Shell Carriers: Tac Star, Mesa Tactical, or other?

[blackscot]

I bought my current 870 originally just for the occasional 3-gun or IDPA side match. It seemed like such a waste otherwise sitting around though, that I recently fit it out for HD by swapping the stocks to include a Surefire forend. So now: break-in? No problem -- just "come into the light". Nothing fills-the-bill for HD than a 12-gauge.

In addition to the current 6-round extended mag though, I'd like the option for some on-board reloads. I've previously owned one of the Tac Star "sidesaddle" shell carriers. No problem with that -- a good basic unit. No frills, but does the job.



Seems its main competitor these days is the product by Mesa Tactical, which I've never owned or even seen first-hand, just website photos.



Appears to be more streamlined than the Tac Star. Are there any other differences? Did I hear correctly from somewhere that there is some kind of tension adjustment on the shells? That would be a nice feature. Also, their website says something about "Verton nylon yokes". Wats dat?

Are there any other makes out there that I'm missing?

Thanks for any help.

[TOrrock]

I've used Tac Stars for years with no issues, but if I buy another, I'll get a Mesa. Higher quality unit.

[NCPatrolAR]

I've used TacStar models for a number of years with no issue. Be sure to Loctite the screws that mount the carrier to the receiver plate though. If you do experience a bit of looseness with shells; you can carry them brass up or line the shell holders with Velcro to increase tension.

The Mesa carriers are nice and I currently use an 8 round model on my 1187. Great carrier and solves some of the looseness issues seen with the TacStar. The Mesa unit has rubber-like rings in each holder that increase tension on the shells being carried.


Another option is to mount fuzzy Velcro (loop side) to your receiver and slap a shotcard (like those made by EssTac) on the soft Velcro and carry additional cards on your person. As you deplete ammo from the mounted card, rip it off, and replace with a fresh card. This would work well if you needed to change payloads

[ForTehNguyen]

just be careful what fore end you have on the 870, some of the foreends go past the receiver when racked and only lets you use a 4 shell holder, 6 wont fit on those.

Mine did, so I bought a hogue foreend has a much grippier texture and was able to use a 6 shell

[NCPatrolAR]

just be careful what fore end you have on the 870, some of the foreends go past the receiver when racked and only lets you use a 4 shell holder, 6 wont fit on those.

Mine did, so I bought a hogue foreend has a much grippier texture and was able to use a 6 shell

You can always cut out a section of the forend if need be

[Titleist]

So far I've been very happy with the Mesa Tactical on my Benelli. Thumbs up!

[moyler]

You can always cut out a section of the forend if need be

This is what I did on my 870 to mount the MESA 6-shell holder. It turned out very nice.

I like the retention band MESA uses to keep the shells secure.

[SeriousStudent]

I tried both on my 870 Police Magnum. I run the Mesa Tactical unit now.

I do like how it retains the rounds better, but it's not hard to remove them. I feel it has been worth the money, and if I bought another shotgun, I'd get another Mesa Tactical holder.

[blackscot]

Thanks for the feedback folks. Sounds like the Mesa may have some preference. I'll check it out.

Hopefully there won't be any interference from the forend. The Surefire unit I have on there now overlaps the front edge of the receiver by only about a quarter inch. I know that works with the Tac Star, and the Mesa appears likewise if the photo above is at all accurate.

Thanks again.

[xpd54]

Another option is to mount fuzzy Velcro (loop side) to your receiver and slap a shotcard (like those made by EssTac) on the soft Velcro and carry additional cards on your person. As you deplete ammo from the mounted card, rip it off, and replace with a fresh card. This would work well if you needed to change payloads

I've used Tac Stars, MESA's and now I would only use this system. More retention and easier on/off for cleaning. Use it on my work gun and my 3 gun shotty.