What are your thoughts on velcro side saddles?
- Thread starter RL1
- Start date
I started with a Mesa side saddle, but found it too bulky. Went with Velcro, which allows a quick switch as opposed to reloading the Mesa. No issues with them falling off
I have O.S.O.E., ESSTAC and S&J cards. All are good quality. The pull tab on the S&Js is a more open weave of nylon material that tends to get fuzzy when in contact with the Velcro of other cards in a pouch, but no biggy. O.S.O.E. Is a smoother/tighter weave strap material, so not an issue.
I just got into the SOE shotgun micro rig.
A couple of photos from online:
I have yet to field it but I really like the quality and design. I have the Mesa on my shotgun which I may swap to Velcro depending on how well I like the SOE rig.
I have yet to read any failures on the Velcro set ups. The other advantage, from experience, is keeping the shotgun running. The ability to slap a new card on sounds much better than reloading the saddle.
A couple of photos from online:
I have yet to field it but I really like the quality and design. I have the Mesa on my shotgun which I may swap to Velcro depending on how well I like the SOE rig.
I have yet to read any failures on the Velcro set ups. The other advantage, from experience, is keeping the shotgun running. The ability to slap a new card on sounds much better than reloading the saddle.
I just got into the SOE shotgun micro rig.
A couple of photos from online:
I have yet to field it but I really like the quality and design. I have the Mesa on my shotgun which I may swap to Velcro depending on how well I like the SOE rig.
I have yet to read any failures on the Velcro set ups. The other advantage, from experience, is keeping the shotgun running. The ability to slap a new card on sounds much better than reloading the saddle.
Congrats on the micro rig, they are the best. Likewise I ended up preferring to slap on a fresh card, vice reloading the Mesa.
Is anyone running the H harness? I was thinking of upgrading. What are you guys throwing in the main pouch? I have a IFAK built so I just threw in scissors and an Israeli bandage. I was thinking of tools/parts for my 590a1.
How did you mount two extra cards? Vertically or horizontally?
How did you mount two extra cards? Vertically or horizontally?
I'm using the ESSTAC also but I never tried the the SJ, and got mine from DS (http://www.dstactical.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=7&products_id=2915).
I've used MESA in the past but once had a bolt snap (they did send me an upgraded bolt free and all) good product and good service, but the velcro has advantages I cannot deny.
- you can have a loaded card handy but not on the gun for transport, but you cant have a loaded saddle on the gun.
- when your card is empty you can rip it off and slap a new one,
- you can stick a loaded card anywhere there is velcro really.
- you can take still remove the trigger pack without a hallen key.
- keeps the gun less bulky, especially if you just dont slap any card on.
velcro FTW!
I've used MESA in the past but once had a bolt snap (they did send me an upgraded bolt free and all) good product and good service, but the velcro has advantages I cannot deny.
- you can have a loaded card handy but not on the gun for transport, but you cant have a loaded saddle on the gun.
- when your card is empty you can rip it off and slap a new one,
- you can stick a loaded card anywhere there is velcro really.
- you can take still remove the trigger pack without a hallen key.
- keeps the gun less bulky, especially if you just dont slap any card on.
velcro FTW!
- Location
- East ontario
No all bright green now
I think we have a handfull of 20 ga. Safety orange. But eveything has been lime green for years now
I find the Velcro tends to curl when shells are in it, and it doesn't feel very secure. I put Velcro on the backs of my mesa sidesaddles since I had them anyway. I like the SOE cards and am leaning toward the belt mounted aluminum holders also.
I'm also curious if anyone has tried the H harness. Not sure if it is worth the extra cost as the standard cross straps are quite comfortable. Plus with the cross straps it can be slung at one hip.
I carry spare parts for my Benelli in the rear admin pouch. Also have a cleaning kit, spare batteries for my Streamlight and my choke wrench and IM choke.
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I run SOE 5 round cards on the left of the receiver and 2 round card on right for extra rounds and sometimes 2 slugs depending. I've never wanted a fixed hard sidesaddle. I've run my shotgun in rain, shine, snow and hail from +30 to -27 with no issues with my Velcro separating from the receiver. I used 3M industrial strength hook and loop on the receiver though because the adhesive is pretty tough. If I ever have any issues Ill add a new piece.
I also run a SOE microrig, i haven't run the h-harness - i have it so i will throw it on before my shoot and report back when I can decide which I prefer.
I also run a SOE microrig, i haven't run the h-harness - i have it so i will throw it on before my shoot and report back when I can decide which I prefer.
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I find the S&J side saddles to be very reliable - they stick where they are supposed to stick and don't come off without effort. HOWEVER - I find reloading them to be a PITA - just as with any stretchy/elastic saddle. Not a knock, just an observation.
The S&J ones are great for a gun that you need to grab and slap some ammo on the side - like when you throw it in your UTV/ATV and don't normally have the ammo store together with the gun. Very handy.
The Mesa ones are not meant for long term storage of shells- the rubber tube gets deformed and the shells don't hold that well. It's meant to be stored empty, and shells put in are meant to the be used quickly. BUT - they are MUCH easier to reload when opportunity presents itself. It can be a one-handed job - unlike the elastic ones which need two hands.
The S&J ones are great for a gun that you need to grab and slap some ammo on the side - like when you throw it in your UTV/ATV and don't normally have the ammo store together with the gun. Very handy.
The Mesa ones are not meant for long term storage of shells- the rubber tube gets deformed and the shells don't hold that well. It's meant to be stored empty, and shells put in are meant to the be used quickly. BUT - they are MUCH easier to reload when opportunity presents itself. It can be a one-handed job - unlike the elastic ones which need two hands.
All elastic holders will be either hard to load and secure or easy and insecure.
Even to SOE elastic folds over on its self when trying load shells but they come out quick. I don't think you are expected to be in a rushed situation when reloading cards.
Even to SOE elastic folds over on its self when trying load shells but they come out quick. I don't think you are expected to be in a rushed situation when reloading cards.
Have another look at my video.
That was a full 7 rounds I was holding in the S&J carrier while I was rapid firing. I was one of the first to get the S&J and I went out to test it's mettle HARD.
The carrier stayed in place despite being used in a nonconventional way not to mention the 4 slung around the forearm
During my long rapidfire string (and mostly misses) no shells came out and the velcro did not come loose.
For the belt mounted aluminum shell holders, be careful and do your research. The AP ones need some tuning as they do not hold the shells well (look in the action shooting sub forum, there was a bit in there about the AP shell carriers) I have a few quad loaders from Taccom and they work very well. I wasn't happy with the Carbon Arms "twins" system, they seem clunky and overly complicated trying to adjust them.
I kinda like simple cheap and cheerful. More often than not, this stuff works well.
- Location
- East ontario
5 months er!
WOw maybe that why we have sold 1000,s of Ours in the last 5 months.
That's a crazy lead time!
WOw maybe that why we have sold 1000,s of Ours in the last 5 months.
That's a crazy lead time!
