The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013 Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve chased hulls across muddy fields and squinted against the sun, trying to spot spent shotgun shells before they vanish into the undergrowth. The frustration of losing brass, especially when reloading, became a recurring theme in my outdoor adventures. That’s why the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013 immediately piqued my interest. Finally, a solution to my scatter-shell woes!
My southpaw stance often puts me at a disadvantage, as most shooting accessories cater to right-handed users. The promise of a dedicated left-hand ejection shell catcher was a welcome surprise. Upon unboxing, the simplicity of the design was striking: a coated wire frame attached to a metal plate designed to adhere to the receiver.
Compared to more elaborate shell catchers I’ve seen – those bulky contraptions that require extensive modification or specialized tools – this Birchwood Casey offering seemed refreshingly straightforward. I considered options like universal mesh nets, but they always felt cumbersome and prone to snagging. The Save-It promised a minimalist approach. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. Could this simple device truly deliver on its promise of preventing hull scatter without interfering with the shotgun’s function? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first deployed the Birchwood Casey Save-It at my local sporting clays range. It was a crisp autumn morning, ideal for shooting. The installation was surprisingly easy, thanks to the pre-applied double-sided tape. After cleaning the receiver of my Benelli M2, the catcher was firmly in place within minutes.
The first few shots were… enlightening. The catcher did indeed prevent the hulls from ejecting onto the ground. However, the initial adjustment was crucial. With light target loads, the wire frame occasionally failed to consistently capture the hull, resulting in a few escaping. A minor tweak to the wire’s position corrected this, and subsequent shots were reliably contained.
There were no malfunctions. The wire held hulls in the receiver for easy retrieval. The soft padded tape kept the metal plate from marring the receiver.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, spanning multiple range sessions and a dove hunting trip, the Birchwood Casey Save-It has proven to be a reliable, if slightly finicky, companion. The adhesive has held firm, even after exposure to rain and temperature fluctuations. The wire frame, while seemingly delicate, has withstood the repeated impacts of ejected shells without bending or breaking.
I did notice some minor wear on the coating of the wire, particularly where it makes contact with the ejected hulls. This is purely cosmetic. The real test came during dove season, where quick follow-up shots are often necessary. The Save-It performed admirably, containing the majority of spent shells without impeding the cycling of the action.
Compared to my previous (and unsuccessful) attempts at using homemade shell catchers, the Birchwood Casey offering is a significant improvement. It’s far more discreet, easier to install, and, most importantly, it actually works. It does what it is meant to do.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013
Specifications
- Caliber: 12 Gauge. The Birchwood Casey Save-It is specifically designed for 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns.
- Compatibility: Semi-Auto Shotguns. It works only on semi-auto actions.
- Ejection: Left-Hand Ejection Only. A crucial detail for left-handed shooters.
- Attachment: Semi-Permanent Double-Faced Tape. This ensures a secure hold without permanent modifications to the shotgun.
- Material: Coated Wire Frame with a Metal Base Plate. This provides a balance of flexibility and durability.
These specifications are important because they dictate the catcher’s intended use. It’s a dedicated solution for left-handed 12-gauge semi-auto shooters seeking to prevent hull ejection. The tape ensures ease of installation without damaging the firearm’s finish.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Save-It performs its primary function—capturing ejected shells—reasonably well. The key is proper adjustment of the wire frame. Once dialed in, it consistently catches the majority of hulls.
Its main strength lies in its simplicity and unobtrusiveness. It doesn’t interfere with the shotgun’s operation, and it’s relatively easy to remove when hunting where hull retention isn’t a concern.
A notable weakness is its sensitivity to different loads. Switching from light target loads to heavier hunting loads may require readjustment of the wire frame.
Overall, it meets expectations for a product in its price range. It isn’t perfect, but it offers a practical solution for a common problem.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Save-It boasts a minimalist design. The coated wire frame is unobtrusive, and the metal base plate is small enough not to be visually distracting. The weight is negligible, so it doesn’t affect the shotgun’s balance.
Installation is straightforward. However, the double-sided tape is unforgiving. Once applied, repositioning the catcher is difficult without damaging the adhesive.
The lack of adjustability in the base plate’s angle is a minor drawback. It would be beneficial to have some degree of fine-tuning to accommodate different receiver shapes.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of the Birchwood Casey Save-It hinges on the durability of the adhesive and the wire frame. While the adhesive has proven surprisingly resilient thus far, I anticipate that it will eventually need replacement.
The wire frame appears sturdy enough to withstand normal use. However, excessive bending or rough handling could potentially damage it.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply wiping down the wire frame and base plate with a damp cloth is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Save-It is a self-contained solution and doesn’t require any additional accessories. No customization options exist, nor are they necessary.
Its compatibility with other shotgun accessories, such as aftermarket chokes or optics, is unaffected. The Save-It is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing setups.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013
Pros
- Affordable solution for preventing hull ejection.
- Easy to install with included double-sided tape.
- Dedicated left-hand design caters to a specific need.
- Doesn’t interfere with the shotgun’s operation.
- Lightweight and unobtrusive design.
Cons
- Adhesive may eventually require replacement.
- Requires adjustment when switching between different loads.
- Limited adjustability in the base plate angle.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013?
The Birchwood Casey Save-It is perfect for:
- Left-handed sporting clays shooters who want to keep the range clean.
- Hunters who reload their own ammunition and want to recover spent shells.
- Anyone who wants to avoid littering the environment with shotgun hulls.
Who should skip this product?
- Right-handed shooters (obviously).
- Those who prefer to let their hulls fly free.
- Skeet shooters who shoot pump-action or over/under shotguns.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- None. The Birchwood Casey Save-It is a self-contained solution.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013
The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Ejection Only 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun Shell Catcher 41013 is a simple, affordable, and reasonably effective solution for preventing hull ejection. While it may require some initial adjustment and the adhesive will eventually need replacement, it offers a practical and convenient way to keep your shooting environment clean and recover spent shells.
At a price of $12.49, the value proposition is strong. It’s a small investment that can save you time and effort in the long run.
Would I personally recommend it? Yes, with reservations. If you’re a left-handed 12-gauge semi-auto shooter looking for a discreet and affordable shell catcher, the Birchwood Casey Save-It is worth considering. Just be prepared to fine-tune the adjustment and potentially replace the adhesive down the road. So give it a shot. You might be surprised how much easier it is to keep your shells.