First Look: Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier

Shotguns are often knocked for their low capacity and lack of modularity, and these elements are true when compared to other personal-defense and tactical longarms on the market, such as the AR-15. However, many companies are working to enhance the versatility and carrying capacity of popular shotgun models, and the latest to the game is the all-new Saddle Mount Shell Carrier from Adaptive Tactical.

If you're an owner of a Mossberg 500 or 590, a Maverick 88 or a Remington 870, 1100 or 11-87 shotgun, all of which make up the bulk of budget shotguns sold today, then there's a Saddle Mount Shell Carrier designed to fit your go-to shotgun. This flexible design is machined from aluminum to avoid adding excess weight to your gun, all while providing the rigidity and durability needed to simultaneously store extra shotshells and provide a solid optics mount.

The Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier attaches to the side of the receiver using existing fasteners, so there's no permanent alteration to the host firearm. Once installed, the wraparound design offers a set of six rubberized holders that keep spare shells secured until needed for a quick reload.

In addition, the Saddle Mount Shell Carrier also provides shotgunners with a low-profile Picatinny-rail mount that allows them to add optics, such as a red-dot sight, for fast and easy target acquisition. Should users prefer to stick to their bead sight, the rail sits low enough to allow owners to acquire targets using the barrel's built-in brass bead.

In terms of durability, Adaptive Tactical developed the rubberized shell holder with a special synthetic material designed to withstand the impact of rough environments, harsh weather and caustic cleaning chemicals. This ensures that the shell holder will provide a lifetime of solid use alongside any shotgun to which it is mounted.

The company does warn consumers that shotguns equipped with pump-action fore-ends that slide past the end of the magazine tube and along the sides of the receiver will not be able to cycle fully with the shell carrier installed. A shortened forearm is needed for compatibility with this product.

The Adaptive Tactical Saddle Mount Shell Carrier is available for 12-gauge-chambered models only and retails at a suggested price of $93.99.