The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate Made a Bold First Impression
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate promises a streamlined solution for keeping extra shotgun rounds close at hand. Midwest Industries, known for their robust and practical firearm accessories, aims to provide a lightweight and durable shell-carrying system specifically for lever-action rifles. This seemingly simple addition could drastically improve reload times and overall preparedness in the field, catching my attention instantly.
My journey to acquiring the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate stemmed from a growing need for quicker reloads during hunting trips. Fumbling with loose shells in a vest pocket while a prized buck stands broadside simply wouldn’t do. I needed an accessible, reliable, and low-profile system, and the promise of up to 12 extra rounds with the shell holder bundle piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate revealed a precisely machined piece of hard-coat anodized 6061 aluminum. Its lightweight, skeletonized design immediately communicated a focus on both durability and minimal added weight to the rifle. The fit and finish were impeccable, giving me confidence in Midwest Industries‘ quality control.
Initially, I considered leather stock cuffs and elastic shell carriers. However, these options seemed bulky and potentially prone to slippage or degradation in harsh weather. The Midwest Industries design, with its individual shell holders mounted on a rigid plate, offered a more secure and potentially faster method of accessing ammunition.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The plate felt incredibly sturdy and well-made, and the modularity offered by the universal shell holders was an immediate win. I was eager to test its performance in a real-world hunting scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate took place at my local shooting range, followed by a weekend hog hunt. I wanted to simulate the stresses of a real hunting situation, focusing on both speed and reliability. The range allowed me to practice reloads under controlled conditions before venturing into the field.
During the hog hunt, the weather was typical for South Texas: hot, humid, and dusty. The plate performed admirably, keeping the shells secure even while traversing thick brush and uneven terrain. Reloading drills became noticeably faster, significantly reducing the time needed to get back on target after a shot.
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate did require a slight adjustment to my shooting stance. The added width on the stock initially felt awkward, but I quickly adapted. Once accustomed, it became almost second nature to reach for and load a fresh shell from the holder.
After the first range session, I did notice a small amount of brass residue building up on the plate. A quick wipe down with a solvent-soaked cloth easily resolved this. The experience highlighted the importance of regularly cleaning the plate to maintain smooth operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate has proven to be a durable and reliable addition to my lever-action rifle. It has endured multiple hunting trips, range days, and even a weekend survival course without any signs of structural weakness or functional degradation. The anodized finish has held up well, showing only minor cosmetic wear from contact with brush and clothing.
I’ve made sure to regularly clean the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate after each use, paying particular attention to removing powder residue and debris from the shell holders. This simple maintenance routine takes only a few minutes and ensures the shells remain easily accessible. The aluminum construction makes it resistant to rust and corrosion.
Compared to previous attempts at carrying extra shotgun ammunition, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate significantly outperforms every other method I’ve tried. It’s more secure than elastic shell carriers, less bulky than leather cuffs, and infinitely faster than reaching into a vest pocket. It has become an indispensable part of my lever-action setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate is constructed from hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum, offering a superb balance of strength and weight. The skeletonized design contributes to its lightweight profile, ensuring it doesn’t significantly alter the rifle’s handling characteristics. It’s designed to accommodate up to six Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders.
- Material: Hard Coat Anodized 6061 Aluminum
- Capacity: Up to 6 Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders (12 rounds total with double shell holders)
- Compatibility: Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders ONLY
- Design: Lightweight Skeletonized
These specifications are crucial for a few reasons. The 6061 aluminum ensures the plate is strong enough to withstand the recoil and stresses of repeated firing, while the anodized finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. The skeletonized design keeps the weight down, preventing the rifle from becoming unwieldy, especially during extended hunts.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate excels at its primary function: providing rapid access to extra shotgun ammunition. The shells are held securely in the Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders, allowing for quick and easy retrieval. The plate mounts securely to the rifle stock, minimizing movement or slippage during recoil.
The plate’s greatest strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. It’s a straightforward design that works exactly as intended, offering a significant improvement in reload speed. However, its reliance on exclusively Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders could be seen as a limitation for those who prefer other shell-carrying systems.
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate more than meets my expectations. It offers a robust and reliable solution for carrying extra shotgun shells. Its performance in the field has been consistently impressive, making it a valuable asset for any lever-action shooter.
Design & Ergonomics
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate boasts a clean, functional design that prioritizes both durability and ease of use. The aluminum construction feels solid and well-made. The skeletonized cutouts not only reduce weight but also give the plate a sleek, modern appearance.
Mounting the plate to the stock is relatively simple, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of time. However, finding the optimal placement for the plate might require some experimentation to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s operation or your shooting grip. The plate adds a minimal amount of bulk, but its presence is noticeable.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum, the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate is built to last. The anodized finish is resistant to scratches, corrosion, and wear, ensuring the plate will withstand years of use in demanding environments. The robust design minimizes the risk of breakage or deformation.
Maintaining the plate is incredibly easy. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each use is usually sufficient to remove any dirt, dust, or powder residue. Periodically lubricating the shell holders with a dry lubricant can help ensure smooth shell extraction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate is primarily designed to be used with Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders. These shell holders are available separately, allowing users to customize the number and configuration of shells they carry. There are no other significant customization options directly associated with the plate itself.
It is important to note that the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate is not compatible with other manufacturer’s shell holders. This limitation should be a key consideration for potential buyers. However, the availability of single and double shell holders from Midwest Industries offers sufficient flexibility for most users.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate
Pros
- Provides quick and easy access to extra shotgun shells.
- Durable construction from hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum.
- Lightweight skeletonized design adds minimal weight to the rifle.
- Securely mounts to the rifle stock, minimizing movement during recoil.
- Significantly improves reload speed compared to traditional methods.
Cons
- Only compatible with Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders.
- May require some adjustment to shooting stance.
- Optimal placement might require some experimentation.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate?
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who relies on a lever-action rifle for self-defense or survival. Its ability to keep extra ammunition readily accessible makes it an invaluable asset in situations where quick reloads are critical. Those who value streamlined efficiency and robust durability will greatly benefit from this product.
Those who prefer using shell carriers from other manufacturers should skip this product due to its limited compatibility. Additionally, individuals who are highly sensitive to added weight or bulk on their rifle might find this plate slightly cumbersome. It is also not recommended for those unwilling to purchase the Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders separately.
A must-have accessory is, of course, the Midwest Industries Universal Shell Holders. Experimenting with different shell holder configurations (single vs. double) is also recommended to find the optimal setup for your individual needs and shooting style.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate
The Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate is a well-designed and expertly crafted accessory that delivers on its promise of providing quick and easy access to extra shotgun ammunition. Its durable construction, lightweight design, and secure mounting make it a reliable addition to any lever-action rifle. The price of $32.50 is more than justified considering the quality of materials and the significant improvement in reload speed it offers.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate to anyone looking to enhance the functionality and preparedness of their lever-action rifle. While its compatibility is limited to Midwest Industries shell holders, the overall quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment. Don’t get caught fumbling for shells when every second counts; equip your lever gun with the Midwest Industries Lever Stock Shell holder Plate and experience the difference!