First Thoughts on the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish
The NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish promises a simple and effective solution to a common problem: getting optics to the right height on an AR-15. Many shooters find that standard optic mounts, especially on lower-profile red dots, can be too low for a comfortable cheek weld and proper shooting position. NCStar aims to solve this with a quick-detach riser, allowing easy optic adjustments.
My journey to finding this riser started with a red dot I mounted on a new AR build. While the red dot itself was excellent, I found myself craning my neck to get a good sight picture, leading to discomfort and potentially affecting accuracy. I needed a reliable and affordable solution to raise the optic without sacrificing stability or ease of use.
Upon unboxing, the riser felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The black finish appeared even and consistent. The quick-release lever seemed robust enough for repeated use. I compared it to a couple of other risers I’d used in the past – a fixed-height riser from a no-name brand and a more expensive, but bulkier, QD riser from a different manufacturer. The NCStar seemed to strike a good balance between simplicity, weight, and functionality.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While NCStar isn’t known for high-end products, the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish seemed like it could potentially solve my problem without breaking the bank. I was excited to get it to the range and see how it performed under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish to my local outdoor shooting range for initial testing. I mounted it on my AR-15, securing my Holosun red dot on top. The mounting process was straightforward, and the quick-release lever locked securely onto the Picatinny rail.
Right away, the .75″ rise made a significant difference. My cheek weld felt much more natural, and I was able to acquire the target quickly and comfortably. After sighting in the red dot, I ran several drills, focusing on transitions and rapid target acquisition. The riser felt stable throughout, with no noticeable wobble or movement. No issues were encountered during the initial range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish has held up surprisingly well. I’ve put several hundred rounds through my AR-15 with the riser installed, and it hasn’t loosened or shifted. The locking Quick Release mechanism still functions smoothly and securely.
There are a few minor signs of wear on the finish, particularly around the edges of the Picatinny rail, but nothing significant. I wipe down the riser with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session, which seems to keep it in good condition. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper risers, the NCStar has definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish
Specifications
- Type: Riser. This indicates its primary function is to elevate an optic or accessory.
- MFG/Model: QR Riser. This specifies that the riser uses a quick-release (QR) mechanism for attachment.
- Style: Locking/Quick Detach. This emphasizes the dual functionality of a locking mechanism for secure mounting and a quick-detach lever for easy removal. The locking feature is crucial for maintaining zero.
- Finish: Black. A black finish helps to blend with most AR-15 platforms and accessories.
- Raises Picatinny rail platform by .75″. This height is designed to improve cheek weld and shooting position with low-profile optics.
- Mounts onto Picatinny rail of AR15/M4 receiver. It is designed for compatibility with the standard Picatinny rail system on AR-15/M4 platforms.
- See-through channel below the rail. This feature reduces weight and allows the use of factory iron sights.
Performance & Functionality
The NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish performs its job effectively: it raises the optic to a more comfortable height. The quick-release mechanism allows for rapid attachment and detachment, which is useful for switching between optics or cleaning the rifle. The see-through channel is a nice addition, allowing for backup iron sight use if needed.
The main strength of this riser is its simplicity and affordability. However, there is a potential weakness. The locking mechanism, while functional, may not be as robust as higher-end options. It largely meets expectations, providing a functional rise at a budget-friendly price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish is decent for its price range. The materials used are likely aluminum, keeping the weight reasonable. The riser’s one-piece design enhances structural integrity.
The ergonomic considerations are adequate, if not outstanding. The quick-release lever is easy to operate, though the shorter lever of the Gen2 model might require slightly more force to engage than longer levers. There is a minimal learning curve, as the installation is very straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the quick-release mechanism will help to extend its lifespan. The finish may show wear over time, especially with heavy use.
Maintenance is simple: wipe it down after use and occasionally lubricate the moving parts. There are no easily replaceable parts, so major damage may require replacing the entire riser.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it is designed to be compatible with any optic or accessory that mounts to a Picatinny rail. This includes red dots, scopes, magnifiers, and iron sights.
There are no specific customization options for the riser itself, but users can choose from a wide variety of optics and accessories to mount on top of it. The compatibility with standard Picatinny accessories is a significant advantage.
Pros and Cons of NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Quick-release mechanism for easy attachment and detachment.
- Provides a .75″ rise for improved cheek weld.
- See-through channel allows for use of iron sights.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- Finish may show wear with heavy use.
- Locking mechanism may not be as robust as higher-end options.
Who Should Buy NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish?
The NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish is perfect for casual shooters, recreational AR-15 enthusiasts, and budget-conscious builders who need to raise their optics for a more comfortable shooting experience. It’s also a good option for those who want the flexibility of a quick-detach mount without spending a lot of money.
Those who should skip this product are competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, or anyone who requires the absolute highest level of durability and reliability. These users would likely be better served by investing in a higher-end riser from a more reputable manufacturer. A must-have accessory would be a quality optic that complements the riser’s height and intended use.
Conclusion on NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish
Overall, the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish is a decent product for the price. It effectively solves the problem of low-mounted optics and provides the convenience of a quick-release mechanism. While it may not be the most durable or feature-rich option on the market, it offers a good balance of functionality and affordability.
The price is definitely justified, as it provides a practical solution for a common problem without breaking the bank. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly riser for their AR-15. If you’re on a tight budget and need to raise your optic, give the NCStar AR15 Riser Gen2 1-Piece Quick Release Style Black Finish a try – you might be pleasantly surprised.