Obzor is truly unique...it looks fast, almost like it came from a science fiction movie. Despite it's high tech appearance Obzor is very simple to use and presents an easy to acquire reticule that is useful in CQB and effective for more precise shooting at longer ranges. Obzor sits higher than many Russian optics and again I believe this is probably due to it's intended role as a fast acquisition collimator for close combat (and probably due to ballistic helmets with visors like K6-3 Atlyn)(And as of 2020 I'm convinced it's for use with NV optics as well)

Obzor is the descendant of NIT-A and appears to use the same or very similar light sensing technology originally fielded in NIT-A. The light sensors are designed to create an always on reticule that needs no batteries, but is not etched in the glass like other collimator type optics. For low light shooting it uses a tritium lit reticule pattern.

While many Russian optics can be considered 'out there' in comparison with more traditional Western optics, I think it's safe to say that other than NIT-A there is really nothing comparable to Obzor on the market, other than the relatively new Trijicon RMR 08.

**Update 2020: After getting into high end Western night vision I have discovered something really interesting about Obzor. It's the perfect height for NV use and there is no discernible loss of light coming through the objective when using Gen 3 NV devices. The tritium doesn't overpower the NODs and to my surprise the day light reticule on mine actually appears somewhat dimly, at least under decent star light. The purple coating that annoys some people in daylight actually has no effect on light transmission through nods, which is remarkable to me. I could take 200 yard shots if I needed to just like with most high end Western red dots, illumination conditions permitting of course

This has now become my solid favorite of all combloc collimators and red dots, by a significant margin**

It's Obzorius

Suppressed Obzoriusness (with Dead Air PBS-1 Wolverine) and AkFiles BadElement 20 round true black mag

Caution: This is NOT hearing safe. Use earpro

Obzor on the AK105 with Surefire SOCOM 762 RC suppressor

Obzor has undergone at least one evolution before it's present appearance and is actually a re-design...originally called SOLO II but now labelled 1P63, from NPZ's website. According to Tantal the version we see in the States may also have kept the 1P63 GRAU index number as an upgraded SOLO optic. Since SOLO was certified by NPZ for military service NPZ may have been able to evolve the design into the current Obzor without having to re-certify.


What we call Obzor is also called PK1 for export

NPZ PK1 marked Obzor on left, and Obzor marked on right. These are identical as far as I can see except for the logo area where Obzor has a plate and PK1 does not. Otherwise I cannot tell a difference


And acquired March 2017 1P63 marked Obzor complete with Hammer and Sickle

From the recent 2014 Ukrainian conflict, Obzor with Russian VDV forces

1P63 Obzor, simply labelled Obzor for export markings.

From theakforum.net, member Voron doing some field testing in the rain

(Review by Voron here)

Voron's targets. In this photo the contrast filter is not on but if the reticule were to wash out against a lighter background a simple flip of the switch will bring the contrast back.

With contrast filter ON


It should be noted that Obzor was not mounted to a rifle during these photos






Reticule comparison to it's forerunner, NIT-A. You can see the same concept is in use with a refined or redesigned reticule pattern on the newer Obzor.

Obzor's tritium reticule for low light / night shooting. The T pattern fits in the space between the triangle and 3 bars that you see in the daylight reticule pictures above.

Light sensors and controls
Obzor also uses the 'universal' version of the SVD clamp, you can see the lever is reversed compared to the PSO-1 style clamp. Note the top light sensor

Bottom sensor





Windage and elevation are on the rear of the optic. Remove the caps and use a screw driver to turn reticule to point of impact at 100 meters. You can also dial in the 400m AK74 zero as well

Trajectory (Bullet point of impact):
B = Down
H = Up
Л = Right
П = Left


Obzor does not have an on/off lever like the NIT-A but it does have the same filter/darken lever to increase contrast with the reticule



Since Obzor is not caliber specific it is right at home on any AK pattern rifle including the AK103

Comparison to the Trijicon RMR 08
I recently bought an RMR with the green triangle and am certainly impressed by the size and weight, but in quick comparisons against Obzor it is very clear Obzor is a more effective design.

The RMR has very poor performance when shooting from low light into bright light...the triangle does not get bright enough and it easily washes out against almost any lighter background. It also is hard to acquire against darker backgrounds. In my garage during daylight I could barely see the triangle when sighting through the windows down into the street. The garage was well lit but the fiber on the RMR needs a LOT of light to make the triangle bright. Obzor on the other hand is much more light sensitive and the triangle is much easier to see. Obzor has the same root issue shooting from low light into bright but handles it much much better than the RMR. Other reviewers have said the same thing about the RMR, that it's very difficult when shooting from indoors to outdoors, so while it is an attractive package due to size and weight it really does not compare well at all to the larger and heavier Obzor






From the recent 2014 conflict in the Ukraine. These are Russian troops with Obzor in the field.







I am a big fan of Rakurs for many reasons and used to recommend it as my primary favorite, but Obzor has really impressed me and has become my favorite collimator by a wide margin. I still recommend Rakurs for people new to Russian optics but Obzor is definitely worth considering at some point. With a little practice and familiarity I am finding it to be highly effective.