Essential Ammunition Access: Elevate Your Mossberg 500/590 with the TacStar SideSaddle

For serious shotgun enthusiasts, responsible gun owners, and tactical operators alike, the ability to quickly and efficiently access additional ammunition is paramount. Whether you're safeguarding your home, pursuing game in the field, or pushing the limits in a competitive shooting environment, a reliable, readily available source of extra shells can make all the difference. This is precisely the challenge that the TacStar 1081167 SideSaddle for Mossberg 500/590 12 Gauge shotguns is engineered to solve, offering a robust, four-shell capacity solution that integrates seamlessly with your firearm.

This isn't just an accessory; it's a critical upgrade designed to enhance the operational readiness and versatility of one of the most popular and dependable shotguns ever made. If you're a Mossberg 500 or 590 owner looking for a durable, practical, and highly effective way to carry more ammunition directly on your shotgun, this SideSaddle is an indispensable addition to your setup.

What is the TacStar 1081167 SideSaddle and Why Do You Need It?

The TacStar 1081167 SideSaddle is a direct-mount, four-shell ammunition carrier specifically designed for 12-gauge Mossberg 500 and 590 pump-action shotguns. Crafted from a combination of high-strength polymer and durable aluminum, it provides a lightweight yet incredibly sturdy platform for keeping crucial extra rounds within immediate reach.

Who is this product for?

• Home Defense Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize preparedness and immediate access to additional ammunition in a self-defense scenario.
• Hunters: Shotgun hunters who need quick reloads for follow-up shots on game, without fumbling through pockets or separate pouches.
• Sport Shooters & Competitors: Individuals participating in 3-Gun, tactical shotgun courses, or other shooting sports where fast reloads and carrying on-board ammunition are key to performance.
• Law Enforcement & Security Personnel: Professionals who rely on their Mossberg shotguns for duty and require uncompromised reliability and capacity.
• Any Mossberg 500/590 12 Gauge Owner: If you own one of these iconic shotguns and want to maximize its utility and your readiness, a side saddle is a foundational upgrade.

What problem does it solve?

The primary problem the TacStar SideSaddle addresses is the limited on-board ammunition capacity of most shotguns. While a typical shotgun holds several rounds in its tube magazine, serious situations often demand more. Reaching for a separate pouch or a bandolier can be slow, awkward, and distract from the task at hand. The SideSaddle solves this by providing a compact, secure, and instantly accessible stash of extra shells, ensuring you're never caught unprepared. It dramatically reduces reload times, allowing for rapid follow-up shots or re-engagement without breaking your shooting posture.

Unpacking the Features: Design and Engineering Excellence

The TacStar 1081167 SideSaddle isn't just a piece of plastic; it's a thoughtfully engineered accessory designed for performance and longevity.

• Robust Material Construction: Polymer and Aluminum Synergy
  • High-Strength Polymer Carrier: The shell carrier itself is molded from a durable, impact-resistant black polymer. This material is chosen for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of recoil and rough handling without adding unnecessary bulk or weight to your shotgun. Polymer also resists corrosion, a crucial factor for a firearm accessory.
  • Aluminum Mounting Plate: The core of the SideSaddle's stability comes from its aluminum backing plate. This rigid metal plate provides a solid, unyielding foundation for attaching the carrier to your shotgun's receiver. Aluminum is known for its strength, light weight, and resistance to deformation, ensuring the SideSaddle stays securely in place, even under heavy use or rapid movement. This combination of materials optimizes both durability and weight, a critical consideration for any firearm accessory.
• Optimized 4-Shell Capacity for 12 Gauge
  • The 4-shell capacity is a deliberate design choice, offering a significant increase in on-board ammunition without making the shotgun overly wide or cumbersome. For many applications, an additional four rounds are precisely what's needed for mission success or competitive advantage. It strikes a perfect balance between extended capacity and maintaining the shotgun's maneuverability. These shells are held securely by friction, yet are designed to be easily and rapidly stripped out when needed for reloads.
• Precision Fit for Mossberg 500/590 12 Gauge
  • Compatibility is key with firearm accessories. The TacStar 1081167 is precisely molded and dimensioned to fit the contours of the Mossberg 500 and 590 12-gauge receivers. This ensures a tight, wobble-free fit that won't interfere with the shotgun's operation or sight picture. This dedicated design means you don't have to worry about ill-fitting generic solutions; this SideSaddle is made for your Mossberg. It integrates so well, it feels like an original component of the firearm.
• Streamlined Black Finish
  • The sleek black finish of the polymer and aluminum components ensures a discreet, professional appearance that complements most shotgun finishes. It's not just about aesthetics; a non-reflective finish is practical for tactical or hunting applications where blending in is important.

Real-World Applications: Where the TacStar SideSaddle Shines

The versatility of the TacStar SideSaddle makes it an invaluable asset across a wide spectrum of shotgun uses.

• Home Defense & Self-Protection: In a high-stress home defense scenario, every second counts. Having four additional shells immediately available on the side of your Mossberg 500 means you can perform a tactical reload without breaking eye contact or fumbling for external pouches. This vastly improves your ability to respond to dynamic threats, ensuring you always have sufficient ammunition to protect yourself and your loved ones. Many users find it comforting to know extra rounds are always right there, ready for action.
• Hunting Expeditions: Imagine you're out hunting upland game or waterfowl, and a flock suddenly appears. Your magazine might only hold a few rounds, but with the SideSaddle, you have extra shots instantly accessible for follow-up birds or unexpected opportunities. This eliminates the need to dig through vests or pockets, keeping your focus on the hunt and maximizing your success rate. For deer hunting with slugs, quick reloads can be critical for a second shot.
• Sport Shooting & Competitive Advantage: In disciplines like 3-Gun or tactical shotgun matches, speed and efficiency are paramount. The TacStar SideSaddle allows competitors to perform lightning-fast reloads, keeping them in the game and cutting precious seconds off their stage times. The ability to "top off" the magazine during a lull in the action without fumbling or breaking position provides a significant competitive edge. It's a standard piece of gear for serious shotgun competitors for good reason.
• Law Enforcement & Tactical Operations: For duty use, reliability and robust construction are non-negotiable. The TacStar SideSaddle provides law enforcement and military personnel with a dependable way to carry crucial extra ammunition for their Mossberg 590s. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the abuse of field conditions, while its secure shell retention means rounds won't be lost during dynamic movements. It enhances the tactical readiness of the shotgun, making it a more effective tool in demanding situations.

User Outcomes: What You Gain by Adding a SideSaddle

Installing the TacStar 1081167 SideSaddle on your Mossberg 500 or 590 translates directly into several tangible benefits:

• Enhanced Readiness: Your shotgun becomes a more self-sufficient system. You no longer rely solely on the magazine tube for ammunition, providing immediate access to additional rounds when you need them most.
• Improved Reload Speed: Tactical and emergency reloads become significantly faster and more intuitive. The shells are right there, perfectly positioned for swift manipulation, drastically cutting down on the time it takes to get back on target.
• Increased On-Board Ammunition Capacity: While four shells might seem small, it effectively increases your shotgun's ready capacity by 50% or more, depending on your magazine tube length. This can be the difference between resolving a situation and needing to retreat.
• Durability and Longevity: Built with a combination of robust polymer and aluminum, this SideSaddle is designed to withstand harsh environments, repeated recoil, and long-term use, ensuring it remains a reliable part of your setup for years to come.
• Streamlined Ergonomics: The low-profile design minimizes bulk, maintaining the shotgun's balance and handling characteristics. It's positioned to be accessible without interfering with your grip, sighting, or weapon manipulation.

Installation and Compatibility Considerations

One of the often-asked questions about shotgun accessories is, "Is it easy to install?" The TacStar SideSaddle is designed for straightforward installation, typically requiring minimal tools and a basic understanding of your shotgun. It generally mounts to existing pinholes in the receiver, often replacing the trigger group pins with extended ones provided with the kit. Detailed instructions are included to guide you through the process, making it a manageable DIY project for most shotgun owners. You don't need to be a gunsmith to attach this upgrade.

Compatibility Confirmation: This specific model, the TacStar 1081167, is engineered exclusively for Mossberg 500 and Mossberg 590 12 Gauge shotguns. It will not fit other Mossberg models (like the 88 Maverick or 500 Tactical Cruiser without specific adaptations) or shotguns from different manufacturers. Always double-check your shotgun's model and gauge to ensure proper fitment before purchasing. The precision fit is what allows for its secure and reliable performance.

Why Choose TacStar for Your Mossberg?

TacStar has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, reliable shotgun accessories. Their products are designed with the end-user in mind, focusing on practical improvements for real-world scenarios. The 1081167 SideSaddle is a testament to this philosophy, combining robust materials with intelligent design to create an accessory that genuinely enhances the performance and utility of your Mossberg 500 or 590. When you choose TacStar, you're investing in a product engineered for performance and durability, backed by a brand known for its commitment to the shooting community. These products are developed by shooters, for shooters, ensuring they meet the demands of rigorous use.

In a market flooded with generic accessories, TacStar stands out by providing purpose-built solutions that offer tangible benefits. Their focus on the specific needs of Mossberg owners ensures that this SideSaddle isn't just a universal fit, but a custom-tailored enhancement for your specific firearm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shotgun Side Saddles

Q: Will the SideSaddle scratch my shotgun's finish?
A: The TacStar SideSaddle is designed with a non-marring interface where it contacts the shotgun receiver. However, like any accessory that mounts directly to a firearm, minor wear can occur over time, particularly if debris gets trapped between the surfaces. Proper installation and occasional cleaning can minimize this. The aluminum backing plate is specifically shaped to conform to the receiver without causing undue abrasion.

Q: How many shells can the TacStar 1081167 hold?
A: This specific model is designed to hold four 12-gauge shotgun shells. It's optimized for this capacity to balance added ammunition with a minimal increase in the shotgun's overall width.

Q: Is it difficult to install? Do I need special tools?
A: Installation is generally straightforward and can be completed by most users with basic hand tools. It typically involves removing existing trigger group pins and replacing them with extended ones provided in the kit. No specialized gunsmithing tools are usually required. The kit comes with clear, step-by-step instructions.

Q: Will the shells fall out during vigorous activity or recoil?
A: The polymer shell carrier is designed with a specific tension to hold shells securely in place, even under heavy recoil or dynamic movement. While no system is 100% infallible under extreme, abnormal conditions, under normal and even vigorous use, the shells are highly unlikely to dislodge unintentionally. The friction fit is optimized for quick removal when needed but secure retention otherwise.

Q: Why choose a side saddle over a bandolier or shell pouch?
A: A side saddle offers the fastest and most ergonomic access to extra ammunition because the shells are mounted directly to the firearm. There's no fumbling with separate gear. While bandoliers and pouches have their place for bulk carrying, a side saddle provides immediate, "ready-on-the-gun" rounds, which is critical for tactical reloads and emergency situations. It streamlines your gear, keeping essential rounds right where you need them.

Q: What type of 12-gauge shells will it hold?
A: It's designed to hold standard 12-gauge shotgun shells, including both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch lengths. The flexible yet firm polymer retention system accommodates variations in shell crimp and rim size for reliable retention and quick extraction.

Conclusion: A Must-Have Upgrade for Your Mossberg

The TacStar 1081167 SideSaddle is more than just an accessory; it’s an essential upgrade for any Mossberg 500 or 590 12-gauge owner serious about enhancing their shotgun's capabilities. It provides an immediate and substantial increase in on-board ammunition, significantly improving reload speed, overall readiness, and tactical versatility. Crafted from durable polymer and aluminum, it's built to withstand the demands of any environment, from the firing range to the field to home defense. If you're looking for a reliable, purpose-built solution to carry extra shells directly on your shotgun, this TacStar SideSaddle delivers on all fronts.

These TacStar products, along with a wide range of other high-quality firearm accessories and firearms, are available at DEGuns. Elevate your Mossberg's performance and ensure you're always prepared by adding this vital upgrade to your setup.

---

Product Specifications & Compatibility

Feature	Detail
Model Number	TacStar 1081167
Capacity	4 Shells
Gauge	12 Gauge
Material	High-Strength Polymer & Aluminum
Color	Black
Compatibility	Mossberg 500 (12 Ga.), Mossberg 590 (12 Ga.)
UPC	751103011676