The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve been mounting scopes on everything from .22LR plinkers to magnum-caliber hunting rifles. Finding reliable, budget-friendly rings can be a challenge. When I saw the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height, especially at that price point, I was intrigued. Would they hold zero? Would they strip easily? Could something so inexpensive actually be worth considering?
My old rimfire rifle needed a new optic, and I didn’t want to break the bank. I’d been using some older Weaver rings, and while they were functional, I wanted something a bit taller to clear the bolt throw with a larger objective lens. That’s where the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height came in.
The rings arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Pulling them out, I was immediately surprised by their lightweight feel. The black anodized aluminum seemed decent enough, but the finish wasn’t quite as smooth as some higher-end rings I’ve used. My initial thought was, “These are certainly budget rings.”
Compared to Leupold Rifleman rings or even some of the lower-end Burris options, the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height felt less refined. Those other rings boast smoother finishes and a more robust feel. However, they also come with a significantly higher price tag. Ultimately, I chose the NcStar rings because of the combination of the low price and the 1.5″ height, which was exactly what I needed for this particular rifle setup.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. They looked okay, but I was definitely going to put them through their paces before trusting them on a serious hunting rifle. At that price, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they failed quickly, but I was hoping they’d at least be usable for a rimfire plinker.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height to the Test
First Use Experience
I mounted the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height on my Ruger 10/22, pairing them with a Bushnell Rimfire scope. The initial mounting process was straightforward, thanks to the included mounting tool. I tested it at my local outdoor range.
The first range session was surprisingly uneventful. I sighted in the scope at 50 yards and ran about 200 rounds through the rifle. The rings held zero perfectly. The weather was sunny and dry, so no issues there. The 1.5″ height was perfect for clearing the bolt throw with my 40mm objective lens, resolving my original problem.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height have held up better than I initially expected. I’ve put approximately 1000 rounds through the Ruger 10/22 with these rings mounted. There are no signs of slippage or loosening.
The anodized finish has held up reasonably well, although there are a few minor scratches from handling. Cleaning has been simple; I just wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session. Compared to some other budget rings I’ve used in the past, these have been surprisingly reliable. I definitely wouldn’t trust them on a high-powered rifle, but for a rimfire or air rifle, they seem perfectly adequate.
Breaking Down the Features of NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height
Specifications
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height are designed for scopes with a 1-inch tube diameter. They mount to Weaver/Picatinny/MIL-STD 1913 type rails. The optic centerline height is 1.5 inches, and the overall ring height is 2.4 inches. They weigh in at 1.9 oz. per pair.
The rings are constructed from black anodized aluminum, making them lightweight but perhaps not as durable as steel rings. The hexagon-shaped mounting nut with Allan key wrench holes allows for torquing. This is important for ensuring a secure mount and preventing scope slippage, but it also highlights a potential weakness: over-torquing could easily strip the threads in the aluminum.
Performance & Functionality
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height perform their basic function – holding a scope – adequately. The 1.5″ height is accurate and provides sufficient clearance for many scopes on rifles with larger bolts or iron sights. The rings hold zero well on low-recoil rifles like .22LR.
However, their weaknesses lie in their durability and suitability for high-powered rifles. The aluminum construction is more susceptible to damage from recoil and harsh handling. The finish can scratch easily.
Design & Ergonomics
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height feature a simple, functional design. The hexagon-shaped mounting nuts are a nice touch, allowing for easier tightening with a wrench. The included mounting tool is basic, but it gets the job done.
The rings are lightweight, which is a plus for reducing overall rifle weight. However, the lightweight construction also contributes to their perceived lack of robustness. There’s no real learning curve; they’re straightforward to install.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is where the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height fall short. While they’ve held up surprisingly well on my .22LR, I wouldn’t expect them to last long on a rifle with significant recoil. The aluminum construction is simply not as durable as steel.
Maintenance is easy; just wipe them down with a cloth. However, the anodized finish is prone to scratching, so care should be taken to avoid abrasive cleaners. Repair is likely not an option; if they break, they’ll need to be replaced.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height don’t offer any specific customization options. They are what they are: basic scope rings. They are compatible with any scope that has a 1-inch tube diameter and any rifle with Weaver/Picatinny/MIL-STD 1913 rails. Because these are such basic rings, it is best to stick with accessories designed for similar rings. Higher-end torque wrenches or levels could cause damage.
Pros and Cons of NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height
Pros
- Extremely affordable: These are some of the least expensive scope rings on the market.
- Lightweight design: The aluminum construction keeps weight to a minimum.
- Adequate height: The 1.5″ height provides good clearance for many scope and rifle combinations.
- Easy to install: The included tool and simple design make installation straightforward.
- Hold zero on low-recoil rifles: They perform adequately on .22LR and air rifles.
Cons
- Questionable durability: The aluminum construction is not as durable as steel.
- Finish scratches easily: The anodized finish is prone to wear and tear.
- Not suitable for high-powered rifles: Recoil could cause slippage or damage.
Who Should Buy NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height?
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height are perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need to mount a scope on a low-recoil rifle, such as a .22LR or an air rifle. They’re also suitable for casual plinkers who aren’t overly concerned about extreme durability. These rings are also a good option for someone who needs to mount a scope on a firearm they rarely use.
Someone using a high-powered hunting rifle or a competition shooter who demands the utmost reliability should skip these rings. For serious applications, investing in higher-quality steel rings is essential.
A must-have accessory is a proper torque wrench. While the included tool is functional, using a torque wrench will help prevent over-tightening and stripping the threads.
Conclusion on NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height are a budget-friendly option for mounting scopes on low-recoil rifles. They’re not the most durable or refined rings on the market, but they perform their basic function adequately.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. These are entry-level rings that are suitable for specific applications.
I would recommend them to anyone looking for an inexpensive set of rings for a .22LR or air rifle. Just be aware of their limitations and don’t expect them to perform like higher-end rings. If you are looking for a budget option, grab a pair of NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 1.5″ Height and get out to the range!