NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 Review

First Thoughts on the NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2

The Ruger 10/22 is a legendary rifle, beloved for its versatility and affordability. Naturally, the market is flooded with accessories to customize it, and the NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 enters a crowded field. NcStar aims to provide a simple, affordable solution for adding optics to this already amazing platform. It promises to allow continued use of the iron sights, which can be a major benefit for some shooters.

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve spent years working with Ruger 10/22 rifles, often helping customers optimize them for various uses, from casual plinking to small game hunting. I needed a lightweight, budget-friendly optic mounting solution that wouldn’t require permanent modifications to the rifle. The NcStar mount seemed to tick those boxes.

Unboxing revealed a simple, black anodized aluminum rail. Its lightweight nature was immediately apparent, and the see-through design hinted at retaining iron sight functionality. The build quality appeared decent for the price, though the finish wasn’t as refined as some higher-end options. This immediately impressed me, given the budget price.

I considered other options like the Weaver TO-9 or even some more expensive, full-length rails from Tactical Solutions. I chose the NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 because it was cheap, lighter, and promised to let me use my iron sights. I was cautiously optimistic but prepared to be underwhelmed. This is an important consideration when choosing accessories for your rifle.

Initial impressions were mixed. The light weight and promises of see-through capability were positives, but I questioned how durable it would be over time. Only real-world testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted the NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 on my personal 10/22 and attached a red dot optic. Installation was straightforward, using the existing receiver holes and included hardware. The instructions were clear and simple.

The range was dry and sunny, a perfect day for shooting. I immediately noticed that the red dot was very high above the bore. I started with some simple accuracy testing at 25 yards. I then tried using the see-through channel for iron sights. The iron sights were usable, but not ideal, due to the height of the rail.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a squirrel hunting outing, the NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 has held up surprisingly well. There are minor scuffs on the anodized finish, but no signs of bending or cracking. The mount remains securely attached to the receiver.

Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is all that’s needed. Considering the price, the durability is acceptable, though I wouldn’t subject it to heavy abuse. It’s important to note, however, that I haven’t needed to re-tighten the screws. This suggests that the mount is performing well.

Compared to other inexpensive mounts I’ve used, this one is on par in terms of durability. However, the see-through design offers a unique benefit. It doesn’t outperform higher-end, more robust rails, but it certainly holds its own for light to moderate use.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2

Specifications

The NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 boasts a simple yet functional design. It is specifically designed for the Ruger 10/22 rifle and uses the pre-drilled receiver holes for mounting. This eliminates the need for any modifications.

The mount features a Picatinny/MIL-STD 1913 rail for attaching optics. It measures 4.7 inches in length and weighs a mere 1.5 ounces. This keeps the overall weight of the rifle minimal. It is constructed from black anodized aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance. The height of the rail is designed to allow the shooter to still use the factory iron sights.

The specifications are adequate for its intended purpose, which is to provide a lightweight, inexpensive optic mounting solution while potentially retaining the use of iron sights. The light weight is the best specification in my opinion.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 performs adequately for its price point. The Picatinny rail provides a solid platform for mounting optics. However, the height of the rail creates a significant offset, requiring substantial adjustments to zero the optic.

The “see-through” channel does allow for the potential use of iron sights. However, the sight picture is not ideal and requires the shooter to crane their neck. This isn’t the best setup, but it does meet the claim that the iron sights can be used. The biggest strength is its light weight and simple installation. The weakness is the awkwardness of the iron sight picture.

It meets expectations for a budget-friendly optic mount, but it does not exceed them. The sight picture could be improved by reducing the height of the rail.

Design & Ergonomics

The NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 features a basic, functional design. The black anodized aluminum construction is acceptable for the price. The weight is minimal, which is a plus for a lightweight rifle like the 10/22.

The installation is simple and requires no special tools. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to the higher optic position, but it’s manageable. The value of the ergonomics is that it is light weight and easy to install.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction should provide reasonable durability for light to moderate use. It is unlikely to withstand heavy abuse or extreme conditions. However, for most casual shooters, it should last a reasonable amount of time.

Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is sufficient. The anodized finish provides some corrosion resistance. The rail is easy to maintain due to its simplistic design.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2 doesn’t come with any accessories. It is compatible with any optic that utilizes a Picatinny mounting system. This includes a wide variety of red dot sights, scopes, and magnifiers.

It is not directly customizable, but users can paint or Cerakote the rail to match their rifle. The mount provides a solid platform for accessories with Picatinny mounting options.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Ruger 10/22 Mount Black/High/Gen 2