Accessorize or leave it be?

[CZ52GUY]

replies

re: Dispensing with Side-saddle for multi-purpose application. There are other alternatives for extra ammo'...the side-saddle is conveniently located. I've heard some really like the speed feed arrangement and work hard at integrating it into their system. For a multi-purpose shotty, might be just the ticket.

re: Functionality of Heat Shield...depends on how you shoot it and how you do your reloads. I know there are some systems where it's tube always, non-dom' hand...keeps it simple...one point of entry, the business hand always at the ready. The evolution of my style of reloading has me going to the Side-saddle more and more...less emphasis on the forearm band. With a 1/4 left turn and a short LOP stock, the barrel and my bare arm seldom get in close proximity anymore. However, for gaming...depends on the stage...I can see potential for using the 8-shell forearm band on a shoot 'til you puke stage...so I leave it on there. For some, there is utility, for others it's cosmetic. My motivation to try it was utilitarian...works for me, if you don't need it, the $25 is probably better spent on ammo'.

Keep safe,

CZ52'

 

[Robo_Railer]

Now, go_bang's reply was what I look for when I ask opinions of something. "Here's why I decided to try something else." A downside someone else noticed doesn't mean it won't work for me, but it's one more thing to keep in mind when I'm test-driving one.

I never liked how the side saddle through off the balance of the gun.

First time I've ever seen anything about the side-mounted shell carriers affecting gun balance, but it's food for thought: Do I want to go bonkers with one of those eight-round jobbers, or keep it at six? Maybe with an AR-type stock, I won't notice it.

In it's place I might get a shoulder strap that can hold a few rounds, but between 6 rounds in the mag and four in the speed-feed that is probably enough.

Along those same lines, I have a sling on my Ithaca 37 that holds ten rounds. It's a sturdy, wide, padded sling, good for "standing all day at a roadblock," as somebody put it. Shortly after I installed the sling, the 37 went to live at my parents' house, and I acquired my Mossberg. That sling has never been to the range, and I haven't fired the Ithaca for quite awhile.
Just last night, I was comparing the weight and fit of the 37 and my 500A. When I hefted the 37, I noticed the loaded sling seemed to "pendulum" below the shotgun. (Not badly, but enough that I noticed it.)
With some range time, I can decide if it's (a) not really a problem, or if (b) it can be worked around, or if (c) something different would serve me better.

Another 2¢-worth from me.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Interesting stuff...

...I never experienced any balance problems with my side-saddle...but I guess it would depend on your frame of reference, type of shooting, etc. Certainly anything that throws off your game should be carefully scrutinized, and probably avoided.

I've never tried the shell carrier slings...I've always worried they would flop around when I want to load from them. I did consider them as a possible competition accessory at one point...maybe some place to hold the "load-and-make-ready" shells, but I got into SP slings and never really looked back.

Good thought process though, and well considered given the intent of the owner and experiences that were applied which effected the decision.

re: AR-Type stock...the one accessory (along with a pistol grip) I could never latch onto with a shotty. I've tried them...they shoot great, but the action lock lever is just right there with the Hogue stock on my Mossberg...every pistol grip configuration I've tried got in the way of it. I like to be able to keep my normal stance when dealing with the action lock lever...my shooting partners that put the AR stocks and pistol grip configurations do this contortion which works for them, but I wouldn't call it a firing position. What I hear from them is that the trade-off is reduced recoil...they believe they have better control during very aggressive firing sequences...it's familiar to them from using AR's. They like the collapsible stock for cold weather garb adjustment. They have their reasons, I have mine. We still have fun together making big holes in cardboard, and knocking steel over with birdshot.

Keep safe,

CZ52'

 

[go_bang]

Robo's point of the the shoulder strap swiging about due to the weight of the ammo on it is a good one. I had not thought of that.

CZ, I can see your point about the pistol grip stocks but I see one major flaw with them. The pistol grip comes down from the area that you would normally wrap your hand around if it was not there. This area is also an ideal place to grab the stock if you need to use your shotgun as a bludgeoning weapon because an adversery got too close.

I kind of look at the whole ammo accessibility issue this way. For HD, if I need more than six rounds from the mag and the four from the speed feed I probably screwed up somewhere earlier or am in WAY over my head. On the other hand, it's not that big of a deal to get two of those shotshell belts and clip them together to make a bandolier. You can easily keep it hung next to the shotgun, it only takes a fraction of a second to put it over the head and one arm. I had one of those bandoliers, and that was another reason why I considered the side saddle to be redundant.

 

[Bix]

I keep my mossy in a Loc Box which I believe would preclude me using a frame mounted side saddle, are there side saddles that you can recommend that I could mount on the stock? I tried one of the cheap elastic cloth ones and they work fine until you actually start shooting and then they don't stay put

My storage method precludes the use of a sidesaddle, as well. For extra onboard ammo, I've been using this:

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=267

The TT unit is a major improvement over the elastic slip-on buttcuffs. It absolutely stays put. I've used it in a couple classes and competitions [and compared it with a four-round sidesaddle], and the TT shell holder works well for me.

Stock-mounted shell holders have their downsides (shooting from the weakside shoulder, for example). On the other hand, it puts the weight further back than a reciever-mounted sidesaddle and nicely counterbalances a surefire foreend, IMO. And, of course, it's compatable with my storage requriements.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Replies

I always cringe just a little when someone says that "if I can't get it done with XXX amount of ammo, then"...and I complete hear and respect what you're saying. Likely you have a trusty sidearm as backup also, so you aren't 10-and-done.

I too have both bandoleer and belt, although I don't use them as often as I should on the range.

Interesting on-stock shell carrier setup from Tactical Tailor...with a longer shoulder stock, I'd definitely consider one.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[Bix]

Good point CZ - I should have mentioned that.

I use a 13" LOP stock, and that's about as short as you can go with the TT shell holder. I've tried it on a 12" stock (the Hogue, as a matter of fact) and, as you suggest, it doesn't work.