It attaches solidly. The negatives: (1) poorly finished with many sharp edges. You will have difficulty getting this on your weapon without scratching it, likewise getting it off will invariably do some damage. (2) none of the attaching screws seated well without some filing and grinding. (3) incompatible with rifle sights. No good reason it couldn't sit lower, just poor design. (4) can't leave shells in the holder without compromising the retention system - instructions say it's meant to load/reload on a daily basis; OK if you're doing shift work, not useful as a home defense weapon left ready to go as needed. (5) Person who wrote the manual needs remedial basic English; installation is actually simple, you wouldn't know it from reading the instructions they provide. I wanted clarification on a point, left a message with Mesa customer service, but never heard back. Finally, have some threadlocker blue handy, there's none included. Could have been a great product with a little more engineering and better quality control, still useful though, but pricey.

Added it onto my 870 Police for work and its a great piece of gear. Took a few minutes to install and all I needed no tools just used a car key to screw in the pins. The saddle itself adds almost no weight and with the tactical/police forearm it fits without having to switch em out. Doubled the capicity and lets me alternate between loads and have less lethal/00buck/slugs without having to only have 2 or 3 of each on the mount. More is usually better and Mesa Tactical proves it again.

As soon as you open the package you will be impressed with the design, craftsmanship and finish. Two levels of shell retention are available. It does require disassembly of the saddle to change the tension but the needed part is provided.

Installed 1 on a Cruiser style 500 and a 2nd on a 590A1. The installation is the same for each model shotgun and is straight forward. Take a few moments to review the instructions. The needed hex head wrenches are included. The only thing you need to add is some blue thread locker. Rock solid after the installation is complete.

A thin closed cell (neoprene?) self adhesive foam strip is included. It is applied to the carrier, protects the receiver and helps tension the mounting of the carrier. The following will make more sense once you have the unit in hand. Cut the strip to length as instructed but save the cut off end. Apply by centering the notches on the carriers phillip screw heads. Not mentioned in the instructions but I took the cut off end and shortened it further to fit opposite the carrier plate keyhole.

Just a top notch piece of kit and I have other shell holders as comparison.

I agree with the other reviews... this is a nicely made American product that works exactly as advertised. I plan on storing shells in the carrier and I'm not worried about the elastomer loosening over time.

The installation is pretty straight forward, with one exception. If you have an 870 Express Tactical, it may be necessary to remove the "D" shaped retention clip that holds the plastic tube that the front trigger pin passes through attached to the trigger group. Without removing the D-clip you won't be able to pass the male Chicago screw into the receiver (from right to left when looking down on the receiver). Drop the trigger group out, pull off the D-clip and then proceed with the installation.

I have this on my Mossberg 590a1. Not only was I able to get a Six Shot carrier, but built in Picatinny rail. Its made from heavy grade Aluminum. Very Well Made and simple to install.

I ordered this but was concerned that I would not be able to see over the rail to use the sights with a 1081 Carlson Remington 18.5" Choke Combo Barrel. However the sights were high enough and the Saddlecarrier worked great and is a great addition to my Remington 870 that I converted to a tactical defense weapon, that can be used for turkey & deer hunting. The Saddlecarrier little pricey but quality always costs more.

This is a great side saddle. I bought this to use on my personal shotgun that I shoot 3 gun with. I have used it in several matches and I am yet to have a shell rattle out while moving hard. I have had other side saddles that are not a connected loop and made of plastic. They always wear out if you have shells loaded in them all the time. I have been running this one for well over a year and it still holds strong.

I bought this shell holder for my 870, it had gotten great reviews so I figured I'd try it out. Like everyone else, I'm thoroughly pleased with it, the construction is rock solid, installation was a breeze, and it holds the shells very securely. I have not had the shells in it long enough to notice any deformation of the retention tube, but they include an extra one just in case. I have another shotgun build that I'm planning, and will definitely be purchasing another one of these for it. Hope this helps!

I have one of these on my 870 and when i got a M2 I had to get one for it as well. These are without a doubt the best shell holders on the market, unless you want the velcro type.

This holder hit perfectly on M2. It says to use rubber backing, (I didn't use this on my 870 and it isn't scratching the reciever up) but to get proper spacing around the top reciever contour you have to use rubber. Fit, finish, and workmanship are perfect. I would highly recommend.

Not many tactical upgrades needed for a SPX as it comes with most bits you need, but this is a good one. Well made and looks good, even tightens the trigger assy in the receiver .

Bought this after seeing them at the 870 Armorer class on LASD's guns. Heavy duty, serial number visible, fits and functions well. At first there was some loose shells and some tight. One call the Mesa got replacement tubing on the way to fix it fast. They're stand up people right down the road from me in So. Cal. I will be buying a 2nd six pack for my 1187P.

Installed easily, rock solid. Shells are easy to access and out of the way. The were concerns about the elastomer rib weakening, but I've had shells in it for several months and they are still held securely. Looks good and works well, what's not to like?

This carrier mounted seamlessly on the top of my M4 and looks like a Benelli option rather than a third party add on. As a left handed shooter I have no problems with the position of the assembly, but right handed shooters may not like the close proximity to ones face. Other than that, it makes speedloading a dream and the shells stay put whether you load them from the top or bottom. It comes with a spare retainer strip if you happen to wear yours out, but it isn't intended for long term shell storage. If you can tolerate a little extra weight then you will love this product!

Installation is a snap, and it holds shells rock solid.

Absolutely a great addition to my 870, in less than five mins it was on. Very easy to install, and solid construction along with a the largest capacity that I have seen make it an awesome investment. Definitely increased the lethality of my home defense gun. Some may find it a bit expensive but when you want quality you pay for it, this is one of those times.

In less than five mins I installed mine; it has a slim design and solid construction. Some may find it a bit expensive but you definitely get what you pay for with this carrier.

I purchased the 6 round shot holder for my 870. Unfortunately my fore end got in the way and it would not cycle the action. (This was my fault I did not read there notes.) So I installed it on my tactical 1100 and it is Amazing. I am going to try and order a 4 shot one in hopes that it is short enough for the 870 to cycle. I like my fore stock and dont want to change or modify it.

Very well built out of quality components. Took about ten minutes to install.Include rubber gasket to quiet any rattle between the holder and the reciever.

Does not cover the serial number and works with my Surefire forend.

Recommend this to all.

Easy to install, even for a novice gunsmith. Hold shells securely in both brass-up or brass-down positions. All metal, light, nice finish, comes with an adhesive-backed rubber pad to protect the receiver. Comes with tools. Not good for long-term storage of shells in the holder, however.

the product is extremely well made and looks great however when I fitted it to my Benelli M2 Practical the gun would nolonger cycle with normal 28gram loads as it used to even when the shellholder is empty. It cycles ok with SG and Slug loads and heavey birdshot loads

This is exactly what I needed for multigun competition.

Fits perfectly on the M4.

Unscrew the rail from your M4, put the rubber pads on the back of the shell holder, screw it onto the receiver.

It's just that easy.

Shells are friction fit with a rubber insert, I expect it to loosen a little with shells left in there for extened periods. Plenty firm enough grip to overcome recoil.

I was a little worried that 8 rounds would be too big, but it's not. I'm glad I didn't order the 6 round version.

I've had this item on my duty shotgun for five years now and it's performed flawlessly. The 870 rides in my car every day and sees moderate continuous use.
This shell holder is very durable and can be fully disassembled, including access to the replaceable shell tensioner (rubber tubing), which hasn't demonstrated a need for replacement as of yet, but could be performed very easily. Couple this with heavy duty mounting hex-head bolts, which effectively and securely couple the shell holder and trigger assembly to the receiver, and you have a rock-solid mount.
Another nice feature includes a cut-out on the base of the unit, allowing one to read the serial numbers on the shotgun.
This item may cost double the amount of the other ones, but it'll be the last one you'll ever need. Definitely worth it, and it's manufactured here in the USA.

I almost didn't buy this product because of the review that talks about loss in shell retention. Glad I ignored it! What isn't mentioned in that review, is just below that statement it says "However, if the shells are removed from the carrier for a few hours the elastomer will reform to its original shape."

As a armorer for the US Navy when I look at buying any accessory for a weapon I tell myself it must serve at least 3 purposes.
1: with the shell holder it allows for fast combat reloading
2: with the picatanny rail it allows for easy addition of otpics such as a reflex sight for faster target aqquisition
3: the picatanny rail also serves as a sort of rear sight for improving the accuracy of your shot
this is an all round good addition it installs quickly and is easy to remove for field stripping definitely recommended

I love the shell retention method. It doesn't appear that shells will work loose under recoil like my sidesaddle has known to do. HOWEVER: I had two problems in mounting this to a M1. First, the upper rear corner of the piece that wraps over the receiver bumped into the housing of the rear ghost ring sight. A tiny bit of cutting on that corner took care of that. Second, once I got the first problem taken care of, I found that the contour of the holder does not match the contour of the receiver. The flat portion of the holder that butts up against the receiver isn't wide enough and the upper and lower parts that wrap around the receiver don't match the curve of the receiver and bump into it. When you try to install the holder, it doesn't come flush with the side of the receiver.

Mine is an older HK imported M1. I don't know if the M2 receiver contour is different. I only know that it didn't work on my M1. Sidesaddle went back on.

The shotshell carrier is not designed for long-term storage of shells on the weapon. Storing shells in the carrier over long periods can deform the elastomer, resulting in degradation of shell retention efficacy.(from page 3 of the operation guide) I bought it to keep shells with the gun. It is not made for that purpose. Shells are loose in the holder after a long period of time.

This is a great product. I purchased this for my work shotgun as I did not like the plastic ones on the market. I was skeptical at first due to the rubber insert inside of the shell holder. After getting it and installing it, I could see that my fears would not prove to be true. I followed the easy directions and had it installed within 20 minutes. So far I have had it for a week with shells in it (brass down) and have not had one fall out or even move, as I have slung with and taken it in and out of my vehicle. The shells are even easy to get out and in. This shell holder Is smaller than any other I have found on the market and does not stick up or below the receiver. Parts included: rubber gasket for the back of the mounting bracket, two pins with screws, and shell holder.

Installed the saddle on my Rem 870 in about 15 minutes and it fit with no alterations to the saddle or the shotgun. Well constructed with excellent shell retention. No plastic parts. This thing is built to last and play rough. I'm very pleased with my purchase. I would buy it again.

I was amazed at how easy it was to mount this to my gun. It holds the rounds securely, even when firing rapid fire buck or slugs.