NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail Review

The NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail promises to bring optic-mounting capabilities to the masses, specifically those wielding the venerable Mossberg 500 or 590 shotgun. Priced at a mere $9.99, this rail dares to ask: can you truly add versatility to your shotgun without breaking the bank? My journey to this product began with a familiar frustration: wanting to mount a red dot sight on my trusty Mossberg 500 for quicker target acquisition during home defense drills.

I’ve long relied on the simplicity and ruggedness of the Mossberg platform. But its lack of integrated optic mounting options always felt like a limiting factor. Options like gunsmithing for drilling and tapping or more elaborate (and expensive) saddle-style mounts were considered, but the NcStar rail’s price point and promised ease of installation were too tempting to ignore.

Unboxing the rail revealed a simple, black anodized aluminum piece, surprisingly lightweight. The finish appeared even, and the included screws seemed adequate for the task. Compared to higher-end, billet-machined rails from companies like GG&G or Midwest Industries, the NcStar felt decidedly less refined. The decision came down to cost; could this sub-$10 rail offer functional utility, or was I setting myself up for disappointment? My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the low cost tempered expectations, but the promise of easily adding an optic was exciting.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was the local indoor shooting range, a controlled environment to assess the NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail’s fit and initial stability. I installed the rail on my Mossberg 500 using the provided screws, a process that took less than five minutes. The rail aligned reasonably well with the receiver’s pre-drilled holes. I mounted a basic red dot optic and proceeded to run a few drills.

The first few rounds were encouraging; the rail held firm, and the red dot sight allowed for significantly faster target acquisition compared to the bead sight. However, after about 25 rounds of 12-gauge, I noticed the rail starting to loosen. Recoil, as expected, was the culprit. I re-tightened the screws, but the issue persisted intermittently throughout the session. The “see-through channel,” intended to allow use of the front bead sight, proved functionally useless. The optic sat too low, obstructing the sight picture.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips and approximately 200 rounds of mixed birdshot and buckshot, the NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail‘s shortcomings became more apparent. Durability is a significant concern. The screw holes on the rail began to show signs of wear, with the anodized finish chipping around the edges.

Maintenance is simple – a quick wipe down with a cloth is all that’s needed. The loosening issue, however, remained a constant annoyance. Compared to previous experiences with higher-quality, more robust mounting solutions, the NcStar fell short. While it technically allows for optic mounting, its long-term reliability and ability to withstand heavy use are questionable.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail

Specifications

• The NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail is designed specifically for Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns with pre-drilled receiver holes. This compatibility is crucial, as it eliminates the need for gunsmithing.
• It features a low-profile Picatinny rail design to accommodate various optics. This allows users to attach red dot sights, holographic sights, or even magnified optics to their shotguns.
• The rail is constructed from aluminum with a black anodized finish. Aluminum keeps the weight down while the anodizing provides some corrosion resistance.
• It weighs approximately 1.3 oz, adding minimal weight to the shotgun. This is important for maintaining the shotgun’s balance and maneuverability.
• The rail is 5.4″ long, providing ample space for mounting optics. The length allows for flexible optic placement to achieve optimal eye relief.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail performs its primary function – providing a mounting platform for optics – adequately, but not flawlessly. Accuracy with a mounted optic is improved compared to using only the bead sight. The significant weakness is its tendency to loosen under recoil, affecting reliability and requiring frequent re-tightening. While it meets the basic expectation of allowing optic mounting, it falls short in terms of long-term durability and secure fit.

Design & Ergonomics

The rail’s low-profile design is aesthetically pleasing and doesn’t significantly alter the shotgun’s overall feel. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, but the build quality feels somewhat cheap. The sharp edges of the rail are noticeable and could benefit from more rounding. There is a small learning curve; some users may need to experiment with different screw-tightening techniques to minimize loosening.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail is a significant concern. The aluminum is relatively soft, and the anodized finish is prone to scratching and chipping. Regularly checking and tightening the mounting screws is essential to prevent issues. Repairing stripped screw holes may require professional gunsmithing, which negates the initial cost savings.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail itself doesn’t come with any included accessories beyond the mounting screws. Its Picatinny rail design allows for compatibility with a wide range of optics from various manufacturers. Users can mount red dot sights, holographic sights, or even pistol scopes, depending on their specific needs and preferences. Aftermarket screws with thread locker might be a worthwhile investment to improve stability.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail

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Who Should Buy NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail?

The NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who want to experiment with optics on their Mossberg 500 or 590 without a significant investment. It’s also suitable for those who only plan to use their shotgun occasionally for recreational shooting or training.

However, this rail should be skipped by serious shooters, law enforcement personnel, or anyone who relies on their shotgun for home defense or tactical applications where reliability is paramount. A must-have modification would be to replace the included screws with higher-quality screws and apply a thread-locking compound like Loctite to ensure a more secure fit.

Conclusion on NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail

The NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail offers a tempting value proposition: adding optic-mounting capabilities to your shotgun for under $10. While it fulfills this basic promise, its shortcomings in durability and reliability cannot be ignored. The constant need to re-tighten screws detracts from the overall shooting experience.

The low price may be justified for casual users, but those who demand consistent performance and long-term durability should invest in a higher-quality alternative. I would only cautiously recommend this product. If you are on a tight budget and understand its limitations, the NcStar Mosberg 500/590 Receiver Rail might serve as a temporary solution. But consider it a stepping stone towards a more robust and dependable mounting system. Upgrade when you can, and in the meantime, remember to bring your screwdriver.

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