Introduction
The Mossberg 500. It’s a reputation synonymous with reliability, affordability, and enduring reputation on this planet of shotguns. For many years, this pump-action workhorse has been a favourite amongst hunters, sport shooters, house defenders, and regulation enforcement personnel. Its easy design and sturdy building have earned it a well-deserved repute for dependability. However even probably the most reliable firearm may be improved, and one of the efficient upgrades for a Mossberg 500 is a facet saddle.
What precisely is a facet saddle? It is a easy but ingenious machine that attaches to the receiver of your shotgun, offering a readily accessible technique of storing further shotgun shells. This considerably enhances the firearm’s capabilities. Think about the distinction: as a substitute of fumbling for spare rounds throughout a essential scenario, you’ve gotten a number of shells proper at your fingertips, able to be loaded shortly. This implies quicker reloads, elevated ammunition capability, and a big tactical benefit. Whether or not you are honing your abilities on the vary, defending your house, or partaking in tactical capturing, a facet saddle can dramatically enhance your efficiency. This information will delve into the world of facet saddles, focusing particularly on the most effective facet saddle for Mossberg 500 shotguns. We’ll discover the essential options, assessment a number of the top-rated choices, and offer you the knowledge it’s essential to make an knowledgeable resolution.
Why You Want a Aspect Saddle for Your Mossberg 500
Let’s delve deeper into why equipping your Mossberg 500 with a facet saddle is a great transfer. The advantages prolong past simply having further shells; they affect a number of key areas of firearm proficiency and use.
Enhanced Ammunition Capability
The obvious benefit is, in fact, the elevated ammunition capability. The usual Mossberg 500, relying on the mannequin, usually holds round 5 to eight rounds within the journal tube. A facet saddle provides wherever from 4 to 10 further shells, generally much more. This implies you’ve gotten extra firepower at your instant disposal, decreasing the probability of operating dry throughout an encounter. Having extra shells readily available permits for elevated coaching, better flexibility in ammunition choice (switching between birdshot, buckshot, or slugs as wanted), and, crucially, a better diploma of preparedness in high-pressure eventualities.
Quicker Reloads
Reloading a shotgun beneath stress is usually a gradual and cumbersome course of. Reaching for a shell service, maneuvering shells, and loading the journal tube takes valuable time. A facet saddle drastically streamlines this course of. The shells are proper there, simply accessible, permitting for considerably quicker reloads. This speedy entry is essential in self-defense conditions the place each second counts. The power to shortly replenish your ammunition lets you keep a tactical benefit, deter threats, and finally, shield your self and your family members.
Improved Tactical Benefit
The power to reload shortly and carry extra ammunition interprets immediately right into a tactical benefit. Whether or not you are partaking in tactical capturing drills on the vary or going through a possible house invasion, a facet saddle provides you a decisive edge. This benefit is available in a number of types. You could have extra rounds accessible, the flexibility to shortly reply to threats, and the capability to maintain longer engagements with out operating out of ammunition. It permits for a extra aggressive tactical method, making you extra assured and efficient in any scenario.
Total Enhancement of the Mossberg 500’s Capabilities
A facet saddle doesn’t simply enhance the variety of shells you’ve gotten accessible; it enhances the general utility and pleasure of your Mossberg 500. It transforms the weapon right into a extra versatile and user-friendly platform. It turns into simpler to deal with, permitting for quicker transitions and improved shot placement. That is greater than only a tactical improve; it enhances your consolation, confidence, and total expertise together with your shotgun, making it a fair higher instrument for protection, sport, or looking.
Key Options to Think about When Selecting a Aspect Saddle
Selecting the best facet saddle to your Mossberg 500 is about extra than simply choosing the primary one you see. Just a few key options immediately affect its performance, sturdiness, and ease of use. Taking the time to grasp these elements will show you how to select the most effective facet saddle for Mossberg 500 to completely suit your wants.
Materials Issues
The fabric of your facet saddle considerably impacts its longevity, weight, and total really feel. Completely different supplies supply various ranges of efficiency.
- Steel Choices: Aluminum and metal are widespread supplies, identified for his or her energy and sturdiness. A metallic facet saddle is extremely proof against impacts and the weather. Whereas probably including a bit extra weight to your shotgun, the improved robustness is a significant profit. The standard of the metallic and the manufacturing course of will affect the worth and generally the tactic of attachment, as extra superior and safe mounting kinds typically use metallic.
- Polymer/Plastic: Polymer and plastic facet saddles are usually extra light-weight and cost-effective. They provide wonderful affect resistance, which is beneficial in purposes the place bumps or scrapes are anticipated. The draw back is that polymer is not fairly as sturdy as metallic. Excessive-quality polymer choices will carry out very effectively, however they usually lack the identical stage of total ruggedness.
Shell Capability
Aspect saddles are designed to carry a particular variety of shotgun shells.
- Widespread Choices: The capability of most facet saddles falls within the vary of shells. The variety of shells that’s best for you depends upon the applying of your shotgun. The most typical sizes are 4, six, seven, or eight.
- Matching Your Wants: A hunter may prioritize a smaller capability to maintain the general weight down, whereas a house defender may favor larger capability for extra rounds readily available in a defensive situation. Think about your meant makes use of and choose a capability that finest helps your wants and capturing fashion.
Mounting System
The mounting system dictates how the facet saddle attaches to your Mossberg 500. Completely different techniques supply various levels of safety and ease of set up.
- Clamp-On: That is usually the best kind of facet saddle to put in, because it usually includes a easy clamping mechanism that attaches to the receiver of the shotgun. Clamp-on facet saddles are sometimes very inexpensive, nonetheless, they might generally have an effect on the end of the receiver. Some customers discover that the clamp can probably shift throughout heavy use, although these are normally not an enormous subject.
- Receiver-Mounted: These facet saddles are secured on to the receiver of the shotgun, both by means of drilling (extra everlasting) or utilizing current mounting holes. Receiver-mounted designs usually supply a safer and secure attachment than clamp-on fashions. Drilling is extra concerned and impacts the resale worth of your firearm, however the outcomes are sometimes safer.
- Rail-Mounted: Many facet saddles additionally function rails, normally Picatinny or M-LOK, to permit for mounting equipment like optics or weapon lights. These are usually a extra superior resolution, ultimate if you wish to customise your shotgun.
Shell Retention System
How the facet saddle holds the shells is necessary to its perform. The shell retention system determines the stability between pace of entry and the safety of the shells.
- Rubber Loops: Rubber loops are a easy, time-tested technique. They’re usually quiet and versatile, permitting shells to be inserted and eliminated simply. Nevertheless, the retention could be much less safe in comparison with different designs, particularly if the loops stretch out over time.
- Spring Clips: Spring clips or shell holders are normally safer than rubber loops. These mechanisms use spring-loaded metallic or polymer clips to grip the shells, offering a tighter maintain. They typically facilitate quick entry, however can generally be noisy, significantly when the shotgun is being moved or dealt with.
- Magnetic Retention: Some producers use magnetic techniques. Shells are held by a magnetic area, giving a stability between pace of entry and shell safety.
Compatibility
Not all facet saddles will match each variation of the Mossberg 500. You will need to verify that the chosen facet saddle is suitable with the particular mannequin of your shotgun, together with the gauge (12 gauge, 20 gauge, and so on.) and any current equipment or modifications you’ll have.
Weight and Bulk
Think about the extra weight and bulk that the facet saddle will add to your shotgun. This may have an effect on the stability and dealing with traits of the firearm. Light-weight, low-profile designs can be found for customers who worth maneuverability.
High Aspect Saddle Critiques
Now, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at a number of the finest facet saddle for Mossberg 500 shotguns presently accessible. This choice covers a spread of options and value factors that can assist you discover the proper match. The critiques beneath are based mostly on elements akin to sturdiness, ease of set up, consumer critiques, and total worth.
GG&G Mossberg 500 Aspect Saddle
Key Options:
- Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum, offering superior sturdiness.
- Mounts to the receiver by way of pre-drilled holes (drilling could also be required relying on the mannequin).
- Holds six shells, with a spring-loaded shell retention system for safe storage.
- Features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics or lights.
Professionals:
- Extremely sturdy building.
- Safe shell retention.
- Built-in rail for equipment.
- Wonderful construct high quality.
Cons:
- Set up usually requires skilled gunsmith work.
- Could be pricier than different choices.
Worth: $100 – $150
Person Critiques: Usually optimistic, with customers praising the sturdiness, reliability, and safe shell retention. The most typical grievance is the requirement for drilling and the related set up value.
Suggestion: It is a premium possibility for these prioritizing sturdiness and reliability. Whereas the set up may be extra concerned, the sturdy building and wonderful shell retention make it a worthwhile funding for critical customers. If you would like the best possible facet saddle for Mossberg 500, that is typically on the prime of the listing.
TacStar SideSaddle
Key Options:
- Holds six shells.
- Constructed from sturdy, impact-resistant polymer.
- Attaches to the receiver with a clamp-on design (some drilling could also be wanted, relying on the mannequin).
- Options versatile shell loops for straightforward entry.
Professionals:
- Reasonably priced value level.
- Light-weight.
- Straightforward to put in for many customers.
Cons:
- Clamp-on design is probably not as safe as receiver-mounted choices.
- Shell loops may stretch or loosen over time.
Worth: $30 – $50
Person Critiques: Largely optimistic, with customers appreciating the convenience of set up and affordability. Some customers report the loops loosen over time.
Suggestion: A superb worth for the worth. Ultimate for these on the lookout for an easy-to-install facet saddle with out breaking the financial institution.
Mesa Tactical SureShell Provider
Key Options:
- Accessible in a number of shell capacities (4, 6, and eight shells).
- Constructed from hard-anodized aluminum.
- Makes use of a strong shell retention system.
- Mounts to the receiver with pre-drilled holes (drilling could also be required, relying on the mannequin).
- Incorporates a Picatinny rail for mounting equipment on sure fashions.
Professionals:
- Sturdy and dependable.
- Safe shell retention.
- A number of capability choices.
- Wonderful construct high quality.
Cons:
- The receiver-mounted set up might require an expert.
- Could be costlier than different choices.
Worth: $100 – $180
Person Critiques: Extremely optimistic, with customers praising the sturdiness, safe shell retention, and total high quality.
Suggestion: The SureShell Provider is a top-tier possibility for shooters who demand the most effective. This service is an impressive alternative, identified to be among the finest facet saddle for Mossberg 500 customers.
Set up Ideas and Concerns
Putting in a facet saddle is a manageable process for a lot of firearm house owners. Nevertheless, it is important to observe the producer’s directions fastidiously. Listed here are some basic pointers:
- Learn the Directions: Start by totally studying the producer’s directions. This ensures you perceive the method and any particular instruments wanted.
- Collect Your Instruments: Assemble all the mandatory instruments, together with screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and probably a drill and drill bits for receiver-mounted facet saddles.
- Security First: At all times guarantee your firearm is unloaded and the chamber is evident earlier than starting any work.
- Mounting: Rigorously connect the facet saddle to the receiver, both by clamping it on or securing it with screws (following directions).
- Torque: Tighten all screws to the producer’s beneficial torque specs to make sure a safe match.
- Check: After set up, take a look at the shell retention and make sure the facet saddle doesn’t intervene with the operation of the shotgun.
- Skilled Assist: For those who’re uncomfortable with any a part of the method, think about having a certified gunsmith set up the facet saddle for you. This ensures correct set up and helps to guard your firearm.
Authorized Concerns: At all times pay attention to any native or state legal guidelines which will have an effect on the use or modification of your firearm.
Different Equipment to Think about
Whereas the principle focus is the most effective facet saddle for Mossberg 500, there are different equipment that may complement your shotgun and additional improve its performance and your total capturing expertise.
- Picatinny Rail: A rail may be added to your shotgun for attaching optics, sights, and lights.
- Sling Mounts: Including a sling to your shotgun makes it simpler to hold and maneuver, significantly throughout lengthy vary periods or tactical conditions.
- Forends and Pistol Grips: Upgrading your forend or including a pistol grip can improve the ergonomics and dealing with of your shotgun.
- Prolonged Journal Tube: Extending the journal tube can significantly enhance ammunition capability.
Shopping for Information and Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate facet saddle to your Mossberg 500 includes cautious consideration of your particular wants, capturing fashion, and funds. Bear in mind to assessment the important thing options: materials, shell capability, mounting system, shell retention, compatibility, and total weight. Consider the completely different fashions accessible, learn critiques, and think about the professionals and cons of every.
Finally, the most effective facet saddle for Mossberg 500 is the one that completely matches your necessities. It supplies you with dependable efficiency, elevated ammunition capability, and finally, enhances your confidence and effectiveness together with your shotgun.
Finally, the appropriate facet saddle for you’ll rely in your specific use case, your willingness to spend on higher-end supplies, and your consolation stage with set up. Nevertheless, investing in a top quality facet saddle to your Mossberg 500 is an funding in your firearm’s functionality. Now, choose the facet saddle that fits your wants, and prepare to expertise the improved efficiency and tactical benefit that it brings. And please, share your experiences with completely different facet saddles within the feedback beneath!
