First Thoughts on the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue
The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue promises to be a budget-friendly solution for transporting and protecting two carbine-sized rifles and their associated gear. As someone who has lugged around firearms in everything from custom-built hard cases to repurposed duffel bags over the last decade, I was eager to see how this sub-$60 case would stack up against more expensive options. The NcStar brand isn’t typically associated with high-end gear, so I approached this review with realistic expectations.
My current primary rifle case, a rigid polymer model, is excellent for air travel but bulky and cumbersome for routine trips to the range. I needed a lighter, more manageable option for local transport, preferably one that could hold two rifles. The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue seemed like a good fit, offering double the capacity at a fraction of the weight and cost of my existing case.
Unboxing the case, my first impression was…blue. A very bright blue, with black trim. The PVC material felt sturdy enough for the price, but definitely not as robust as the Cordura nylon found on premium cases. The stitching appeared adequate, and the zippers moved smoothly. My initial thought was that the bright color would make it easy to spot in a crowded range environment, though it might not be ideal for discreet transport.
Compared to a similar sized case from Voodoo Tactical, which retails for nearly twice the price, the NcStar case felt noticeably less substantial. However, the Voodoo Tactical case only holds one rifle. Against a single rifle soft case from Allen, the NcStar case offered superior storage capacity for the same footprint. I chose the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue because it seemed to strike a balance between storage space, portability, and affordability – precisely what I was looking for in a range-day case. My excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, but I was eager to see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue was a trip to my local outdoor shooting range. I packed two AR-15 platform rifles, each with an overall length of around 34 inches, along with six magazines, a handgun, and a basic cleaning kit. The primary compartment easily accommodated both rifles, thanks to the padded center divider and hook-and-loop straps. I appreciated the extra security provided by the straps, which kept the rifles from shifting during transport. The secondary compartment held the handgun and cleaning kit without issue.
The three exterior pockets were perfect for organizing my magazines. Even when fully loaded, the case felt reasonably balanced and comfortable to carry using the integrated handles. It was a sunny day, but the PVC material didn’t seem to overheat excessively. One minor annoyance was that the bright blue color attracted a lot of dirt and dust from the range surface.
After the first use, I noticed a few loose threads on the exterior pockets, but nothing major. The zippers continued to function smoothly, and the rifles remained well-protected during transport. Overall, my first experience with the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue was positive, exceeding my expectations for a case in this price range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue has held up surprisingly well. While the PVC material shows some minor scuffs and scrapes, there are no significant signs of wear and tear. The stitching has remained intact, and the zippers are still functioning flawlessly. I’ve used it in both dry and slightly damp conditions, and the PVC material has proven to be water-resistant enough to protect the contents from light rain.
Cleaning the case is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and dust. I have noticed that the bright blue color has faded slightly over time, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight. The internal padding has retained its shape and cushioning, providing adequate protection for the rifles.
Compared to my previous experiences with budget-friendly soft cases, the NcStar case has proven to be more durable and reliable. It doesn’t offer the same level of protection as a hard case, but it’s significantly lighter and more portable. For routine trips to the range, it’s become my go-to solution for transporting multiple rifles. It may not be the most tactical looking, but the bright blue stands out from all the black cases.
Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue
Specifications
The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue boasts several features that contribute to its functionality and usability. Key specifications include:
Overall Length: 42 inches. This is important for ensuring your carbines will fit inside.
Material: Heavy-duty PVC. Provides water resistance and reasonable durability for the price.
Capacity: Two carbine-sized rifles. Allows for transporting multiple firearms in a single case.
Compartments: Primary compartment with padded divider and hook-and-loop straps, secondary compartment with multiple pockets, three exterior pockets. Enables organized storage of rifles, handguns, magazines, and accessories.
Color: Blue with black trim. Offers high visibility but may not be ideal for discreet transport.
The choice of PVC material contributes to the case’s affordability, while the 42-inch length accommodates most standard carbines. The multiple compartments and pockets enhance organization and functionality. The bright blue color, while aesthetically debatable, enhances visibility and reduces the likelihood of accidental misplacement.
Performance & Functionality
The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue performs its primary job – transporting and protecting rifles – adequately. The padded divider and hook-and-loop straps securely hold the rifles in place, preventing them from bumping against each other during transport. The secondary compartment offers ample space for handguns, optics, and cleaning supplies. The exterior pockets are conveniently sized for magazines and ammunition.
A minor weakness is the lack of robust padding on the exterior of the case, which could leave the contents vulnerable to impact damage. However, this is an understandable trade-off for the case’s lightweight design and affordable price. Another minor issue is that the hook-and-loop straps could be longer to accommodate rifles with attached accessories, such as vertical grips or larger optics.
Overall, the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue meets expectations for a budget-friendly rifle case. It’s not the most durable or feature-rich option on the market, but it provides a practical and affordable solution for transporting multiple rifles to and from the range.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue is functional and straightforward. The rectangular shape maximizes storage space, while the integrated handles provide a comfortable grip. The weight is manageable, even when the case is fully loaded. The bright blue color is a matter of personal preference, but it does enhance visibility.
The interior layout is well-organized, with separate compartments for rifles, handguns, and accessories. The padded divider and hook-and-loop straps prevent the rifles from shifting during transport. The zippers are smooth and easy to operate.
The case is relatively user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. Packing and unpacking the rifles and accessories is quick and easy. However, the lack of a shoulder strap or backpack straps limits its portability in certain situations.
Durability & Maintenance
The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue is constructed from heavy-duty PVC material, which provides reasonable durability for the price. The stitching appears to be well-done, and the zippers are sturdy. However, the PVC material is not as abrasion-resistant as Cordura nylon, and it may be susceptible to damage from sharp objects.
With proper care, the case should last for several years of regular use. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid exposing the case to extreme temperatures or prolonged direct sunlight, as this could cause the PVC material to degrade.
Repairing the case may be challenging, as replacement parts are not readily available. However, minor tears or punctures can be patched with PVC repair kits.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as magazine pouches, MOLLE panels, and custom padding.
The hook-and-loop straps in the primary compartment can be adjusted to accommodate rifles with different accessories. The secondary compartment can be customized with Velcro dividers to create separate compartments for handguns, optics, and other gear.
The exterior of the case can be customized with patches, decals, and other decorative elements. However, avoid attaching heavy or bulky accessories, as this could compromise the case’s structural integrity.
Pros and Cons of NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue
Pros
- Affordable: Excellent value for the price.
- Double Capacity: Can hold two carbine-sized rifles simultaneously.
- Organized Storage: Multiple compartments and pockets for rifles, handguns, magazines, and accessories.
- Lightweight & Portable: Easy to carry to and from the range.
- High Visibility: Bright blue color makes it easy to spot.
Cons
- Limited Padding: Offers less protection than hard cases.
- PVC Material: Not as durable as Cordura nylon.
- Color: The bright blue may not be suitable for tactical or discreet applications.
Who Should Buy NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue?
The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue is perfect for:
- Casual Range Shooters: Those who regularly transport multiple rifles to the range for practice.
- Budget-Conscious Shooters: Those looking for an affordable and functional rifle case.
- Hobbyists: Individuals who need a way to store and transport their airsoft or paintball rifles.
Who should skip this product?
- Tactical Operators: Those who require a more durable and discreet rifle case for professional use.
- Frequent Flyers: Those who need a hard case for transporting firearms on airplanes.
- Collectors: Those who want maximum protection for valuable or historical firearms.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Additional magazine pouches or MOLLE panels for expanded storage.
- Custom padding for enhanced protection.
Conclusion on NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue
The NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue offers a practical and affordable solution for transporting multiple carbine-sized rifles to and from the range. While it doesn’t offer the same level of protection or durability as more expensive hard cases, it provides a functional and lightweight alternative for casual shooters and hobbyists.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering its ability to hold two rifles and a significant amount of gear. For anyone seeking a budget-friendly, double-rifle case, the NcStar Double Carbine Case 42″, Blue is definitely worth considering.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive and functional range bag. Ditch that old guitar case and grab one of these!