Let’s Dive into Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle is a tactical upgrade designed for 12-gauge Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns. This product from Tacstar aims to enhance the shotgun’s versatility by adding a Picatinny rail for optics and a convenient sidesaddle for shell storage. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
I was looking for a way to modernize my trusty Remington 870 without major gunsmithing. I wanted to add a red dot sight and have readily available extra shells without adding too much bulk. The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle seemed like a perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, I was impressed with the sturdy aluminum construction and the non-glare anodized finish. It felt solid in my hands, though slightly heavier than I anticipated. The sidesaddle’s shell retention system felt secure, giving me confidence that my shells wouldn’t go flying under recoil.
I considered other options, including separate rail mounts and stick-on shell holders. I ultimately chose the Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle for its integrated design and reputation for reliability. It seemed like the cleanest and most durable way to achieve my goals.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, but I was eager to see how it performed on the range and how much it would affect the balance of the shotgun. Time to get it installed and put it to the test!
Real-World Testing: Putting Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle at my local outdoor range. I ran several drills, practicing both target shooting and tactical reloads. The weather was clear and dry, which provided ideal testing conditions.
The initial installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and no gunsmithing experience. Once mounted, the rail provided a stable platform for my red dot sight, and the sidesaddle held the shells securely. I found the shell retrieval to be relatively smooth, though slightly tighter than I’d ideally prefer for rapid reloads.
My main concern was whether the added weight of the sidesaddle would affect the shotgun’s handling. To my surprise, the difference was minimal. I had no immediate issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle has proven to be a reliable addition to my Remington 870. It has endured multiple range sessions and even a couple of hunting trips in moderate weather conditions.
There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear, and the screws have remained securely fastened. I periodically clean the sidesaddle and rail with a standard gun cleaner to prevent any buildup of debris. The anodized finish has held up well, resisting scratches and corrosion.
Compared to previous experiences with stick-on shell holders (which often came loose), the Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle is a significant improvement in terms of durability and reliability. It has become an integral part of my shotgun setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle
Specifications
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle is designed for 12-gauge Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns. It features a black, non-glare anodized finish.
The mount includes a Picatinny rail for optic attachments and a six-shell sidesaddle. It is made from lightweight aluminum and incorporates Tacstar’s proprietary shell retention material. The mount allows for continued use of the shotgun’s bead sight.
These specifications are important because they determine the compatibility, durability, and functionality of the product. The aluminum construction ensures that it is lightweight yet sturdy, while the Picatinny rail allows for a wide range of optic options. The sidesaddle enables quick access to extra ammunition, which is crucial in tactical situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle performs its job effectively by providing a secure platform for optics and readily available ammunition. Accuracy is maintained thanks to the stable rail. The mount remains reliable under recoil, and the sidesaddle securely holds shells in place.
A significant strength is the mount’s ease of installation. A minor weakness is the slightly tight shell retention. However, it is better for the shells to be too tight than too loose.
Overall, the Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle has exceeded my expectations by providing a reliable and functional upgrade to my shotgun. It offers a good balance of features and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle features a low-profile design that doesn’t significantly alter the shotgun’s balance or handling. The aluminum construction is lightweight and durable. The sidesaddle’s shell placement is ergonomic, allowing for relatively quick and easy access to ammunition.
The installation process is user-friendly, requiring only basic tools and no specialized skills. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle is designed to last. Its aluminum construction and anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and impact. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a standard gun cleaner. The sidesaddle can be wiped down to remove any dirt or debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle is primarily designed to accommodate Picatinny rail-mounted optics, such as red dot sights, holographic sights, and scopes. It does not come with any additional accessories.
However, its Picatinny rail is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories from various brands. You can also customize shell carriers to change the color or material on the sidesaddle.
Pros and Cons of Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle
Pros
- Easy installation: No gunsmithing required, making it accessible to most users.
- Durable construction: Aluminum build with a non-glare anodized finish ensures longevity.
- Secure shell retention: Keeps shells in place under recoil while allowing for relatively easy access.
- Integrated design: Combines a rail mount and sidesaddle into a single, streamlined unit.
- Maintains bead sight usability: Designed to allow continued use of the shotgun’s factory bead sight.
Cons
- Shell retention can be a little tight: May require some practice to achieve smooth, rapid reloads.
- Limited sight window: The opening for using the bead sight could be slightly larger.
Who Should Buy Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle?
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle is perfect for shotgun owners who want to modernize their firearms without extensive gunsmithing. It is ideal for home defense enthusiasts, tactical shooters, and hunters who appreciate the added versatility of an optic and readily accessible extra ammunition. It is also well-suited for law enforcement personnel who rely on shotguns as part of their duty equipment.
Those who prioritize ultra-lightweight setups or require extremely fast reloads may want to explore other options. Some may find the shell retention too tight for competition use or other high-speed applications.
A must-have accessory is a quality red dot sight or other optic to take advantage of the Picatinny rail. Practicing reloads with dummy rounds is also recommended to get comfortable with the shell retention and optimize reload speed.
Conclusion on Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle
The Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle is a well-designed and reliable tactical upgrade for Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotguns. It effectively combines a Picatinny rail for optics with a convenient sidesaddle for extra ammunition, enhancing the shotgun’s versatility and functionality.
The price of $84.99 is justified given the product’s durable construction, easy installation, and reliable performance. It is a worthwhile investment for those seeking to modernize their shotguns and improve their tactical capabilities.
I would personally recommend the Tacstar Shotgun – Rail Mount with Sidesaddle to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and reliable way to upgrade their Remington shotgun. Don’t hesitate to add it to your cart – you won’t be disappointed!