Imagine this: you’re out in the field, and suddenly, you need more shells. Fast. But fumbling through your pockets or a bulky bag can cost you precious seconds. That’s where a shotgun side saddle comes in. It’s a simple piece of gear that attaches to your shotgun and holds extra shells, ready to go when you are.
But choosing the right side saddle can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds! Some hold more shells than others. Some are made of tough rubber, while others are made of strong plastic. You want one that fits your gun perfectly, doesn’t get in the way, and holds your shells securely. Making the wrong choice means you might end up with a side saddle that’s wobbly, hard to load, or just doesn’t look right.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a good shotgun side saddle. We’ll look at the different types, what to watch out for, and how to find the one that’s perfect for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for so you can spend less time worrying about your gear and more time enjoying your shooting.
Our Top 5 Shotgun Side Saddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shotgun Side Saddle Detailed Reviews
1. Aileokeio 4 Packs 6 Rounds Shotgun Side Saddle Carrier 12/20 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder Molle Buttstock Shotgun Card with Adhesive Back Sticker(Black)
Rating: 9.2/10
The Aileokeio 4 Packs 6 Rounds Shotgun Side Saddle Carrier is a handy accessory for shotgun owners. It helps you carry extra shells right where you need them. This set comes with four carriers, each holding six shotgun shells. They are designed to attach to your shotgun’s buttstock or other gear. This makes reloading faster when you’re out hunting or at the shooting range.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong, stretchy nylon that’s light to carry.
- Each holder fits six 12 or 20 gauge shells.
- The sticky backing and Velcro straps keep shells secure, so they won’t fall off when you shoot.
- It’s easy to attach to backpacks, vests, and other gear.
- It helps you reload your shotgun much faster.
What Could Be Improved:
- The adhesive might wear out over time.
- It’s designed for specific gauges, so it won’t fit all shotgun shells.
This Aileokeio shell carrier is a practical addition for any shotgun enthusiast. It offers quick access to extra ammunition in a secure way.
2. EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Nylon 12 Gauge Shotgun Bullet Shell Holder for Rifles (Ranger Green)
Rating: 9.1/10
The EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Nylon 12 Gauge Shotgun Bullet Shell Holder in Ranger Green is a handy accessory for anyone who needs to keep their shotgun shells close at hand. It’s made from tough material and designed to attach easily to your gear. This holder lets you carry five shotgun shells, making it great for your next outdoor adventure.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong 500D Cordura Nylon, so it will last a long time.
- The holder attaches to any belt, backpack, vest, or other gear with Molle attachments using its magic sticker backing.
- It can hold up to 5 shotgun shells, so you have extra ammo ready when you need it.
- This holder is perfect for outdoor fun like hunting, shooting practice, or any other activity where you need quick access to your shells.
- The Ranger Green color looks cool and blends in well with outdoor environments.
What Could Be Improved:
- The shotgun bullets are not included with the holder.
- While the magic sticker backing is versatile, some users might prefer a more permanent attachment option for certain setups.
This shell holder is a solid choice for keeping your shotgun shells organized and accessible. It’s built tough and attaches to most gear, making it a practical addition for any shooter.
3. 4 Packs 7 Rounds 12/20 Gauge Tactical Shotgun Shell Holder for Rifle Shotgun
Rating: 8.5/10
This 4-pack of Tyseam 7-round tactical shotgun shell holders offers a smart way to keep your ammo ready. Made from strong nylon, these holders securely grip your 12 or 20-gauge shells, so they won’t fall out. They’re designed for quick access, making reloading faster during hunts or shooting events. You can stick them onto your shotgun’s buttstock, the side of the receiver, or even your gear bag. This makes them super handy for any outdoor shooting activity.
What We Like:
- The high-quality nylon material feels tough and holds shells tightly.
- It makes reloading ammo much faster and easier, especially when you’re out hunting.
- The holders are lightweight and can be attached in many different places, like your shotgun’s stock or your ammo bag.
- The adhesive backing is strong, allowing you to stick them securely where you need them.
- You get four holders, which is a good value.
What Could Be Improved:
- The elastic loops might feel a bit tight on some shell sizes, making them harder to insert or remove.
- The adhesive might wear off over time with frequent repositioning or heavy use, especially in harsh weather.
- While the nylon is durable, it could potentially snag on rough surfaces.
These shell holders are a practical addition for any shotgun owner who values quick access to their ammunition. They offer a simple and effective solution for keeping your shells organized and within reach.
4. Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2
Rating: 9.0/10
The Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 is a handy accessory for your Mossberg 590 or Shockwave shotgun. It lets you carry extra shells right on your gun. This means you can reload faster in a pinch. It’s made to fit specific Mossberg models.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to install. No special tools or gunsmithing needed.
- It holds up to six 12-gauge shells. That’s a good amount of extra ammo.
- It attaches directly to your shotgun’s receiver pins.
- Monstrum backs this product with a lifetime warranty. This shows they believe in its quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not compatible with all Mossberg shotguns. You need to check your specific model.
- It won’t work if your shotgun’s pump action goes past the receiver when you work the pump.
- It doesn’t fit certain smaller or specialized models like the Maverick 88 Bantam or Mossberg 500 Flex.
- It’s designed only for Mossberg shotguns.
This shell holder is a solid option for Mossberg 590 and Shockwave owners who want quick access to more shells. Just be sure to confirm your shotgun model before buying.
5. Ideagle Shotgun Shell Holder Side Saddle for 12 Gauge
Rating: 8.9/10
The Ideagle Shotgun Shell Holder Side Saddle for 12 Gauge is a handy accessory for any shotgun owner. This two-pack carrier is designed to keep your extra shells right where you need them. It fits most 12-gauge shotguns, and is specifically made for popular models like the Mossberg 500 and 590. Made from strong plastic, these holders are built to last. They are lighter than metal holders, which can make your shotgun feel better to hold and shoot.
What We Like:
- Durable Material: Made from tough, high-quality plastic that won’t break easily.
- Lightweight Design: Lighter than metal options, improving your shooting comfort.
- Easy Installation: Attaches quickly with no tools needed, just peel and stick.
- Convenient Storage: Keeps extra shells close at hand for faster reloads.
- Good Value: Comes as a two-pack, offering a great deal.
- Complete Kit: Includes everything you need for installation: holders, stickers, and cleaning wipes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Adhesive Strength: While easy to install, the double-sided stickers might not hold as well with very heavy use or in extreme weather.
- Universal Fit: While it fits most 12-gauge shotguns, the fit might vary slightly on some models.
This Ideagle Shotgun Shell Holder Side Saddle is a practical and affordable upgrade for your shotgun. It makes reloading faster and easier, so you can focus on your shooting.
Choosing the Best Shotgun Side Saddle: Your Guide to Carrying More Shells
A shotgun side saddle is a handy attachment for your shotgun. It lets you carry extra shotgun shells right on the gun. This means you can reload faster when you need to. It’s like having a built-in ammunition pouch. Let’s look at what makes a good side saddle.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a side saddle, keep a few things in mind.
- Shell Capacity: How many shells can it hold? Most hold 4, 5, or 6 shells. Think about how many extra shells you might need.
- Attachment Method: How does it attach to your shotgun? Most use Velcro or screws. Velcro is easy to put on and take off. Screws are more secure.
- Material: What is it made of? We will talk more about this later. The material affects how tough and heavy it is.
- Fit: Does it fit your specific shotgun model? Shotguns come in different sizes. Make sure the side saddle is made for yours.
- Ease of Reloading: Can you get the shells out quickly? Some designs make it easier than others.
Important Materials
The material of your side saddle matters a lot. It affects how long it lasts and how it performs.
- Kydex: This is a strong plastic. It’s very tough and holds its shape well. Kydex side saddles are popular because they are durable.
- Polymer: This is another type of plastic. It’s usually lighter than Kydex. It can be flexible or rigid.
- Aluminum: Some side saddles use metal. Aluminum is light and strong. It can be more expensive.
- Nylon/Fabric: Some older or simpler designs might use tough fabric. These can be less rigid.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a side saddle is made really changes its quality.
- Strong Construction: A well-built side saddle will have strong seams and attachments. This means it won’t fall apart easily.
- Secure Shell Retention: The shell holders need to grip the shells tightly. You don’t want shells falling out when you move. But you also want to be able to pull them out fast.
- Good Fit: If the side saddle fits your shotgun perfectly, it feels like part of the gun. A loose fit can be annoying.
- Weather Resistance: Some materials handle rain and dirt better. This is important if you shoot outdoors a lot.
- Cheap Materials: Using thin plastic or weak stitching can make a side saddle break quickly. A poor design can make it hard to reload.
User Experience and Use Cases
How people use side saddles shows us what works best.
- Home Defense: For home defense, having extra shells quickly is very important. A side saddle keeps them right where you need them. You can reload faster if you run out of shells.
- Sport Shooting: In competitions, every second counts. A side saddle helps shooters reload quickly. This can improve their scores.
- Hunting: Sometimes hunters need to fire more than one shot. A side saddle makes it easy to get more shells.
- Training: When learning to shoot or practicing reloads, a side saddle is very useful. It makes practice sessions smoother.
Most users find that a good side saddle makes reloading much easier. It feels natural to reach for the shells on the side. Some people worry about adding weight, but most side saddles are quite light. The benefit of faster reloads usually outweighs the small extra weight.
Shotgun Side Saddle FAQs
Q: What is a shotgun side saddle for?
A: A shotgun side saddle holds extra shotgun shells on the side of your shotgun. It helps you reload faster.
Q: How many shells can a side saddle hold?
A: Most side saddles hold 4, 5, or 6 shells. Some might hold more or less.
Q: How do side saddles attach to a shotgun?
A: They often attach using strong Velcro or by screwing them into the shotgun’s receiver.
Q: Is Kydex a good material for a side saddle?
A: Yes, Kydex is a very strong and durable plastic. It holds its shape well.
Q: Will a side saddle make my shotgun heavier?
A: Yes, it adds a small amount of weight. But most users find it is worth it for faster reloads.
Q: Can I put any side saddle on any shotgun?
A: No, you need to make sure the side saddle is made for your specific model of shotgun.
Q: Is it hard to get shells out of a side saddle?
A: A good side saddle holds shells securely but lets you pull them out easily and quickly.
Q: Are side saddles good for home defense?
A: Yes, they are very useful for home defense because you can reload much faster.
Q: Can I remove a side saddle if I don’t want to use it?
A: Yes, Velcro-attached side saddles are easy to remove. Screwed-on ones are also removable but take more effort.
Q: Do all side saddles look the same?
A: No, they come in different designs, colors, and materials, but they all serve the same basic purpose.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.