NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS Review

The NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS promised a convenient and affordable way to load my SKS and AK-pattern rifles at the range. I envisioned streamlining my reloading process, spending less time fiddling with individual cartridges and more time sending lead downrange. NcStar is a well-known name in the budget-friendly accessories market, so I was cautiously optimistic.

I’d been frustrated with the slow pace of manually loading magazines at the range. Speed loaders help with modern magazines, but these classic rifles require a different approach. The NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS seemed like the ideal solution.

The package arrived, a simple plastic bag containing twenty blued steel stripper clips. They felt substantial enough, with a slight oily residue that suggested rust prevention. Compared to my original Chinese military surplus stripper clips, the NcStar clips felt noticeably lighter and the steel seemed thinner.

I’ve used surplus stripper clips for years, appreciating their ruggedness and reliability. I considered other modern production clips from various manufacturers, but the NcStar offering stood out due to its price point. My initial impression was a mix of hope and apprehension. I was eager to test their performance, but a nagging feeling told me they might not live up to the standard of my older, battle-proven surplus clips.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS was at my local outdoor range. I brought my SKS and a few hundred rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition. The weather was clear and dry, perfect for a day of shooting.

Loading the clips themselves was straightforward, though I noticed a slight variation in the tension of each clip. Some held the rounds snugly, while others felt a bit looser. When attempting to load a full ten rounds into the SKS, I encountered some resistance and found it wasn’t as effortless as it should be. I found that loading 5 rounds was a much smoother experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions spanning a few months, the NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS have shown some signs of wear. The blued finish is starting to wear off on the edges where the clips contact the rifle. While this doesn’t affect functionality, it speaks to the durability of the finish.

I haven’t experienced any catastrophic failures, but the inconsistent tension remains a minor annoyance. A few of the clips have become slightly bent after repeated use, likely due to the thinner steel construction. Cleaning is simple; I usually wipe them down with a lightly oiled rag to prevent rust. Compared to my surplus clips, the NcStar clips require more frequent cleaning to prevent corrosion.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS

Specifications

The NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS are designed for use with 7.62x39mm ammunition. Each clip is intended to hold ten rounds. The package contains twenty individual stripper clips, totaling a theoretical capacity of 200 rounds.

Each clip weighs approximately 0.50 oz, making the pack of 20 weigh in at around 10.00 oz. The clips are constructed from blued steel. The weight difference between these and surplus is noticeable; surplus generally feels heavier and more robust.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS perform their basic function: holding ammunition for loading into an SKS or AK-pattern rifle. However, their performance is inconsistent. Some clips work perfectly, while others require more effort to load and feel less secure.

The primary strength is their affordability. They provide a relatively inexpensive way to speed up reloading compared to manually loading each round. The weakness is their lack of consistent quality and potential for bending.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is a standard stripper clip design, nothing groundbreaking. The build quality is acceptable for the price, but the thinner steel is a clear cost-saving measure. They are fairly easy to load with ammunition, but the ergonomics suffer when trying to load a full clip into the rifle quickly.

They are user-friendly in the sense that there’s no learning curve involved. Anyone familiar with stripper clips will immediately understand how to use them. However, the inconsistent tension and occasional difficulty in loading a full ten rounds detract from the overall user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS is questionable. The thinner steel and blued finish are more susceptible to wear and corrosion compared to surplus options. Regular cleaning and light oiling are essential to prevent rust.

Repairing a bent stripper clip is possible, but often results in further weakening the steel. Replacement is generally the more practical option, given their low cost.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS don’t require any specific accessories. They are designed to work with standard SKS and AK-pattern rifles. There are no customization options available.

While not strictly accessories, the use of a stripper clip guide can enhance the loading process, particularly with the SKS. These guides help align the clip and ensure smooth loading.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Stripper Clips (Per 20) AK/SKS