Best place for extra shells on shotgun? Indicate how many shells in your post.

[jakemccoy]

I'm going to get some apparatus for extra shells on my home defense 870P. It has an 18" barrel. I took the mag extension OFF because I like the feel of the gun much better without the extension. The shotgun will be propped in corner, muzzle down.

[Al Thompson]

I've tried pretty much everything with no clear winner. I do like Side Saddles about the best, but they throw the balance off quite a bit.

One very experianced friend hangs a (spelling?) bandolier off his SG - 1/2 buck, 1/2 slugs. Grab gun, sling bandolier over shoulder. :)

[Al Thompson]

Oh, as long as I have 5 shells or so for a reload, I'm OK with the capacity. More is better, but too much gets awkward.

[darkmark]

i dont really think having a saddle throws the balance off.
i have an 870 express magnum with extended mag tube and 4 shell saddle. feels fine

[john1911]

Extra loaded mags in a super tactical bag (OK, it's one of my wife's old purses) for my Saiga.

[Al Thompson]

Reportedly the 4 shell SideSaddles feel better - have the older ones myself.

[roker]

I have a 5 shot side saddle that slips over the stock. Works fine for me.

[GRIZ22]

Side saddle on the receiver with brass down puts your hand right by the loading gate when you pull the round out. Practice this using your left hand to reload and keeping the gun ready in the right.

[Gunfighter123]

I had a buddy make me a leather 6 rd. holder that I tie onto the butt-stock.For the last few years , I have shot ALOT of SASS {Cowboy Action} matches with a Win. 97 and the rules are MAX. of 2 rds. in the SG at any time. I have got very good at when I rack the SG with my left hand , I take two rds. with my right hand and single feed them, one at a time, into the open port without takeing the SG from my shoulder.

[X-Rap]

I have an 1100, and 1300 both have extended mags and the side saddles and are somewhat awkward when loaded as they should be.
I'm leaning much more to the bandolier and loosing the side saddles but keep the mag tubes to top off if needed.

[leadcounsel]

I have a receiver 5 shell side saddle. I like it, but it adds a lot of weight to an otherwise light weapon. And it adds a lot of width too. I have debated removing it, but i'm about 51% in favor of it and 49% not in favor. Since it's primarily a barricade weapon for home defense, the extra weight isn't as significant as the benefit to having double capacity at hand.

Alternately, I saw a nice stock that has 1 or 2 shell cut-outs for extra shell(s). That would make a good alternative.

[MADDOG]

-----I put them in the magazine. I just load up 12 of the Mexican shells that are 1 5/8" long.

[ChristopherG]

Both Receiver and Buttstock. I put extra buckshot in the buttstock sleeve and slugs in a 4-shot sidesaddle on the receiver. I download the mag by one so I can jam a slug in for the first round if it seems like a good idea at the time. My HD shotgun (a 20" 870P with a Wilson 2-shot mag extension and walnut furniture) is heavy--but it's an HD gun, and I don't plan on hiking with it; and it's definitely faster for followup shots than many lighter guns I've seen.

[mcwjr13]

5 rounds in a side saddle. Slugs in the side saddle buck shot in the tube.

[X-Rap]

I would suggest shooting some blue rock with your defense gun loaded both ways and see if the score is as good. If you hit as well with the heavy load I wouldn't worry. That is just what some of the thought process I'm using.
I think the same goes for loading up a rifle/carbine with everything that will fit. Not that that gear is bad but I think its a good idea to have it removable and carried on the body to lower fatigue. ie. a light or laser in open country daylight vs. a scope and bipod.

[chuckusaret]

Gee, are you expecting a war? I have a Mossberg 500 20" Cruiser(7 +1) loaded with; first one BB followed by six 00's, followed by one rifled slug. All are very deadly loads. If I need more than that it is time to have get backup or time to retreat

[foghornl]

5 slugs in a butt-cuff.

[Gunner4h1r3]

I've tried the 6-shot Sidesaddle on my Mossberg 500 as well as the Uncle Mike's stock sleeve that holds 5 rounds. I like the Sidesaddle better as it holds the shells frimly plus it doesn't slide around the gun during recoil.

[4thPointOfContact]

I used to be one of the one's who carried in a butt-cuff.....until I had to shoot from the opposite shoulder during a class. 12-Gauge shells against the cheek isn't any fun. I still carry a butt-cuff for my lever action, I don't see getting into off-shoulder shoots with it.


I Might go for buttstock carry IF there were a SpeedFeed available for the gun I run, but there isn't at this time. A bandoleer over the shoulder may look a little Pancho Villa-ish, but I don't think my sartorial splendor is going to matter a bit if I need extra shells in the middle of an altercation. The other option I'm looking into is one of the 4 or 6-shell carriers that stack the rounds vertically on the belt.

[Bix]

I used to be one of the one's who carried in a butt-cuff.....until I had to shoot from the opposite shoulder during a class. 12-Gauge shells against the cheek isn't any fun. I still carry a butt-cuff for my lever action, I don't see getting into off-shoulder shoots with it.


I've used one of the Tactical Tailor butt-cuffs for a while and not had a problem shooting from the weak side - though that is a complaint I often hear about cuffs generally.

I've tried the 4 round sidesaddle, the buttcuff, and the shoulder bag. Each is a compromise in a different way. .

[Tactical Ninja]

I have an 870 Express with no tube extension, the field forend and a four-round Sidesaddle. I don't find that it throws the balance off, and with shells oriented brass-up, it's supremely easy and quick to cant the shotgun a bit to the left and load them directly into the feeding port.

I dislike buttcuffs for the reasons already listed - they slide forward on the stock under recoil (unless there's a retaining strap that goes over the buttpad, in which case it catches on clothing) and opposite-side shooting becomes an exercise in discomfort.

I keep a slug in the chamber and four rounds of buck in the tube, with two more of each in the Sidesaddle for a total of six buck and three slugs. I figure that should cover about anything.

[DrDeFab]

Like this: http://www.combatstocks.com/Choate_MARK_6_Thumbhole_Style_Shotgun_Stock_for_Mossberg_500_600_590.cfm

:D

[Girodin]

10 rounds in a box magazine. I love my saiga!

[L_10_shooter]

I have 14 rounds in 2 side saddles on my browning BPS. I made the side saddles out of velcro, nylon web and elastic. Only issue is you have to shorten the forearm.

[BP44]

I keep my handwarmer pocket on my waders full with 30 or so 3 1/2" #3's I am a taciticool goose killer. On a more serious note I dont like anything hanging off a gun that doesnt NEED to be there just keep the shells in your pocket.

[mr.scott]

I've got 8 in the pipe, 1 in the chamber and 4 in a speedfeed stock.

[xx7grant7x]

I put them in the magazine. I just load up 12 of the Mexican shells that are 1 5/8" long.

Aguila! you must be sporting a winchester 1300

[inSight-NEO]

For now, I am using this..but in the 4-shell version:

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo147/photo-NEO/133.jpg

But, if the former setup gives me problems then I will replace it with this:

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo147/photo-NEO/80.jpg

[kidrice]

On my Mossberg 500, I have 8+1 capacity and I have a receiver side saddle with (4) 00 buck an (2) rubber pellet buck and i have a buttstock saddle that holds (5) slugs.

All in all, 20 rounds on my shotgun. Hanging in the closet I have a 55 round bandolier with 00 buck and slugs ready to go.

[Bzonic]

and it feels and looks pretty nice vs a 6 shell holder I think. Add a neoprene stock shell holder if you want even more than 9 shells fully loaded. My saddle was a tac star for about 22 bucks online.

[Kryzen]

I Have A Mossberg 500 And I Use The 6 Shells SideSaddle.I Dont Have Any Problem With Them In This Place.If You Want Put 5 In The Receiver And 5 In The Buttstock,Maybe Get Well Balanced. : D Hehe..

[gentleman987]

Dont really see a need for more than 5 shells if i have to shoot that many times then im screwed so i keep em all in the magazine

[Javelin]

I keep some of my shells in a 20-round drum mag.. .the extra shells I just throw in magazines and keep em just in case the first 20 isn't enough. I'd recommend this setup to anyone that thinks they need some real firepower in a hurry. Otherwise stick with a pump action or something.

;)

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/7740/saigadrummag005vc2.jpg
http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/6969/saigadrummag003mz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/1331/saigamagsnt8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[357wheelgunner]

I've tried almost every way to carry spare ammunition on the gun. I started with a side saddle, then moved to a buttcuff, then back to a side saddle....I will be pulling it off next week when my shorter barrel and mag extension arrive. I just don't trust the carrier to not catch on something, or cause the gun to malfunction in some way. I've tightened the screws for the side saddle too much, causing the action to bind, and I've had a cheap buttcuff fly off during use.

I keep 6 slugs and 6 rounds of buckshot (along with a spare pistol magazine and a flashlight) in one of these, looped around the barrel of my HD gun, because I can sling it over my neck no matter what I'm wearing, or not wearing at the time:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/357wheelgunner/Shooting/Picture080.jpg

[earlthegoat2]

uh, the chamber, then the magazine

[TeamPrecisionIT]

I shoot ambidextrously so having ammo on the shotgun doesn't work real well for me, so I have a carry pouch that goes on my person in the event the shotgun needs to be deployed into action.

Damian

[ArmedBear]

I like leather belt slides.:)

[The Bushmaster]

I hunt upland game birds with my Browning BSS 12 gauge. I wear a belt with 25 loops and will support my side arm...

[Girodin]

uh, the chamber, then the magazine

That is an interesting definition of extra, particularly the chamber part.

[Jack2427]

I wonder how many BGs some of you guys are planning on meeting, on the other hand, better to have it and not need it then the reverse. After over 45 years of schleping weapons around professionally, and having taught some 5,000 folks to use tactical weapons, I have come to some moderately clear conclusions:
1. Simpler is always better, even(maybe especially) for pros
2. If you are maintaining a static defensive position you can have more ammo
3. If you assume a static defensive position, do NOT change your tactics in the middle of an active scenario-assuming your initial tactics were thought out
4. Always carry your extra ammo in the same place, train as you will fight
5. You will NOT need a lot of ammo for a HD situation, this is HD not a revolution or social breakdown
6. Never, but NEVER, mix ammo in a magazine, or in an ammo carrier, to do so is courting tactical and legal disaster

I have tried carrying extra SG ammo just about everywhere on me and the weapon. On me, pouches containing 5-6 rounds of the same type of ammo seem to work best. On the weapon, the best is a speed feed stock for 4 rounds, or a butt cuff with 4-6 rounds. I find side saddles have the following drawbacks:
1. If not installed exactly properly they can(will) shoot loose, or bind the action
2. upset the weapon balance laterally and fore/aft
3. Possibly affect the functions of recoil operated semi auto weapons

The butt cuff will not do any of the above, except add weight on the stock, which will not affect recoil operated weapons due to the aft placement. The butt cuff must be good quality and NOT move, secure it either by tight fit, velcro, or snaps or glue it in place-not with Elmers glue.

The reason you do not want to mix ammo is because in the aftermath of a HD shooting(and there WILL be an aftermath), you do not want to be asked by the attorney for the deceased why you did not use the less deadly rounds you had available, or why you used the most destructive rounds you had available. This is why having any less lethal ammo even available is not a good idea.
All professional organizations (police mlitary etc) have policies in place prohibiting the mixing of ammo in mags and carriers. Many even prohibit the carrying of more than one type of ammo at a time. There are very sound reasons for this, and even though I like having a couple of slugs available, I avoid carrying any more than 2 types of ammo. Which ammo BTW is ALWAYS buckshot or slugs, nothing else, and I mean nothing.
In some places, Kosovo and Bosnia come to mind, we used shtoguns more than any other weapon, and after shooting a few rounds under pressure one tends to forget what rounds he put where.
In fact it was experience in those 2 places that led to the using of different colored stocks for weapons with less lethal ammo in them, usually orange or yellow.
Obviously some folks (including me) forgot exactly in what order the ammo was loaded in, and when picking ammo from pouch or bandoleer grabbed the "wrong" round.
I know I am kind of a crank on this matter, but I have been actively involved in absolutely every aspect of defensive shootings, and some really unpleasant stuff can come down on well intentioned folks.
Two other rules to remember:
1. If something can go wrong-it WILL
2. No good deed goes unpunished

Covered under #2 above is using ammo that is less likely to be lethal, like birdshot. You do not want two versions of what happened available to police or attorneys, sorry but that is the way it is. If you are going to use lethal force, make it lethal, and then be able to articulate why you did so clearly and BRIEFLY. "I thought I and my family were going to be killed so I shot him to stop him".
OK EOR (end of rant)

[jakemccoy]

Thank you for the info folks. Jack, that's particularly useful info.

[Sir Aardvark]

I took a shotgun class with Bill Murphy - Bill is a Huntington Beach, CA SWAT Officer and runs the Shotgun course at Gunsite, along with also running his own firearms training business in Southern California.

He was able to pass-on some pearls of wisdom based on his years of experience of having actually "Been There, Done That".

Bill's shotgun is a Remington 870 Police Model with the basic 4-shot magazine, no extension tube, and an 18" Rifle-sighted barrel.

He has stated that he has never been in a firefight with a shotgun where he has had to fire more than 3 rounds.

He has a 6-shot sidesaddle from Adventurer's Outpost where he carries Buckshot.
He states that the sidesaddle from Adventurer's Outpost is the ONLY sidesaddle that has not failed during the Gunsite's 5-day shotgun course - other sidesaddles will shear off the metal screws that hold them to the receiver, thus making the shotgun inoperable.
Also, receiver-mounted sights, such as ghost-ring sights, tend to become disengaged from the receiver during this 5-day course, that's why he recommends the rifle-sighted barrel.

He also has a Butt-Cuff that he carries slugs in.
In addition to the slugs in his Butt-cuff, he also carries 2 slugs in his right pocket - this is because the Huntington Beach Police Dept. requires its officers to be certified to shoot slugs, and not all officers have taken the training class - so... just in case one of his fellow officers hands Bill his shotgun, Bill will now have a slug available, no matter what.

The main point of all of the above is that Bill keeps ALL of his Buckshot on the LEFT side of the shotgun, and ALL of the Slugs on the RIGHT side of the shotgun, or, in his RIGHT pocket.
This makes it very simple to remember what it is that you're loading into your gun: BUCKSHOT=LEFT; SLUGS=RIGHT.

Bill carries his 4-shell magazine loaded with only 3 shells of Buckshot, this way he can transition quickly to a Slug by either loading it through the magazine port, or by doing a "Combat Reload" by tossing it into the open receiver. He strongly recommends against loading magazines with mixed ammo, because you're either going to forget whats in there, or, the round that's next might not be the one that you need.

I find it funny how more than a few people completely accessorize their shotgun with all of the Tacti-Cool stuff that's available, but, they really have no idea of the quality or utility of all of the parts that they have just installed.

If you have not already taken a Shotgun training class, I highly recommend that you do.

[357wheelgunner]

He has a 6-shot sidesaddle from Adventurer's Outpost where he carries Buckshot.
He states that the sidesaddle from Adventurer's Outpost is the ONLY sidesaddle that has not failed during the Gunsite's 5-day shotgun course - other sidesaddles will shear off the metal screws that hold them to the receiver, thus making the shotgun inoperable.

Anyone have a link to this side saddle, and know the difference between it and the Tacstar unit?

[ChCx2744]

Sir Aardvark said:

He has a 6-shot sidesaddle from Adventurer's Outpost where he carries Buckshot.
He states that the sidesaddle from Adventurer's Outpost is the ONLY sidesaddle that has not failed during the Gunsite's 5-day shotgun course - other sidesaddles will shear off the metal screws that hold them to the receiver, thus making the shotgun inoperable.
Also, receiver-mounted sights, such as ghost-ring sights, tend to become disengaged from the receiver during this 5-day course, that's why he recommends the rifle-sighted barrel.

I understand that your "instructor" advised you that certain aftermarket parts are not as good quality as what you mentioned, but in some departments, you can train with a stock factory weapon and add the aftermarket parts later. I'm not sure if the course you are talking about requires you to train with EVERYTHING that will be on your shotgun or you plan to put on it, but in my department, you train with the shotgun you bring and are certified with it forever. You can add whatever the heck you want afterwards, as long as you: 1) use the ammo the dept gives you 2) keep only 4 rounds in the mag (even if you have an 8 rnd extension) 3) qualify with the shotgun once a year.

Just because certain parts are deemed "crap" during a training course, doesn't mean you can't use them in the field. The way you use your shotgun in the field may not ALWAYS be as punishing as a training course. I know for a fact that what you say is valid, because of course a tactical shotgun qualification and training course is going to beat up your gun and the parts on it. It is better to just take EVERYTHING OFF and use the bare, factory shotgun to qualify/train, and slap on the goodies afterwards. That way you can have the best of both worlds. Plus, it is easier to train with the crap off. I know people say, "Train with what you are going to use," but I am a firm believer of saving parts and money. Why waste $70 dollars worth of upgrades during a rough training course, when you can just take it all off and put it all back on? It's kind of like running a PT gauntlet while wearing your finest Armani suit. Why not just run the gauntlet in your underwear and put the suit on later? Yes, feel free to flame my clothing analogy :)

[357wheelgunner]

Why waste $70 dollars worth of upgrades during a rough training course, when you can just take it all off and put it all back on?

You train with what you use because you don't want parts on a defensive weapon that could fail when you need them most.

Why the hell would anyone use parts that fail in a training class?

[wnycollector]

I have a maverick 88 security that I store "cruiser ready" loaded with low recoil 00 buck. I have 6 extra 00 buck rounds on a elastic butt cuff. Elastic butt cuffs are notorious for moving/sliding around and mine was no different. After posting a question about my problem, I unscrewed the recoil pad and slid the edge of the cuff under it. Tightened it back and it stays in place just fine! Thanks again Gottahaveone!

I also store two extra low recoil slugs in a bullet wrap that mounts on the barrel/mag tube. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=451625

[Dave McCracken]

I forget who made the first SS, like the one on my HD 870. It's been on there since the early 80s. Comes off when I deep clean, goes back on.

At least 1K shells through it that time, more likely 2K. Mostly buck and slugs. When I did 3 gun with it, typical COFs ran 50-60 rounds, shot inside rather short time frames.

No probs to report.

This SS holds 5, had to trim it one rounds worth so it'd fit around the base to the Lyman peep sight.

2 round extension, and kept loaded with 5 rounds in the mag.

The SS holds 3 rounds of buck and two slugs, JIC.

Once or twice a year I take it out, fire off the rounds in the mag and the two slugs, clean it and load it up with fresh stuff.

No probs there either.

[JohnBT]

"The shotgun will be propped in corner, muzzle down."

I keep 5 extra shells in a second shotgun next to the first shotgun. I won't be doing any house clearing. If I need to go downstairs for some bizarre reason, I have plenty of ammo handy.

John

[Bubba613]

I have a Rem 870 yth 20ga with 3 in the magazine. I have 15 more rounds in boxes by the bed. If I need more than that, I've probably had it anyway. For bump in the night, I use a 629 with .44spc. For real burglers I use 911.

[JohnBT]

"you do not want to be asked by the attorney for the deceased why you did not use the less deadly rounds you had available, or why you used the most destructive rounds you had available. This is why having any less lethal ammo even available is not a good idea."

If I even get on the stand. Don't assume facts not in evidence. :) The burden of proof is on them, right?

Answer: It was dark when the unfortunately-now-deceased broke into my home by kicking down the door and woke me up and being a hunter the only shells I had to defend myself with were hunting loads...slugs, buckshot, Hevi-Shot and bird shot.

Nothing like the truth.

John

[MAX100]

Mag tube extension carries my extra shells. I also have shell belt if needed. I don't like to add to much weight to a shotgun.


GC

[inSight-NEO]

"you do not want to be asked by the attorney for the deceased why you did not use the less deadly rounds you had available, or why you used the most destructive rounds you had available. This is why having any less lethal ammo even available is not a good idea."

This would be an interesting argument. I can see it now.."Yes, I should have used rounds that wouldnt have killed him as effectively or quickly." Hmm..dead is dead. Attorneys and mis-guided laws.......(no comment).

[chuckusaret]

I have a Mossberg 500 12 ga 20" barrel cruiser=1 in the chamber 7 in the pipe plus 6 in a saddle on the receiver if I need more I go to my back up>Springfield XD40 sub compact 12 round mag plus two spare 12 round mags loaded with Federal JHP. In a home invasion I doubt that more than one shot would be fire.

[chuckusaret]

Gee, I missed John BT input, but John, what is the difference of being shot in the chest or head with #8 birdshot at ten feet or with 00 buck at ten feet, the 3 to 5 inch #8 shot pattern would only penatrate about 4 inches and the 00 (eqv to eight 32 caliber bullets) would go clear thru the person. In both cases the person would most likely be dead.

[Sinixstar]

the way I figure it - if you run through what's in the tube, and the threat is still so immediate that you must reload NOW - the fact that you're stuck reloading in the first place means you're probably screwed.
If you're that worried about it, get an HD gun with a longer tube...

[Sinixstar]

Gee, I missed John BT input, but John, what is the difference of being shot in the chest or head with #8 birdshot at ten feet or with 00 buck at ten feet, the 3 to 5 inch #8 shot pattern would only penatrate about 4 inches and the 00 (eqv to eight 32 caliber bullets) would go clear thru the person. In both cases the person would most likely be dead.


There's been much discussion, and much testing on this subject. Birdshot is for birds - period. 4 inches of penetration is VERY generous. #8 Bird shot would probably not make it past a rib.

I mean - look at the guy Dick Cheney shot. Face shot, close range, no big deal. The guy's biggest problem was that he was like 90 years old, and literally had a heart attack over it.
So - if you're planning on scaring someone to death, good choice in load. If you want to absolutely be sure that your hit is going to count - save the bird shot for birds.

[inSight-NEO]

Its interesting how this thread morphed into the type(s) of HD loads used and the various advantanges/disadvantages thereof. I guess Ill throw in my 2 cents.

I have been considering the use of low recoil Federal LE 00-Buck during the colder months (intruders will more than likely be layered up with clothing) and using #4 or #7 Birdshot during the warmer months (the likelihood of less clothing). Im not sure if the clothing thing plays a significant role here, but I have read several accounts of this being a definate factor. If nothing else, its an interesting thought.

[ChCx2744]

just get a 6 round buttcuff and 6 round side saddle. if you are feeling giddy, that 50 round bandolier is great too.