"Little Skeeters"?

[Ugly Sauce]

Anyone use these? These are 20 gauge to 410. I got a couple for my Savage 24V, .30WCF over 20 gauge. The ejector slips under the rim, so they don't work in the 24V. The problem is with the gun though, as the ejector is "wobbly" and I can see the problem. Works fine with the 20 gauge shot shells, but it must be marginal.

Anyhow, and so, they work perfectly in my Savage 219 single shot, which is another one of my "trekking" or wilderness survival guns. The idea being that I can carry more 410's, for the same amount of weight, as 20 gauge shot shells. Weighing both, I can carry close to two 410's for every one 20 gauge shot shell. The 410's out of the insert throw a good useful pattern.

They eject fine, and the fired shell pushes right out of the insert using a loaded/unfired shell as the "pusher". I can't find anything not to like. With some Brenekke slugs for protection, or venison back-straps, and a bunch of 410's, maybe a few 20gauge shot shells, (might be better to shoot a turk with a 20, rather than a 410) and paired with a .22LR pistol, I think I can live off the land for a while, if I had to.

I really wish they'd work in the 24V, perhaps I can find a new ejector for it that works.

 

[PapaG]

I have several Savage 410ers. They don't work with ejectors. Briley makes inserts called "Sidekicks" that will but you have to call out the gun they'll be used in. Pricey but good.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I have heard of the Sidekicks. Those would be nice, but $$$$. Yes pricey. Little Skeeters...not pricey. For my purposes, small game in a survival situation, and the ability to carry twice the amount of shells, compared to just using 20 gauge, the Little Skeeters are working quite well. The 410's don't stick in the inserts, push right out, so I can actually reload pretty quickly. In fact, as they sell them in pairs, one can eject the whole mess, and just load the second one as fast as normal reloading. Or in other words, the 219 will eject the insert and empty shell, (the ejector on that thing is crazy strong, would knock your teeth out if you are not careful) so #2, pre-loaded insert/Skeeter is ready to go. If I can't get two grouse, one rabbit, or a squirrel with two shots...then I deserve to starve!

I'm also impressed with the patterns. They are very good. I am quite surprised at them. I plan to get two more of the Little Skeeters for my five-pound single shot 12 gauge 3". Also have two 12gauge doubles. Packing some 410's instead of 12gauge shot-shells will really save some weight.

I imagine those sidekicks cost more than an old and scratched up Savage 219. !!!