First Impressions of Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band
The Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band promises a simple and effective solution for keeping extra rounds readily available on your rifle. As someone who values efficiency and preparedness in the field, I was immediately intrigued by its compact design and the promise of quick access to ammunition. This review dives deep into whether this inexpensive accessory lives up to its potential, or if it’s just another piece of gear cluttering up your kit.
For years, I’ve struggled with finding the perfect way to carry extra rifle cartridges. Traditional pouches are bulky, and pockets are often inconvenient and noisy. I hoped the Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band would provide a streamlined, silent alternative.
Upon receiving the carrier band, my initial impression was positive. The silicone felt durable and flexible, and the cartridge loops seemed securely stitched. Compared to other buttstock cartridge holders I’ve used—usually made of nylon and Velcro—this Allen offering seemed much less likely to snag on brush or create noise.
I considered nylon buttstock sleeves with cartridge loops, and even hard-sided cheek risers with integrated ammo storage, but the Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band‘s sleek profile and ease of installation won me over. I was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity was appealing, but the low price point made me wonder about long-term durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band was during a coyote hunting trip in the high desert. The terrain was rocky and covered in thorny scrub, perfect for testing the carrier’s snag resistance. I attached the band to the buttstock of my .223 Remington AR-15.
The temperatures dipped below freezing, and there was a light dusting of snow. The silicone remained pliable and didn’t become brittle in the cold. Retrieving cartridges was surprisingly easy even with gloved hands. The loops held the rounds securely, but not so tightly that they were difficult to remove quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across various hunting seasons and range trips, the Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of tearing or stretching in the silicone, even after repeated loading and unloading of cartridges. The elastic loops still maintain their grip on the rounds.
Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes any dirt or debris. Compared to my previous nylon cartridge carriers, the Allen band requires virtually no maintenance. It consistently outperforms my expectations for such an inexpensive piece of gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band
Specifications
- The Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band is designed to hold up to four rifle cartridges ranging from .223 Remington to .300 Winchester Magnum. This range makes it versatile for most common hunting and sporting rifles.
- It is made of a stretchable silicone band, offering a universal fit for most rifle buttstocks. This eliminates the need for specific sizing or complicated attachment methods.
- The band features a single horizontal row of four elastic cartridge loops. This design maximizes accessibility while maintaining a low profile.
- The color scheme is black and gray, providing a subtle and non-reflective appearance. This is crucial for hunting and tactical applications where minimizing visibility is important.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The universal fit ensures compatibility with a wide range of rifles. The silicone construction provides durability and weather resistance, and the easy access design allows for quick reloads in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band performs its primary function – holding extra cartridges – exceptionally well. The rounds are held securely, preventing them from rattling or falling out, even during rigorous movement. Cartridge retrieval is quick and intuitive, allowing for faster reloads compared to reaching into a pouch or pocket.
The carrier band’s main strength is its simplicity and low profile. Its main weakness is its limited capacity. It meets expectations for a basic, lightweight cartridge carrier.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band boasts a minimalist design. The silicone band is lightweight and doesn’t add noticeable bulk to the rifle.
The smooth silicone provides a comfortable cheek weld and doesn’t snag on clothing or gear. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The silicone construction of the Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band is surprisingly durable. It resists tearing, stretching, and the effects of weather exposure.
Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth as needed. It is designed to last for several seasons of regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band is a standalone product with no specific accessories. However, its simple design makes it compatible with a wide range of rifle setups.
It can be used in conjunction with cheek risers, slings, and other buttstock accessories. There are no customization options beyond choosing where to position it on the buttstock.
Pros and Cons of Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band
Pros
- Affordable: At a price point of under $10, it provides excellent value.
- Universal Fit: The stretchy silicone band accommodates most rifle buttstocks.
- Durable: The silicone construction is surprisingly resistant to wear and tear.
- Easy to Use: Simple installation and quick cartridge retrieval.
- Low Profile: It doesn’t add significant bulk or weight to the rifle.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: Only holds four cartridges.
- No Protection: Cartridges are exposed to the elements.
Who Should Buy Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band?
The Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band is perfect for hunters who want a lightweight and low-profile way to carry a few extra rounds. It is also a good choice for recreational shooters who want to keep ammunition readily accessible on the range. Survivalists and preppers looking for a simple and reliable cartridge carrier will also find it useful.
Competitive shooters needing fast reloads might prefer magazine pouches or specialized cartridge carriers. Anyone needing to carry a large quantity of ammunition or wanting complete weather protection for their rounds should consider other options. A cheek riser might be a must-have if the band shifts the shooter’s eye relief when mounted.
Conclusion on Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band
The Allen Next Shot Rifle Cartridge Carrier Band is a surprisingly effective and affordable accessory. It provides a simple, durable, and low-profile solution for keeping extra rifle cartridges readily accessible.
The price is absolutely justified. This product delivers excellent value for money.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a basic and reliable cartridge carrier. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can add a significant degree of preparedness to your rifle setup.