NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight Review

The NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve seen countless optics come and go in my years in the tactical gear world, from high-end holographic sights to budget-friendly iron sights. When I first laid eyes on the NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight, I admit I was cautiously optimistic. This compact sight from NcSTAR promises a lot for a small price, boasting features like multiple brightness settings and an integrated mount.

What drew me to this particular red dot was a need for a lightweight, affordable optic for my AR-22 plinker. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but could still offer a noticeable improvement in target acquisition over iron sights. Out of all the budget red dots available, the NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight seemed to strike a good balance between features and affordability.

Unboxing the NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight revealed a surprisingly compact and lightweight unit. The black anodized aluminum body felt solid enough, though the finish wasn’t as refined as more expensive options. It came with the sight itself, an extra battery, lens covers, and a small mounting tool – a nice touch for a sight in this price range.

Compared to a Sig Sauer Romeo5 or a Holosun HS403B (both excellent but significantly pricier options), the NcSTAR lacked the robust feel and premium finish. However, it was noticeably lighter than both, which could be a plus for some users. My initial excitement was tempered with the realization that it’s an entry-level optic, but the low price point kept my expectations in check.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight to my local outdoor range, mounted on my AR-22, for its inaugural run. It was a sunny day with a slight breeze, perfect conditions for testing its visibility and ease of use. Mounting the sight was simple thanks to the integrated weaver-style mount, and I had it zeroed within a few minutes at 25 yards.

The red dot was reasonably bright, even in the daylight, although the lower brightness settings were more suited for indoor or low-light conditions. The adjustments, while not super precise, were adequate for getting on target. After about 100 rounds, the sight held zero and performed as expected. I did notice that the lens covers felt flimsy and the dot wasn’t perfectly round, but again, the price point kept my complaints minimal.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips and approximately 500 rounds downrange, the NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight has held up surprisingly well. There are a few minor scratches on the finish from bumping around in my range bag, but the lens remains clear. The brightness settings are still functioning properly.

I have cleaned the lens with a microfiber cloth after each range session, and I’ve made sure to store it in a dry environment to prevent any potential corrosion. Compared to my experiences with more expensive red dots, the NcSTAR requires a bit more babying. It has, however, proven to be a reliable plinking optic.

Breaking Down the Features of NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight

Specifications

• The NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight features a 1X magnification, making it ideal for close- to medium-range shooting scenarios. This provides a natural, unmagnified view of the target.
• Its 42mm objective diameter allows for a decent field of view and light gathering, crucial for quick target acquisition. This size is a good compromise between size, weight, and performance.
• The red dot reticle is 3 MOA in size, offering a good balance between precision and visibility, not covering up too much of the target at longer distances. Three MOA is generally accepted as a good compromise between speed and accuracy.
• Click value is 1 MOA, allowing for reasonably precise adjustments when zeroing. While not as fine as some higher-end optics, it’s sufficient for most shooters using this red dot.
• The sight’s exterior boasts a black aluminum finish, which provides decent corrosion resistance and a tactical look. While not the most durable finish, it’s acceptable for the price.
• The lens coating is ruby, which is designed to reduce glare and improve light transmission. The effectiveness of this coating is debatable, but it does add a slight tint to the sight picture.
• The NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight weighs just 6.80 oz, making it lightweight and suitable for a variety of firearms. This lightweight design keeps the firearm balanced and easy to handle.
• It measures 3.15 inches in length, making it compact and unobtrusive on the firearm. This short length allows for flexible mounting options.
• The mount is an integrated weaver style, allowing for easy attachment to most modern rifles and shotguns. The integrated design simplifies installation.

Performance & Functionality

The NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight performs adequately for its intended purpose: providing faster target acquisition than iron sights at close to medium ranges. At 25-50 yards, I was able to consistently hit targets with improved speed and accuracy compared to using iron sights.

Its main strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The weaknesses include the somewhat dim red dot in bright sunlight and the slightly imprecise adjustments. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly red dot, but it won’t outperform higher-end optics.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The aluminum body feels reasonably solid, but the turrets and lens covers feel cheap. The weight is very light, which is a positive attribute. There is virtually no learning curve. Just mount, zero, and shoot.

Durability & Maintenance

I expect the NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight to last for several years with proper care. However, I don’t anticipate it will withstand the same level of abuse as more robust optics. It’s easy to maintain by simply cleaning the lens with a microfiber cloth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight comes with basic accessories: lens covers, an extra battery, and a mounting tool. There aren’t any official customization options offered by NcSTAR. Given its integrated mount, there aren’t many areas for customization. It is compatible with any firearm that uses a weaver style rail, opening the door for many options.

Pros and Cons of NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight

Who Should Buy NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight?

The NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight is perfect for casual plinkers, recreational shooters, and those looking for an affordable red dot for rimfire rifles or airguns. It’s also a decent option for new shooters who want to experiment with red dots without breaking the bank.

This product should be skipped by those who require a highly durable, high-performance optic for professional use, hunting, or tactical applications. A lens cleaning kit is a must have.

Conclusion on NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight

The NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight is a budget-friendly optic that delivers adequate performance for its price point. While it’s not the most durable or feature-rich red dot on the market, it offers a noticeable improvement in target acquisition over iron sights.

The price is definitely justified given its capabilities. For anyone looking for an affordable and lightweight red dot for casual shooting, the NcSTAR 1x 42mm Tube Red Dot Sight is a solid option. I would recommend it. Give it a try and experience the benefits of a red dot sight without emptying your wallet.