First Impressions of Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells
The Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells aims to provide a simple, reliable, and accessible way to carry extra shotgun ammunition directly on your firearm. For years, I’ve experimented with various methods of shotgun shell carriage from vests to side saddles, always searching for that optimal balance of speed, capacity, and minimal added bulk. Midwest Industries, known for their quality AR components and accessories, now offers a solution for the shotgun platform.
My quest for this particular product was born out of frustration with cumbersome vests and belt-mounted shell carriers that snagged during training exercises and hunting trips. The allure of a lightweight, direct-mount system promising swift access to five additional 12-gauge shells was undeniably appealing. Upon unboxing, the Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells presented a surprisingly robust and sleek design. The combination of hard-coat anodized aluminum and reinforced polymer immediately suggested a durable and well-thought-out product.
Compared to elastic side saddles or bulky polymer carriers that I have used previously, the Midwest Industries design appeared far more streamlined and less prone to snagging. I considered other metal shell holders, but many lacked the streamlined design or relied on overly complicated mounting systems. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells was a weekend training course focused on defensive shotgun techniques. The course involved a series of drills requiring rapid reloads and transitions between various shooting positions. The shell holder was mounted directly to my Mossberg 500 receiver using pre-existing mounting points, a relatively straightforward process.
The Midwest Industries shell holder performed admirably in dry conditions, allowing for quick and intuitive access to the five shells. However, when the weather turned unexpectedly wet, I noted a slight decrease in retention of the shells within the polymer holder. I didn’t experience any catastrophic failures, but I did notice the shells became a little more difficult to extract smoothly. This caused a slight fumble during one reload drill.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including numerous range sessions and a dove hunting trip in less-than-ideal weather, the Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells has largely held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on either the aluminum plate or the polymer shell holder. The anodized finish has proven to be resistant to scratches and abrasions, maintaining its black appearance.
Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any debris or residue. Compared to elastic shell carriers that can become frayed and lose elasticity over time, the Midwest Industries holder offers a far more durable and consistent platform. While the wet weather performance could be improved, it still outperforms many other options.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Midwest Industries.
- Color: Black.
- Finish: Anodized. The hard coat anodized finish on the Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum (6061) and Reinforced Polymer. The aluminum mounting plate gives rigidity, while the polymer shell holder offers secure retention with minimal weight.
- Quantity: 5 shells. The five-shell capacity offers a good balance between added weight and increased firepower.
- Country of Origin: USA.
- Mounting Plate Material: Hard Coat Anodized 6061 Aluminum.
- Shell Holder Material: Reinforced Polymer. This material ensures durability while being lightweight.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells excels in its primary function: providing quick and easy access to additional shotgun ammunition. The shells are held securely in place, even during rigorous movement and recoil. The slight reduction in retention when wet is a minor drawback, but not a deal-breaker.
One strength is the low-profile design, which minimizes snagging and interference with the shotgun’s operation. The only real weakness is the fact that capacity is only 5 rounds. It would be nice to have the option for a 6-7 round version of the same design. Ultimately, it meets my expectations for a lightweight and reliable shell holder.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The combination of aluminum and polymer results in a lightweight yet robust product. The design is user-friendly, with no complicated mechanisms or adjustments required.
The shell holder is designed for intuitive access, allowing for quick reloads under pressure. While there is a slight learning curve in terms of developing the optimal technique for drawing shells, it is easily overcome with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials and construction of the Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells suggest that it will last for many years with proper care. The anodized finish is resistant to corrosion and abrasion, and the polymer shell holder is designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells is primarily a standalone product, designed to be mounted directly to the shotgun receiver. It does not offer significant customization options beyond choosing the appropriate mounting hardware for your specific shotgun model. However, it is compatible with most standard 12-gauge shotgun shells.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells
Pros
- Quick and easy access to an extra 5 12 Ga rounds. This is the primary benefit, allowing for rapid reloads in critical situations.
- Lightweight design. The aluminum and polymer construction keeps the weight to a minimum, preventing the shotgun from becoming overly cumbersome.
- Durable construction. The anodized aluminum and reinforced polymer ensure long-lasting reliability.
- Streamlined profile. The low-profile design minimizes snagging and interference.
- Made in the USA. This instills confidence in the product’s quality and craftsmanship.
Cons
- Retention of shells can be slightly reduced in wet conditions.
- Limited to 5-shell capacity (no options for higher capacity).
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells?
The Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells is perfect for:
- Tactical shotgun users who prioritize speed and accessibility.
- Hunters seeking a lightweight and reliable way to carry extra ammunition.
- Home defense enthusiasts wanting a readily available source of additional shells.
This product may not be ideal for:
- Competitive shooters requiring very high shell capacity.
- Individuals operating in consistently wet environments without adequate shell protection.
A must-have accessory would be some type of shell protector or cover, especially for those frequently using the holder in inclement weather.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells
The Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells offers a well-designed and functional solution for carrying extra shotgun ammunition directly on your firearm. Despite a minor issue with shell retention in wet conditions, its lightweight, durable construction and streamlined profile make it a worthwhile addition for tactical users, hunters, and home defenders alike. At $61.99, the price is justified considering the quality of materials and the added convenience and speed it provides.
I would personally recommend the Midwest Industries Shotgun Shell Holder Plate Bundle, 5 Shells to anyone seeking a reliable and efficient way to carry extra shotgun shells. Equip your shotgun with this shell holder and experience the difference it can make in your shooting performance.