Rating: - potential vampire killer
I have recently re-discovered the joy of target shooting. I usually shoot an air pistol in my improv 6 yards range also known as "the garage". I wanted to shoot outside (why be in a semi-dark garage on a beautiful summer day?) quitely; air pistols have a recognizible pop, and they look very much like a "real" gun these days. So I was looking for something that would draw less attention, at least noise-wise.
As soon as I got the package, (delivery was prompt, good service) I opened the box, and, to my initial disappointment, I saw marks on the metal parts, lots of fingerprints (under the plastic wrap), and the inscription on the bow read "hou shiueh". I was thinking : "This has poor workmanship written all over it, and I am sooo returning it". But then I went ahead and assembled the bow (not an easy task, requirred two people to bend the thing into shape). I went to the garage and shot. Whoaaaa. The backstop for my airgun consists of a boxfull of magazines, old telephone books and bubble wrap. No pellet has ever gone through. But the bolt/arrow did; punched a 1/2 inch hole into my garage door! So, some Elmer's Wood Filler later, and adjusting the sights, and reinforcing the backstop with 2 x 6 treated wood boards (left-overs from my deck repairs), here I am again: kaaapowww. The trigger is very hard to pull, do not expect any smooth action. It is HARD. Pulling it is very likely to affect your aiming.
I took the sights off, they are a piece of rubbish (cheap Chinese stuff) and mounted a BSA laser sight instead. Results improved immediately.
The Cobra is not just your crow/pigeon/squirrel shooter. It is way too powerful, and you need a very solid backstop.
It is not the most accurate plinking tool out there, but for its cost, with an additional laser / red-dot sight, it looks really mean.
I am giving it 4 out of 5 because it is a bit rattly and the sights are no good.
If you think about using it for hunting, check your local laws, some states do not allow crossbows and / or bows with scopes or lasers for wildlife hunting.
But then again, the Cobra might work just fine as a self-defense weapon against vampires.