Side Saddle

[BigDogatPlay]

I have the Lyman six round side saddle on my Mossberg 500. The backer plate is aluminum so not a great add in weight, considering the receiver on the Mossy is aluminum as well. Holds the rounds tight, they stay put for both buckshot and slugs. I think it was $14.99 from CTD when I got it.

[Mug]

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=729981

I'm going to try one of these for the following reasons:
1. Lighter
2. Provides better cheek weld
3. Has storage compartment for (GRS tool and weapon light batteries etc.)
4. Allows me to leave my SG unmodified
5. Allows me to remove it easily for cleaning gun

[scott.cr]

Ok, thanks. My question still stands. How tight do they grip compared to others that can flex? Or are they not the same diameter hole as at th etop and bottom ?

I have a Mesa on my Mossberg. Nicely made. There's a rubber strip embedded in the carrier that partially occludes each shell hole, and that's what holds the shells in place. It is a little bit of a pain in the butt; the instructions say to not leave shells in it full-time, because doing so will compress the rubber and cause it to lose grip.

I have tried it both ways. If you leave it empty, it's a pain in the butt to get the shells in and out without the rubber strip rolling and threatening to tear.

If you leave it full, it does lose some grip. If you store the shells brass-down, they can fall out during a long string of fire.

Storing the shells brass-up full-time in the carrier has been working for me for the past two years now.

BTW, I believe they just upgraded the hardware. My version came with a long bolt to replace the trigger assembly pin. BAD SOLUTION. My first time out, recoil knocked the shell carrier around so much that the long bolt trashed the pin hole. I was able to repair it with a couple hours of machine work (reamed the trashed hole to .250" and machined a new extra-long trigger pin), but JC was I pissed.

I also bought a sheet of self-adhesive vulcanized rubber to stick to the back of the shell carrier to give it some extra "grip" on the receiver. I made the new trigger pin out of stainless steel, and it precisely fits the reamed hole and holds the shell carrier to the reciever very firmly with no danger of over or under tightening that damned long bolt.

I like the Mesa but their hardware leaves a bit to be desired. A nice product that is virtually ruined by penny-pinching.

[esskay]

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=729981

I'm going to try one of these for the following reasons:
1. Lighter
2. Provides better cheek weld
3. Has storage compartment for (GRS tool and weapon light batteries etc.)
4. Allows me to leave my SG unmodified
5. Allows me to remove it easily for cleaning gun

If you are using the gun for self defense, IMO all of these reasons are nullified by this critical problem: How are you going to transition to shoot from your support side with that thing on your buttstock?

If you're not using it for self defense, looks great. Oh, one more thing, it is pretty slow to reload from the buttstock vs on the receiver right next to the loading gate -- another issue for self defense (but not big deal for other purposes).

[cassius]

I've had a TacStar for years and it still works perfectly. And I regularly keep 00 shells rim DOWN in it with no retention problems at all. I've got no reason to look for something 'better' and much more expensive.

[randy]

I used the Tac Star years ago. Hot days long strings of fire and I didn't have any ammo left in the side saddle. Put them with the brass up and you will have ammo.

I no longer use a side saddle. Of the ones I see people using it appears the saddles you velcro on to your gun work the best.

You might try California Competition Works they might have one.

[Mug]

If you are using the gun for self defense, IMO all of these reasons are nullified by this critical problem: How are you going to transition to shoot from your support side with that thing on your buttstock?

If you're not using it for self defense, looks great. Oh, one more thing, it is pretty slow to reload from the buttstock vs on the receiver right next to the loading gate -- another issue for self defense (but not big deal for other purposes).

First of all, I don't have to clear rooms in my situation. Just hunker down and cover a doorway. But, even if I had to transition to lefty, I'm pretty sure I could still shoot reasonably well (the buttstock isn't that thick). It may not be ideal, but I'm willing to trade the other listed advantages for a slight reduction in reload speed.

Secondly, I'm going to put a +2 mag tube extension on my SG which will give me 8 (7+1) shots without having to reload. If I'm unable to defend myself with 8 shots of 00 Buck and Rifled Slug mix in a less than 25 ft. long dwelling, then I doubt that having a side saddle vs a butt cuff is going to make much difference.

Lastly, I have a side arm loaded with Federal HST to transition to if I cannot reload from the butt cuff in time.

[esskay]

First of all, I don't have to clear rooms in my situation. Just hunker down and cover a doorway. But, even if I had to transition to lefty, I'm pretty sure I could still shoot reasonably well (the buttstock isn't that thick). It may not be ideal, but I'm willing to trade the other listed advantages for a slight reduction in reload speed.

Secondly, I'm going to put a +2 mag tube extension on my SG which will give me 8 (7+1) shots without having to reload. If I'm unable to defend myself with 8 shots of 00 Buck and Rifled Slug mix in a less than 25 ft. long dwelling, then I doubt that having a side saddle vs a butt cuff is going to make much difference.

Lastly, I have a side arm loaded with Federal HST to transition to if I cannot reload from the butt cuff in time.

Cool, as long as you've thought it through and practice/train with it, rock on!

For me, I prefer the side saddle (used to run a saddle on the side of a Knoxx buttstock, but have switched over to a youth Speedfeed straight stock). Weak side - Unloaded butt cuff, no problem, but personally, I don't think I'd shoot well left handed with the butt cuff fully loaded.

Thoughts on the list:
1. Lighter -- True
2. Provides better cheek weld -- Depends on shooter, for me just fine without but if better for you, cool
3. Has storage compartment for (GRS tool and weapon light batteries etc.) -- if you just plan to hunker down and cover a doorway probably don't need to carry these items (hopefully won't need a sight tool! ), but never hurts to have spare batteries...
4. Allows me to leave my SG unmodified -- To install a typical side saddle you just push out the trigger pins and push in a threaded screw, really isn't invasive at all.
5. Allows me to remove it easily for cleaning gun -- You clean your pump guns? lol

Let us know how you like the butt cuff after you get it and wring it out.

[an actual gun]

You know, it's not technically a side saddle but it sure looks good to me.



The Specter Gear buttstock shell holder. It retails for about 16 or 17 bucks, and the design looks great to me. How it works in practice I am unsure, but I'm willing to try it. Has anyone else purchased one of these and can give some feedback?

[maxicon]

Who's got one mounted on a Knoxx Specops or other AR style collapsible stock? Any recommendations there?

[esskay]

Who's got one mounted on a Knoxx Specops or other AR style collapsible stock? Any recommendations there?

If you want to put a shell carrier on a Knoxx, they make one that snaps right onto the buttstock.

[GrizzAwoken]

You know, it's not technically a side saddle but it sure looks good to me.



The Specter Gear buttstock shell holder. It retails for about 16 or 17 bucks, and the design looks great to me. How it works in practice I am unsure, but I'm willing to try it. Has anyone else purchased one of these and can give some feedback?

I've also been looking at the Specter Gear stuff, thinking of getting the side saddle and possibly the sling. 2nded on has anyone tried their stuff.

-Grizz

[robsolo]

I've also been looking at the Specter Gear stuff, thinking of getting the side saddle and possibly the sling. 2nded on has anyone tried their stuff.

-Grizz

Mine's on order w/ the sling attachment. It should arrive next week I'll let you guys know.

[sh0t1]

You know, it's not technically a side saddle but it sure looks good to me.



The Specter Gear buttstock shell holder. It retails for about 16 or 17 bucks, and the design looks great to me. How it works in practice I am unsure, but I'm willing to try it. Has anyone else purchased one of these and can give some feedback?

Know a good retailer ?

[robsolo]

Know a good retailer ?

Specter Gear directly. They are trying to catch up with production right now.

http://www.spectergear.com/

Cactus Tactical. They too are reportedly trying to catch up on orders.

http://www.cactustactical.com/osc/specter-gear-c-83.html