The NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve struggled to find a compact, discreet, and reliable way to transport multiple AR and AK pistols without screaming “tactical gear” to the casual observer. Enter the NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green, a seemingly simple solution promising secure transport and additional storage, all at a price that seems too good to be true. Can this budget-friendly option truly deliver the protection and functionality I need?
My search began after a particularly frustrating range trip where I had to juggle two pistol cases and a separate bag for magazines and accessories. I yearned for an organized, all-in-one solution that wouldn’t break the bank, a common problem for firearms enthusiasts.
Upon receiving the case, my first impression was mixed. The NcStar case certainly looked the part, the green PVC material hinting at ruggedness. Picking it up, however, revealed a lighter weight than I anticipated, raising some initial concerns about long-term durability.
I considered several similar cases, including models from Condor and VISM. Ultimately, the NcStar case won out due to its lower price point and the promise of dedicated compartments for two pistols, something the others lacked at a comparable cost. The NcStar was also selected for its external storage pouches and compression straps; the alternative options either lacked sufficient external pockets or offered a more limited storage capacity.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, the layout seemed promising, but the overall feel left me wondering if this case would hold up to the rigors of regular use. Could this budget-friendly option genuinely provide the protection and organizational features I needed, or would it prove to be a false economy?
Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put the NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green to the test during a weekend training course at an outdoor shooting range. The conditions were less than ideal: a light drizzle persisted throughout the day, and the ground was covered in mud and loose gravel. The case was fully loaded with two AR pistols, six magazines, a cleaning kit, and various tools.
The case performed adequately in the damp conditions, the PVC material repelling the water and preventing it from soaking through to the firearms. The ease of accessing the magazines from the external pockets was a significant plus, allowing for quick reloads during drills. After a few hours, however, I noticed that the quick connect buckles on the pocket flaps felt flimsy and a few even detached during movement.
Despite the initial organizational benefits, I did encounter a few issues. The internal hook and loop straps intended to secure the firearms proved to be somewhat ineffective, and the pistols shifted slightly during transport.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green is showing signs of wear and tear. The PVC material has scuffed in several places, and one of the external pocket flaps has started to fray. A buckle also broke; so there are functional issues that have emerged.
The case is relatively easy to clean; a damp cloth effectively removes most dirt and grime. The zippers, while heavy-duty, have occasionally snagged, especially when the case is fully loaded.
In comparison to previous cases I’ve used, the NcStar offering falls short in terms of overall durability and quality. My older 5.11 Tactical case, while more expensive, has held up far better over time, even after significant use. The NcStar is suitable for light-duty use; heavy and frequent use is not recommended.
Breaking Down the Features of NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green
Specifications
The NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green is designed to transport two AR or AK pistols, subguns, AOWs, or folding carbines. The case measures 27.50 inches long and 11 inches in height. The external pockets provide additional storage for magazines and other gear.
The case is constructed from heavy-duty PVC material that is water and chemical resistant. It features a padded main compartment with a padded center divider to protect the firearms. The case also includes two diagonal side pockets in each compartment, hook and loop straps for securing the firearms, three large exterior pockets with multiple closure types, two compression straps, heavy-duty zippers with lockable metal zipper pulls, heavy-duty padded carry handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap with metal D-rings.
These specifications matter because they dictate the overall capacity, protection, and usability of the case. The padded compartments and divider are essential for preventing damage to the firearms during transport. The external pockets provide convenient access to essential gear, while the water-resistant material helps protect against the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green performs its primary function of transporting firearms adequately, but its overall performance is mixed. The padded compartments offer decent protection, and the external pockets provide convenient storage.
However, the hook and loop straps are not very effective at securing the firearms, and the zippers can be difficult to operate when the case is fully loaded. The quick-connect buckles on the external pockets feel flimsy and prone to breakage. The NcStar case has shortcomings that could impact the user experience for some.
The case meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly option, but it falls short of more expensive, higher-quality alternatives. Durability and reliability need improvement.
Design & Ergonomics
The NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green has a functional but somewhat basic design. The PVC material feels durable, but the overall build quality is not as refined as higher-end cases.
The case is comfortable to carry, thanks to the padded handles and adjustable shoulder strap. However, the internal layout could be improved to better secure the firearms and prevent them from shifting during transport.
The case has a slight learning curve to learn how to effectively arrange and secure gear, especially when the bag is full. After a few adjustments, this becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green is a concern. After several months of use, the PVC material is showing signs of wear and tear, and the buckles feel prone to breakage.
The case is relatively easy to clean with a damp cloth, but the zippers require occasional lubrication to prevent them from snagging. Long-term durability is questionable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green does not come with any included accessories. Customization options are limited, but users can add their own MOLLE pouches or other accessories to the external pockets.
The case is compatible with most standard-size AR and AK magazines. However, due to the limited space inside the pockets, larger or bulkier accessories may not fit.
Pros and Cons of NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Dedicated compartments for two pistols.
- External pockets provide convenient storage for magazines and other gear.
- Water-resistant PVC material helps protect against the elements.
- Padded handles and adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carry.
Cons
- Questionable long-term durability.
- Hook and loop straps are not very effective at securing the firearms.
- Quick-connect buckles on the external pockets feel flimsy.
Who Should Buy NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green?
The NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a basic, functional case for transporting multiple AR or AK pistols to the range. It is also suitable for occasional use, such as weekend training courses or casual shooting sessions.
Those who require a high level of durability or need a case for frequent, heavy-duty use should skip this product. Law enforcement personnel or competitive shooters might be better served by a more rugged and reliable option.
A must-have modification would be replacing the existing hook and loop straps with more robust and secure alternatives. Investing in higher-quality buckles for the external pockets would also be beneficial.
Conclusion on NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green
The NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green offers a budget-friendly solution for transporting multiple AR and AK pistols. While it provides decent protection and convenient storage, its long-term durability is questionable.
The price is justified for those who need a basic, functional case for occasional use. However, those who require a more rugged and reliable option should consider investing in a higher-quality alternative.
I would cautiously recommend it to budget-conscious shooters who understand its limitations. Ultimately, the NcStar AR15 and AK Deluxe Carbine Pistol Case Green is a decent entry-level option. If you are willing to accept its shortcomings, it could be a viable solution to your transportation needs.