NcSTAR 3-9x42 Sniper Scope or similar?

HeliBif

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GP Tactical and a couple of other site sponsors seem to carry quite a few NcSTAR products. Having done searches and browsed the site and the net, I'm finding VERY mixed reviews...

To be clear, I'm looking to mount this scope, or one similar to it (http://www.gptactical.com/c378112536p17548732.2.html) on an SR-22.

Should I avoid NcSTAR like the plague?
I'm trying to get a "tacticool" style compact scope with at least some degree of adjustable magnification (or else I'd be getting the Busnhell 1x32 Tactical), I'd *like* open target turrets, I'm not crazy about illuminated reticles...
... and I'd like to spend $250 or less.

I've looked at Leapers scopes as well, but same mixed reviews, just less of them.

Am I up sh*t creek without a paddle, or can I find what I'm looking for?
 
See, that's just it though! There will be just as many guys who'll say that the scope *they* got has been great to them, and there were no issues...

Do you have any evidence to back up this statement? Or is it like those people who just hate Ford, or Dodge, or Chev, or whatever... just *because*
 
I tended to buy cheaper scopes usually as a temporary measure, until I could afford something better. It's a real hit and miss thing. I've experienced the following: 1.) I lucked out and got a repeatable, cheap optic which lasted a couple/few years. 2.) The optic, when mounted produced accurate groups, but had to be essentially left alone, (as in never adjusted) because you'd have a hard time getting close to your original zero, and 3). So inconsistent that you couldn't get a zero...if you did it'd take you all day, and still wouldn't be the same when you shoot it agian on another day!
 
Fair enough... I'm pulling the trigger on a Bushnell Trophy 1x32 Tactical... but I still worry I'll be left wishing for some magnification. I'm used to shooting with a Bushnell Banner 6-18x power.... sweet scope that was.
 
See, that's just it though! There will be just as many guys who'll say that the scope *they* got has been great to them, and there were no issues...

Do you have any evidence to back up this statement? Or is it like those people who just hate Ford, or Dodge, or Chev, or whatever... just *because*

Let me ask you this. If you bought a complete lemon and have yet to replace it would you admit to it? Probably not, its human nature to believe that what one owns, buys, chooses, selects is indeed the best of its kind. To be proven wrong only undermines ones belief in being a good "hunter/gatherer" because a good H/G makes sound decisions not economic based decisions. I know selecting a good optic has little to do with being a H/G in this day and age. However, the psychological aspect of being consistent is there. No one wants to be inconsistent in how they operate. It is this principle that drives us(atleast most of us) to achieve high grades in everything we do. A high level of achievement translates into a consistent and effective H/G personality. If you were in the market for some home renovations who would you select for the job Mike Holmes, or the guy from Home Depot??

For those who have had no issues with their optics, I say good for you. The sad reality is that at some point probably sooner than later, their optics will fail and they will complain about it. If you want something to last and don't want to buy twice(or more), then buy a quality optic. More people have complained about low dollar gear than those who bought brand name higher dollar gear.

TDC

ETA: As for evidence, I have yet to see anyone who is a serious shooter and/or competitor run NC Star products of any kind. I have seen several folks at the range spend countless hours f*cking with their low dollar gear in an attempt to get it to work right. I've never had this issue with the brand name stuff I run and neither has anyone else I know who runs similar gear.
 
I have used NCstar scopes and the adage you get what you pay for applies. You can't rank them against premier scopes but they are NOT junk. If you treat the scope well it works just as good. If you need something for the interim, if you don't intend to put it through the rigors of heavy guns, if you treat it with care, if you're in it for fun and not precision, it may just last long and work well. There are people out there who swear by it after several hundred rounds. On an SR22 you should be fine. Nice looking scope for it too :)

However, if it craps out on you as they sometimes can happen, keep your papers and see if the warranty still covers it. Otherwise, take solace in knowing you didn't shell out a load of shekels for it :)
 
Let me ask you this. If you bought a complete lemon and have yet to replace it would you admit to it?

Yeah, actually I would.

As for the hunter/gatherer stuff, it sounds like you read Guns, Germs, and Steel a little too recently ;)
BUT, in keeping with that analogy, one would think that if a "hunter" discovered he had been using, say, the wrong type of wood for his spears, said hunter would communicate this to the rest of the "tribe" for the benefit of all :)

Thanks for the info though, it's still more informative than a simple "Brand X is crap" end of comment.
The "serious shooters" line of reasoning makes perfect sense... I guess what i was looking for was more of a cost vs crapiness analysis :D
Moot point though since I'm going with a Bushnell now!

Cheers!
 
I put a LER nc star scope on my m14. Its a illuminated 3-9 x 32. For $80 I thought if it breaks no big deal I spend more on a bottle of scotch! So far over 400 rounds of 162 gr .308 and it hasn't lost zero. I took it off to shoot irons then put it back on and only had to do a light 1/4 " windage adjustment at 100yrd target. I didn't use the rings it came with as they were too high so I put some leopold low rings on. I advise trying one if you want. Their will always be nay sayers who never owned one or elitists who follow the herd. I painted it to match the tan camo job on my rifle and have had some people look through the glass and say wow that's nice. The nc star markings are painted over and I never said what make it is I just smiled and said thanks. If it can handle the recoil of my rifle then that's pretty good for a $80 scope. My .02
 
...not an optics expert and, ave never looked through a leupold...

From where I'm commin' from I absoloutely love my NCStar 3-9 with illuminated recticle. Hash-marks. It's on a .22. I bought it to test them out and, have only enjoyed it.

You may get what you pay for...usually applies. In this case I feel "ahead" of the game...use it to shoot out to 100yds and, it's a WORLD better than the tiny can-tire scope it replaced (which actually cost the same...)

It does come with a (as of yet un-tested) warranty. They have a line of compact scopes too. They are air-gun rated also. I like that in a scope...springers are scope killers!

2cents for no charge...
 
I have 2 of them, one on my Norc M4 and the other on my .40cal Storm, at least a 1,000+ rds through both with no issues, the Illum reticle is not needed, but I sure like he Bullet Drop compensator and quick release mount. My only wish is that I got the 4 power instead of the 3.
 
I have two NC Star scopes, one is mounted on an AIA 7.62 Lee Enfield (Marstar package)
and one I bought and installed on my wifes Ruger 10/22. Both function well, and I have no complaints. Sometimes you have to use what you can afford, not what you want to have. NC Star provide a decent product and within reasonable budget.
 
I have 2 of them, one on my Norc M4 and the other on my .40cal Storm, at least a 1,000+ rds through both with no issues, the Illum reticle is not needed, but I sure like he Bullet Drop compensator and quick release mount. My only wish is that I got the 4 power instead of the 3.


The power is adjustable from 3 to 9 magnification and everything else in between.

:D
 
i bought a nc star sniper style for $160,i was the right style i wanted for my mini14,i sighted it in and it kept its zero for about 75 rounds,and had to be readjusted,and also the dial on the left side for laser and crosshair to be on at the same time doesnt work properly,so if i could have saved my $160 and put it into a better tactical scope i would be alot happier.hope i helped you out in some way or another.
 
play fair...

*sigh*
Of course NOW the decent reviews come in ;)
Maybe I'll try to look at one this weekend.

Dont' sigh yet...

You were warned about the "crowds" pro's and, anti's...(I'd really like you to post something similar about high end scopes and, read for a while...)

There are ford n' chevy forces here too. Read close, for what you pay (I lucked out), they work like a charm. I'm guessing (for me at least...) I'll have to shoot better to apreciate the differences...I've seen this in the guitar world too. Japanese strat vs. Ameican strat(x2 cost). truth: I wanted an American Strat....MY ear or, fingers couldn't tell the difference...I ended up buying an even cheaper guitar (and, for 20+ years, have yet to own a Stratocaster/Strat) and still love to play...if, at any point, I couldn't truly get the "sound" I'd buy/build a different guitar.
 
...the Illum reticle is not needed, but I sure like he Bullet Drop compensator and quick release mount. My only wish is that I got the x power instead of the y.

x2

The one I got had an illum recticle and, I'm guilty of "it's cool" thoughts...(it was a feature regardless too..) I don't utilise it at all EXCEPT to show people that, "hey look", it turns red...all gimmicky like...

It's held "zero" on my .22 for 1500+ rds (I'll get that squirrel yet!...LOL)
 
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