Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher Review

Let’s Dive into Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is a simple yet ingenious device designed to solve a common problem for left-handed shotgun shooters: errant ejected shells. Birchwood Casey aims to provide a solution that keeps those hulls from distracting you, your squad mates, or littering the landscape. For a modest price of $24.09, it promises a clean and focused shooting experience.

As a left-handed shooter with over a decade of experience in the field and on the range, I’ve long been annoyed by the trajectory of ejected shells. They often bounce off my face, land in my blind, or generally create a chaotic mess. I needed a solution that wouldn’t alter my shotgun’s performance or reliability, something that was easy to install and remove, and effective at catching those pesky hulls.

Upon receiving the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher, my initial impression was one of utilitarian simplicity. The all-steel construction felt robust and the soft, padded tape gave me confidence it wouldn’t damage my shotgun’s receiver. The wire catcher mechanism appeared straightforward, suggesting easy operation.

I considered several other shell catchers, including magnetic and adhesive-based options. Ultimately, I chose the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher for its durable construction, ease of removal, and ability to switch between singles, doubles, and hunting modes. Magnetic options seemed less reliable in harsh conditions, and adhesive types raised concerns about residue and potential damage to the firearm’s finish.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The design seemed promising, but I was eager to see how it performed in a real-world scenario. I anticipated a learning curve in terms of installation and adjustment, but hoped the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher would ultimately deliver on its promise of a cleaner and less distracting shooting experience.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher at my local sporting clays range. It was a sunny, mildly windy day, perfect for evaluating how well the catcher functioned under typical conditions. I attached the catcher to my 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, following the included instructions carefully.

The catcher performed admirably, effectively capturing the majority of ejected shells. A few shells occasionally slipped past, particularly during rapid-fire sequences, but overall, the device significantly reduced the number of hulls hitting me or landing on the ground. The ease of switching between singles, doubles, and hunting modes proved useful as I transitioned between different stations.

I initially found the wire catcher slightly stiff, requiring some force to lock into the up position. However, after a few adjustments and uses, the mechanism loosened up and became easier to operate. The most significant surprise was the noticeable change in the shotgun’s balance due to the added weight of the catcher and collected shells, something I needed to adjust my shooting stance for.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher has proven to be a valuable addition to my shooting setup. It has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The steel construction has resisted bending or deformation, and the padded tape has remained securely attached to the receiver, preventing any scratches or damage.

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance. I simply wipe down the catcher with a damp cloth after each shooting session to remove any powder residue or debris. The wire mechanism requires occasional lubrication with a light gun oil to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to my previous experiences of dealing with flying shells, the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is a game-changer. It vastly improves my focus and reduces distractions, leading to better scores at the range and a more enjoyable overall shooting experience. While it doesn’t eliminate every single ejected shell, it significantly outperforms any other method I’ve tried.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher

Specifications

• The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is constructed from durable steel. This provides the necessary strength and rigidity to withstand the repeated impacts of ejected shells.
• It is specifically designed for left-handed shooters. The catcher is configured to mount on the left side of the shotgun, capturing shells ejected from right-handed actions.
• The catcher is intended for use with 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns. While the wire can be bent for 20-gauge, its primary design centers around the larger 12-gauge shell.
• It features a soft, padded tape. This creates a barrier between the steel plate and the shotgun’s receiver, preventing scratches and damage.
• The wire catcher locks in the up position for singles. It turns down for doubles or pulls out for hunting, offering versatile functionality.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance, durability, and overall user experience of the product. The steel construction ensures longevity, while the padded tape protects the firearm. The left-handed design caters to a specific market, and the adjustable wire catcher allows for use in various shooting scenarios.

Performance & Functionality

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher performs its primary job of catching ejected shells effectively, although not flawlessly. It captures the vast majority of hulls, significantly reducing distractions and mess. However, occasional shells may slip past, particularly during rapid-fire sequences or with certain types of ammunition.

The main strength of the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The adjustable wire catcher allows for quick transitions between different shooting modes, and the device is relatively easy to install and remove. A potential weakness is the added weight and bulk, which can affect the shotgun’s balance and handling.

Overall, the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher meets and slightly exceeds my expectations. It’s a simple, affordable, and effective solution for managing ejected shells, making it a valuable addition to any left-handed shotgun shooter’s gear. While not perfect, its benefits outweigh its drawbacks.

Design & Ergonomics

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher features a simple and functional design. The all-steel construction provides durability, while the padded tape protects the firearm’s finish. The device is lightweight enough to not significantly impact the shotgun’s weight but adds some bulk to the left side of the receiver.

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is relatively user-friendly, although the wire catcher mechanism may require some initial adjustment. The installation process is straightforward, and the device can be easily removed for cleaning or storage. However, some shooters may find the added bulk and altered balance of the shotgun uncomfortable.

Durability & Maintenance

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is designed to last, thanks to its all-steel construction. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. The device is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional wiping down with a damp cloth and lubrication of the wire mechanism.

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is not designed to be repaired. However, its simple design and robust construction minimize the risk of failure. In the unlikely event of damage, replacement is likely the most cost-effective solution.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher does not come with any additional accessories beyond the padded tape for mounting. There are no official customization options available for the product.

However, some shooters may choose to modify the wire catcher mechanism to better suit their specific needs or shooting style. The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is compatible with most standard 12-gauge semi-automatic shotguns, but may require minor adjustments to fit certain models.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher

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Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher?

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is perfect for left-handed sporting clays shooters, hunters, and recreational shooters who are tired of dealing with ejected shells. It is also a valuable tool for shooting ranges and clubs that want to keep their facilities clean and free of litter. Any left-handed shooter using a semi-automatic shotgun will appreciate the enhanced focus and reduced distractions this product provides.

Those who should skip this product include right-handed shooters (obviously), those who prioritize lightweight setups above all else, and shooters who are willing to tolerate ejected shells for the sake of simplicity. Those who don’t mind picking up their hulls, or those who shoot in an environment where it’s not a big deal if hulls fly everywhere may not find this product useful.

A must-have accessory for the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is a small bottle of gun oil for lubricating the wire mechanism. Consider some extra adhesive padding in case the original wears out over time.

Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher

The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher is a simple yet effective solution for a common problem faced by left-handed shotgun shooters. It effectively captures the majority of ejected shells, reducing distractions and mess. While it may alter the shotgun’s balance and not catch every single hull, its benefits outweigh its drawbacks.

The price of $24.09 is more than justified for the improved shooting experience and reduced cleanup. The Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher represents an exceptional value proposition.

I would personally recommend the Birchwood Casey Save-It Left Hand Shell Catcher to any left-handed shotgun shooter who is looking for an affordable and effective way to manage ejected shells. It’s a simple device that can make a big difference in your shooting performance and overall enjoyment. Give it a try and experience the difference a cleaner, more focused shooting experience can make.