First Thoughts on the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black promise a simple, affordable solution for mounting 1″ tube scopes onto rifles with 3/8″ dovetail rails. NcStar is known for budget-friendly optics and accessories, and these rings aim to deliver functionality without breaking the bank. My initial impression centers around whether these rings can offer a secure and reliable platform, critical for maintaining zero and ensuring consistent accuracy.
I needed a set of rings for an old .22 rifle I recently inherited, a classic squirrel gun with a 3/8″ dovetail receiver. The original rings were long gone, and I wanted to equip it with a new 1″ scope for some casual target practice and small game hunting. I wanted something functional and cost-effective, as the rifle itself wasn’t a high-end piece.
Upon unboxing, the rings have a no-frills appearance. The matte black finish is uniform, and the aluminum construction feels reasonably sturdy for the price point. They’re lightweight, as expected, and the included mounting tool is a welcome addition.
I considered a few other options, including some rings from Barska and UTG. However, the NcStar rings were the most affordable and readily available option for my specific needs. My primary concern was the height, ensuring the scope would clear the rifle’s rear sight. The 1.30″ height of these rings seemed like a good fit on paper.
Honestly, my initial excitement was tempered with a dose of skepticism. Given the price, I wasn’t expecting premium quality, but I was hoping they would perform adequately for my intended use. I was surprised by how lightweight they were, which raised a question about their ability to withstand recoil over time.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black was on a sunny afternoon at my local outdoor range. I mounted the scope to the rings and then attached the rings to the .22 rifle’s dovetail rail. Initial installation was straightforward, although the included tool felt a bit flimsy.
The rings performed adequately during the first shooting session, which involved approximately 50 rounds of .22LR. I experienced no immediate issues with slippage or loss of zero. The height of the rings proved to be perfect, providing ample clearance for the scope and allowing for a comfortable cheek weld.
I did notice, however, that the mounting nuts required frequent tightening. After about every 10-15 shots, I could feel a slight wobble in the scope, indicating that the nuts were loosening. This was a bit concerning and required constant attention to maintain accuracy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds through the .22, the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black have shown some signs of wear and tear. The matte black finish is starting to wear off around the edges, particularly where the scope tube sits. This is purely cosmetic, but it’s noticeable.
Durability-wise, the rings have held up reasonably well, although the constant need for tightening remains an issue. I’ve considered using thread locker to address this, but I’m hesitant to make permanent modifications. Cleaning and maintenance are simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is sufficient.
Compared to other scope rings I’ve used on higher-caliber rifles, these NcStar rings clearly fall short in terms of overall quality and reliability. While they are adequate for a low-recoil .22, I wouldn’t trust them on a more powerful firearm. They are certainly not on the same level as rings from brands like Leupold or Warne, but those come with a significantly higher price tag.
Breaking Down the Features of NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black
Specifications
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black are designed to accommodate scopes with a 1″ tube diameter. They mount onto 3/8″ dovetail rails, commonly found on rimfire rifles and some airguns. The optic centerline height is 1.30″, providing sufficient clearance for many scopes and rifles. The ring overall height is 2.20″, and the rings are constructed from anodized aluminum with a matte black finish. They weigh in at a mere 1.90 oz, making them incredibly lightweight. The package includes a mounting tool.
These specifications are important because they dictate compatibility with your rifle and scope. The 1″ tube diameter is a standard size, but the 3/8″ dovetail is specific to certain firearms. The 1.30″ height is crucial for ensuring proper scope clearance, allowing you to maintain a comfortable cheek weld and avoid any interference with the rifle’s action or sights. The lightweight construction can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. While it minimizes added weight, it also raises concerns about durability.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black is to securely mount a scope to a rifle. In this regard, they perform adequately for low-recoil applications. Accuracy is maintained as long as the mounting nuts are tightened regularly. Reliability is the main area of concern, given the tendency for the nuts to loosen over time. Usability is straightforward; the installation process is simple and requires no specialized tools (aside from the included one).
The main strength is their affordability. They offer a functional mounting solution at a significantly lower price point than competing products. The biggest weakness is the loosening of the mounting nuts, which compromises reliability and necessitates frequent adjustments. These rings meet basic expectations for a budget-friendly product, but they don’t exceed them in any way.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The aluminum construction feels reasonably sturdy, although the matte black finish is prone to wear. The rings are lightweight, which can be an advantage for some users. However, the design is very basic and lacks any advanced features or refinements.
These rings are user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive installation process. There’s no significant learning curve. Even a novice shooter should be able to mount a scope using these rings without much difficulty.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black is questionable, particularly under heavy use or with higher-caliber rifles. The loosening of the mounting nuts is a primary concern, and the finish is prone to wear. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient.
Repair is unlikely to be a viable option if the rings fail. Given their low cost, replacement would be the more practical solution. I estimate that these rings will last for a few years with casual use on a .22 rifle. However, I wouldn’t expect them to hold up under more demanding conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black come with a basic mounting tool. There are no other included accessories. Customization options are limited, as these rings are designed for a specific scope tube diameter and rail type.
These rings are compatible with any 1″ tube scope and any rifle with a standard 3/8″ dovetail rail. However, they are not compatible with Weaver or Picatinny rails. Some users may choose to replace the included mounting tool with a higher-quality Allen wrench for better torque and more secure tightening.
Pros and Cons of NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black
Pros
- Affordable: Significantly lower priced than most competing scope rings.
- Lightweight: Doesn’t add much weight to the rifle setup.
- Easy to install: Simple and straightforward mounting process.
- Suitable height: The 1.30″ height provides ample scope clearance on many rifles.
- Functional for low-recoil applications: Adequate for .22 rifles and airguns.
Cons
- Mounting nuts loosen easily: Requires frequent tightening to maintain zero.
- Questionable durability: Not suitable for high-recoil firearms or heavy use.
- Finish is prone to wear: Matte black finish wears off easily.
Who Should Buy NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black?
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black are perfect for casual shooters, plinkers, and small game hunters who use .22 rifles or airguns with 3/8″ dovetail rails. They are also a good option for budget-conscious individuals who need a functional scope mounting solution without spending a lot of money. This product is ideal for anyone who needs rings for a low-power scope on a .22 for range days or small-game hunting.
Those who should skip this product include serious hunters, competitive shooters, or anyone using a high-powered rifle. These rings are not durable or reliable enough for demanding applications or high-recoil firearms. Anyone seeking long-term reliability and performance should invest in higher-quality scope rings from a reputable brand.
A must-have modification would be to use a thread locker, such as Loctite, on the mounting nuts to prevent them from loosening. Alternatively, investing in a higher-quality Allen wrench would help apply more torque during the initial installation.
Conclusion on NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black
The NcStar 1″ Hunter Rings 3/8 Dovetail, 1.30″ Height, Matte Black offer a budget-friendly solution for mounting a 1″ scope to a rifle with a 3/8″ dovetail rail. While they perform adequately for low-recoil applications, their primary weakness is the tendency for the mounting nuts to loosen over time, compromising reliability.
The price is justified for what you get – a functional, albeit basic, scope mounting solution. However, buyers should be aware of the limitations and potential need for frequent adjustments.
I would cautiously recommend these rings to casual shooters on a tight budget who understand their limitations. They are a decent option for .22 rifles and airguns, but not for anything more powerful. If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive way to mount a scope on your .22, give these a try – just be sure to keep an Allen wrench handy.