Let’s Dive into Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit
The Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit promises a simple and affordable solution for keeping extra shotgun shells readily accessible. Designed specifically for Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns, this kit aims to enhance reload speed and efficiency. With a price tag of just $19.99, it begs the question: does it deliver on its promise, or is it another example of getting what you pay for?
My need for this product stemmed from a frustrating experience during a recent wild boar hunt. While I had plenty of shells in my pack, fumbling for them under pressure cost me precious seconds, and ultimately, a clean shot. I was looking for a practical, budget-friendly way to keep my shotgun loaded and ready for action.
Upon receiving the kit, my first impression was that it was remarkably lightweight, but the plastic felt a bit… well, plasticky. The three-piece design initially seemed a little over-engineered, but I appreciated the potential for modularity. I had considered other side shell carriers from brands like Mesa Tactical, but their higher price point steered me towards trying this more affordable option first.
Honestly, my initial reaction was a mix of cautious optimism and slight skepticism. Could something this inexpensive truly withstand the rigors of regular use? Time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was the local shooting range, where I put the Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit through its paces with my Mossberg 500. I focused on rapid reloading drills, practicing transitioning from an empty chamber to a fully loaded shotgun as quickly as possible. The kit performed adequately in dry conditions, allowing me to access the shells reasonably fast.
However, I noticed a slight wobble in the carrier itself during recoil, which was a bit disconcerting. The shells were held securely, but the overall feel wasn’t as rock-solid as I had hoped. There were no major malfunctions, but the experience left me wanting more confidence in the carrier’s stability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range sessions and a few outings in the field, the Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit showed some signs of wear and tear. The plastic exhibited minor scratches and scuff marks, and the wobble I initially noticed seemed to have increased slightly. While it hadn’t completely failed, I started to question its long-term durability.
Maintaining the carrier was relatively simple, requiring only an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth. However, I noticed that the adhesive backing on the individual pieces began to peel away slightly, particularly in areas exposed to heat and moisture. Compared to my experience with a more robust aluminum side shell carrier on another shotgun, this one definitely felt less reliable.
Breaking Down the Features of Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit
Specifications
The Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit is designed specifically for Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns. It holds five 12-gauge shotgun shells. The entire kit is made from polymer plastic and attaches to the receiver using an adhesive backing.
This product’s low price point and intended ease of installation are directly linked to its specific design and choice of materials. The adhesive backing means no gunsmithing is required.
Performance & Functionality
The Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit performs its basic function – holding extra shells – adequately. Shells are retained securely enough for range use, but the carrier’s wobble impacts reload confidence.
The kit’s primary weakness is its less-than-robust construction and the potential for the adhesive to fail. It meets the basic expectation of providing extra shell storage, but it doesn’t exceed it by any means.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit is lightweight, which is a plus, but its plastic construction feels cheap. The modular design offers some flexibility in placement, but the overall aesthetic is rather basic.
It’s relatively user-friendly to install, but the lack of a truly secure mounting system detracts from the overall experience. The learning curve is minimal, but the confidence inspired is also minimal.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit‘s long-term durability is questionable. The plastic is prone to scratching, and the adhesive is unlikely to hold up under extreme conditions or heavy use.
Maintenance is easy, but the need to potentially re-apply adhesive is a concern. The product’s overall longevity is uncertain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit doesn’t offer much in the way of accessories or customization options. There are no provisions for attaching optics or other accessories.
Its primary compatibility is limited to Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns, and there’s little opportunity for modification beyond altering the placement of the individual pieces.
Pros and Cons of Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit
Pros
- Inexpensive. The price point makes it accessible to almost any shooter.
- Lightweight. Adds minimal weight to the shotgun.
- Easy installation. No gunsmithing required; the adhesive backing makes it simple to attach.
- Modular design. The three-piece design allows for some customization in placement.
- Holds shells securely enough for range use.
Cons
- Questionable durability. The plastic feels cheap and prone to wear.
- Adhesive attachment. The adhesive may fail over time, especially in harsh conditions.
- Wobble. The carrier exhibits noticeable wobble during recoil, reducing confidence.
Who Should Buy Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit?
Perfect for: Budget-conscious recreational shooters who primarily use their shotguns at the range and are looking for a simple, inexpensive way to carry extra shells. Also suitable for those who want to try out a side shell carrier without a large investment.
Who should skip this product? Hunters, tactical shooters, or anyone who relies on their shotgun in demanding environments should consider a more robust, securely mounted shell carrier.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider purchasing extra adhesive strips for re-attachment if the original backing fails.
Conclusion on Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit
The Tacfire 5 Round Side Shell Carrier 3-Piece Kit is a budget-friendly option for adding shell-carrying capacity to your Mossberg 500 or 590. However, its low price comes with compromises in durability and stability. The question is: is the low price tag worth the potential reliability issues?
The value proposition is questionable, as a more robust carrier, although more expensive, provides greater peace of mind. While it works fine for casual range use, I wouldn’t trust it in a critical situation.
I would only cautiously recommend it to those on a very tight budget who understand its limitations. For those who need a reliable and durable solution, investing in a higher-quality side shell carrier is a worthwhile upgrade. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, and in this case, that’s a very basic, entry-level product. Proceed with realistic expectations.