IPSC Shotgun Shell Caddies

brunobell

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Toronto
Hey CGNers,

I posted this on the ipsc ont site already, I just figured it would get more/different traffic here.

I'm looking at taking part in my first shotgun match next month and I need a bit of advice on shell caddies.

Ideally I'd want: FSL-8 Caddy and load it the way they do.

Is there an advantage over using a 4x4 Caddy and performing the weak-hand classic load? I know it will all be personal preference, but I don't have any shell holder equipment yet. Just trying to get a feel from guys with more experience.

Finally, it seems the FSL-8 won't be in stock in time for the match. Has anyone tried using these: Cali Comps Caddy and putting 2 side by side and loading as if it was an FSL-8 caddy?

PS: Any other tips for my first shotgun match is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
 
I love my FSL-8. They work fantastic. I am far faster on it than the weak hand load-4.

Big advantage is how fast you pick it up. 1 second-per-shell loads is hard with weak hand load-4, but the FSL load 2 system is far easier to use. At the top level, I'm not convinced one has an advantage over the other, unless you can grab 4 and load 4 (rather than 2) with the FSL. I'm still working on that one.

2 side by side of the CCW ones won't work. The caddie "shell" is too big and you won't be able to grab 2. Not to mention the curvature of your both means that the 2 won't be exactly side by side.

My 3-gun belt setup is 2 FSL-8 and 1 3x3 shell caddy. I like the way that setup works, as it means I can put the odd slugs in a different caddy.
 
This here is my 3-gun belt:

photo2.jpg


Top tip: If you're not shooting, you're stuffing shells.
 
I thought that may be the case. I'm going to have to search for some FSL-8's now. Unregistered, what are the tech-lock attachments? That so that they don't slide along your belt?
 
I thought that may be the case. I'm going to have to search for some FSL-8's now. Unregistered, what are the tech-lock attachments? That so that they don't slide along your belt?

You have a choice of attachments from Carbon Arms and I think the Tech-Lok is the best. I can take it off easily if there is a stage not requiring shotguns and I need to go prone for rifle...etc.

Or are you referring to the tan velcro I stuck on the inside of the attachments? That's to stick to my inner belt since there's so much kydex/plastic in the way that the outer belt would otherwise barely be attached!
 
Quick n00b question: In IPSC handgun, inbetween stages, my pistol's in my holster. In a shotgun match, do you leave it on "safe area" bench?

Also, would a dump pouch be beneficial to loading the first 9 round before the start signal?
 
Quick n00b question: In IPSC handgun, inbetween stages, my pistol's in my holster. In a shotgun match, do you leave it on "safe area" bench?

Also, would a dump pouch be beneficial to loading the first 9 round before the start signal?

There is no handgun + shotgun matches in IPSC. Period.
IPSC matches are either entirely handgun, entirely rifle, or entirely shotgun.

About preloading shotgun on start, see Rob Romero tip at about 5:48 here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1TTr25YYuw
 
As Euxx posted, I always load as I would under time pressure. So I bring a box of shells with me, load up the gun from my belt and hand it to the RO. I then replenish my caddy from the box of shells.

Not all matches are structured in such a way that you load the tube during "LOAD AND MAKE READY." Tubes are often preloaded with empty chambers.

That being said, there's nothing stopping you from preloading the tube from the belt either.
 
Not all matches are structured in such a way that you load the tube during "LOAD AND MAKE READY." Tubes are often preloaded with empty chambers.

That being said, there's nothing stopping you from preloading the tube from the belt either.

Interesting.

AFAIK, all matches here are empty condition for storage - like a holstered pistol. No magazines (or shells in tubes) are inserted prior to load and make ready......
 
Interesting.

AFAIK, all matches here are empty condition for storage - like a holstered pistol. No magazines (or shells in tubes) are inserted prior to load and make ready......

It's done to help speed up the match, since shotgun loading is so slow.

Everyone loads their tubes as a group at the same time, under supervision of the RO, at a special area just for preloading, separate from the regular safety area. The guns are placed in the preloaded area and then no one is allowed to touch them or go near them unless it's their turn to shoot the stage, at the RO's direction.
 
shot gun loading is all about practice,

weak hand and strong hand both have their own ups and downs,
what ever method you choose, practice practice practice, get some dummy shells and make it a regular drill to do at home.
 
It's done to help speed up the match, since shotgun loading is so slow.

Everyone loads their tubes as a group at the same time, under supervision of the RO, at a special area just for preloading, separate from the regular safety area. The guns are placed in the preloaded area and then no one is allowed to touch them or go near them unless it's their turn to shoot the stage, at the RO's direction.

I have seen similar things done.

We will sometimes have an RO preload the "On Deck" shooter to help with time issues. Done in a safe manner with the competitor under constant RO supervision.

Sosa
 
Although IPSC doesn't allow more than one firearm per stage some IPSC groups host the occasional non-sanctioned multi-gun match. In those cases the pistol is holstered and the rifle and shot gun are positioned in the course of fire in an appropriate ready condition. In such circumstances you'll never have more than one firearm "out" at a time so to speak. For example for might start with your pistol, then make your way over to your shotgun where you'd place your unloaded pistol on a table and retrieve the long arm, and when done with the shot gun make your way to your rifle where you'd lace the unloaded shotgun on a table and pick up your rifle, and so on.

It's technically legal to replace your loaded pistol back into your holster but this is shunned: we don't practice re-holstering a loaded pistol at competition speeds, i.e. running through a course of fire, so that's just asking for trouble... Just drop the magazine and rack the slide and move on.
 
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