First Thoughts on the NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases
The NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases promises to modernize the classic SKS rifle by providing a stable platform for optics and accessories. The NcStar product boasts three rails, offering flexibility to mount a scope on top and lights or lasers on the sides. With its promise of easy installation and enhanced functionality, I was eager to see if it could breathe new life into my trusty SKS.
My SKS, a reliable but aging rifle, was begging for an optic solution without permanent modification. Iron sights are fine, but my aging eyes needed some help. I wanted the ability to easily add a red dot sight or a low-power scope.
Upon unboxing, the receiver cover felt solid, with the aluminum construction lending a sense of durability. The matte black finish appeared consistent, and the rail sections looked well-machined. It certainly looked the part of a functional upgrade. It felt a bit lighter than the original SKS receiver cover.
Compared to other SKS optic mounting solutions I’d considered – like scout-style handguards or more involved receiver modifications – the NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases appealed because of its simplicity and relatively low cost. The UTG Pro SKS Receiver Cover Mount seemed like a viable alternative. However, this one seemed more versatile with its tri-rail design. I hoped the NCStar option would offer a straightforward and reversible upgrade, avoiding the need for any permanent alterations to my rifle.
Initially, I was optimistic about the potential this product held. The tri-rail design seemed promising for versatility. I was a bit skeptical about the “drop-in” claim given the SKS’s notorious variations in manufacturing tolerances, but I hoped that any required fitting would be minimal.
Real-World Testing: Putting NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range. The ambient temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees, and there was minimal wind. I brought along my SKS, the NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases, a red dot sight, a small flashlight, and a set of gunsmithing files – just in case.
Installation proved to be less than straightforward. It required significant filing on the front curved portions of the receiver cover to achieve a proper fit. Once fitted, the side rails allowed for the attachment of a small flashlight. However, they felt a bit flimsy. After mounting the red dot and firing about 50 rounds, I noticed a slight shift in zero, suggesting that the receiver cover wasn’t holding as securely as I had hoped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds downrange, the NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases continued to present challenges. The initial zero shift persisted. Periodic tightening of the set screws was necessary to maintain any semblance of accuracy.
Despite the aluminum construction, the receiver cover showed signs of wear around the edges and the rail slots. The finish was starting to chip in places. Cleaning was relatively simple, requiring just a quick wipe-down after each range session.
Compared to a previous experience with a more robust, albeit permanently installed, optic mount on another rifle, the NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases was clearly a compromise. It provided a mounting solution, but the lack of rock-solid stability and long-term durability was disappointing.
Breaking Down the Features of NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases
Specifications
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Type: Tri-Rail. This means it offers three Picatinny rails for mounting various accessories.
- This allows for flexible mounting options.
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Firearm Type: Rifle. It is designed specifically for rifles.
- This is important for ensuring proper fit and function.
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Firearm Model: SKS. Designed specifically for the SKS rifle.
- This ensures compatibility, though fitting may still be required.
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Material: Aluminum. Constructed primarily of aluminum.
- This helps keep the weight down but may sacrifice some durability.
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Finish: Aluminum. Has an aluminum finish.
- This provides a consistent look.
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Features: Aluminum/Steel. Made with aluminum and steel components.
- The steel likely reinforces key stress points.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases is to provide a stable mounting platform for optics and accessories on an SKS rifle. It achieves this to some extent, but its performance is hampered by fitting issues and a tendency to shift under recoil.
Its main strength is the versatility offered by the tri-rail design, allowing for multiple accessories to be mounted simultaneously. Its biggest weakness is its inconsistent fit and lack of rock-solid stability. It meets the basic expectations of adding rails to an SKS, but falls short in terms of precision and long-term reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The receiver cover is designed to mimic the dimensions of the original SKS receiver cover. The aluminum construction keeps the weight reasonable, but the overall build quality feels somewhat lacking. It doesn’t feel as robust as the original SKS receiver cover.
There’s a definite learning curve associated with the installation process, which often involves significant filing and adjustment. After installation, the added rails can make the rifle feel a bit bulkier, but this is a trade-off for the added functionality.
Durability & Maintenance
The NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases‘s long-term durability is questionable. The aluminum finish is prone to chipping and wear, and the rails themselves may loosen over time.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of the set screws. However, the need for frequent adjustments suggests a fundamental weakness in the design.
Accessories and Customization Options
The NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases itself doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the set screws for securing it to the receiver. Its primary function is to enable the attachment of other accessories.
It’s compatible with any Weaver or Picatinny-style optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories. The versatility of the tri-rail design means that users can customize their SKS rifle to suit a wide range of applications. Be sure to check the tolerances of the attachments.
Pros and Cons of NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases
Pros
- Affordable price point: The NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases is a budget-friendly option for adding rails to an SKS.
- Tri-rail design offers versatility: The three rails allow for simultaneous mounting of optics and accessories.
- Relatively lightweight: The aluminum construction keeps the weight reasonable.
- Simple installation (in theory): It’s designed to be a drop-in replacement for the original receiver cover, though fitting is often required.
- Enables optic mounting without permanent modification: It allows for the use of optics without permanently altering the rifle.
Cons
- Inconsistent fit: Significant filing and adjustment are often required for proper installation.
- Zero shift issues: The receiver cover can shift under recoil, leading to a loss of zero.
- Questionable durability: The aluminum finish is prone to wear, and the rails may loosen over time.
Who Should Buy NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases?
The NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases is perfect for budget-conscious SKS owners looking for a relatively simple way to add rails for optics and accessories. It may also be suitable for those who want a non-permanent mounting solution.
This product is NOT ideal for shooters who demand rock-solid stability and consistent zero retention. People who require extreme accuracy or long-term durability should avoid it.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a set of gunsmithing files for fitting, thread locker for the set screws, and a high-quality optic that can withstand some movement.
Conclusion on NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases
The NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases offers a budget-friendly way to modernize the SKS rifle. However, its inconsistent fit and zero-shift issues detract from its overall value.
At a price of $32.99, it’s certainly an affordable option, but the time and effort required for fitting, as well as the potential for frustration, may not be worth it for some users.
Personally, while I appreciate the concept and the versatility of the tri-rail design, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend the NCStar Tri-Rail Receiver Cover For Weaver Style Bases. Its instability makes it difficult to rely on for accurate shooting. Consider other, more robust mounting solutions if precision is a priority. If you’re willing to tinker and accept some limitations, it might be an acceptable, cost-effective option. Buyer beware.