NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun Review

The NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my share of carrying solutions for firearms. I needed a reliable and affordable way to transport my shotgun, particularly when navigating dense woodland environments during hunting trips. The NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun promised a practical solution, and for the price, I was intrigued.

Unboxing the scabbard, my initial impression was one of practicality over premium luxury. The 600D PVC material felt reasonably durable, though not as robust as higher-end nylon offerings. The woodland camouflage pattern looked effective, blending well with my local hunting grounds.

I considered other scabbards from brands like Condor Outdoor and VooDoo Tactical, which offered slightly more features and heavier-duty materials. Ultimately, the NCStar scabbard’s significantly lower price point and sufficient features made it an attractive option. I was pleasantly surprised by the initial build quality, exceeding my expectations given the budget-friendly price.

Real-World Testing: Putting NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun on a weekend hunting trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain was a mix of dense forests, rocky hillsides, and shallow creeks. Slinging my 12-gauge shotgun across my back using the scabbard’s shoulder strap proved comfortable enough for extended periods.

The weather was damp, with intermittent rain showers. The NCStar scabbard’s PVC coating provided adequate water resistance, keeping my shotgun relatively dry. The adjustable retention strap secured the shotgun effectively, preventing it from shifting during movement.

Initially, I fumbled a bit with the quick-release buckle on the retention strap. After a few practice draws, I became proficient at quickly accessing my shotgun.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun has held up reasonably well. There are some minor signs of wear and tear, particularly around the MOLLE webbing attachment points. The stitching remains intact, and the PVC coating hasn’t cracked or peeled.

Cleaning the scabbard is simple – a damp cloth and mild soap are all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. I previously used a higher-end nylon scabbard, which offered superior abrasion resistance but required more specialized cleaning products. The NCStar scabbard outperforms in terms of ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun

Specifications

The NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun is designed for convenient and secure shotgun carry. It features a 34.75-inch length, accommodating most standard shotguns. The scabbard is constructed from 600D PVC material, offering decent water resistance and durability.

The adjustable retention strap with a quick-release buckle allows for rapid shotgun deployment. Six metal D-ring locations provide versatile mounting options. MOLLE webbing on both sides of the scabbard, along with four detachable PAL straps, enable modular attachment to other gear. These features combine for a customizable and user-friendly system.

Performance & Functionality

The NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun performs its primary function adequately: carrying a shotgun securely and comfortably. The retention strap prevents the shotgun from slipping out, even during strenuous activity. The MOLLE webbing allows for the attachment of essential accessories like shell holders or first aid kits.

A notable weakness is the relatively thin padding inside the scabbard, offering minimal protection against impacts. The quick-release buckle on the retention strap could be more robust. Overall, the scabbard meets expectations for its price point, providing a functional and affordable carrying solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun sports a practical design, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The woodland camouflage pattern is effective for blending into natural environments. The scabbard’s weight is manageable, even with a shotgun inside.

The shoulder strap is adjustable for comfortable carry, but it could benefit from additional padding. There’s a slight learning curve in mastering the quick-release buckle, but it becomes intuitive with practice. The design is well-suited for tactical applications.

Durability & Maintenance

The 600D PVC material is reasonably durable for the price, but it’s not as robust as higher-denier nylon alternatives. Expect some wear and tear over time, especially with heavy use. Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe down the scabbard with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

The stitching appears to be the most vulnerable point, so avoid excessive strain on the seams. With proper care, the scabbard should last for several seasons of moderate use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun comes with four detachable PAL straps for attaching to MOLLE-compatible gear. There are no other included accessories. The MOLLE webbing allows for extensive customization with a wide range of aftermarket pouches, holsters, and other tactical accessories.

The D-rings can be used to attach additional straps or carabiners for alternative carrying methods. The modular design provides ample opportunities for tailoring the scabbard to individual needs.

Pros and Cons of NCStar Tactical Scabbard Woodland Camouflage 600D PVC 34.75″ Shotgun