NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight Review

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Let’s Dive into NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight

The NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight promises versatility and affordability, boasting multiple reticle options and a durable build. NcSTAR aims to provide a budget-friendly optic for various shooting applications. It’s designed for quick target acquisition with red and green illumination options.

I was looking for an affordable, adaptable optic for a dedicated .22LR AR-15 build. The goal was to find something suitable for plinking, small game hunting, and introducing new shooters to the platform. The multiple reticle options seemed like a good way to experiment and see what worked best for different scenarios.

Out of the box, the sight felt surprisingly solid, especially considering the price point. The tan finish seemed evenly applied, and the controls had a decent tactile feel. The weight was negligible, which is a plus for a lightweight rifle.

I considered the Bushnell TRS-25 and the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot. However, the NcSTAR offered a unique selling point with its four reticle choices, something the other two didn’t provide. It piqued my curiosity and seemed worth trying out.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the reticle options, but also skeptical about the long-term durability and accuracy, given the price. It would need some range time to truly determine its worth.

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Real-World Testing: Putting NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight at my local outdoor shooting range. It was a sunny day, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. The sight was mounted on my .22LR AR-15.

The performance was adequate in ideal conditions. The reticles were visible and offered different aiming points, but the clarity wasn’t exceptional. I found the dot reticle most useful for general shooting.

The sight was easy to mount and adjust. However, the adjustment clicks felt mushy and lacked definitive feedback. The intensity adjustments for the reticle brightness were useful in different lighting conditions, but the maximum brightness wasn’t very high.

After the first 50 rounds, the sight held zero reasonably well, but I noticed slight shifts. This raised concerns about its ability to withstand extended use and potential impacts.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of sporadic use, the NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight started showing its limitations. The finish began to wear in areas where it contacted my gear bag. Zero would shift significantly after only a couple of range sessions.

The durability proved to be a major concern. The adjustment turrets became loose and difficult to manipulate. The plastic lens caps provided minimal protection.

Cleaning was straightforward, but the lens coatings seemed delicate. Minor scratches appeared even with gentle cleaning using microfiber cloths. The sight didn’t outperform my expectations, and in some ways, it fell short.

Breaking Down the Features of NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight

Specifications

The NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight features a 1x magnification with a 24mm objective lens. It offers four reticle options: Dot, Bullseye, Cross, and Starburst. The reticles can be illuminated in either red or green.

The sight has a powder-coated Tan aluminum body and is designed to mount on Picatinny rails. It has unlimited eye relief and three brightness settings for each reticle color. The package includes tools for zeroing the optic and a rubber lens cap. These specifications offer basic functionality.

Performance & Functionality

The NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight provides adequate short-range target acquisition. The multiple reticle options offer some versatility, but the overall clarity and precision are lacking. The sight is best suited for recreational shooting at close distances.

The primary strength is the variety of reticle options. The weaknesses include inconsistent zeroing, mediocre build quality, and limited durability. It barely meets expectations for a budget optic.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price point, with a powder-coated aluminum body. The weight is light, making it suitable for lightweight builds. The tan color is aesthetically pleasing, but the overall design lacks refinement.

The sight is reasonably user-friendly, with easy-to-access controls. However, the mushy adjustment clicks and the lack of tactile feedback make precise zeroing difficult. There’s a slight learning curve due to the multiple reticle options and brightness settings.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight is questionable. The loose adjustment turrets and fragile lens coatings suggest limited long-term durability. Regular maintenance is required to clean the lenses and check the mounting hardware.

Repair options are limited, and replacement is likely more cost-effective than repair. The sight is not designed for harsh environments or heavy use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight comes with basic tools for adjustment and a rubber lens cap. There are limited customization options available. It is compatible with any firearm that has a Picatinny rail.

It’s unlikely that you’ll want to add aftermarket accessories to this particular optic, since it is an entry level sight.

Pros and Cons of NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight

Pros

Affordable price point.
Multiple reticle options (Dot, Bullseye, Cross, Starburst).
Red and green illumination.
Lightweight design.
Easy to mount on Picatinny rails.

Cons

Inconsistent zeroing and limited accuracy.
Mediocre build quality and questionable durability.
Mushy adjustment clicks with poor tactile feedback.

Who Should Buy NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight?

The NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight is perfect for casual plinkers and recreational shooters who need a budget-friendly optic for close-range targets. It can be a viable option for introducing new shooters to red dot sights.

Those seeking a reliable optic for serious hunting, tactical applications, or competitive shooting should skip this product. Also, those who want to use it in harsh weather conditions should skip it.

A better mount might improve stability, but ultimately, the optic’s internal components are the limiting factor.

Conclusion on NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight

The NcSTAR Red & Green Four Reticle Reflex Sight is an entry-level optic that offers a variety of features at an affordable price. However, its inconsistent zeroing, questionable durability, and mediocre build quality limit its appeal for serious applications.

The price is justified for casual recreational use, but buyers should be aware of its limitations.

I would recommend this optic only to those on a very tight budget who understand its limitations. For serious applications, investing in a higher-quality optic is a better long-term investment. Consider saving a bit more money and going for a more reputable brand to ensure better reliability and performance.