sidesaddle

[Tenshi]

I'm planning on getting a sidesaddle for my Mossberg 590 and was wondering what everyone's take is on the different brands. I've done a little searching online and have come across the tacstar, the mesa tactical and the 3 Gun Gear brands.

I've found plenty of info on the tacstar and mesa, but not very much on the 3 Gun Gear, which is what I'm leaning towards. Has anyone on here used one and how do they hold up? Do they hold the shells snugly or are there problems with them slipping out under recoil?

[colostomyclown]

the price on the mesa tac is outrageous. it may very well be a nice product, but at 66 dollars+shipping a pop, I'll NEVER find out.


the 3 gun gear is probably ok, but I think its meant to be counted on in 3 gun competition and range rather than a true hairy situation like the tacstar or mesa.


if you install it carefully, the tacstar is better than people it give it credit for. DO save the original pins and screws though please.

[Catalyst]

I only have limited experience with a Tacstar 6-capactiy for my remington 870. I've thankfully only ever fired it at the range, but I have a problem with the side saddle. I thought it would be a single piece but there is a mounting plate behind the actual sidesaddle and they are connected with 6 hex screws. You have to keep an eye on them or install it with some lock-tight on those, I've had 2 of the 6 screws shake out during a single day of shooting. I haven't gotten around to contacting Tacstar about this problem and I want to give them a chance to respond before I trash it both here and physically.

[colostomyclown]

Tacstar explicitly recommends using Loctite. It's a pain, but if you install it CAREFULLY, it's a decent product.

[Catalyst]

Figures.

[oneounceload]

I have had one of those Tacstar's on a 500 for 40 forevers - hasn't come loose yet, but then I try not to subject my shoulder to surgery-required-after loads on a regular basis

[GunsAmerica Actual]

I never put loctite on my tacstar and it's fine. It's been on my 500 pistol grip for 10 years or more.

[Tenshi]

seems everyone has Tacstars... does anyone own a 3gungear side saddle?

[TCman]

I dont have a 3 gun, but do have a Mesa Tactical. Is mounts up very solid and I have no complaints.

[cdnbacon]

I have used a 3 gungear sidesaddle for about 8 years or so on my duty gun. The trick is to prep the receiver properly so that the stick on backing adheres. Clean and dry the receiver with alcohol and if it is slightly warm it will help. Don't contaminate the adhesive backing by touching it with oily or wet fingers. After you stick it on, let it cure for a day or so before putting on the sidesaddle. After doing it like that, mine has not come apart from the receiver and it spends a lot of time in a car trunk in hot summer and cold Vermont winters. The outside edges of the adhesive may lift slightly here or there but not anywhere near enough to cause a problem and you can just squeeze it back on. The variant I purchase has rubber threads embedded in the sidesaddle material to help keep shells from sliding out under recoil. I also use the angled version where the shells point slightly backwards (rather than straight up and down). I have not had any problem with the sidesaddle and really like it. I suppose you could hit or bump into something with the sidesaddle where it meets the receiver and start to peel it off, but I haven't had that happen either. It is nice to be able to take off the sidesaddle without tools when you want to. Give it a try. The company is great to deal with also. Good luck