SIDE SADDLE LOADING THOUGHTS -DEBATE

[gWebber]

Not to knock anyone’s setup, but personally I find it odd the shells lean forward (see photo) and not all the brass is up top.

Let me explain ....

My thinking is I’d want to grab the shell by the brass , pull up (or up and back) go over the top of receiver and into the port in one move knowing the brass is facing the right way for every shell. Same movement every time and easy to practice.

In the photo , pulling the first two forward seems awkward and the next four are down and back seems even more awkward if going over the top and really no better for going under UNLESS it was to load the tube, then I could see laying the gun over on side, pulling a shell back and out then forward into the tube.

Anyway ... port loading using the setup shown becomes a mix of over or under , creating possible confusion or a fumble or two or at least awkward loading maneuvers ... at least for port loading.

Yes, I’m aware some people put “two up” for a couple slugs. Which also kinda doesn’t make sense , people can’t remember where the slugs are?

That’s another thought I have, why not the last two as slugs? That make the simple choice of : start at the rear for slugs or start at the front buck shot. Simple and uncomplicated, easy to train the brain.

I’m sure the comments will be interesting.
(PS, not my gun in photo)

[Scorpion8]

Is it just that particular mount, or did the owner load those shells that way? Seems to me I'd want them all the same way, for ease of repetition and muscle memory.

[gWebber]

Is it just that particular mount, or did the owner load those shells that way? Seems to me I'd want them all the same way, for ease of repetition and muscle memory.

While some people on other forums suggested all sorts of reasons to do this. I feel like you do, all one way so it becomes muscle memory (assuming one practices)