ComBloc AK-Type Optics for my AR-15?

[ZombiesAhead]

I see everyone buying these super expensive red-dots for their AR-15's. I have used a low $200's (shipped) PK-AS red-dot optic made in Belarus on my side-mount-rail AK-type-rifle (WASR). It is excellent!
http://tantal.kalashnikov.guns.ru/collimator.html
Not my rifle below:

My rifle:

Anyway, this is also offered for the AR-15 like so:

How come these are so popular for the AK-type systems but not for AR-15 rifles? It's worked amazingly for a great price. I'm thinking about buying one for my new Bushmaster 16". Any thoughts?

 

[benEzra]

I think the Russian optics on Picatinny rail mounts are indeed a way to get excellent functionality at a much cheaper price. Axion makes a variant of the Kobra for rails as well, and I believe some of the POSP scopes also come in rail-mount versions.

 

[W.E.G.]

What battery does the Russian optic require?

 

[MMcfpd]

If you like it, go for it. That AR mounting does look a little high.

 

[22_Shooter]

Hey, people put Eotech's on AK's, so why not flip it around? If it works for you, so it.

 

[Deer Hunter]

WEG,

I bought my AK's POSP batteries at Wal Mart.

 

[JWarren]

What battery does the Russian optic require?

The PSOP I had on a Saiga 308 used two Domestic small watch batteries (J-type, I think)


-- John

 

[Daemon688]

Cr 2325 found at your local radioshack.

 

[ZombiesAhead]

What battery does the Russian optic require?

I would be more specific, but I don't have the Cyrillic typeface on this computer to describe it. I managed to find an ex-KGB guy who sells them to me through a connect in Belgrade. Only problem is triple-digit shipping and I'm not sure how long the stock will last.

Actually, they take 1.5v LR44 watch batteries available at every CVS/drug store/radio shack in America.

Also - cool thing is that the reticle still appears without battery power, albeit it is a dark black dot only visible in some conditions.

 

[ZombiesAhead]

BTW, I'm not so familiar with AR optics. Does the mounting location look a little high?

 

[Deer Hunter]

This one should mount closer.

http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/detail.aspx?ID=116

 

[nalioth]

Also - cool thing is that the reticle still appears without battery power, albeit it is a dark black dot only visible in some conditions.

This is what makes it so functional. You use the correct setting for the conditions. Black dot during daylight conditions and red dot during overcast, indoor, or other low light conditions.

The nice thing is: the black dot is permanent in the FOV so you'll at least have something when the batteries take a powder...

 

[ZombiesAhead]

and you can still use the irons...

 

[ZombiesAhead]

Deer Hunter - I debated between that Kobra and the PK-AS for the AK. In that case, the PK-AS seemed the better option (according to reports).

For the AR, (in consideration of the height of the PK) I'm glad you reminded me of this optic. Another great value - perhaps not the same quality as the PK-AS but certainly competitive and slightly cheaper last I checked (but ask Tantal for a price - he will be cheaper if anyone is considering this).

For Eastern-Bloc red-dots, the choice is between the Kobra and the PK series for sure.

 

[LawBot5000]

My only gripe with the PKAS is that adjusting the point of impact is a giant pain in the ass. You have to release a locking nut, adjust windage and elevation and then tighten the locking nut again. And you have to be very careful the whole time.

 

[ZombiesAhead]

lawbot - I agree. I often remove the sight to adjust it (it doesn't shift zero to any significant amount within 100 yards).

Do you find the supplied allen wrench didn't fit very well? I can't remember which one but it fits either the windage/elevation screw very well but one of them very poorly - it's too large to slip in far enough for proper torque.

 

[the naked prophet]

My Kobra takes AA batteries. Very easy to find.

However, the Kobra doesn't have the multi-year battery life of some of the American designs.

 

[strat81]

However, the Kobra doesn't have the multi-year battery life of some of the American designs.

Aimpoint is a Swedish firm.

 

[HorseSoldier]

I ran a PK-AS on an AR a couple times on the flat range a year or so ago and it worked okay. As noted earlier in the thread, it did sit really high up on the rifle, which was not ideal, and getting it zeroed was a major PITA. It's also not as forgiving on parallax issues as an EOTech and AimPoint.

On the plus side, the PK-AS is a nice, robust optic and priced to move. I like the unilluminated capability on it, and like the "dot & donut of death" reticle it has for the unpowered side of things. If I were looking to kit out a tactical (or tacticool) AR on a budget, I'd definitely think about the PK-AS or the Kobra red dot.