-mail for a current price listing, special discounts or availability of various Kobra models