Do NOT buy the AIM side saddle!!!

[Short Bus]

The side saddle didn't hold up to light use. After about 15 rounds (of Winchester target loads) the plastic part came off. It didn't have any shells in it so I checked it out and filled it with shells(this helped hold it more securely). After about 25 rounds (10 more) it broke.

[Synchronizor]

Was this a TacStar SideSaddle, with a plastic shell holder that attaches to an aluminum baseplate?

These are definitely a get-what-you-pay-for product, but when installed correctly, they work pretty well. Unfortunately, all the steps for proper installation are not given in the instructions that come in the packaging, and if you skip those extra steps, the thing falls apart in short order just like you described.

Proper installation of these shell carriers has been on my future videos list for a while, I may have to bump it up.

[Short Bus]

No, it's not a TacStar, it's a AIM. It is designed a little different that a TacStar. It has an aluminum plate that screws to the receiver like a TacStar, but the plastic shell holder slides into two grooved rails and is held it place with two ball bearings in two indentions in the plate.

This is the one I got

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIM-TACTICAL-SH ... 2c7508163f

[Zebra62]

Mesa Tactical with the rail.
http://mesatactical.com/products/suresh ... 2-ga-5-in/
One piece aluminum saddle with a shell retention strip down the center. I like this one because it bolts through both sides of the receiver. I wish they made one for the 20 guge youth model.

[Short Bus]

Mesa Tactical with the rail.
http://mesatactical.com/products/suresh ... 2-ga-5-in/
One piece aluminum saddle with a shell retention strip down the center. I like this one because it bolts through both sides of the receiver. I wish they made one for the 20 guge youth model.

I like that, but it's to pricey for my build. I ordered one of the velco/elastic shell holders (as part of a package deal) from S&J.

[Automag]

I can understand the AIm failing, that's b/c they are very low quality-even lower than Tacstar. If you are going to take the time and effort to install a sidesaddle, i would never skimp on that. I would only use a Mesa or GG+G on something i count on to defend my home, as well as just practicing. You can't put a POS on you shotgun that's going to fail or drop rounds under even mild use, nevermind a home defense scenario, i myself would just rather have a few extra shells in my pocket than a cheap sidesaddle that's going to fall apart or drop rounds on your feet while shooting. With that said, i can understand beng on a budget in what you can afford what to use when upgrading/adding components to your shotgun. If you can't afford the quality and a no-fail sidesaddle, just go without one, or you may have better luck with a velcro shellcard like you mentioned. I'm just tellin it like it is, and what i've experienced and learned over time. I hope the S&J shell card works out, i've heard good things on those, just never used one.

Zebra62-you finally got the Mesa 6rd/pic rail sidesaddle. It looks awesome, and you've probably already noticed the quality LOL JK!!! Good choice man! I was going to swap mine for the standard Mesa sureshell 6 rd only, but could'nt let go of the 5" pic rail. It comes in handy and still lets ya aim w/o optics-a very good choice!

[Zebra62]

It comes in handy and still lets ya aim w/o optics-a very good choice!

Thank you, Brother.

[Short Bus]

I can understand the AIm failing, that's b/c they are very low quality-even lower than Tacstar. If you are going to take the time and effort to install a sidesaddle, i would never skimp on that. I would only use a Mesa or GG+G on something i count on to defend my home, as well as just practicing. You can't put a POS on you shotgun that's going to fail or drop rounds under even mild use, nevermind a home defense scenario, i myself would just rather have a few extra shells in my pocket than a cheap sidesaddle that's going to fall apart or drop rounds on your feet while shooting. With that said, i can understand beng on a budget in what you can afford what to use when upgrading/adding components to your shotgun. If you can't afford the quality and a no-fail sidesaddle, just go without one, or you may have better luck with a velcro shellcard like you mentioned. I'm just tellin it like it is, and what i've experienced and learned over time. I hope the S&J shell card works out, i've heard good things on those, just never used one.

Zebra62-you finally got the Mesa 6rd/pic rail sidesaddle. It looks awesome, and you've probably already noticed the quality LOL JK!!! Good choice man! I was going to swap mine for the standard Mesa sureshell 6 rd only, but could'nt let go of the 5" pic rail. It comes in handy and still lets ya aim w/o optics-a very good choice!

I've got to say that more money doesn't always mean better quality. I look for the best value. I totally agree with not having a POS on a defense gun. The key to me is test whatever you put on or do to your gun. The AIM was a POS and didn't pass the test (it failed miserably!!!). At least I got a refund minus return shipping.

[Automag]

No money itself does'nt necesarrily determine the value of anything. All i was saying is what "ive experienced" and learned along the way. Also there are certain parts for firearms that i just don't skimp on, but that's just me. For example:most folks would take a surefire over a streamlight fo dif reasons; thinking price=quality, the namebrand, etc. I have learned that streamlight is a better value (IMO) than a surefire. So i do look for good value, as well as reputation, quality, but most importantly-what i've learned through trial and error, and my experience. I don't try to convince anyone anymore about anything; i just tell what i've learned and hope it helps someone out in their builds.

[Short Bus]

No money itself does'nt necesarrily determine the value of anything. All i was saying is what "ive experienced" and learned along the way. Also there are certain parts for firearms that i just don't skimp on, but that's just me. For example:most folks would take a surefire over a streamlight fo dif reasons; thinking price=quality, the namebrand, etc. I have learned that streamlight is a better value (IMO) than a surefire. So i do look for good value, as well as reputation, quality, but most importantly-what i've learned through trial and error, and my experience. I don't try to convince anyone anymore about anything; i just tell what i've learned and hope it helps someone out in their builds.

I respect your opinion, I've just been or forums that most people seem to think if you're not paying top dollar your getting junk (yes, sometimes it's true) or if you want your firearm to be different than it came from the factory, you should have bought something different.

As far as lights go, I've had good luck with UltraFire. I haven't mounted one to a firearm yet, but the (YouTube) reviews seem promising from people who have. If it works out well I'll have about $35 in a tri-rail, mount, light and pressure switch.

My setup will be close to this, but with a single mode WF-501B and a pressure switch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67y9_3ydpTQ