Mesa Tactical Shell Carrier: 6 round vs. 8 round?

[Nerfherder]

I'm planning on adding a Mesa Tactical shell carrier to my 870. Are there any pro/cons to having one or the other?

The obvious "pro" to the 8 is the 2 extra shells, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me from personal experience why they prefer one over the other. Do the extra 2 shells on the 8 get in the way, in any way?

BTW, I have a Speedfeed fore end, NOT the long Express fore end.Thanks in advance for any responses.

[operator13]

As long as it doesn't prevent your forend from being operated, why not have the 2 extra rounds? My forend wasn't the deciding factor for getting the 6 shell version, it was the fact that i have a reflex sight mounted up top, so the 2 furthest front shells would have only been able to be stored primer side down. But if you don't run any additional optics up top, I see no reason why not to get the 8 shell version.

[Mighty J ho]

I have the Mesa tactical 6 shell version on mine,I don't see a problem with 8.Just more weight,It might not be too much but if you have a lot of attachments it does add up.

[tyrist]

Well if you get the 8 you can always leave two empty and only carry 6. If you get the 6 you can never carry 8.

[Nerfherder]

As long as it doesn't prevent your forend from being operated, why not have the 2 extra rounds? My forend wasn't the deciding factor for getting the 6 shell version, it was the fact that i have a reflex sight mounted up top, so the 2 furthest front shells would have only been able to be stored primer side down. But if you don't run any additional optics up top, I see no reason why not to get the 8 shell version.

I guess my ultimate concern was if anyone has ever had issues with the length of the 8 round version getting in the way of the forend as it gets racked. I won't be running optics so sight picture won't be an issue. I'm not concerned about the weight either.

It sounds like the 8 rounder is the way to go. Again, thanks for responses!

[Dhena81]

There's no problems with a mesa tactical 8 round side saddle I have one on a 870 and have no doubt that if there were problems mesa tactical being the company they are would not sell them. You just need to be sure you have the right forearm for any side saddle, you have the right one if it doesn't overlap the receiver while racking.

[rkt88edmo]

Why not just ziptie a whole nother shotgun on there?

[Horta]

What type 870?
I have an 870 magnum express with a Mesa Tactical 6 shot shell carrier and the fore-end of my shotgun had to be shortened to accommodate the carrier. You might want to contact Mesa Tactical to be sure about this re your gun.

[carnelianbay]

Funny, when I'm asked it's been 4 or 6. 8 seems a little impractical to me. 6 fits perfectly (loaded with 4-00 and 2-Slugs), although on the verge of being too heavy. If I need more than 6 in an HD situation then I've got bigger problems.

[Dorkhedeos]

Funny, when I'm asked it's been 4 or 6. 8 seems a little impractical to me. 6 fits perfectly (loaded with 4-00 and 2-Slugs), although on the verge of being too heavy. If I need more than 6 in an HD situation then I've got bigger problems.

I think you already got bigger problems at 3+ rounds

[Plisk]

The 8 round carrier can conflict with some sling attachment points, the kind that sandwich between the receiver and stock/grip.

I would recommend the 6.

[Merc1138]

Why not just ziptie a whole nother shotgun on there?

Ziptie? Pfft.

[Nerfherder]

The 8 round carrier can conflict with some sling attachment points, the kind that sandwich between the receiver and stock/grip.

I would recommend the 6.

This is great insight, thanks! Between this and the other comments regarding forends, I'm most likely going with the 6.

[aippi]

The Speed Feed LE forend allows you to use the 8 and it is no different then using the 6. No issue what so ever, none, notta. However, if you find yourself in a situation that can not be delt with with 13 rouds of 00 buck then 15 just aint going to matter. Keeping the weapon light and easy to deploy is going to assure the out come more then two extra rounds will.

[djleisure]

6-shot with PA micro up top for me. 8 seems like it would get pretty darn crowded on there...