What makes a good shell pouch?

[Lucky]

Out plinking tossing shells in pants pockets is awkward. I wonder how other people carry a couple boxes of shells on them?

Looking at Cheapertandirt there's a 50-round bandolier, but that can't be comfortable and seems less practical. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SHT020-1135-2159.html

There's also a sort of purse with flaps which has me interested http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/41826-11061-2158.html

And another pouch that says ammo won't fall out of it. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE450-41869-1975.html


So shotgun shell pouches require a shoulder strap, due to weight? What was that thing the guy had on his thigh in Way of the Gun? Do those work?

 

[Oldnamvet]

Lucky - take a look at what skeet and trap users have on. They usually hold a box of shells and the empties for one round. Mine holds a box of shells along with a couple of extras and has a bag underneath for the empty hulls (keep your range clean). The whole thing buckles on and does not get in the way of the gun. Some people use vests that have a build in recoil pad as well room for even more shells. There are lots of things to carry shells out there ranging from about $15 up to nearly $100. But no one in those clay games carries a bandolier. That would get in the way and be clumsy to use.

 

[PJR]

I've tried a couple of systems but like this type of half-vest better than anything.

 

[Milkmaster]

It may be a little simplistic. It may even embarrass my son when I go to the trap range with him because it isn't "cool". I use a "nail apron" from a building supply store. It holds a box of shells in the left side. I transfer 5 shells to the right side each time I rotate in order to not forget. I think it cost me 99 cents at home depot. I shoot an auto or pump, so my hulls hit the ground anyway.

My son uses a two bin pouch on his side that holds a box of shells in the top and a bigger pouch to put his spent hulls. He shoots and O/U and puts his hull in the pouch after each shot.

The vests are great too except in the southern summer when it can be 95 degrees and just as humid.

 

[dwwhite]

Lucky,

Sorry I don't have any pictures to display, but in my experience the best pouches are those that keep a full box at the top open for easy access, you can find these in just about any configuration and quality, from nylon that slides onto your own belt to custom leather with its own belt/buckle set. Like anything in the shotgun sports, you can pay whatever you want.

If you're planning on collecting your empties, a vest comes in handy, as these will generally have a large pocket that will hold 100 or so, a vest also distributes the weight a little better and will probably have a recoil pad, which is a plus on days when you're shooting multiple rounds, esp. in the summer when you don't have mutiple layers of clothing between yourself and the gun. (I know, I know, proper fit will seriously reduce felt recoil, but after 250 rounds of heavy trap loads, even a tough guy like me can develop a flinch )

Re: the bandolier, can't argue the tacticool factor, however, I have noticed that at the range, the noise you'll hear is not from those laughing with you, but at you.

All that said, the best pouch I've found is the box the shells come in. Fold back the lid and tuck it into your front pocket (or belt if you don't wear wranglers) and pick up your empties between rounds.

 

[sm]

I prefer the old leather shell pouches with a divider inside to separate the shells from fired hulls.
I used to win these [custom made] and some were lost in a fire, others I gave to special folks along with the range bags of leather as well.

10x
I still have one 10x shell pouch and matching range bad - somewhere.

Now-a-days, I really do just show up, use whatever gun, ammo, shell pouch and all is handy.

Last time out I used the Leather belt and "pouch" workman use. Harbor Freight Special and works fine.

I have used canvas clothespin bags, these work fine.

My role is dispel myths, focus on skill and not gear.
<elbow to my side>
"He is being a rebel is what he is doing"
Lady friend said I should type that for some reason...
<oomp!>

 

[Lucky]

Heh. So you all don't think a shoulder-strap is necessary, most sound like they use something fastened around the waist without problems.

 

[DutchmanDick]

If you don't mind carrying the shells loose, try geting an old East German gas mask bag. They are cheap and have decent capacity (I use one as a shooting bag to carry all the stuff for my CVA inline muzzleloader).

 

[ArmedBear]

Does Louis Vuitton make a shell pouch?

 

[Snarlingiron]

I find a SAW pouch to be about ideal. It has a pair of elastic lips under the top, which is removable. Easily holds ~2 boxes of 12 ga ammo. The eleastic lips prevent the ammo from dumping out in the case you have to go belly down, or whatever. I bought mine from Omaha surplus in Fort Worth for ~ 12.95 each.

Saw Pouch

Obvoiously they have gone up a bit.

 

[RNB65]

The Browning Signature bags are excellent. I've got one I've had for 12 years or more and it looks almost brand new.

 

[normal]

+1 on the nail apron. Not very cool, but very functional.

 

[jrfoxx]

I agree with SM

I prefer the old leather shell pouches with a divider inside to separate the shells from fired hulls.

I still have, and use, 2 that my dad bought 20 years ago.We both used them regularly for many years for skeet and trap.Holds about a box and a half or so of live shels in one section, and the same in empties in the other.Open topped, held in place with a synthetic belt that goes around the waist.They work great, hold plenty, are easy to get live rounds out, and spent ones in, and with the pouch over a hip, you could wear it all day full and not really notice it.Dont know what he paid for them, or what they go for now, but I cant imagine it's very much at all....

 

[sargenv]

I practice the same way I hunt. When I go to the shotgun range, I just use the same vest I use when I go Dove hunting. It'll hold a box of shells in each pocket and if I'm shooting Sporting clays (100 shells), I'll load a box each in my pockets and put 2 boxes in the rear game pocket. If I want specialty loads, I put them in the loops provided (room for an additional 24 shells).

It doesn't cost much and it feels the same as when I'm actually hunting.

 

[USMC Tanker]

I use a tan Maxpedition Rollypoly pouch. You can rig it up to any belt or even MOLLE platforms.

There's the Mini Rollypoly, Rollypoly, and Mega Rollypoly however, I've found the standard Rollypoly (medium size) to be perfect. Rollypoly's roll up and secure out of the way when you don't need it and don't take up too much space on your belt.

It's made out of very tough material, has a velco lid if you choose to use it, and an elastic opening to retain shells, mags, etc.

I highly recommend the Rollypoly, used it in Iraq, and use it for shells and dump pouches at the range.

Give it a shot: Maxpedition

 

[Kacerdias]

The NRA store has a wonderful all-leather shell pouch for sale. I bought one and was pleasantly surprised - it's very supple leather and well made. Grab one while they still sell it and support the organization that defends your 2A rights.

http://www.nrastore.com/nra/Product.aspx?productid=SS 22106