NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray Review

The NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray promises a blend of organization and tactical style for range enthusiasts. At a price point of $31.99, the bag aims to provide a cost-effective solution for carrying essential gear to the shooting range. The NcStar brand is known for offering affordable options, and this bag is no exception.

I was drawn to the NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray because my current range bag is a chaotic mess. I needed something with dedicated compartments for magazines, handguns, and other accessories, promoting organization and quick access on the range. The promise of dedicated magazine pouches and padded handgun storage was particularly appealing, promising order amidst the usual range day chaos.

Upon unboxing, the NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray presented itself as a functional, if not overly luxurious, piece of kit. The Urban Gray color scheme offers a tactical aesthetic. The initial feel of the material suggests decent durability for its price. It’s lighter than some of the higher-end bags I’ve handled, which could be a plus for extended carry.

Compared to a 5.11 Tactical Range Ready Bag, which offers premium materials and a higher price tag, the NcStar bag seems to prioritize affordability. Similarly, against a Glock Range Bag, which is simpler and less compartmentalized, the NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray aimed for a middle ground with more organization at a similar cost. I picked it because it seemed to strike a balance between features and affordability, offering more organization than basic bags without breaking the bank.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The bag’s layout seemed well-thought-out, but the true test would be its performance under the rigors of range use. I was eager to see if it could stand up to the weight and demands of a typical shooting session.

2. Real-World Testing: Putting **NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray** to the Test

   First Use Experience

   I tested the NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray at my local outdoor shooting range on a relatively mild, sunny day. I loaded it with two handguns, six magazines (both AR15 and pistol), hearing protection, eye protection, a shot timer, and a small cleaning kit. The bag was comfortably full, but not excessively straining.

   The bag performed adequately, even as the wind picked up and kicked up some dust. The zippered compartments kept my gear secure. Accessing my handguns from the padded side pockets was easy and quick, even while wearing shooting gloves.

   I initially found the magazine pouches a bit snug with loaded AR15 magazines, but they loosened up slightly with use. No major issues arose during the initial range session. It was surprisingly easy to keep my gear organized, cutting down on prep time between shooting strings.

   Extended Use & Reliability

   After several months of consistent use, the NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray has held up reasonably well, although some wear and tear is apparent. The stitching on the main compartment zipper shows slight fraying, but it hasn’t failed. The Urban Gray fabric has resisted staining and cleans up easily with a damp cloth.

   The NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray hasn’t shown any critical failures, but the shoulder strap padding has compressed slightly, reducing its initial comfort. Regular cleaning, involving wiping down the exterior and vacuuming out any debris, is essential to maintain its functionality. Overall, its performance has been satisfactory, especially when considering the price.

   Compared to my old, unorganized range bag, the NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray is a significant upgrade in terms of organization and accessibility. However, it doesn’t quite match the durability and premium feel of higher-end bags I’ve used in the past.

3. Breaking Down the Features of **NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray**

   Specifications

   • Overall Size: 13W X 20L X 10H. This provides ample space for multiple firearms, magazines, and accessories, making it suitable for a full day at the range.
   • Weight: 3.8 lbs. The relatively light weight makes it easier to carry, even when fully loaded, reducing fatigue during extended range sessions.
   • Main Zippered Center Compartment: 7W X 15LX 10H. This main compartment offers significant storage capacity for larger items, such as ammunition boxes or cleaning kits.
   • Internal End Pockets: Two with Velcro Flaps. These pockets provide secure storage for smaller items, such as tools or spare parts, preventing them from shifting around inside the bag.
   • Padded Side Pockets: Two long pockets. These are designed to securely hold handguns, providing padding to protect them from scratches and impacts.
   • Magazine Capacity (Front Compartment): Up to 8 AR15 magazines or 16 double-stack pistol magazines. This offers excellent organization for ammunition, ensuring quick and easy access during shooting sessions.
   • Magazine Capacity (Rear Compartment): Up to 4 AR15 or 8 double-stack pistol magazines. This adds further ammunition carrying capacity, useful for extended shooting sessions or multiple firearms.

   These specifications highlight a bag designed for organized and convenient transport of shooting gear. The bag’s size, weight, and compartmentalization are tailored to meet the needs of both casual and competitive shooters.

   Performance & Functionality

   The NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray performs its job adequately, providing a structured and organized way to transport range essentials. The padded compartments protect firearms and optics from damage. The magazine pouches keep ammunition readily accessible. However, the bag’s performance is limited by the quality of materials used.

   The bag’s strengths lie in its organizational capabilities and affordability. Its weaknesses include the durability of some components, like the zippers and shoulder strap. While it meets basic expectations for a range bag at this price point, it doesn’t exceed them.

   Design & Ergonomics

   The NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray features a functional design with a focus on compartmentalization. The materials are adequate, though not premium, and the weight is manageable even when fully loaded. While not uncomfortable, the shoulder strap padding could be improved.

   The bag is relatively user-friendly, with a straightforward layout that requires minimal learning curve. The various compartments are easily accessible.

   Durability & Maintenance

   The long-term durability of the NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray is a potential concern, given the wear observed after several months of use. The stitching and zippers are the most vulnerable points. Regular cleaning is simple, requiring only a damp cloth and occasional vacuuming. Repairing damaged components may be challenging, as sourcing replacement parts could be difficult.

   Accessories and Customization Options

   The NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray comes with a brass bag featuring an adjustable top draw string, a metal clasp hook, and mesh bottom netting. This is a valuable addition for collecting spent casings at the range, promoting cleanliness and responsible shooting. The bag itself doesn’t offer much in the way of customization, but users can add patches to the Velcro panels for personalization. The bag is compatible with standard magazine pouches and other range accessories from various brands, allowing users to augment its storage capacity.

4. Pros and Cons of **NcStar Competition Range Bag Urban Gray**