Are you in the market for a portable target stand that you can set up anywhere? Something extremely sturdy that stays put, even if it’s a little windy on the range? How does the NcSTAR target stand measure up to our needs on the range?
If you belong to a bona fide shooting range, there are certainly target stands already in place to use. However, there still might be some use for additional target stands, as it’s nice to have an extra target stand or two to supplement what’s there on the range. Instances where we want to set up courses of fire to engage multiple targets call for more target stands. This enhances a shooter’s ability to build new skills.
Plus, you can move the targets anywhere you want, so the course of fire can be modified to suit the shooters’ needs. We can adjust the angles at which shooters engage targets by moving them around. Flexibility is always a nice thing to have.
NcSTAR Steel Target Stand
NcSTAR was founded in 1997 in Southern California. Their mission is to provide top-notch optics and accessories at more affordable prices.
VISM, a division of NcSTAR, was started in 2010 with the aim of creating new products with high-end features.
The list of products that NcSTAR has available is considerable. Included are items such as accessories for the AK-47, AR-15, SKS, shotguns, and other weapons, both optics and mounts, and various other accessories. There are lights and lasers, bipods, and tripods. There are also a plethora of accessories for pistols, including reflex sights and red dots.
Today, though, we’re going to check out their Steel Target Stand.
The Stand
The NcSTAR target stand comes delivered in three parts. The legs attach quickly to the main portion of the target stand via screws and wing nuts, and it took me about one minute to complete the setup. Given my mechanical ineptitude, most of you will have it assembled in half the time that I did. Conversely, the unit also breaks down quickly and easily in the event you want to throw it into the trunk of your car or even onto the back seat. When it’s disassembled, it stores in a fairly compact area. It would easily fit behind the seat of a pickup truck as well. Personally, I’ll likely toss it into the trunk of my car, along with some targets, so it’s ready to go for trips to the range.
This target stand is made from heavy-duty steel, and it weighs about 12 pounds. That’s far from lightweight, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The heavier the stand, the more solid it will sit on the range, especially if there’s some wind. One thing that target stands are notorious for is blowing over in the wind. Now, I’m not going to say that this won’t happen with the NcSTAR target stand, but there’s a lot less chance of this one tipping over in the wind than a lighter unit. If you need extra assurance that it will be steady in high winds, I’d drop a couple of sandbags onto the legs for added security.
To use your target stand, you’ll need a little lumber to hold the targets up. If you intend to use steel target plates, you’ll need a 2×4, which will secure into the middle, larger box section. All boards secure into the stand via plastic knobbed metal bolts.
For those like me who intend to mostly use this target stand with paper and cardboard targets, the stand uses 1×2-inch furring strips. They fit into the two smaller side boxes on either side of the stand, secured with plastic knobbed metal bolts. I picked a couple of the furring strips up for a few dollars each at my local hardware store.
Once the furring strips are locked in place (it takes only a few seconds), you’re ready to go. I stapled the targets onto the wood strips, but you could also use thumbtacks if you desire.
At The Range
So, how did the NcSTAR target stand work? It was easy to use and did everything I asked of it. We ran some drills with the stand, and it passed with flying colors. But then, that’s not much of a surprise, right? I mean, it’s a target stand. It holds targets.
The only problem you’ll likely encounter is if you shoot toward the edge of the targets (perhaps you’re a bad shot), you might hit the wood strips, which will eventually mean you’ll need to replace them. Stuff happens, and this will likely happen at some point, especially if you’re using shotguns with buckshot at a distance. Fortunately, they’re not expensive to replace.
If you happen to shoot extremely low and hit the steel target stand itself, the rounds might bounce off if you’re using small caliber bullets. My advice is: don’t shoot the target stand.
The fact that it weighs 12 pounds means it took a little effort to drag out of the trunk and set up, but it wasn’t that difficult.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, the NcSTAR target stand is an extremely useful piece of range gear, and I’m glad to have it. I’ll store it in my vehicle so it’s always there for range trips. I like it because it’s built very sturdily.
It’s simple to assemble or disassemble, so it can be stored compactly. Seeing how simple it is to use, I’d say that’s another huge bonus. As this is written, the NcSTAR target stand sells for $39.99. Considering what the buyer gets for that price, I’d say this is a good deal, and I wouldn’t mind picking up a couple more of them in the future.
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