I bought my current 870 originally just for the occasional 3-gun or IDPA side match. It seemed like such a waste otherwise sitting around though, that I recently fit it out for HD by swapping the stocks to include a Surefire forend. So now: break-in? No problem – just “come into the light”. Nothing fills-the-bill for HD than a 12-gauge.
In addition to the current 6-round extended mag though, I’d like the option for some on-board reloads. I’ve previously owned one of the Tac Star “sidesaddle” shell carriers. No problem with that – a good basic unit. No frills, but does the job.
Seems its main competitor these days is the product by Mesa Tactical, which I’ve never owned or even seen first-hand, just website photos.
Appears to be more streamlined than the Tac Star. Are there any other differences? Did I hear correctly from somewhere that there is some kind of tension adjustment on the shells? That would be a nice feature. Also, their website says something about “Verton nylon yokes”. Wats dat?
Are there any other makes out there that I’m missing?
I’ve used TacStar models for a number of years with no issue. Be sure to Loctite the screws that mount the carrier to the receiver plate though. If you do experience a bit of looseness with shells; you can carry them brass up or line the shell holders with Velcro to increase tension.
The Mesa carriers are nice and I currently use an 8 round model on my 1187. Great carrier and solves some of the looseness issues seen with the TacStar. The Mesa unit has rubber-like rings in each holder that increase tension on the shells being carried.
Another option is to mount fuzzy Velcro (loop side) to your receiver and slap a shotcard (like those made by EssTac) on the soft Velcro and carry additional cards on your person. As you deplete ammo from the mounted card, rip it off, and replace with a fresh card. This would work well if you needed to change payloads
just be careful what fore end you have on the 870, some of the foreends go past the receiver when racked and only lets you use a 4 shell holder, 6 wont fit on those.
Mine did, so I bought a hogue foreend has a much grippier texture and was able to use a 6 shell
I tried both on my 870 Police Magnum. I run the Mesa Tactical unit now.
I do like how it retains the rounds better, but it’s not hard to remove them. I feel it has been worth the money, and if I bought another shotgun, I’d get another Mesa Tactical holder.
Thanks for the feedback folks. Sounds like the Mesa may have some preference. I’ll check it out.
Hopefully there won’t be any interference from the forend. The Surefire unit I have on there now overlaps the front edge of the receiver by only about a quarter inch. I know that works with the Tac Star, and the Mesa appears likewise if the photo above is at all accurate.
I’ve used Tac Stars, MESA’s and now I would only use this system. More retention and easier on/off for cleaning. Use it on my work gun and my 3 gun shotty.
The Mesa unit has rubber-like rings in each holder that increase tension on the shells being carried.
Did Mesa finally upgrade their retention system?
I’ve used both the Mesa and the Tac-Star and the Tac-Star held shells much better than the Mesa.
If you’re using the Mesa for temporary storage than it may very well work, but it was not desinged for long term storage and the instructions even say that. I remember thinking that information would have been nice to know before I purchased it.
If Mesa improved their product I would definately be willing to give it another try.
Check out my thread about my 870…it’s titled “870 built complete OD cerakote and trijicon ghost rings”
I chose the mesa because it looks the best, it’s made from a solid block of aluminum, and it uses a really cool and functional shell retention method. plus it doesn’t cover up your serial number.
Mesa side saddle is very high quality. I have had no issues with mine other than one of the allen keys holding it came loose after about 100rds. Dont know if I didnt snug it properly, or if I should have used blue loctite. Regardless I caught it quick and tighened it down no issues since.
Only pic I have of the shotgun w/saddle, bad cell pic…
