Let’s Talk About Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg
The Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg promises to bring readily available ammunition to your trusty pump-action shotgun. This accessory aims to provide a streamlined and efficient way to keep extra 12-gauge shells close at hand, directly mounted to your receiver.
I’ve been searching for a reliable shell carrier for my Mossberg 500 for years. I’ve tried various options, from elastic wraps to side-mounted cards, but none have quite hit the sweet spot of accessibility and durability. I was hoping for a more permanent solution than velcro cards, but something quicker than reaching for a pouch.
My first impression upon unboxing was that it felt solid and well-made. The aluminum construction exudes quality, and the synthetic rubber shell holders felt robust enough to hold shells securely without being overly stiff. It definitely felt lighter than I expected, which is a plus.
Compared to some other shell carriers on the market, such as the Mesa Tactical options, the Adaptive Tactical offering seemed more streamlined and less bulky. I picked this one over others due to its advertised ease of installation and the inclusion of a Picatinny rail for optics mounting. I was immediately excited by the prospect of having readily accessible shells, plus a place to mount a red dot without needing to invest in a whole new receiver.
Real-World Testing: Putting Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg to the Test
First Use Experience
I primarily tested the Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg at my local shooting range. I ran a mix of birdshot and buckshot through my Mossberg 500 while practicing various drills. The range offered different scenarios from fast follow-up shots on steel targets to moving and reloading.
The carrier performed admirably in dry conditions. I could access shells quickly and efficiently, without any fumbling or dropped rounds. However, when I intentionally got the carrier wet to simulate inclement weather, I noticed the synthetic rubber became a little slick, but not dangerously so.
Installation was relatively straightforward, although I did have a slight hiccup finding the included fasteners initially. Once I located those, it took only a few minutes to attach the carrier to my Mossberg 500.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg has held up quite well. There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear on the aluminum or the synthetic rubber.
The shell retention remains strong, even with the constant loading and unloading of shells. I have cleaned the carrier several times with standard gun cleaning solvents, and the finish seems unaffected. Compared to the velcro cards I used previously, this carrier is far superior in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Adaptive Tactical
- Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: Rubber, Aluminum
- Number of Rounds: 6
- Cartridge Type: 12 gauge
- Gun Model: Mossberg Model 500, Mossberg Model 590, Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge
- Condition: Used (Inspect and Rebox) – Note: My experience was with a new unit
- Quantity: 1
- Gun Make: Mossberg
- Gun Type: Shotgun
- Gauge: 12
- Mount Type: Picatinny
- Design: Non-permanent
- Attachment Type: Picatinny
- Weather Resistance: Yes
These specifications are important because they dictate the carrier’s compatibility, capacity, and overall robustness. The aluminum construction provides a lightweight yet durable platform, while the rubber shell holders ensure secure shell retention in various conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg performs its primary function of holding extra shells exceptionally well. The shells are held securely, but are still easily accessible when needed for a quick reload.
One potential weakness, as pointed out by other users, involves forend compatibility. Certain field-grade forends that extend onto the sides of the receiver will interfere with the shell carrier’s cycling. I had to slightly modify my forend to ensure smooth operation.
Overall, the shell carrier met my expectations and has significantly improved my shotgun’s readiness.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with a streamlined design that fits closely to the receiver’s contours. The weight is negligible, and it doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
The design is user-friendly, requiring only basic mechanical skills for installation. The inclusion of a Picatinny rail on top is a great touch, allowing for the mounting of optics without sacrificing the use of the factory bead sight.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of aluminum and synthetic rubber should ensure a long service life. Routine cleaning with standard gun cleaning products is sufficient to maintain the carrier’s functionality and appearance.
I anticipate this carrier will last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The included Picatinny rail is the primary customization option, allowing for the mounting of various optics, such as red dot sights or holographic sights. While the product itself doesn’t come with additional accessories, its compatibility with standard Mossberg shotguns opens the door to a wide range of aftermarket forends and stocks.
Many users will likely find the need to consider modifying or replacing their existing forend to ensure smooth cycling with the carrier installed.
Pros and Cons of Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg
Pros
- Durable Aluminum Construction: The aluminum build ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Secure Shell Retention: The synthetic rubber holders keep shells firmly in place, even under recoil.
- Easy Access to Ammunition: Allows for rapid reloading during critical situations.
- Picatinny Rail Integration: Provides a convenient platform for mounting optics.
- Streamlined and Lightweight: Doesn’t add significant bulk or weight to the shotgun.
Cons
- Forend Compatibility Issues: Some field-grade forends may require modification.
- Potential Fitment Issues: As noted in user reviews, occasional issues can arise regarding proper screw fitment, though this seems to be an infrequent occurrence.
Who Should Buy Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg?
This Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg is perfect for: home defense enthusiasts, tactical shooters, and hunters who require quick access to additional ammunition. It’s also well-suited for anyone looking to add an optic to their Mossberg shotgun without a full receiver replacement.
Those who should skip this product include: individuals with older Mossberg shotguns with non-standard receiver dimensions or those unwilling to potentially modify their existing forend.
A must-have accessory is a compatible forend, either one that’s already low-profile or one that can be easily modified to clear the shell carrier.
Conclusion on Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg
The Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier f/Mossberg offers a practical and reliable solution for carrying extra shotgun shells. Its durable construction, secure shell retention, and Picatinny rail integration make it a valuable addition to any Mossberg shotgun.
While the potential forend compatibility issues are worth noting, the overall benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most users. At a price of $89.99, the value proposition is reasonable, especially considering the quality of materials and the added functionality it provides.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone seeking a streamlined and efficient way to carry extra shotgun ammunition. It’s a worthwhile investment that can significantly enhance your shotgun’s capabilities. Grab yours today and experience the difference!