Gun mounted shell holder

BigWaylon

BigWaylon

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I’d like to add an accessory to my 870 shotguns to carry some additional shells. I’ve never used one, so I don’t know what I’d like or don’t like...any input would be appreciated.

Due to where they’re stored for HD accessibility, the ones that fit on the stock would work better for me. Doesn’t mean I absolutely have to go that route, but that’s where I’m leaning. My first thought was to find some nice leather ones, but after looking around some more I’m not sure that’s my best route.

A couple questions (based on a right-handed shooter):

1. When using one mounted on the left side of the receiver, do you load with the left hand or right hand?
1a. If right hand, you’re reaching over the top, grabbing a shell, bringing that hand back over and then reaching under to load?
1b. If left hand, load them pointing up or down?

2. When using one on the stock, same question...load with right hand or left hand?

Is having one with a strap that goes around the end of the stock important? Or do they really not slide to much? (Again, this wouldn’t be something being hauled through the woods...just in a rack and used for HD, or at the range)

I ran across this video and it made logical sense. I’d imagine holding the shotgun up with your left hand, still pressed against your shoulder, and load with the right with the shells loaded upside down.



So if I opt to load that way, I think the nice leather ones are out. Not sure they’d hold the shells securely in place. I have one 12ga and one 20ga, and I’m definitely not seeing as many options for the 20ga. I’m almost thinking the inexpensive stretchy ones are going to work best...like he shows in the video.

What other questions do I not even know to ask?
 
Mounted on left side of receiver.

Keep firing grip with right hand, feed gun with left hand through loading port.

If you run completely dry you can load one directly into the chamber by reaching over the shotgun and slapping it home. Or under if that works better.
 
Stock mounted are difficult to load from while maintaining any sort of ready mount with the gun.

Don't get me started on slings with shell holders built in. Think pendulum....
 
rantingredneck said:
Mounted on left side of receiver.

Keep firing grip with right hand, feed gun with left hand through loading port.

If you run completely dry you can load one directly into the chamber by reaching over the shotgun and slapping it home. Or under if that works better.
Click to expand...

WHAT HE SAID!
 
rantingredneck said:
Don't get me started on slings with shell holders built in. Think pendulum....
Click to expand...
Definitely didn’t want to go with sling/belt/etc.

rantingredneck said:
Keep firing grip with right hand, feed gun with left hand through loading port.
Click to expand...
Are the receiver mounted ones tight enough to hold shells upside down, which would minimize movement? Or is it simply a case of practice, practice, practice? (You posted pics while I was typing...so I guess they’ll hold them upside down)
 
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Yes they will hold them upside down. Check pics above for my typical setup. I load buckshot with brass down and slugs with brass up.
 
...and I would assume that if I were in a HD situation, I’d keep topping it off anytime I could instead of waiting to reload them all.
 
Any brands to avoid? Any that stand out as better than most?
 
The shell holders above is a TacStar. There are better, more expensive options like Nordic, but I've owned a half dozen TacStars and never had an issue. Ran them hard in shotgun classes with no problems. 30ish bucks....
 
ATI is typically craptastic. Some of TacStars products are but their shell holders are good to go.
 
What about the TacStar Slimline? It has solid holders instead of the ones with a slit like pictured above. Wondering if it would still hold them upside down?

Only reason I’m asking is on the 12ga, my F1 markings might get covered up. Probably not a huge deal, but if there’s another option that works just as good I’d probably take it.

Markings on the 20ga are on the opposite side, and they don’t make a 20ga slimline as far as I can tell. I’m just limited to a capacity of 4 with the 20ga.
 
Those elastic slip ons are good when you pick up the shotgun and need something cheap or for hunting. For a dedicated HD gun get the shell holder mounted to the receiver. Its quicker to access ie functional, more solid construction and last longer. Shotguns are always low round count guns as the ammo is big and heavy. Having extra ammo immediately available is always good. Disadvantages to the shell holders is that it makes the gun heavier and slower to swing.

Another suggestion for a stock mounted ammo is the Speedfeed type stocks that hold extra rounds in the stock on both sides. I've gone back and forth over the years with my 870. Light, no mag extension and simple but lacks ammo or heavy beast with ammo all over. I went with ammo cards which is Velcro backed elastic card that mounts to the side of the receiver. Carry spares in vest or pouch and when first is empty can swap another on the receiver. My shotgunning is mainly for birds/small game but reconfigure as a HD gun during the off season. My fighting gun is a AR15 however.

CD
 
Any feedback on the slimline?
 
I too like the Tacstar receiver mount. I've had mine on my 870 for probably 12yr, and while it honestly gets little use, it has never dropped a round and I trust those shells will be there if I ever need them. Can't really beat it for the price and it simply works.
 
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I have what I think is a Mesa Tactical side saddle on my 590A1, was on it when I got it. No issue with it, holds 6 rounds, 4 #1 buck brass down, 2 slugs brass up, speedfeed stock holds bird shot for farm pests.

To answer @BigWaylon questions

As a lefty my left hand never leaves the grip of the shotgun, all loading is done with right hand, what I have found works well for me is right hand goes under the receiver, pick up two shells between my index and middle finger, load those, back to firing.

If I wanted to change the load, i.e; shoot a slug, keep the same hold, however go over, remove one and deliver directly to chamber, or into magazine.

If I am using bird shot, that's something I know ahead of time, for example, have gone out to find a snake needing zapped, magazine is always downloaded by two, I'd pull two from the buttstock and load those.

Shotgun is kept "cruiser ready"( hammer down, safety off, chamber empty).

If I were starting over, I would go with the Velcro shotshell cards and have a strip of velcro on the receiver as well as the butt stock with different colors of cards based on the loads.
 
While I will never say the bandolier style slings are good for runnin and gunnin, I do like them for adding rounds to the total “grab and go” side of things. If my count is correct, my 590a1 has

7+1 loaded
4 in a speed feed stock
5 in a side saddle
10 in the sling bandolier

So that’s 27 on board and all I have done is grabbed the shotgun.


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Im in the shell card camp with Combat Diver. I will also tell you when running shotgun drills under duress (like rolling thunder) you will automatically reach for shells and pull them out because you are focused on the " threat" and not your weapon 20190331_084551.jpg 20190331_084517.jpg When you put them up and down... Eventually you will try to pull one through the wrong way.

Honestly, with 5-6 rounds of buckshot/slugs... I'd hope a bunch of reloads wouldnt be needed.


And as a medic with a lot of gunshot wound experience, I will tell you for a fact… At household distance, 7 or 8 shot will get er dun. And its a messy ass mess. Grapefruit size hole at 15 feet with the wadding stuck in them.

So really the buckshot /slug debate…..Id not worry about it too much if its your HD gun.
 
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I’m sticking with buckshot. I don’t think I mentioned this earlier, but these are my two SBSs. The 12ga has a 14” barrel and the 20ga has a 12.5”.

I do have two questions for those that have two slugs in the mix. (1) What’s the theoty on when you want them? (2) Assuming you start with one chambered, what are you going to do with the shell already loaded?
 
BigWaylon said:
I’m sticking with buckshot. I don’t think I mentioned this earlier, but these are my two SBSs. The 12ga has a 14” barrel and the 20ga has a 12.5”.

I do have two questions for those that have two slugs in the mix. (1) What’s the theoty on when you want them? (2) Assuming you start with one chambered, what are you going to do with the shell already loaded?
Click to expand...

1. Better to have vs have not... really I have no idea...all the cool kids were doing it. The only scenarios that come to mind would involve vehicles or bears.

2. Assuming the tube is full, chuck the round out of the chamber, roll the gun over to dump the shell off the carrier, load slug in. If tube is down by at least 1... load into tube, work the action, eject the non slug and load the slug.
 
I've practiced with slugs so i can take a precise shot with a shotgun. I can make a 2" group at 25 yards and my 1187 has rifle sights.
 
Got to looking at the two shotguns today and realized I’ll have an issue. The 20ga forend comes way too far back for any style to work on the side of the receiver.

Anything wrong with cutting the forend to look more like the one on the 12ga?

9501E753-7461-44B3-9A70-6B218683601F.jpeg
 
Will the tacstar 4 round not work? That's what I have on my son's 20.
 
rantingredneck said:
Will the tacstar 4 round not work? That's what I have on my son's 20.
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Not sure. Was hoping for more since it only has a 4-round tube to start with.

I don’t mind cutting it...just wasn’t sure if it would cause any kind of problem(s).
 
Won't cause any problems. Pretty common solution to that issue in fact.
 
Do you have a forearm removal tool?
 
rantingredneck said:
Do you have a forearm removal tool?
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Nope. Haven’t done a search to see what removing it entails. Briefly considered just cutting it with a Dremel while it was installed. :eek:
 
You know I have the tools to cut and finish plastics right? If you want the cut edge finished, etc, mark where you want it cut and drop the whole forearm assembly in the mail. I'll cut it sand and finish the edge for you and mail it back . Just cover the postage .
 
rantingredneck said:
You know I have the tools to cut and finish plastics right? If you want the cut edge finished, etc, mark where you want it cut and drop the whole forearm assembly in the mail. I'll cut it sand and finish the edge for you and mail it back . Just cover the postage .
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I may just do that. Any idea what the edge would look like with the camo finish? Wasn’t sure if it was a dipped piece that would peel on the edge or not.

According to this I should be able to use pliers instead of needing the tool? https://www.rem870.com/2012/11/15/remington-870-forend-installation-replacement/

“Whole forearm assembly” would mean I don’t need to attempt the process linked above?
 
Not sure on the finish. Shouldn't look too bad though.

Yeah if you send the whole assembly it will be the forearm with the tube and action bars still attached. I'll send it back same way. You won't need to mess with pliers.
 
I have a 3M buffing wheel that I finish kydex with that should dress the edge nicely.
 
As far as slugs/buck: I have both on my load out...but honestly I don’t think I’d ever be coherent enough to use them effectively. To me it’s kinda like loading a mag or speed clip with FMJ just in case. Unless you train pretty extensively, I would imagine the best bet would be to just pick a load and stick with it. Buck, high brass turkey loads, 8 shot, whatever depending on your ranges.

Counting on yourself, when under a high stress gunfight scenario, when Bullets are flying both ways to have time to think out “ok...he just ducked behind a car, so let me make sure to grab the green shell, no, the other green shell, no the one brass facing down, yes that one...ok not put it in the magazine, ok...shoot the load in there now and cycle...ok now we have a slug!”




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