Side saddles; your preference?

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

I'd like to go ahead and pick up a side saddle for my M4, but I would like to know what you guys are running and why.

On my old 870, I used a 6 shot Mesa Side Saddle. It was very well built, and held shells tightly for the short time that I owned it. Mesa has a reputation for making quality gear, and I would have no problem buying another for my M4.

You also have the awfully expensive SideArmor setups (of $300++) and the awfully shitty Tacstar models as well.

The issue is that I am seeing alot of guys running velcro cards now instead of bolted on carriers. Esstac and RCS/Ares come to mind when talking about velcro cards. I like the idea of being able to run different cards for different ammo, and the ability to slap another card on when your current is dry. What I dont like is the thought of adhesive velcro coming loose on the receiver, the loops wearing out and not holding shells especially after prolonged time being loaded, and the hook and loop material on the actual card wearing out over time.

For guys that do run cards, what are you using and what have the results been? Is anyone using the RCS/Ares setup, and if so how does it compare to the ESSTAC Card system?

[zen_grasshopper]

I use the ESSTAC cards and have used the heck out of them. Elastic is still holding rounds like they day I got the cards. Several of them have been on and off the gun hundreds of times. Both of my shotguns are in vehicles (patrol and personal) and see heat and cold cycles ranging from -10f to 100+f.

Use Industrial strength Velcro brand on the gun and degrease well (I used brake cleaner) and you shouldn't have any problems with the Velcro coming off the gun. And if it does start to go bad, you just replace it when cleaning the gun.

I have used TacStar's and Mesa's in the past and the ESSTAC is all that is on my guns now.

Jon

[xrayoneone]

I avoid the bulk of the side saddle. I use the Davis Speed Stock. Although probably not an option for an M4.

[IZinterrogator]

I have the Sidearmor setup. I got it for the rails so I can have a light where I want it, I have a true M1913 rail on top for an Aimpoint Micro H-1, and I can use their 2-shell holder right by the ejection port if I want to hold slugs. I have both the 6-shell and 8-shell sidesaddles since they can be swapped out with an allen wrench. Great for the modularity, but weighs a ton even when everything but the optic and light is taken off.

[kjd2121]

I tried a 3gungear velcro side saddle on my M2 and while shooting 2 3/4 buckshot rounds the full card would rip off and fall on the ground. Of course the M4 doesn't recoil as much

[Allen]

ESSTac cards. Like zen_grasshopper said: de-grease and use industrial Velcro on the gun. Put Velcro from where the stock attaches to the front of the receiver, so you are not trying to align the card perfectly under stress. Buy a few feet of the Velcro, replace it when you need to. If you're worried about the elastic wearing out, rotate the loaded cards once or twice a month. No problem with them coming off under heavy use- bird, buck or slug.

Replace when the elastic wears out. They're consumable. Subscribe to the SKD news letter, every once in a while they do a 4 for the price of 3 on the deal of the day.
Allen

[RCI1911]

I've got a Mesa Tactical and it is a high quality piece of gear. Shells stay where they are suppose to and come out of the side saddle easily when feeding your gun. I've heard good things about the Vang Comp side saddles but have not personally used them. Just by looking at the two systems I think I would prefer the Mesa design.

[zibby43]

I've got a Mesa Tactical and it is a high quality piece of gear. Shells stay where they are suppose to and come out of the side saddle easily when feeding your gun. I've heard good things about the Vang Comp side saddles but have not personally used them. Just by looking at the two systems I think I would prefer the Mesa design.

I had the Mesa Tactical side saddle for my Remington 870 Magpul Edition until I tried this:

http://www.ravenconcealment.com/modu...shell-carriers

Don't get me wrong, the Mesa Tactical side saddle is a great product.

However, the Raven ModuLoader System is simply phenomenal. It's lighter and more durable than the Mesa Tactical side saddle. Weight savings are huge to me when running an already heavy platform like a 12-guage shotgun.

The ModuLoader system is also easier to install. Finally, I love the ability to quickly rip off an empty panel and slap a fresh one on.

I held on to the Mesa unit as a backup. Couldn't part with something that did in fact serve me well.

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

I had the Mesa Tactical side saddle for my Remington 870 Magpul Edition until I tried this:

http://www.ravenconcealment.com/modu...shell-carriers

Don't get me wrong, the Mesa Tactical side saddle is a great product.

However, the Raven ModuLoader System is simply phenomenal. It's lighter and more durable than the Mesa Tactical side saddle. Weight savings are huge to me when running an already heavy platform like a 12-guage shotgun.

The ModuLoader system is also easier to install. Finally, I love the ability to quickly rip off an empty panel and slap a fresh one on.

I held on to the Mesa unit as a backup. Couldn't part with something that did in fact serve me well.

How is it more durable than the Mesa?

[tpd223]

Replace when the elastic wears out. They're consumable. Subscribe to the SKD news letter, every once in a while they do a 4 for the price of 3 on the deal of the day.
Allen

He means like this;
http://www.skdtac.com/product-p/ess.106-0004.promo.htm