NcStar isn’t as well-known as Vortex or Leupold, but they’ve made a mark in the rifle optic market that can’t be ignored. It’s one of the newer brands around, being founded in Southern California in 1997.
So what’s all the fuss about their scopes? The low asking price.
If you’re looking for a reliable and inexpensive rifle scope, NcStar might be a good choice. But what about the quality?
Personally, I have used many of their scopes, and I have to say that they don’t fall far behind the more renowned brands.
Sure, they may not be the best choice for experienced hunters looking to take their shooting experience to the next level. If you’re only beginning your journey with hunting rifles, though, NCStar scopes might be exactly what you need.
Which of their scopes should you choose, though? I’ve gathered together my favorite options below.
My Top 3 NcStar Scopes – Comparison Chart
| Scope | Key Features | Price |
| 1. NcStar Mark II Tactical P4 Sniper 3-9×42 |
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| 2. NcStar 3-9×42 |
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| 3. NcStar 3-9×42 Mark II Tactical Gen II MIL Dot |
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My Full NcStar Scopes Reviews
Before I dive deeper into my favorite NcStar scopes reviews, I want to say that all these three scopes come with the same magnification range and the same objective lens size.
When writing this review, I wanted to focus more on the differences between each optic instead of their effective ranges or fields of view.
NcStar Optics History
Some rifle optics companies were founded over 100 years ago and others have made a splash in the market in less than 10 years. NcStar is a bit in the middle, as they were founded in Southern California in 1997. While they originally didn’t produce many optics and weren’t quite as popular as brands with a more secure hold on the market, they did eventually grow due to their affordability and ease of use.
NcStar’s scopes are best known for their low asking prices. While their website does offer quite expensive optics when you get into their higher-quality selections, most NcStar scopes are among the lower price range around $200 or below. This is certainly a big part of their appeal and a chief reason why you’ll find their scopes online so often.
So does a low asking price necessarily indicate low performance? Not really, in our experience, so long as you know what you’re paying for. Most NcStar optics tend to be on the smaller side of things, oftentimes with lighter weights compared to rifle scopes of a similar type or magnification range.
Indeed, NcStar scopes often look considerably more compact than scopes of a similar price range. This does make them great choices for lighter rifle builds that can’t take much extra weight without offsetting the balance.
In particular, NcStar is known for decent red dot sights, which provide tactical accuracy for shorter range engagements rather than long-distance hunting. In addition, many (if not most) NcStar optics or scopes come with rail mounting systems or apparatuses built into their design.
This is a huge advantage when it comes to ease-of-use. Most rifle scopes require you to purchase a separate rail system (either Picatinny or Weaver) or mount the scopes using rings. Both options require you to spend a little extra cash, but NcStar saves you that money by including a rail with the majority of their purchases.
Many of NcStar’s scopes also incorporate illuminated reticles for added visibility during low light conditions or for better picking out your reticle against a similarly colored target.
Finally, you can get lots of NcStar scopes in very similar models compared to one another with only one or two features changed. This is great if you enjoy a general model of compact scope but want a particular kind of reticle or magnification range.
NcStar Scopes Reviews
Let’s check out a few examples of top-tier NcStar scopes so you can see what they offer on average. All three will have the same magnification range and the same size of objective lens so we can focus on the differences between each optic instead of their effective ranges or fields of view.
1. NcStar Mark III Tactical P4 Sniper 3-9×42 Scope
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My favorite scope from this NcStar range has to be the Mark III Tactical P4 model. As a tactical scope, it allows you to engage your targets at further distances, incorporating a backup red dot sight that you can engage whenever you find it convenient.
My Feelings After Using the NcStar Mark III Tactical P4 Sniper Scope
Now, that red tot is a huge selling point. Personally, I’m a huge fan of it. I found it highly functional, especially when shooting from further distances, as it affords a much broader field of view.
What I also love about this scope is that the main optic is variable, allowing you to swap between closer or farther zoom levels.
Both the red dot sight and the main optical lenses are multicoated to improve their light transmission and durability. While this is a great advantage, the main variable lens is most notable thanks to its red or green illumination settings.
This illumination feature can be fine-tuned using multiple brightness settings, which you can control via a side-mounted turret where you would normally find a parallax control on longer-range rifle scopes.
The scope also incorporates a pair of windage and elevation adjustment turrets, although I have to say I didn’t find them as precise as those offered by other scopes. They’re best used as ancillary accuracy boosters than the fine tools you’d expect from longer-range optics.
Eye relief is another notable place where this optic fails, as it’s only about 2 inches no matter how far you’re zoomed in. I found it relatively annoying and inconvenient.
On the other hand, the mounting of the scope is very straightforward. It can mount directly to the ocular lens housing. It made mounting very easy and allowed me to use this scope with many different rifles. It’s also surprisingly light and durable, considering its low price.
Product Highlights
I love the matte black finish of this scope. It looks stylish and prevents it from glaring in the sun. This is helpful both from a hunting perspective – as your prey won’t be alerted to your presence – and from a tactical engagement viewpoint. Stealth is sometimes critical in a life-or-death engagement.
Key Features
- Weaver rail mounting option for easier mounting
- Red and green illuminated reticle
- Red dot sight included
- Fog, water, and shock-proof
- Bullet drop compensator
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | NcSTAR |
| Weight | 17.3 oz |
| Eye Relief | 2 in |
| Magnification | 4 – 9 x |
| Field of View | 12 – 36.8 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
All in all, this compact optic proves that NcStar delivers a good balance of function and affordability. It’s not the tightest or more advanced scope on the market, but, in my opinion, it’s a pretty good choice as a versatile and tactical optic or a great beginner piece.
The only thing I really dislike is the eye relief. 2 inches is not enough to provide a convenient hunting experience, no matter how far you’re zoomed in.
My Rating: 4.5/5
2. NcStar 3-9X42 Compact Sniper Scope 
This scope features the same magnification and lens attributes as the above model, but it lacks a red dot sight mounted near the ocular lens. However, it still features the same red/green illuminated reticle and associated control.
My Feelings After Using the NcStar 9×42 Compact Sniper Scope
The first thing I noticed in this scope is how much easier it is to change the magnification setting compared to the Mark III Tactical model. The reason is the lack of red dot sight, which can get in the way of the sliding ring you use to change zoom levels.
I also really enjoyed the quick-release mounting system, which works brilliantly for Weaver and Picatinny rails. The quick-focus eyepiece is another interesting advantage. The built-in sunshade will help you protect the lens when exposed to direct sunlight.
Now let’s talk about the most significant difference between this scope and my first choice – the lack of the red dot sight.
For me, it wasn’t the end of the world, although I have to say that the red dot sight makes a massive difference. Its lack makes this scope not that good as a tactical option, but it’s still more than serviceable.
All in all, it’s a great hunting scope for engagements around 500 yards or so due to its zoom levels. I found it very functional, although the lack of the red dot sight does make it a bit worse than the Mark III Tactical. At least for me.
Product Highlights
For me, the highlight of this scope is the quick-focus eyepiece. It makes shooting much more precise, allowing a shooter to quickly pinpoint the target. I also love the quick-release mounting system, which makes mounting the scope much easier and more convenient.
Key Features
- Illuminated reticle
- Adjustment turrets
- Multicoated lenses
- Picatinny and Weaver mounting option
- Fog, water, and shock-proof
- Bullet drop compensator
| Pros | Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | NcSTAR |
| Weight | 32 oz |
| Eye Relief | 2 in |
| Magnification | 4 – 9 x |
| Field of View | 12 – 36.8 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
This scope is very similar to my first pick, with many of the same advantages. For me, it works better as a general-purpose hunting scope thanks to its eyepiece, sunshade, and lack of red dot sight. If you’re looking for a tactical scope, though, the first NcStar on this list is a better option.
My Rating: 4.5/5
3. NcStar 3-9×42 Mark III Tactical Gen II MIL Dot Scope
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And last but not least, we have the NcStar Mark III Tactical Gen II MIL Dot scope. Although it lands on the third spot on my list, it offers practically identical features to the first two NcStar scopes. It does come with some unique characteristics, though.
My Feelings After Using the NcStar Mark III Tactical Gen II MIL Dot Scop
What I really love about this NcStar optic is that it has a MIL-dot reticle. It offers extra holdover points for estimating range, windage, and other important variables before you take your shot.
The reticle is an illuminated variety that can be set to either blue or green colors, which is distinct from the red option commonly offered. It also comes with the sunshade the last model had, plus a set of lens covers to protect the optic even further.
I also enjoyed its integrated quick-detach base system. It allowed me to quickly snap on and off to points, making it much easier for me to integrate the scope into my chosen rifle. Of course, whether you’ll actually use this functionality will determine its value for your purposes.
One final difference is the presence of an anodized black finish. This keeps the scope matte in texture to prevent sun glare but has the added benefit of reducing corrosion damage. In short, this scope will last a bit longer than many others, even if exposed to water.
Other than that, I found using it very similar to the two previously mentioned scopes.
Product Highlights
Generally speaking, this scope isn’t very different from the two previous NcStar optics. The first highlight is the MIL-dot reticle, which offers extra holdover points for estimating pre-shot variables. Another is the anodized black finish, which reduces corrosion damage.
Key Features
- Illuminated reticle
- Adjustment turrets
- MIL-dot reticle
- Picatinny mounting option
- Multicoated lenses
- Water, shock, and fog-proof
- Anodized black matte finish
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | NcSTAR |
| Weight | 24 oz |
| Eye Relief | 2 in |
| Magnification | 4 – 9 x |
| Field of View | 12 – 36.8 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
This scope is another good general-purpose or tactical optic with a unique reticle illumination color. The included accessories and anodized finish further distinguish it from its counterparts, and I really like the fact it offers a MIL-dot reticle. It provides more precision, offering additional holdover points for estimating windage, range, and other pre-shot factors.
My Rating: 4.5/5
About NcStar Optics
Some rifle optics companies were founded over 100 years ago, and others have made a splash in the market in less than 10 years. NcStar is a bit in the middle, as they were founded in Southern California in 1997.
While they originally didn’t produce many optics and weren’t quite as popular as brands with a more secure hold on the market, they did eventually grow due to their affordability and ease of use.
NcStar’s scopes are best known for their low asking prices. While their website does offer quite expensive optics when you get into their higher-quality selections, most NcStar scopes are in the lower price range, around $200 or below. This is certainly a big part of their appeal and a chief reason why you’ll find their scopes online so often.
So does a low asking price necessarily indicate low performance? As I stated in my reviews, that isn’t the case at all. The same applies to other NcStar scopes I’ve used.
Most NcStar optics tend to be on the smaller side of things, oftentimes with lighter weights compared to rifle scopes of a similar type or magnification range.
Indeed, NcStar scopes often look considerably more compact than scopes of a similar price range. This does make them great choices for lighter rifle builds that can’t take much extra weight without offsetting the balance.
In particular, NcStar is known for decent red dot sights, which provide tactical accuracy for shorter-range engagements rather than long-distance hunting. In addition, many (at least all I’ve tested) NcStar optics or scopes come with rail mounting systems or apparatuses built into their design.
This is a huge advantage when it comes to ease of use. Most rifle scopes require you to purchase a separate rail system (either Picatinny or Weaver) or mount the scopes using rings. Both options require you to spend a little extra cash, but NcStar saves you that money by including a rail with the majority of their purchases.
Many of NcStar’s scopes also incorporate illuminated reticles for added visibility during low light conditions or for better picking out your reticle against a similarly colored target.
Finally, you can get lots of NcStar scopes in very similar models compared to one another, with only one or two features changed. This is great if you enjoy a general model of compact scope but want a particular kind of reticle or magnification range.
Wrapping Up My NcStar Scopes Review
In summary, NcStar scopes offer good versatility and tactical functionality for very reasonable asking prices. Their scopes are not the most advanced on the market, but they don’t have to be for those rifle users who need something more affordable than premium scopes.
Now, while my top choice is the NcStar Mark III Tactical P4 Sniper scope, all three mentioned scopes offer practically identical features. What distinguishes my favorite one is the addition of the red dot sight, which significantly enhances the shooting experience.
Good hunting!
If you are interested to read more of my articles, you can check our Sightron Scopes review or Vortex Viper PST review.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.