Let’s Dive into NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style
The NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style offers a budget-friendly solution for mounting optics forward on your firearm. Manufactured by NcSTAR, these mounts aim to provide increased eye relief and additional rail space. For those seeking an economical option for their rifles, these mounts promise versatility with compatibility for both 30mm and 1-inch optics.
My journey towards finding the NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style began when I needed to outfit a new AR-15 build on a tight budget. I wanted to explore various optic placements without breaking the bank, and the cantilever design seemed ideal for achieving optimal eye relief. Many other options were available, but I chose these mounts because of their unbelievably low price point coupled with the cantilever functionality. I figured that even if the quality was basic, the utility would justify the purchase.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was that the mounts were surprisingly lightweight. The aluminum construction felt adequate for the price, although not exceptionally robust. The matte finish gave it a reasonable, if uninspired, aesthetic. Compared to higher-end cantilever mounts I’ve used (like those from Larue Tactical or American Defense), the NcStar offering immediately felt less substantial.
The inclusion of 1-inch adapter rings was a pleasant surprise, adding to the product’s versatility. I was cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that these were definitely not premium-grade, but hoping they would serve their purpose adequately for a temporary or light-use setup. Excitement was tempered with realism; I knew I couldn’t expect the same level of performance or durability as more expensive mounts.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style to the Test
First Use Experience
My first trial with the NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style was at an outdoor shooting range. The ambient weather was dry and sunny. I mounted a budget 30mm red dot sight on my AR-15, utilizing the cantilever to achieve the desired eye relief. I immediately noticed the thumb nuts were easy to tighten by hand, but I was concerned about how well they would hold zero.
After about 50 rounds, I checked and found the mount had shifted slightly on the rail. The thumb nuts, while convenient, didn’t provide the same clamping force as traditional bolts. This was a letdown, requiring me to retighten and re-zero the optic. Ease of use was high for initial installation, but the constant need for adjustment reduced the appeal.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions, the NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style showed noticeable wear. The finish began to scratch easily and the thumb nuts started to exhibit some looseness, even with repeated tightening. I tried using blue thread locker to combat this.
The mount consistently required re-tightening after each shooting session, proving its unreliability. Despite its low cost, this constant maintenance became tedious. Compared to my experience with more robust mounts like those from Midwest Industries, the NcStar offering felt like a significant downgrade in dependability. It underperformed in terms of holding zero.
Breaking Down the Features of NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style
Specifications
The NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style features:
- Manufacturer: NcSTAR
- Finish: Matte
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm (includes 1-inch adapter rings)
- Ring Quantity: Single
- Mount Type: Weaver
- Gun Rail: Weaver
- Material: Aluminum
The specifications highlight that this is a lightweight, aluminum-based mount designed for Weaver-style rails. The inclusion of 1-inch adapter rings provides flexibility for different optic sizes. The use of thumb nuts allows for easy, tool-free installation. These factors influence the product’s versatility and ease of use, but also impact its overall durability and ability to maintain zero under sustained use.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style is to securely mount an optic on a firearm. It achieves this to a limited extent. The cantilever design allows for forward placement of the optic.
However, the mount’s weakness lies in its inability to consistently hold zero, especially under recoil. The thumb nut system, while convenient, doesn’t provide sufficient clamping force. The mount meets basic needs for very light use, but falls short for anything more demanding.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style is straightforward and functional. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, making it suitable for lightweight builds. However, the overall build quality feels less refined than more expensive options.
The thumb nuts are user-friendly for quick installation and removal, though they sacrifice some stability. There’s no learning curve involved; it’s easy to use, but this simplicity comes at the cost of long-term reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its aluminum construction and budget-friendly price, the NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style is not designed for heavy use. Expect to see signs of wear and tear relatively quickly, especially with repeated use and exposure to the elements. Maintenance is simple – just wiping it down after use – but the need to constantly re-tighten the mount is a recurring maintenance issue in itself.
Repairing the mount is unlikely; it’s generally considered a disposable item. The lifespan is limited, making it unsuitable for serious or high-stress applications.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style comes with 1-inch adapter rings. This allows it to accommodate both 30mm and 1-inch optics, enhancing its versatility. It mounts directly to any standard Weaver-style rail.
No other accessories are included, and the mount itself doesn’t offer much customization beyond swapping between 30mm and 1-inch optics. It is compatible with most optics designed for Weaver rails, but its performance limitations should be considered.
Pros and Cons of NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style
Pros
- Budget-friendly price makes it accessible for shooters on a tight budget.
- Versatile compatibility with both 30mm and 1-inch optics due to the included adapter rings.
- Easy to install and remove with the convenient thumb nuts.
- Cantilever design allows for forward optic placement to achieve optimal eye relief.
- Lightweight aluminum construction doesn’t add significant weight to your firearm.
Cons
- Inconsistent zero retention, requiring frequent re-tightening and adjustments.
- Lower-quality materials and construction result in reduced durability.
- Thumb nuts provide less clamping force compared to traditional bolt systems.
Who Should Buy NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style?
The NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style is perfect for recreational shooters who are on a very tight budget and need a temporary or light-use optic mounting solution. It suits those who need a basic cantilever mount for plinking or casual range sessions with minimal recoil.
Those who should skip this product include serious shooters, hunters, or anyone needing a reliable and durable mount for high-stress applications. Anyone who needs to trust that their optic will hold zero consistently should invest in a higher-quality mount.
A must-have accessory would be blue thread locker to attempt to keep the thumb nuts from loosening. Otherwise, be prepared to constantly check and re-tighten the mount.
Conclusion on NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style
The NcStar 30mm Cantilever Ring Mount Weaver Style is undoubtedly a budget-friendly option, but its performance reflects this price point. While it offers versatility and ease of use, its inability to consistently hold zero undermines its functionality for serious applications.
The low price may be justifiable for casual users, but those needing a reliable and durable mount should invest in a higher-quality alternative. Personally, I would only recommend this mount for very limited, low-stress use.
Consider your needs carefully. If you’re on a tight budget and understand the limitations, it might suffice. If you need dependable performance, look elsewhere.