NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height Review

First Thoughts on the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height

The NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height are a set of scope rings designed to mount 30mm or 1″ scopes onto Weaver, Picatinny, and MIL-STD 1913 rails. At a staggeringly low price of $10.99, they promise tactical functionality without breaking the bank. Are they a diamond in the rough, or a case of getting what you pay for?

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of scope mounts, from high-end precision models to budget-friendly options. I needed a set of rings for a .22LR build that wouldn’t see heavy recoil but needed to be reliable for consistent accuracy. The low price point of the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height made them a tempting candidate.

Upon unboxing, the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height didn’t exactly scream “premium quality”. The black anodized aluminum had a slightly rough finish, and the overall weight felt surprisingly light. I compared them to a set of Leupold PRW2 rings I had on hand, and the difference in heft and finish was immediately noticeable. I also considered a set of UTG rings, known for their budget-friendly but sturdy construction, but ultimately the NcStar rings’ low price was the deciding factor for this particular project.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. They looked like scope rings, and the included 1″ inserts were a nice touch of versatility. The hexagon-shaped mounting nuts seemed like a potentially useful design for torquing. However, a small voice in the back of my head kept whispering, “You get what you pay for.”

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height to the Test

First Use Experience

I mounted the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height onto my Ruger 10/22, pairing them with a 3-9x40mm scope. The initial installation was straightforward, although the included Allen wrench felt a bit flimsy. The rings tightened down onto the Picatinny rail without issue, and the scope seated snugly with the 30mm configuration.

My first range trip involved putting about 200 rounds downrange. Initially, the scope held zero reasonably well. However, after about 100 rounds, I noticed a slight shift in my point of impact. Further inspection revealed that the rings had begun to loosen slightly on the rail.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few weeks of intermittent use, totaling around 500 rounds, the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height showed signs of further loosening. I had to re-tighten them on two separate occasions to maintain a consistent zero. The black anodized finish also started to show some wear around the edges, especially where the Allen wrench made contact.

Durability isn’t a strong suit. While the rings haven’t completely failed, the constant need for re-tightening is a significant drawback. Cleaning has been simple, just wiping them down with a lightly oiled cloth.

Compared to my experience with higher-end rings like those from Leupold or Seekins Precision, the NcStar rings are a significant step down. Those rings provide rock-solid stability and require minimal maintenance. The NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height, unfortunately, require constant vigilance.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height

Specifications

• The NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height are designed to fit both 30mm and 1″ scope tube diameters, thanks to the included removable inserts. This adds versatility, allowing them to accommodate a wider range of optics.
• These rings mount onto Weaver/ Picatinny/ MIL-STD 1913 type rails. This broad compatibility makes them suitable for a wide variety of firearms.
• The rings feature a hexagon-shaped steel mounting nut with holes for torquing with an Allen key wrench. This is intended to provide a secure and consistent mounting system.
• They are constructed from black anodized aluminum. The lightweight material helps keep the overall weight of the rifle down.
• These rings have an Optic Centerline Height of 1.5″ and a Ring Overall Height of 2.4″. This provides adequate clearance for most scopes, though some may find the height too high for optimal cheek weld.
• Each ring weighs 2.5 oz, and they are sold as a pair.
• The mounting tool is included. NcStar includes a basic Allen wrench.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of scope rings is to securely hold a scope and maintain zero. In this regard, the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height perform adequately, but not exceptionally. Their biggest weakness is their tendency to loosen over time, requiring periodic re-tightening.

Their strengths include their low cost and compatibility with various rail types. However, their inability to consistently maintain zero makes them unsuitable for applications where absolute precision is critical. They meet the basic need of holding a scope, but they fall short of exceeding expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height feature a simple, functional design. The black anodized aluminum construction is lightweight, but the finish feels somewhat rough and prone to wear. The 1.5″ height provides adequate clearance for most scopes, but may not be ideal for all users.

There is no significant learning curve. The installation is straightforward, although the included Allen wrench could be of higher quality.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height is questionable. The loosening issue and the wearing finish are indicators that they may not hold up well under heavy use. Maintaining them is easy, requiring only occasional cleaning and re-tightening.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height come with removable 1″ inserts. This provides flexibility in mounting different scope tube sizes. There are no other accessories included, and customization options are limited.

While these rings are compatible with any scope designed for 30mm or 1″ tubes, and any firearm with Weaver/ Picatinny/ MIL-STD 1913 rails, there are no readily available aftermarket upgrades specifically designed for these rings.

Pros and Cons of NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height

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Who Should Buy NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height?

The NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height are perfect for casual shooters or those building a budget-friendly plinking rifle where absolute precision isn’t paramount. They can also serve as a temporary solution until a higher-quality set of rings can be purchased.

However, competitive shooters, hunters who demand absolute reliability, or anyone mounting an expensive optic should skip this product. The potential for shifting zero is simply too high for critical applications. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality torque wrench to ensure proper tightening without stripping the screws.

Conclusion on NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height

The NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height offer an undeniably attractive value proposition at just $10.99. However, that low price comes with compromises in durability and reliability. While they will hold a scope, the need for frequent re-tightening makes them unsuitable for serious use.

The price is definitely justified for what you get. For a low-impact build where extreme precision isn’t a necessity, the NcStar rings can work.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend them for anything beyond a .22LR plinking rifle. Spend a little more for rings from a reputable brand like Leupold, Vortex, or Warne for anything more demanding. Consider this a “buyer beware” situation. If you go in knowing their limitations, the NcStar 30mm Tactical Rings 1.5″ Height can serve a purpose. But don’t expect them to perform like rings costing three or four times as much. Consider other options before settling on these, but if the budget is absolutely tight and the stakes are low, they’ll do just enough.

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