First Impressions of Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card promises a simple and affordable solution for keeping shotgun shells readily accessible. Allen is a well-known name in the hunting and shooting accessory market, and their products typically offer a good balance of functionality and value. This ammo card aims to provide a convenient way to carry extra shells directly on your shotgun, eliminating the need to fumble through pockets or pouches during reloads.
I was looking for a lightweight and low-profile solution for carrying extra 12-gauge rounds on my home defense shotgun. My primary goal was to increase my immediate firepower without adding significant bulk or weight to the firearm. I wanted something faster than reaching for a shell in a bandolier.
Upon receiving the Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card, my initial impression was somewhat mixed. The Endura fabric felt reasonably durable, but the overall construction seemed a bit flimsy. I was comparing it to more robust, albeit more expensive, options from Esstac and HSGI, specifically their shotgun cards that utilize stiffer backings for better shell retention.
I chose the Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card primarily due to its price point. I thought that it would be a good option for an economical, easily installed spare ammo carrier. Alternatives like the Grim Hunter Tactical cards (mentioned in the user feedback) and the aforementioned Esstac cards were definitely more rugged, but also significantly more expensive.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, but I had concerns about long-term durability and shell retention, especially after reading the user feedback about the card “curling.” I was hoping it would at least provide a temporary and functional solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at an outdoor shooting range, specifically focusing on quick-reload drills. I attached the Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card to the receiver of my Mossberg 500 using the supplied adhesive-backed hook and loop. The temperature was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.
Initially, the Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card performed adequately. Shells were relatively easy to access, and reloads were faster than retrieving them from my vest. However, I noticed some shifting of the card during rapid firing and recoil.
The biggest issue emerged after about 20 rounds: the adhesive on the hook and loop began to fail. The card started to peel away from the receiver. I didn’t experience the “curling” mentioned in the user feedback immediately, but the loosening attachment was definitely concerning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a simulated home-defense scenario, the Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card’s shortcomings became more apparent. The card itself showed no significant signs of wear and tear (no rips or tears in the Endura fabric), but the elastic loops holding the shells began to loosen. This caused shells to shift more freely.
Cleaning wasn’t really an issue, as there was little to clean. I just wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove any powder residue. However, the hook and loop adhesive continued to be problematic.
Compared to using dedicated shell carriers on a chest rig, the Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card was noticeably less secure and less reliable over the long haul. My experience aligned with the user feedback: while it might work in a pinch, it doesn’t inspire long-term confidence. I ended up switching back to using a shotgun scabbard.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card
Specifications
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card is designed to hold 7 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun shells. Its primary material is Endura fabric, with elastic loops to retain the shells. Attachment is via adhesive-backed hook and loop (Velcro).
The dimensions are approximately 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. It weighs next to nothing when empty, but the weight increases considerably when loaded with seven 12-gauge shells. The absence of a rigid backing contributes to its flexibility but also to the aforementioned “curling” issue when loaded.
The Velcro attachment system is intended for easy installation and removal, but its adhesive quality is a critical factor in its performance. The hanging loop is a nice touch for storage, but not really relevant during actual use. The fact that it only carries 7 shells limits its utility for sustained engagements.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card’s functionality hinges on reliable shell retention and secure attachment to the shotgun. It partially succeeds in the former, but fails in the latter, at least in my experience. Shells stay in place initially, but looseness develops over time.
The card’s main strength is its low price and ease of installation. However, its weaknesses are its flimsy construction and unreliable attachment. It meets expectations only if your expectations are very low to begin with.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card has a simple, minimalist design. The Endura fabric is functional but unremarkable. The lightweight design is appealing, but the lack of a rigid backing detracts from its overall quality.
There’s virtually no learning curve involved in using the card. Simply attach it to the shotgun and load the shells. However, the low-profile design comes at the cost of robust shell retention and attachment security.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card should last for a reasonable amount of time with minimal wear and tear on the fabric itself. The Endura base is durable. However, the elastic loops will likely degrade over time, and the adhesive-backed hook and loop is the most vulnerable component.
Maintenance is simple: wipe it clean as needed. However, there’s no easy way to repair the adhesive backing once it fails.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card comes with the adhesive-backed hook and loop for attachment. There are no other included accessories. Customization is limited to choosing where to position the card on your shotgun.
It might be possible to replace the hook and loop with a stronger aftermarket version. But given the price point, it’s probably not worth the effort. There is no cross-brand compatability.
Pros and Cons of Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card
Pros
- Extremely affordable: It’s one of the cheapest shotgun ammo cards on the market.
- Lightweight and low-profile: Adds minimal weight and bulk to your shotgun.
- Easy to install: The adhesive-backed hook and loop allows for quick attachment.
- Functional for limited use: Provides a temporary solution for carrying extra shells.
- Compatible with most shotguns: Can be attached to virtually any shotgun receiver.
Cons
- Unreliable attachment: The adhesive on the hook and loop is prone to failure.
- Poor shell retention over time: Elastic loops loosen, causing shells to shift.
- Lacks durability: Flimsy construction compared to more robust options.
Who Should Buy Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card?
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a temporary and extremely inexpensive solution for carrying extra shells. It might be suitable for casual range use or as a backup option.
However, serious hunters, tactical shooters, or anyone relying on their shotgun for home defense should skip this product. They should instead opt for a more durable and reliable option like the Grim Hunter Tactical cards or cards from Esstac or HSGI.
A must-have modification would be replacing the supplied adhesive with a much stronger adhesive or considering a different attachment method altogether.
Conclusion on Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card
The Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card is a classic example of “you get what you pay for.” It’s cheap and easy to install, but its unreliable attachment and questionable durability make it a risky choice for serious applications. The value proposition is questionable, even at its low price point.
I would personally not recommend it for anyone who needs a reliable and long-lasting solution. The peace of mind offered by a more robust product is worth the extra investment.
Consider spending a bit more for a shotgun card that you can actually depend on. Your safety and the security of your loved ones is worth more than the few dollars you might save with the Allen 12-Gauge Ammo Card.