Let’s Dive into NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles
The NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles offers an entry-level aiming solution for AR-15 platforms. This combo includes a carry handle adapter and a reflex sight with multiple reticle options. As someone who’s spent over a decade tinkering with tactical gear, I was curious to see how this budget-friendly option would perform compared to higher-end optics.
I was looking for an inexpensive optic to put on a dedicated .22LR AR build for plinking and training. I wanted something simple, lightweight, and easy to adjust. Upon unboxing, my initial thought was that the materials felt a bit lighter than I expected, especially the adapter. The reflex sight itself was surprisingly compact.
Compared to a Sig Sauer Romeo5 or a Holosun HS403, the NcSTAR combo felt significantly less robust. I chose this combo primarily because of its price point; I wasn’t ready to invest a lot in an optic for a .22LR AR. I was initially excited about the prospect of a versatile, budget-friendly optic solution, but also realistic about the potential limitations.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny day. I mounted it on my AR-15 .22LR build and zeroed it at 25 yards. The adjustments were click-adjustable, but felt mushy and imprecise.
Performance was adequate in ideal conditions, but I could foresee issues in more challenging environments. The sight worked reasonably well in bright daylight, but I suspected the illumination wouldn’t be sufficient for low-light scenarios. I found the multiple reticle options interesting, though the dot was the most practical. After the first few magazines, the adapter seemed to loosen slightly, requiring re-tightening.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds downrange, the NcSTAR combo shows some signs of wear. The finish on the adapter is starting to wear at the contact points with the carry handle. The screws securing the reflex sight to the adapter also needed occasional tightening.
Cleaning was straightforward, but I noticed that the lens coating seemed prone to smudging. Compared to a more robust optic like an Aimpoint PRO, the NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles definitely felt less durable. It is perfectly adequate for range use and drills, but not intended for any kind of actual, tactical situation.
Breaking Down the Features of NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles
Specifications
The NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles boasts the following specifications: The sight offers 1x magnification with a 24-34mm objective lens diameter. It has four reticle options: cross, dot, starburst, and bullseye. Illumination is provided by an LED in both green and red.
The illumination is powered by a CR2032 battery. The adapter is made of aluminum and mounts via a thumb nut. Adjustments are in MOA with 1 MOA click values. The sight weighs 6.5 oz and has a length of 3.2 inches.
These specifications mean that the NcSTAR combo is lightweight and compact, suitable for applications where minimizing weight is crucial. However, the use of aluminum rather than steel for the adapter may impact long-term durability. The multiple reticle options offer versatility, but the small objective lens diameter may limit field of view. The CR2032 battery is common and readily available, but battery life is a concern at higher brightness settings.
Performance & Functionality
The NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles performs adequately for basic target shooting. Accuracy is acceptable at close ranges (25-50 yards), but the imprecise adjustments make it difficult to fine-tune. The reflex sight offers a clear image in good lighting conditions.
The strengths of this combo are its low price and simple operation. The weaknesses include the flimsy adapter, mushy adjustments, and questionable long-term durability. The multiple reticle options, while interesting, aren’t particularly practical for serious use. It meets basic expectations for a budget optic but falls short compared to higher-end options.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is what you’d expect for the price point. The materials feel lightweight, and the finish is adequate. The reflex sight itself is fairly compact and easy to handle. The adapter, however, feels less robust and could benefit from a more secure mounting system.
The NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles is reasonably user-friendly, with intuitive brightness and reticle adjustments. There is a small learning curve associated with zeroing, primarily due to the imprecise adjustments.
Durability & Maintenance
Long-term durability is a concern, particularly with the aluminum adapter and the lens coating. The sight and adapter are easy to clean with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. The screws on the adapter may require periodic tightening.
Accessories and Customization Options
The combo includes a rubber lens cap and the MAR6 Carry Handle Adapter. There are limited customization options available for the reflex sight itself. The adapter is compatible with any optic that uses a Weaver/Picatinny mount, providing some flexibility.
Pros and Cons of NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
- Multiple reticle options offer versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Lightweight and compact design is suitable for applications where minimizing weight is important.
- Easy to install and operate, with intuitive brightness and reticle adjustments.
- Compatible with any optic that uses a Weaver/Picatinny mount.
Cons
- Aluminum adapter feels flimsy and may not be durable in the long run.
- Adjustment clicks are mushy and imprecise, making zeroing difficult.
- Questionable long-term durability compared to higher-end optics.
Who Should Buy NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles?
The NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles is perfect for casual target shooters, plinkers, and those looking for an inexpensive optic for a .22LR AR build. It’s also suitable for beginners who want to experiment with reflex sights without a significant investment.
This product should be skipped by anyone looking for a durable, reliable optic for serious tactical applications, hunting, or competition. It’s also not ideal for those who require precise adjustments and consistent performance in challenging conditions. A must-have modification would be applying thread locker to screws.
Conclusion on NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles
The NcSTAR AR Combo/Carry Handle Adapter/Red And Green Reflex Sight w/ 4 Reticles is a budget-friendly option that offers basic functionality for casual shooting. While it has limitations in terms of durability and precision, it provides a simple and affordable aiming solution. The price is justified for those who understand its limitations and have realistic expectations.
I would recommend it to beginners and casual shooters who prioritize affordability over performance. If you need a reliable, durable optic for serious applications, invest in a higher-end option. If you’re on a tight budget and just want something to get you started, this combo could be a decent choice.