NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black Review

First Thoughts on the NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black

The NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black is a deceptively simple piece of gear, but its utility in the tactical and outdoor world is significant. Manufactured by NcStar, a company known for its budget-friendly optics and accessories, this mount promises to extend the reach of your flashlight or laser, improving ergonomics and freeing up valuable rail space. This simple accessory claims to solve a common problem: how to comfortably and effectively mount a light on a rifle without crowding the handguard.

My journey to this particular mount started with a familiar problem. I recently acquired a new AR-15, and, as always, mounting a weapon light was a priority. Space on the handguard was limited, and I wanted to avoid a bulky setup. I needed a solution that would push the light forward, providing better clearance for my support hand and minimizing shadow.

Upon receiving the NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black, my initial impression was of functional simplicity. The black anodized aluminum felt reasonably sturdy, and the overall design was clean. The mount itself is lightweight, and the single screw tightening mechanism seemed straightforward. Compared to other, more elaborate QD (Quick Detach) mounts I’ve used, this one appeared decidedly minimalist.

I considered a few alternatives before landing on the NcStar mount. Options from Magpul and Arisaka Defense offered similar functionality, but at a significantly higher price point. Ultimately, I opted for the NcStar offering due to its affordability and the promise of addressing my immediate need for an extended light mount on a budget. My first thought was, “Can something so inexpensive actually work well?”. Let’s find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted it on my AR-15’s forend rail, securing a Streamlight ProTac HL-X weapon light within the 1″ ring. The installation process was simple, requiring only an Allen wrench. The mount felt reasonably secure once tightened, but I made sure to check it every few magazines.

During the initial session, the weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions. The extended design of the mount did, in fact, improve my grip and reduced shadowing significantly. I noticed I could manipulate the rifle more comfortably with my support hand further forward. No immediate issues arose during the first 100 rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the NcStar mount has held up better than expected, though not without some caveats. I’ve taken the rifle on a couple of training drills in varying weather conditions. While it performed adequately in dry conditions, I noticed a slight loosening of the mount after prolonged exposure to moderate rain.

The anodized finish shows some minor wear and tear where it contacts the Picatinny rail, but nothing excessive. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth and occasional re-tightening of the screw are all that’s needed. This mount is good at doing one thing, but isn’t going to perform any extraordinary feats. Compared to a pricier, more robust mount, the NcStar offering definitely requires more frequent checks to ensure it remains securely in place.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black

Specifications

The NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black features a number of key specifications. It is designed to mount any 1″ flashlight or laser onto a Picatinny/MIL-STD 1913 type rail. The mount is constructed from aluminum with a black anodized finish.

• Material: Aluminum. This keeps the weight down while providing adequate strength.
• Weight: 1.70 oz. This lightweight design minimizes added bulk to your firearm.
• Finish: Black Anodized. This finish offers corrosion resistance and a low-profile appearance.
• Accommodates 1″ Flashlights/Lasers. This is the standard size for many weapon lights.
• Mounts to Weaver/Picatinny/MIL-STD 1913 Rails. It is compatible with a wide range of firearms.
• Extended Ring Mount. This extends the light forward for improved ergonomics.

These specifications are important because they dictate the mount’s compatibility, weight, and overall durability. The aluminum construction ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your rifle, while the extended design addresses a key ergonomic need.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black performs its primary job reasonably well. It securely holds a 1″ flashlight and extends it forward, offering improved grip and reduced shadowing. The single-screw design, however, is a potential point of failure.

It tightens easily but can loosen under recoil and extended use. This needs improvement. The mount meets expectations for its price point, offering a basic but functional solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is straightforward and functional. The mount is lightweight and doesn’t add significant bulk to the rifle. The aluminum construction feels solid enough, although the finish is basic.

The ergonomics are improved by extending the light forward, allowing for a more comfortable grip. There is minimal learning curve. It’s easy to install and use.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction should provide reasonable durability for typical use. However, it is unlikely to withstand heavy abuse. The black anodized finish may wear over time, especially under harsh conditions.

Maintenance is simple. Cleaning and occasional tightening of the screw is generally all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There aren’t any customization options. It is designed specifically for mounting 1″ flashlights or lasers onto a Picatinny rail.

It should be compatible with any standard 1″ weapon light. This includes models from Streamlight, SureFire, and Olight.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black

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Who Should Buy NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black?

The NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a simple, lightweight solution for mounting a flashlight or laser. It is suitable for casual range use, airsoft, or situations where extreme durability isn’t a primary concern. This product would benefit those who need to free up space on their rail without spending a lot of money.

Those who should skip this product include users who require a rock-solid, heavy-duty mount for tactical or high-stress applications. Also, those unwilling to frequently check and re-tighten screws should look elsewhere. A must-have modification would be the use of a thread locker (like Loctite) on the screw to help prevent loosening.

Conclusion on NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black

The NcStar Picatinny 1″ Extended Flashlight Mount Standard, Black is a functional, albeit basic, option for extending your weapon light. It delivers on its promise of improved ergonomics and rail space at an unbeatable price. It’s not the most robust or feature-rich mount on the market.

The price is certainly justified for what you get, which is a simple and functional tool. I would recommend it to those on a tight budget who understand its limitations. If you need a light mount and are on a budget, give it a shot; just be prepared to check those screws!

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