Product Review: NcSTAR 3-9 x 42mm Mark III Tactical Scope

I recently acquired the NcSTAR Mark III Tactical scope with carry handle mount for use with my AR-15.  I have to say, guys, this is a very neat scope for the money.  First of all, let me start by explaining some of the features it offers, then going through what I think about those features and other comments I may have along the way.

This particular scope is offered with both a carry handle mount (like mine) and a picatinny mount.  Because I have a carry handle that I like using for open sights, I chose the carry handle mounted scope as my best option.  I like this setup because I can "cowitness" both the open sights and the scope; so for close ranges, I can use the open sights, then if I was going to shoot long range, I could move my head up and utilize the scope.  I have a friend who has this same scope with the picatinny mount, and I will warn you that if you choose to go that route, you will want to purchase a "riser" picatinny rail, as the scope would sit too low on a flattop AR to be comfortable for normal use.  With the carry handle mount, the scope sits a little higher than what I'm used to, but it is still very serviceable, but something to consider.

The scope is offered in mil-dot, rangefinder, and other reticles.  I have the rangefinder version, which uses a range-finding reticle to estimate distance provided a standard width target.  I can go into detail of how it works if someone needs me to, but I won't bore the rest of you with the nitty-gritties of it all.

More importantly, the scope offers an adjustment knob for a 55 grain .223 caliber bullet for yardage from 100 to 500 yards.  Once you have the dial set to 100 yards, and then sight it in for that range, you can simply turn the knob at further ranges, and the scope will adjust the reticle for zero at that range.  I was able to try this by going from 100 yards to 200, and it seemed to work quite well (see the middle circle on the target; the four small areas were at 100 yards [sighting it in] while the primary circle was at 200 yards).  You won't win any shooting competitions with this scope, but for tactical accuracy, it's great!  I had no problems putting all five shots into a 2.5 inch square, which could be just as much a reflection on this shooter as it is the scope (remember that I was shooting a 16" AR platform).

Perhaps the coolest feature of this scope is the illuminated reticle.  You can adjust the brightness of the scope from one to three for both red and green.  Of course, you probably would never need this, but it definitely adds to the "second kind of cool."

Overall, I would recommend this scope to those who are looking for an inexpensive tactical scope that can attach to your AR with very little modification.  It is not a Leupold or a Swarovski, but it is serviceable scope that I would feel comfortable shooting out to 200-250 yards.  You can typically get this scope at a gun show for less than $100 or at your favorite online dealer.