The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black aren’t exactly the kind of product that sets your pulse racing, but solid, reliable scope mounting is the unsung hero of accurate shooting. These rings, manufactured by NcStar, promise a dependable platform for 1″ tube scopes on rifles with 3/8″ dovetail rails, a very common setup. The matte black finish aims for a low-profile look, and the 0.9″ height is intended for a comfortable cheek weld with many standard rifle stocks.
My old rimfire rifle, a trusty companion for small game hunting, had developed a wobble in its existing scope mount. I needed a quick and affordable replacement that wouldn’t compromise accuracy during my upcoming squirrel season. I considered some higher-end brands, but the price point of the NcStar rings was undeniably attractive for a rifle that sees moderate use.
Upon receiving the package, I was immediately surprised by the lightness of the rings. The black anodized aluminum felt reasonably sturdy, although the finish seemed somewhat basic compared to rings costing significantly more. The included mounting tool, a small Allen key, was a welcome addition, suggesting NcStar understands the need for proper installation.
I had also looked at the Weaver Quad Lock 1″ rings and the UTG 1″ Medium Profile rings. I chose the NcStar rings because of their very affordable price and acceptable user review scores. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; they look the part, but the real test would be on the rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I mounted the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black onto my .22LR rifle and secured my trusty 3-9×40 scope. The mounting process was straightforward, though the small size of the included Allen key made achieving proper torque a bit challenging. I tested the setup at my local outdoor range on a crisp autumn afternoon.
The rings held the scope securely during the initial sighting-in process. I was pleased that I was able to achieve a consistent zero at 50 yards. I did notice that after about 20 rounds, I had to re-tighten the mounting nuts ever so slightly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including three squirrel hunting trips in varying weather conditions, the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black have mostly held up. The matte black finish has shown some minor scratches from brushing against branches, but that’s to be expected. I have had to make small adjustments to the mounting nuts after about every 50 rounds.
The rings have proven reasonably durable, with no signs of bending or cracking. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth has been sufficient to maintain their functionality. Compared to the higher-end rings I use on my centerfire rifles, the NcStar rings certainly require more frequent attention to ensure they remain tight.
Breaking Down the Features of NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black
Specifications
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black are designed to fit 1″ tube scopes and mount onto 3/8″ dovetail rails, making them suitable for many rimfire rifles and some airguns. The optic centerline height is 0.90″, which provides sufficient clearance for most scopes on standard rifle stocks. The rings have an overall height of 1.90″ and weigh a mere 1.70 oz.
- Optic Centerline Height: 0.90″. This is crucial for proper eye relief and cheek weld.
- Ring Overall Height: 1.90″. Important to consider if you have limited space or oversized turrets on your scope.
- Weight: 1.70 oz. Lightweight design minimizes added weight to your rifle.
- Finish: Black Anodized Aluminum. Offers some corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance.
- Mounting: 3/8″ Dovetail. Compatible with a wide range of rimfire rifles and airguns.
These specifications are acceptable for the price. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, but the finish and mounting system lack the refinement of more expensive options.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of these rings is to securely hold a scope, and the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black generally perform adequately in this regard. Accuracy has been acceptable for close-range shooting (under 75 yards), but the need for occasional re-tightening does raise concerns about long-term reliability at longer ranges. The ease of use is a definite plus, as even a novice can mount these rings with minimal effort.
The rings’ strength lies in their simplicity and affordability. The biggest weakness is the potential for loosening over time, which can impact accuracy. Overall, they meet expectations for budget-friendly rings but don’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black feature a basic, functional design. The black anodized aluminum offers a reasonably durable and lightweight construction. The 0.9″ height provides a comfortable cheek weld for most users with standard rifle stocks.
The rings are user-friendly, with a simple two-piece design that’s easy to install. There’s no complex mechanism or adjustments, making them straightforward to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction should provide reasonable longevity, but I wouldn’t expect these rings to last a lifetime with heavy use. With proper care, they should provide several seasons of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the mounting nuts. Replacement parts are not readily available, so if a component fails, the entire set will likely need to be replaced.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black come with a basic Allen key for installation. There are no included accessories, and customization options are limited.
They are compatible with any 1″ tube scope designed for rimfire rifles, and most standard 3/8″ dovetail rails. Due to the design, there are limited customization options.
Pros and Cons of NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black
Pros
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy to install.
- Lightweight design.
- Acceptable accuracy for close-range shooting.
- Compatible with most 1″ tube scopes and 3/8″ dovetail rails.
Cons
- Mounting nuts may loosen over time, requiring periodic tightening.
- Basic finish is prone to scratching.
- Included Allen key is small and can be difficult to use for achieving proper torque.
Who Should Buy NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black?
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black are perfect for budget-conscious shooters, casual hunters, and those looking for a simple, no-frills scope mounting solution. They are also a good choice for rimfire rifles and airguns that see moderate use.
This is not the product for shooters demanding utmost precision, those using high-powered centerfire rifles, or those seeking maximum durability. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality torque wrench with appropriate bits to ensure proper and consistent tightening.
Conclusion on NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 0.9″ Height, Matte Black offer a budget-friendly option for mounting a 1″ scope on a rifle with a 3/8″ dovetail rail. The value proposition is undeniably strong, given the incredibly low price.
While they lack the refinement and rock-solid reliability of more expensive rings, they provide adequate performance for casual shooting and hunting scenarios. I would personally recommend them to anyone on a tight budget who understands the limitations and is willing to check and tighten the mounting nuts periodically. For the price, they get the job done.