Shotshell carrier

[DragonFire]

I competed in a shotgun match this weekend (which was waaaay cool) and now see a need for a better way to carry shotshells to speed up reloading.

I was using a regular shotshell belt, which has been okay, but with all the extra clothing because of the cold weather, I couldn't really even see the shells (no fat jokes please).

Many people had the carriers that hold 4 or 6 shells, and attaches to a belt. But one of the better shooters said that carrying on or across your chest would probably be the best way.

I've searched the internet and found:
banoliers: most carry way more shells then I'd need (or would want to carry) and I think the shotgun would be in the way of many of the shells on a quick reload

tactical vests: closer to what I think I want, but I don't want to spend $200 for a vest I'll wear 4 or 5 times a year, and I don't need the ability to carry every holster/pouch/gadget known to man

"shotgunner's vests": They'd allow me to carry a good number of shells, but most have the shells in pockets or otherwise "protected" and would slow down getting the shells out.


Anybody know of a vest that would carry a reasonable number of shells (say 2 dozen or less) on or across the chest in a way the would allow quick access (and still be somewhat secure while moving?

Any other methods that I should consider?

 

[SIRVEYR666]

Try this:

http://www.impactguns.com/store/751103011577.html

It's what I use and it seems to work okay. I'm new to 3-gun matches, so my mind may be changed when I gain more experience.

I'm not a big fan of "tacticool vests". I'll put used chewing gum on the receiver to hold extra rounds before I wear one of them.

 

[Chris Rhines]

Okay, first read this thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=230139

Then, come back here and tell us what kind of shotgun you have, and what method you use to load it.

I will tell you that the fastest shotgunners generally load from belt-mounted speed strippers.

- Chris

 

[DragonFire]

I have a Remington 870 pump. It has a 6 shell side saddle, and holds 4 in the stock. To reload, I usually turn the gun over, resting the stock either on my chest or high waist.

I don't want to go to speed loaders, since that will put me into another category.

What I'm looking for is a way to carry extra rounds so that I have the least amount of movement from the carrier to the gun. I think if I can find a way to carry them on or near my chest, it would significantly reduce the reload time.

 

[Chris Rhines]

A speed stripper is not a speedloader. Two different things.
Speed Stripper: http://www.riflestock.com/catalog_p...ductCode=28&ProductSubCodeID=181&NewProduct=0
Speedloader: http://www.gunaccessories.com/TecLoader/index.asp

I've seen a few shooters use chest carriers and bandoleers. They're not very popular. The best ones are made by 3GunGear. I tried running a bandoleer for a while, but it was much slower than the belt-mounted speed strippers I use now.

- Chris

 

[Gatordad699]

This seems to be what you are looking for: http://www.3gungear.com/Pages/46_chest_carrier_dump_pouch.html

Most people I have seen at shotgun and 3 gun matches use a belt mounted system of some kind.

 

[Hoser]

I am one of the guys that loads weak hand from the belt. I have a couple Progressive Machine and several Choate 4 round holders on my belt. I have long fingers, but I cant get 6 rounds in my hand and not fumble a round or two. So I just stick with the 4 round strippers.

3GunGear makes great stuff, but Mark can be somewhat slow on delivery.

 

[another okie]

I am currently using a bandoleer, but planning to change to belt-mounted holders. The bandoleer tends to give as you pull the shells, making it harder to get them out, plus you can usually only get two out at a time.

 

[DragonFire]

That's why I was looking for another option. I don't think bandoliers are a good answer, but I think that having shells across your chest should save time vs having them on your belt.

I've tried the speed loaders and I wasn't very thrilled with handling 4 or 6 shells at a time. We competed in the cold this weekend, and the people with them were having a very hard time coordinating their cold fingers.

The carriers on the 3gun site are more of what I was thinking, but I don't really want to spend the $60 for them.