BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders Review

Let Me Walk You Through the BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders

The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders are a simple yet ingenious solution for keeping extra ammunition readily accessible on your rifle or shotgun. Made by BlackHawk, a reputable name in tactical gear, this elastic sleeve slides over your stock, providing convenient loops for holding shells. What truly sparked my interest was the promise of a streamlined, no-nonsense way to carry extra rounds without the bulk of a traditional side saddle or vest.

I was constantly fumbling for extra shells during clay shooting sessions and even more so during hunting trips. My pockets would become a jumbled mess of loose cartridges, making a quick reload a frustrating ordeal. I needed a solution that was both compact and reliable, something that wouldn’t add excessive weight or hinder the shouldering of my firearm.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of understated quality. The heavy-duty elastic felt robust, and the stitching on the loops seemed durable. It was surprisingly lightweight. Compared to a rigid shell holder, the BlackHawk option felt less cumbersome. It wouldn’t snag on brush while out in the field. I chose this over a nylon shell carrier, as I felt the elastic would give a tighter, more secure fit.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve seen similar products that quickly lose their elasticity or have loops that are too loose. I hoped the BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders would prove to be the exception.


Real-World Testing: Putting BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test came at the local shooting range, running drills with my Remington 870. The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders slipped onto the stock easily. I immediately appreciated the snug fit. The shotgun shells were held firmly in place, even during rapid cycling of the action. Conditions were dry and sunny, perfect for testing the accessibility of the shells under ideal circumstances.

The ease of grabbing a shell for a reload was noticeably improved compared to reaching into my pockets. I found myself reloading faster and with less wasted movement. A minor surprise was how little the holder interfered with my cheek weld; it was almost unnoticeable during shooting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, I can confidently say the BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders has held up remarkably well. The elastic retains its tension, keeping the shells secure even after repeated loading and unloading. I’ve used it in various conditions, from dusty range days to damp mornings in the deer stand, and it’s shown no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic dirt.

Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it needs. Compared to some more elaborate shell carriers I’ve used in the past, this BlackHawk model is significantly less hassle to maintain. This outperforms my expectations, given its price point. The consistent retention and ease of use make it a reliable addition to my shooting setup.

Breaking Down the Features of BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders

Specifications

  • The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders is manufactured by BlackHawk. The color option available is black.

  • The finish is smooth, and the material used is nylon. It holds 9 rounds for the rifle model and 5 rounds for the shotgun model.

  • It is ambidextrous and comes in a quantity of one. The attachment type is a simple slide-on design.

  • These specifications are important because they indicate a focus on simplicity and durability. The nylon construction and elastic loops are designed to withstand field use, while the ambidextrous design makes it suitable for any shooter. The slide-on attachment ensures easy installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders performs its intended function admirably: keeping extra ammunition readily accessible. The elastic loops hold shells securely, preventing them from falling out during movement. The open design allows for quick and easy access to the shells, facilitating faster reloads.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity, lightweight design, and reliable shell retention. The main weakness is that it might not fit perfectly on all stock shapes. Overall, it meets my expectations for a basic, functional shell holder.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with durable nylon and robust stitching. It’s lightweight and doesn’t add noticeable bulk to the rifle or shotgun. The design is user-friendly with no learning curve; simply slide it onto the stock and load the loops.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the nylon construction and reinforced stitching, the BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders appears built to last. It requires minimal maintenance. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime.

Accessories and Customization Options

The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. It is not designed for extensive customization. However, it can be used in conjunction with other stock accessories, such as cheek risers, provided they don’t interfere with the shell loops.

Pros and Cons of BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders

Pros

  • Affordable Price Point. The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders provides excellent value for its price.
  • Simple and Lightweight Design. This makes it unobtrusive and easy to use.
  • Secure Shell Retention. The elastic loops hold shells firmly in place.
  • Easy Installation and Removal. The slide-on design allows for quick attachment and detachment.
  • Durable Construction. The nylon material and reinforced stitching ensure longevity.

Cons

  • Fit may vary depending on stock shape.
  • No dedicated sling attachment point.


Who Should Buy BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders?

The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone who wants a simple and affordable way to carry extra ammunition on their rifle or shotgun. It’s particularly well-suited for those who prioritize lightweight gear and ease of use. It’s also a great addition for anyone prepping a bug-out bag or survival kit.

Someone who requires a more elaborate or customized shell-carrying solution, such as competitive shooters with specific reload requirements, might want to skip this product. A must-have modification would be ensuring proper fit by using padding underneath if the stock is too narrow.

Conclusion on BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders

The BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders is a no-frills, highly functional accessory that delivers on its promise of convenient ammunition storage. The price is incredibly justified. It offers excellent value for the money.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, reliable, and affordable way to carry extra shells on their rifle or shotgun. If you value simplicity and functionality, the BlackHawk Butt Stock Shell Open Holders is a worthy addition to your gear. Don’t get caught short on ammo – grab one of these and stay prepared!

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