Let’s Dive into NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27
The NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 is a budget-friendly option for mounting a 1-inch tube scope onto a rifle with a 3/8-inch dovetail rail. Marketed by NcSTAR, these rings promise a secure and elevated mounting solution, catering primarily to rimfire rifles and airguns. Their high profile aims to provide ample clearance for larger objective lenses. As someone constantly tinkering with optics on various platforms, I was drawn to these rings as a potential low-cost solution for a .22 plinking project.
I needed a set of rings to mount a new optic on my vintage Marlin Model 60. My old rings were stripped and causing accuracy issues. I picked these over other budget options due to the surprisingly positive user feedback highlighting their sturdiness and the inclusion of four screws per ring cap.
The rings arrived in a simple blister pack. Upon unboxing, the black matte finish appeared even and consistent. The rings felt surprisingly solid for their price point. While the machining wasn’t on par with high-end rings, there were no immediately noticeable defects or sharp edges.
Compared to a set of Leupold rings I had on hand, the NcSTAR rings felt noticeably lighter and less refined. The Leupold rings definitely inspired more confidence. I was, however, interested to see if the NcSTAR rings could hold their own in terms of functionality despite the obvious difference in build quality and price. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping they’d be a decent budget-friendly solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested these rings at my local outdoor range, mounting them on my Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze. Installation was straightforward, utilizing the included Allen wrench to tighten the dovetail clamp and scope ring screws.
Initial shots at 25 yards were surprisingly accurate. The scope appeared to be held firmly in place. I was initially concerned about potential slippage due to the rings’ low price point, but they seemed to be performing adequately.
No major issues presented themselves during the first range session. I was pleasantly surprised by the rings’ performance, considering my initial skepticism. The high profile provided ample clearance for the scope’s objective lens, as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 rings have held up reasonably well. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my .22 rifle with these rings installed. There has been no noticeable shift in zero, indicating that the rings are maintaining their grip on both the scope and the dovetail rail.
A few minor scratches have appeared on the finish of the rings from handling and adjustments. The screws are showing slight signs of wear. Overall, durability seems adequate for the intended use on a low-recoil rifle.
Cleaning is simple. I just wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session. So far, no rust or corrosion has appeared. Compared to my experience with some other budget-priced rings, these NcSTAR rings have exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and value.
Breaking Down the Features of NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27
Specifications
- The NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 is designed to accommodate scopes with a 1-inch tube diameter. This is a standard size, making it compatible with a wide range of scopes.
- It mounts onto rifles equipped with a 3/8-inch dovetail rail. This is a common rail type found on many rimfire rifles and airguns.
- The rings are designated as “High” profile. They offer increased clearance between the scope and the rifle’s barrel, which is often necessary when using scopes with larger objective lenses.
- These are single rings, meaning one ring per package. One must order two rings (or two packages) to mount one scope.
- The finish is a matte black. This helps to reduce glare and provides a non-reflective surface.
These specifications matter because they dictate the compatibility of the rings with different scopes and rifles. The high profile is particularly important for ensuring that the scope doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s action or barrel. The matte finish is a practical feature that helps to maintain a low profile while hunting or shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 rings perform their primary function adequately: securely holding a scope in place. The four screws per ring cap provide a decent clamping force. This reduces the risk of scope slippage under recoil.
The main strength of these rings is their affordability. They offer a usable mounting solution at a very low price point. However, their weakness lies in the overall build quality. The metal is softer and the tolerances are less precise than higher-end rings.
For a low-recoil application like a .22 rifle, these rings meet expectations. I wouldn’t trust them on a high-powered centerfire rifle.
Design & Ergonomics
The NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 features a simple, functional design. The rings are relatively lightweight.
The installation process is straightforward. There is no steep learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 rings is questionable. The materials used are not as robust as those found in higher-priced rings.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the screws. Repair is not really an option; if these rings fail, they are meant to be replaced.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 comes with a basic Allen wrench for installation. There are no other included accessories.
These rings are not designed for extensive customization. They are a simple, standalone mounting solution. They are compatible with any 1-inch tube scope designed for use with dovetail mounts.
Pros and Cons of NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27
Pros
- Affordable Price: The most significant advantage is the very low price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Easy Installation: Simple design and included Allen wrench facilitate quick and straightforward mounting.
- Decent Performance for Low-Recoil Applications: Suitable for .22 rifles and airguns, providing adequate scope retention.
- High Profile: Offers ample clearance for larger objective lenses.
- Four Screws per Ring Cap: Provides a more secure grip on the scope compared to rings with only two screws.
Cons
- Questionable Durability: The materials and overall build quality are not as robust as higher-priced alternatives.
- Potential for Stripping Screws: The softer metal construction makes it easier to strip the screws if over-tightened.
- Not Suitable for High-Recoil Firearms: These rings are not recommended for use on centerfire rifles or other firearms with significant recoil.
Who Should Buy NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27?
These rings are perfect for budget-minded shooters looking to mount a 1-inch scope on a .22 rifle or airgun. They are also suitable for those who need a quick and easy mounting solution without investing in high-end rings.
Those who should skip this product include shooters who require maximum durability and reliability, particularly for use on high-recoil firearms. Anyone seeking precision and exceptional build quality should also look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory would be a quality torque wrench to avoid over-tightening and stripping the screws. I’d also recommend using a thread-locking compound such as Loctite to ensure the screws stay secure over time.
Conclusion on NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27
The NcSTAR Scope Ring – 1 inch Ring – 3 / 8 inch Dovetail – High RB27 represents a compromise between price and performance. While not the most durable or refined option on the market, it offers a usable and affordable solution for mounting a scope on a .22 rifle or airgun.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. These rings are a budget-friendly option for light-duty applications.
I would cautiously recommend these rings to shooters on a very tight budget who understand their limitations. For anyone willing to spend a bit more, I’d suggest investing in higher-quality rings for increased durability and peace of mind. If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills mounting solution for your .22, give these a try, but be mindful of their limitations!
