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As I’ve made it very clear in previous posts, I’m a huge fan of the Shotlock, and I’m happy to call it a part of my personal home defense solution. With it, I’m able to keep my Mossberg 500 loaded, secure, and accessible, should I have an unwelcome visitor rapping, rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
That said, where the Shotlock comes up a little short is in the accessories accommodation department. Ghost rings, pistol grips, and anything receiver-mounted typically need to be removed before the firearm will fit. A stripped gun is still fun, but I’ve really grown accustomed to having a side saddle on the receiver for quick reloads This was pretty much impossible, until I threw together this zany home brew modification a couple weeks ago.
Using the power of industrial strength Velcro (duct tape’s ugly sister), I’m able to open the Shotlock, remove the gun, and mount the side saddle on the receiver within seconds. Here’s the run down:
– First, you need a Velcro mounting system for your gun and your shell carrier. This guy from SoCal Webshooters made a great set of instructions you can use to do it: DIY Shotgun Side Saddle Conversion. I know I say this a lot, but if I can do it, you can do it.
**Important note: put the loop side (fuzzy) on the gun’s receiver, and the hooks (prickly) on the back of the saddle. The Shotlock has felt on the inside of the door, and you’ll shoot this whole operation to hell if you mix this up.
– At this point, you should have fuzzy Velcro stuck to your gun, and prickly Velcro stuck to the carrier.
Cut off an additional strip of fuzzy-sided Velcro, roughly the same length as the shell carrier (it doesn’t have to be perfect). Now peel off the adhesive backing, and stick it vertically to the face of the Shotlock, forming a lovely landing strip ( 😉 ).
– Hang the shottie in the Shotlock, close her up, and slap the side saddle on the front. You’re done, my friend.
Questions you may have:
How much does this all cost?
The Shotlock lists at $169, the Tacstar side saddle was $24, and four feet of industrial strength Velcro was $10.
How long did the modification take?
Twenty minutes, tops.
Does a Velcro-backed side saddle actually stay fastened during recoil?
I’ve never had any trouble. In fact, some folks who need to change up different loads in hurry (competition shooters, namely), actually prefer the Velcro method. Give the adhesive 24 hours to fully adhere before you start using it.
Am I going to have sticky crap all over my gun if I decide to remove the Velcro down the road?
Doubtful. If you do, just use a little solvent to get it off.
You know, they make 7-shell holders for the Mossberg 500 – why only four on yours?
The gun pictured is a 20 gauge Mossberg 500c, and the only receiver mount accessory I could find was the four round Tacstar side saddle. All things considered, it does the job. Besides, I have another five on the stock.
Why use a 20 gauge for home defense?
We’re digressing, but I’ve shared my thoughts on this before…20 gauge shotgun for home defense.
You know you need to quit taking these pictures with your phone, right?
I lost my camera charger, I’m too cheap to replace it, and I can’t figure out how to make one out of all this extra Velcro…seriously though, sorry for the crappy quality.
I’m done – if you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment or send me an email.
Stay safe!
