The NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my share of optic mounting solutions. The NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black promised an affordable, readily available option for mounting scopes on rifles with a 3/8″ dovetail receiver. But would these rings hold up, or would they be another case of “you get what you pay for?”
I needed a set of high rings to mount a vintage Weaver scope on a .22 rifle with a standard 3/8″ dovetail. My aging eyes required a higher cheek weld for comfortable shooting with this particular scope. After reviewing several options, I decided to give NcStar a shot, primarily due to the low price point and readily available stock. While I was slightly skeptical, I was hoping these rings would surprise me.
Unboxing the rings, my initial impression was mixed. The black anodized finish looked decent enough. However, the lightweight aluminum construction immediately felt less robust compared to pricier steel options. Compared to the Leupold rings I typically use on my centerfire rifles, these felt almost toy-like. Yet, the lower cost offset some of those concerns.
My initial feeling was a cautious optimism – they looked like they could do the job. However, only real-world testing would reveal their true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting **NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black** to the Test
First Use Experience
I mounted the NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black on my Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle. This was at my usual outdoor shooting range. The conditions were mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.
The initial mounting process was straightforward, though I immediately noticed the screws felt a bit soft. The dovetail clamp tightened adequately, but I was careful not to overtighten them for fear of stripping the threads. Once the scope was mounted, I began sighting in at 25 yards. I noticed a slight shift in zero after the first few shots.
The first-time use revealed an immediate concern: the rings seemed prone to shifting under recoil.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black have shown a consistent tendency to loosen over time. Even with careful tightening and the application of thread locker, I found myself needing to re-tighten the rings after every 50-100 rounds. This is unacceptable for any serious application.
The anodized finish has held up reasonably well, showing minimal signs of wear. I meticulously cleaned them after each shooting session, ensuring no corrosive residue lingered. Compared to my experience with higher-quality rings, like those from Warne or Burris, these NcStar rings simply don’t offer the same level of confidence or stability.
In the long run, the constant need for adjustment makes these rings unsuitable for anything beyond casual plinking.
Breaking Down the Features of **NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black**
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum. The lightweight aluminum is a cost-saving measure, but compromises durability.
- Ring Diameter: 1 inch. This fits standard 1-inch scope tubes, common for many scopes.
- Mount Type: 3/8″ Dovetail. Designed for rimfire rifles and some airguns with a 3/8″ dovetail receiver.
- Height: High. The high profile raises the scope, accommodating larger objective lenses and providing clearance for bolt actions.
- Weight: 1.8 oz. (per pair). This lightweight is negligible but contributes to the overall lack of robustness.
These specifications highlight the target audience: budget-conscious shooters needing high rings for a rimfire rifle. The aluminum construction keeps the cost down, but sacrifices strength and stability.
Performance & Functionality
The NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black perform adequately for very light use. The rings do hold a scope, and the high profile provides the necessary clearance on my rifle. However, the constant loosening and shifting make it difficult to maintain a consistent zero.
The biggest weakness is the lack of a secure mounting system. The soft aluminum and basic clamp design simply aren’t up to the task of withstanding even the mild recoil of a .22. The design meets the very basic expectation of holding a scope but falls short in reliability and precision.
Design & Ergonomics
The NcStar rings feature a simple, functional design. Their height is adequate for my scope. The basic clamp design is easy to install, but prone to slippage.
The rings are user-friendly in terms of installation, but require constant adjustment to maintain zero.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black is questionable. The aluminum is prone to stripping if overtightened, and the constant need for adjustment will likely wear down the threads over time.
Maintenance is simple: just cleaning after use. However, the underlying design flaws mean frequent adjustment and potential screw replacement will be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black come with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited.
They are compatible with any scope that has a 1-inch tube diameter. Aftermarket screws might improve the clamping force, but the fundamental design limitations remain.
Pros and Cons of **NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black**
Pros
- Extremely affordable: One of the cheapest options on the market.
- High profile: Provides ample clearance for larger objective lenses.
- Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to the rifle.
- Easy to install: Simple design allows for quick mounting.
Cons
- Insecure mounting: Prone to loosening and shifting under recoil.
- Low durability: Soft aluminum construction susceptible to stripping.
- Compromised accuracy: Inconsistent zero due to ring slippage.
Who Should Buy **NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black**?
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious casual plinkers who prioritize affordability over precision and reliability. Novice shooters who are just starting out and are unwilling to spend more on quality rings.
- Who should skip this product? Serious shooters, hunters, or anyone who requires consistent accuracy and reliability from their optic mounting system should avoid these rings. Anyone using a centerfire rifle or a high-powered airgun will find these rings inadequate.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? Thread locker (e.g., Loctite) is essential to help prevent loosening. Upgrading to higher-quality screws might marginally improve clamping force, but the overall design remains a limitation.
Conclusion on **NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black**
The NcStar 1″ Rings 3/8″ Dovetail, High, Black offer an extremely affordable entry point into the world of scope mounting. However, the low price comes at a cost. The rings’ propensity to loosen and shift makes them unsuitable for any application where consistent accuracy is paramount.
The price is justified only if you’re on an absolute rock-bottom budget and understand the limitations. Otherwise, investing in a higher-quality set of rings is a far better long-term investment.
I would only recommend these rings to someone who understands their limitations and is willing to accept the need for frequent adjustments. For everyone else, spend a bit more for better quality and performance. The difference in accuracy and reliability will be well worth the investment.
