First Thoughts on the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher
As a southpaw, I’ve always dealt with the annoyance of ejected shotgun shells. They either ricochet off the person to my right at the range, or they land in the mud during a dove hunt. The Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher promised a simple solution to this problem, and for under ten bucks, it seemed worth a try.
I’ve used other shell catchers before, some that attach with velcro and others with more elaborate mounting systems. These never seemed to fit quite right or they would interfere with the shotgun’s action. The Birchwood Casey model looked like a straightforward design, hopefully offering better performance.
Upon receiving the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher, I was immediately struck by its simple, all-steel construction. It felt sturdy enough to withstand some use, but the soft, padded tape was a welcome addition, promising to protect my shotgun’s receiver. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; it looked promising, especially given the price.
Compared to shell-catching pouches or more complex shell diverters, the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher appealed to me because of its promised ease of use. I had almost chosen a velcro-mounted catcher, but was concerned about it not lasting. I was hoping this metal construction would stand the test of time.
My first impression was one of slight skepticism mixed with hope. The design seemed a little too simple to be truly effective, but I was eager to put it to the test. At $9.99, even a marginal improvement in managing spent shells would be a win.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher at my local sporting clays range. I mounted it on my Beretta A400 Xtreme Unico before heading out to the course. The range was moderately busy, and I was eager to avoid spraying empty shells all over the place.
The catcher was easy enough to install, though getting the wire positioned correctly took a few tries. The padded tape adhered well to the receiver, and the wire “catcher” felt relatively secure. After about 25 shots, I noticed the metal plate had started to move.
On the first station, the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher worked as advertised, catching the shells and keeping them contained. The shells did bang against the metal, which was noticeable. By the third station I had to re-adjust the plate for it to work as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and a few more trips to the range (about 200 rounds total), the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher has held up surprisingly well. The metal construction shows no signs of bending or breaking. The tape adhesive is starting to peel, though.
The only sign of wear and tear is the aforementioned tape adhesive. I will need to replace it soon. Cleaning is simple: wipe it down with a cloth.
Compared to previous shell catchers I’ve used, this one is more durable. The wire still needs to be adjusted every so often, so I would say it performs ok, and not as good as advertised. For $9.99 I can’t complain.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher
Specifications
Caliber: 12-Gauge. Designed specifically for 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns, this limits its use to a specific firearm type.
Construction: All-Steel. The all-steel construction provides durability and longevity, crucial for handling the impact of ejected shells.
Mounting: Padded Tape. The soft, padded tape protects the shotgun’s receiver from scratches and damage during installation and use.
Catcher Mechanism: Wire Catcher. The wire catcher, adjustable for singles, doubles, or hunting, provides flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
Compatibility: Semi-Auto Shotguns. Designed for use with most 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns, but not compatible with pump-action or over-under shotguns.
These specifications are important because they dictate the shell catcher’s lifespan and effectiveness. The steel construction ensures durability, while the padded tape protects the firearm. The wire is easy to bend to accommodate different shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher performs adequately in its intended role. It catches the majority of ejected shells, preventing them from flying erratically. It does require occasional adjustment.
Its primary strength is its simplicity and low cost. The weakness is the occasional need for adjustment. It meets expectations for a $9.99 product.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate, thanks to the all-steel construction. The weight is negligible, and it doesn’t significantly alter the shotgun’s balance. Installation, though straightforward, can be a little fiddly to get the wire cage lined up.
It is relatively user-friendly. The padded tape protects the gun.
Durability & Maintenance
The all-steel construction suggests a reasonable lifespan. The adhesive tape will likely need replacement sooner. Maintenance is minimal: occasional wiping down.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher comes with no accessories. There are no customization options available from Birchwood Casey. The wire catcher can be bent closed to potentially fit 20-gauge semi-auto shotguns.
It’s designed to be a standalone product. There are no known compatible accessories from other brands, though some users might experiment with different adhesive tapes.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher
Pros
- Affordable: At $9.99, it’s a low-risk purchase.
- Durable construction: All-steel design ensures longevity.
- Simple design: Easy to install and use.
- Effective: Catches most ejected shells.
- Protects firearm: Padded tape prevents scratches on the receiver.
Cons
- Requires adjustment: The wire catcher can shift during use.
- Adhesive tape: May need replacement over time.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher?
Perfect for: Left-handed shooters who use 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns and want a simple, affordable solution to manage ejected shells. It’s particularly useful for sporting clays shooters, hunters in group settings, or anyone who wants to be courteous at the range.
Who should skip this product? Right-handed shooters, owners of pump-action or over-under shotguns, or those seeking a more sophisticated, hands-free shell-catching solution.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Replacement adhesive tape is recommended.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher
The Birchwood Casey Save-It 12ga Left Hand Shell Catcher is a functional, no-frills solution for managing ejected shells from a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. While it requires occasional adjustments and the adhesive tape may need replacing, its simplicity and low cost make it a worthwhile purchase. For $9.99, it’s a practical accessory that enhances the shooting experience and promotes range etiquette.
The price is definitely justified given its functionality and durability. I would recommend it to left-handed shotgun shooters looking for an inexpensive way to catch their shells. If you’re tired of shells hitting your friends or fellow shooters, give it a try!