The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ Made a Bold First Impression
The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ promises stability and versatility at a price point that’s hard to ignore. For years, I’ve relied on various bipods, some costing several times more, but I was drawn to the NCStar’s inclusion of multiple mounting options. It seemed like a practical, budget-friendly solution for a variety of firearms. This bipod claims to offer rifle stability to shooters of any level.
What pushed me to finally order the NCStar bipod was a need for a lightweight, easily adaptable support system for an AR-15 build that I was planning to use for coyote hunting. I wanted something quick to deploy in varied terrain. I’d previously used Harris bipods (rock solid but pricey) and some cheaper, no-name brands that were wobbly and unreliable. The NCStar’s included adapters and adjustable height caught my eye.
The bipod arrived in simple, no-frills packaging. My initial impression was mixed. It felt surprisingly solid for the price, the aircraft-grade aluminum construction gave a feeling of resilience, but the finish wasn’t as refined as some of the higher-end bipods I’ve used. The spring-loaded legs had a satisfying snap when deploying. The included adapters, a pleasant surprise, gave me confidence that I could mount this on pretty much anything.
Compared to a Harris bipod, the NCStar felt noticeably lighter, which is a plus for carrying in the field, but maybe a potential compromise in stability. Against a cheaper, no-name bipod that I had lying around, the NCStar was a clear winner in terms of build quality and included features. I picked the NCStar primarily because of its price, versatility with the included adapters, and compact design.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ didn’t scream “high-end,” but it seemed like a potentially solid performer, especially considering its budget-friendly price tag. I was eager to get it out to the range and see how it held up under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ at an outdoor shooting range. I mounted it on my AR-15 using the Picatinny rail adapter. The range had a mix of shooting benches and prone areas, giving me a chance to test the bipod in different shooting positions.
The bipod performed reasonably well in dry conditions. The spring-loaded legs deployed quickly and locked securely. However, I noticed a bit of wobble when fully extended, particularly on uneven surfaces. Adjusting the leg height helped to minimize this.
Ease of use was decent. It took a few tries to get used to the button release for extending the legs. There weren’t any immediate catastrophic failures. However, the leg extension buttons felt a little flimsy, leaving me questioning their long-term durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the NCStar bipod has held up better than I initially anticipated, but it’s not without its flaws. I’ve taken it on multiple coyote hunts and used it regularly at the range.
There are some minor signs of wear and tear. The finish on the legs is starting to scratch, and the spring tension seems slightly reduced. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the legs and mounting mechanism is a must.
Compared to my more expensive bipods, the NCStar doesn’t offer the same level of rock-solid stability, especially at longer ranges. However, for its price point, it provides a noticeable improvement over shooting without any support. For a budget-friendly option it definitely met expectations. However, I don’t think it would have exceeded any expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″
Specifications
The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ boasts several key specifications that define its functionality. It’s constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and steel. It has an adjustable height range of 5.5 to 8 inches.
The inclusion of three adapters (AR-15 Hand Guard Sling Stud, Universal Barrel Mount, and Picatinny Rail Sling Stud) makes it adaptable to various firearms. Its spring-loaded folding action ensures the legs are under maximum tension. This ensures the legs extend with the push of a button.
Performance & Functionality
The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ performs adequately for its intended purpose: providing a stable shooting platform. Accuracy is improved compared to shooting unsupported, especially at medium ranges (100-200 yards). Reliability is decent; however, the leg extension buttons could be more robust.
The main strength of the NCStar bipod is its versatility and affordability. It’s a decent choice for shooters on a budget who need a bipod that can be quickly adapted to different firearms. The weakness is that it sacrifices some stability and durability compared to higher-end options.
Overall, for its price, it meets expectations. It does what it is supposed to do, and provides an improvement over no bipod at all.
Design & Ergonomics
The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ features a utilitarian design. The materials used, primarily aircraft-grade aluminum, contribute to its relatively light weight. It is definitely comfortable to carry.
The spring-loaded legs offer quick deployment, but the button release mechanism could be more refined. There’s a slight learning curve to finding the optimal leg height for different shooting positions.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ is acceptable, but not exceptional. With regular use, expect some wear and tear on the finish and potentially some loosening of the leg joints over time.
Maintenance is relatively simple. Cleaning the legs and mounting mechanism with a dry cloth and applying a light lubricant will help to prolong its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ comes with three adapters: an AR-15 handguard sling stud, a universal barrel mount, and a Picatinny rail sling stud. There are no other factory customization options.
Aftermarket accessories are limited, as the bipod is designed for basic functionality. However, the Picatinny rail adapter allows it to be mounted on any firearm with a standard Picatinny rail. It is compatible with any firearm using a Picatinny Rail Sling Stud.
Pros and Cons of NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Versatile mounting options with included adapters for various firearms.
- Lightweight design is ideal for carrying in the field.
- Spring-loaded legs offer quick and easy deployment.
- Decent stability compared to shooting without a bipod.
Cons
- The durability could be improved, especially the leg extension buttons.
- The stability isn’t as solid as higher-end bipods, especially at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″?
The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ is perfect for budget-conscious shooters, casual hunters, and recreational range users who need a versatile and affordable bipod. It’s also a good option for those who own multiple firearms and want a single bipod that can be easily adapted to each.
This product should be skipped by serious competitive shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and anyone who demands the utmost stability and durability from their equipment. They should opt for higher-end bipods like the Harris or Atlas models.
Must-have accessories include a quality gun cleaning kit and a CLP lubricant to keep the bipod functioning smoothly.
Conclusion on NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″
The NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ offers a decent balance of affordability, versatility, and functionality. It’s not the most robust or stable bipod on the market, but it provides a noticeable improvement over shooting without support, especially for the price. The included adapters make it easy to mount on a variety of firearms.
The price is justified, as it provides a functional bipod solution for shooters on a budget. You get a lot for your money with the NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″.
I would personally recommend it to beginner shooters or anyone looking for an inexpensive, versatile bipod for light to medium use. If you’re looking for a solid entry-level bipod, the NCStar ABPGC/2 Bipod 5.5-8″ is a good place to start. However, if you’re a serious shooter demanding top-tier performance, you’ll want to invest in a higher-end option.