Side Saddle or no?

[AliasNeo07]

My first gun was a Mossberg 500a I bought locally a few years back. It was used and came with a Tac Star side saddle. This gun has really just been sitting around. I'd like to get it checked out, get it outfitted the way I want, and start running it.

I've been searching everywhere for info on side saddles. A search on this forum turned up nothing, but other forums/websites have left me undecided. The only reason I would NOT want one is because of reliability concerns. You experienced shotgunners...or people that have run courses, etc, how do you feel about side saddles and their effect on reliability? Any particular brands?



As a secondary question, I don't have a particularly good way of mounting a light. It's an 18.5 inch barrel and a 5+1 so I don't have a lot of real estate, and I don't want to shell out for a surefire forend. I bought this mount from some small company years ago (dont remember the name.) It has left some scarring on the mag tube (don't care) but how likely is it that a clamp directly on the mag tube will bind the spring, etc?

Thx for the help. I'll be taking this to Chad to get it checked out/replace the mag spring (I can't get the stupid mag tube off) and I'd like to get it as squared away as possible before I take it in.

 

[Dospetz]

I can't speak to a Mossberg, but I have an 8 round side saddle on my Benelli M4 and had one on the M1014 I carried in Iraq. Both came from Mesa Tactical and replaced the picatiny rail at the top. I like the side saddle as an efficient means of carrying more ammunition and haven't had any problems with them.

 

[mopar92]

Elzetta light. Clamps to barrel. Take channelocks to the mag tube.

 

[rouchna]

I have a Tacstar side saddle and it hasn't given me any issues. I've been shooting mostly slugs. The only reason I'm thinking of taking it off is the weight it adds when it's loaded.

 

[INMY01TA]

Personally I prefer a buttcuff on the stock as the sidesaddle adds weight and bulk in the middle.

 

[swinokur]

Light brackets

www.cdmgear.com

I have a 4 shot Tacstar on my 870 instead of 6 shot to keep the weight down. Don't over tighten the mountng screws as it will bind the receiver. I used a dab of blue loctite too.

Mine has been 100% reliable.

 

[jimbobborg]

I have one on my 11-87 loaded up with buckshot. It keeps the ammo handy if I ever have to use it without having to load up the shotgun. I don't remember who made mine.

 

[lax]

I like the mesa as well. Its a stout piece.

 

[mrozowjj]

I don't really see the point of a side saddle. In a tactical situation it's much quicker to pull a reload from a belt caddy. Plus on a semi you can induce malfunctions by having a side saddle if you torque it down too hard and bend or pinch the receiver.

If you're hunting just get a belt bag from Walmart for cheap and call it a day.

 

[Silverlode]

I don't really see the point of a side saddle. In a tactical situation it's much quicker to pull a reload from a belt caddy. Plus on a semi you can induce malfunctions by having a side saddle if you torque it down too hard and bend or pinch the receiver.

If you're hunting just get a belt bag from Walmart for cheap and call it a day.

Good points, but personally, the shotgun I use for home defense I have a side saddle on and a butt cuff (similar to the previous pictured). In a pinch, buck naked in the middle of the night, I just want to be able to grab my shotgun and not have to worry about filling pockets or strapping on a belt.

 

[BUFF7MM]

I had one on my Mossberg 930spx and I took it off, it just seemed like it threw the gun off balance with the extra shells in it.

 

[mrozowjj]

Good points, but personally, the shotgun I use for home defense I have a side saddle on and a butt cuff (similar to the previous pictured). In a pinch, buck naked in the middle of the night, I just want to be able to grab my shotgun and not have to worry about filling pockets or strapping on a belt.

I knew someone was going to say that but I will say this, if you want more than 8-ish rounds then a shotgun is not a good choice for home defense. As counter intuitive as it might seem the 5.56 round is actually less likely to penetrate walls than buckshot so you'd be better off with an AR rocking a 30 round mag.

 

[Silverlode]

I knew someone was going to say that but I will say this, if you want more than 8-ish rounds then a shotgun is not a good choice for home defense. As counter intuitive as it might seem the 5.56 round is actually less likely to penetrate walls than buckshot so you'd be better off with an AR rocking a 30 round mag.

Agreed. That is why I have an AR hanging in the closet right over the shotgun. But if I want a shotgun, everything previously mentioned applies. If you are shooting in a competition it is probably much easier to pull from a belt or pockets that you had ample time to fill up and strap on before you got started. If it's an emergency, it is what it is.

 

[Jeip24]

If you end going with a side saddle get one from Mesa tactical. It's worth spending the extra coin.

 

[clandestine]

I prefer the Velcro and Elastic side saddles. It allows someone to reload the side saddle from a vest or belt carrier.

 

[Magnumite]

I've used a 6 shell sidesaddle for years. You can top off or reload quickly and never leave the shouldered position while covering an area. Distance is time.

 

[Darkemp]

I prefer the Velcro and Elastic side saddles. It allows someone to reload the side saddle from a vest or belt carrier.

+1. I keep 5 in an elastic butt saddle on formerly my 500A but it's now on my new 590. I've had that same elastic one for about 10 years. I've also got 25 in a belt next to the gun that works well over the shoulder.

 

[Gaius Baltar]

i have NEVER had a side saddle on my shotguns or those "tactial slings" that hold shells. the weight doesn't feel right.

if you need to shoot >6 shots rapidly, then a shotgun is not my first choice. another vote for elastic butt saddle, and a couple of shells in your pocket.

 

[ProShooter]

I have a tacstar on my 870...works great.

I have a light too...its called "muzzle flash"

 

[AliasNeo07]

I have a light too...its called "muzzle flash"