Side Saddles on Shotguns (Yay/Nay)

BabaBlueJay · Dec 1, 2023

What are your views on side saddles? Extra capacity is an objective good in firearms, however, there is the counterargument that they can effect the balance of the gun, potentially cause cycling issues in semi-auto shotguns, and potentially could distract from the sights. I am just curious how people here view them and why?

Bald1 · Dec 1, 2023

If it was the end of the world or I was an “operator” in a hostile environment kicking in doors, then sure. For a 18” Mossberg 500 next to my bed? MEH. If worried about balance you can use old school nylon sleeve with loops on stock.

NewLiberty · Dec 1, 2023

Pumps for defensive use get them. However, training/repetition is needed to load from them well.

I am a fan of the fabric ones that attach via a velcro strip to the receiver. I have used the plastic ones as well, but they tend to add bulk, and if stored loaded eventually they loosen up and you lose shells that are brass down (there can be reasons to have some shells up and some down).

The fabric ones can loosen too, but are cheaper/easier to replace when it happens. They add less bulk/weight, and if you carry extras (in a go bag for example), you can just remove the empty carrier and put a full one on there.

BabaBlueJay · Dec 1, 2023

Bald1 said:
If it was the end of the world or I was an “operator” in a hostile environment kicking in doors, then sure. For a 18” Mossberg 500 next to my bed? MEH. If worried about balance you can use old school nylon sleeve with loops on stock.

That is sort of my view on them as well. I am not going to deny the capacity they bring, however, at least for me, the negatives outweigh the +5. I can certainly see why some people feel more comfortable with them though. It is just, that like you, what is in the tube of my Mossberg 500 is more than enough for me to sleep soundly at night.

Even when I duck hunt with it, I have shell holders built into my chest waders that are accessible enough if the need ever arises.

Zoner · Dec 1, 2023

I use Brown Coat Tactical shot cards on my Mossberg 500A HD gun

Hawg Rider · Dec 1, 2023

I vote a big "Yay". The drawback to shotguns for tactical or defensive purposes is the limited number of rounds onboard. The side saddle provides ready access to additional rounds if needed. However, I prefer the shell cards to hard plastic side saddles. I have 5-rd and 7-rd shell cards (e.g. Esstac), which attach with velcro and have elastic loops. They are relatively inexpensive, and provide lots of options for quickly changing ammo types (buckshot, slugs). They can be easily carried in pockets or pouches, or on a vest. I also have a MatchSaverz 1-rd shell holder mounted in front of the loading port. I recently attended a 10-hr Defensive Shotgun and shot over 250 rounds of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. I never noticed the additional weight of the shell cards or MatchSaverz, but I was sure glad to have ready access to the additional ammo when I was reloading!

BAM-BAM · Dec 1, 2023

My little 20 gauge 510 Youth model [anyone in the family can use] only holds 3 so 5 [3buck/2slugs] on the butt in an elastic sleeve are a welcome addition for grab and go.

rockquarry · Dec 1, 2023

Pure gunfighting theorist gimmick unless you're in a real war. Keep it simple. Four or five rounds is a lot more than you think it is, especially with a shotgun.

2152hq · Dec 1, 2023

'My Pillow' may offer some soft cuddly PJ's with loops sewn into the front for over nite secure snoozing. Maybe a bandoleer is the answer.

I never cared for any of the extra ammo pouch
or carrier hanger-on-things that attach to the firearm.
I do put extra shells in my pocket though.

fmflorida · Dec 1, 2023

Depending on what the purpose of the shotgun is....yes.

I have an 870 with a sidesaddle to give me extra shells. In my experience it doesn't add much weight or bulk.

I believe Clint Smith said it best....you will fight with what's in the gun and what's on the gun.

Id much rather have extra ammo on the gun in the event it's necessary than not.

If the shotgun is just a "fun" gun and not something I intend to use for any specific purpose, then I see no need.

CH4 · Dec 1, 2023

If I want extra ammo for a personal SD shotgun, I will buy one with an extended mag tube.

squidsix · Dec 1, 2023

I have some loops on the stock of my defense guns, purely to add slugs to the gun which is typically loaded with shot.
Stuffing a slug into the gun fast has been the answer to a couple of problems in the past, and not having them on the gun would have made that impossible at those times.

NYlakesider · Dec 1, 2023

CH4 said:
If I want extra ammo for a personal SD shotgun, I will buy one with an extended mag tube.

As a person that does not like guns that look like they belong to a gun accessory salesman, I do not do much accessorizing.

I have two Mossberg pumps handy for possible use in interesting situations.

I have a nine shot tube magazine feed and a 10 round detachable magazine gun. Hopefully it will not be needed at all but if called on I also keep a bandoleer close to each gun with extras.

FWIW we (wife & I) live rural and there is the possibility of 4 legged problems along with two legged ones. My shotguns are set to first fire 5 rounds of 00 buck followed up with slugs.

For the record not a fan of most add on items as I subscribe to the KISS principal.

BabaBlueJay · Dec 1, 2023

squidsix said:
I have some loops on the stock of my defense guns, purely to add slugs to the gun which is typically loaded with shot.
Stuffing a slug into the gun fast has been the answer to a couple of problems in the past, and not having them on the gun would have made that impossible at those times.

I keep 3 slugs in my waders while duck hunting because we have many black bear sightings where I live. I understand that reasoning completely.

Markpixs · Dec 1, 2023

Think the real concern is practice your reloading from the holders or pockets, still lots of opportunity to fumble getting them in the magazine under stress. Can see a quick one to the open chamber but otherwise maybe the NY reload (a handy spare). If I've fired 5 to 8 rounds of buckshot and there's still a problem, time to up the game - AR, ranch rifle or hi-cap - or stay out of some situations. Not a LEO or doorkicker so different for others.

s&wchad · Dec 1, 2023

I've got a side saddle on this little 12 gauge, but the Fed's say it's not a shotgun.

CH4 said:
If I want extra ammo for a personal SD shotgun, I will buy one with an extended mag tube.

My SD shotgun has an extended mag tube, but it also stores 4 additional shells in the stock. No such thing as too much ammo, unless you're climbing a mountain or you fall in a lake!

Hair Trigger · Dec 1, 2023

I don't care for anything hard attached to the receiver, but I have a soft one that stretches over the buttstock that holds 5, and a padded sling that has loops for 15 more. Plug is out of the magazine. If I thought I'd ever need 25 rounds, I should audition for The Walking Dead.

But you never know....

Ivan the Butcher · Dec 1, 2023

I own two 500's, one 870, & two 97's. I have nylon sleaves for the butts. I Live in town now, so the risk of a late night unwelcome visit is higher, but the neighbors are very close. My SD gun has a 1325fps, 1 1/8 ounce, 7 1/2 shot. that will mess up anything at across the room distances, and hopefully none of the shot makes it into the next condo.

Police training shows that people are the slowest game animals and easy to hit unless on a motorcycle or car. The balance and swing of a 8 to 10 round shotgun is NOT a thing of beauty!

My BOB shotgun is a Savage Model 24C 22LR/20 gauge With a nylon sleave. I carry two boxes of twenty mixed sizes: 5- No4 Buck; 5- Slugs; 5 #4 birdshot: & 5- # 7 1/2 birdshot. Times two=40 rounds 20 gauge and two 100 packs of CCI Mini-Mags, sling and detachable low power scope zeroed for the mini-mags. I'm already at my weight & bulk limits!

I would prefer to never fire any gun is SD/anger, but some people just won't let sleeping wolves lie.

Ivan

Bald1 · Dec 1, 2023

S&WCHAD, here in NY they outlawed the “other” labeled firearms. I always thought they served great as a home defense option. Especially with the seemingly endless choices of shells. And they are affordable.

375hh1973 · Dec 1, 2023

My HD shotgun is a Benelli M4. Loaded with #1 buck, ready to go chamber loaded. It wears a side saddle with 6 additional rounds. Have practiced reloading many times to be comfortable.

It also wears a Leupold DeltaPoint RDS.

Side Saddles on Shotguns (Yay/Nay)

Side saddles on shotguns?

Yay

Nay

Exclusively on pumps

Sometimes

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