Safariland 4145 Munitions Butt Stock Caddy, 37 /40mm and 12 Gauge 4145-12-2 Review

Was the Safariland 4145 Munitions Butt Stock Caddy, 37 /40mm and 12 Gauge 4145-12-2 Worth It?

The Safariland 4145 Munitions Butt Stock Caddy, 37 /40mm and 12 Gauge 4145-12-2 is designed to provide quick access to less-lethal 37/40mm rounds or 12 gauge shotgun shells directly from your weapon. Made by Safariland, a trusted name in law enforcement and tactical gear, this caddy aims to streamline the reloading process, keeping you in the fight or on the hunt longer. It attaches to the buttstock of your firearm, offering readily available ammunition right where you need it. The Safariland caddy has elastic straps that allow mounting on a wide range of buttstock sizes.

As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical realms, I’ve always sought ways to improve efficiency. My need arose during training exercises where fumble-prone reloads with less-lethal munitions slowed down scenarios. The promise of having rounds instantly accessible on my buttstock intrigued me.

Upon receiving the caddy, my first impression was solid, but simple. The material felt durable, and the stitching seemed well-executed, suggesting it could withstand rugged use. Its lightweight design was a definite plus, as I didn’t want to add unnecessary bulk to my weapon.

Compared to other buttstock shell holders I’ve used, such as the basic nylon elastic sleeves, the Safariland 4145 seemed more purpose-built. Generic shell holders often lack the snug fit and dedicated design for specific ammunition types, particularly 37/40mm rounds. I chose this caddy for its promise of secure retention and its specific compatibility with both 12 gauge and 37/40mm ammunition.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped it would live up to the Safariland name and offer a reliable solution for fast reloads, but I was also aware that not all gear performs as advertised. The design looked functional, but the true test would come in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 4145 Munitions Butt Stock Caddy, 37 /40mm and 12 Gauge 4145-12-2 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Safariland 4145 took place at a law enforcement training range. I mounted it on the buttstock of my Mossberg 500, loaded with less-lethal beanbag rounds. The initial fit was snug, and the elastic straps held the caddy firmly in place, even after repeated firing.

The range conditions were typical for the area: dry and dusty. After several hours of drills, drawing and reloading rounds from the caddy became intuitive. The elastic loops provided enough retention to prevent rounds from falling out during movement, yet allowed for quick and easy access.

The Safariland 4145 proved surprisingly easy to use. No significant adjustment period was required. I did notice that after multiple rapid reloads, the elastic loops started to loosen slightly, but this didn’t compromise the security of the rounds.

My first-time use revealed the caddy’s potential as a valuable tool for quick reloads. I was impressed with its initial performance and eager to test it further under more demanding conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use in various training scenarios and even a few hunting trips, the Safariland 4145 has held up remarkably well. There are some minor signs of wear and tear, primarily slight fraying of the stitching on the elastic loops. However, the caddy remains fully functional.

The durability of the nylon material has impressed me. It has withstood exposure to rain, mud, and extreme temperatures without showing significant degradation. Cleaning is also relatively simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to previous elastic shell holders I’ve used, the Safariland 4145 offers superior retention and a more secure fit. Generic shell holders often stretch out over time, leading to rounds falling out unexpectedly. This caddy has maintained its shape and function far better than those alternatives.

The Safariland 4145 has definitely exceeded my expectations. It offers a reliable and efficient solution for carrying extra ammunition on my firearm. I would confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a durable and practical buttstock caddy.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 4145 Munitions Butt Stock Caddy, 37 /40mm and 12 Gauge 4145-12-2

Specifications

The Safariland 4145 Munitions Butt Stock Caddy, 37 /40mm and 12 Gauge 4145-12-2 is designed to hold either three 40mm rounds or five 12 gauge shotshells. It uses elastic straps for attachment to a variety of buttstock sizes. The material is a durable nylon construction.

The caddy is intended for use with less lethal 37/40mm munitions or 12 gauge shotgun shells. The elastic loops provide secure retention. The elastic straps allow for a universal fit.

These specifications matter because they dictate the caddy’s compatibility and function. The capacity determines how much extra ammunition you can carry, and the elastic straps ensure it can be mounted on your specific firearm. The durable nylon ensures that this product will last through harsh conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 4145 excels at its primary function: providing quick access to ammunition. Drawing rounds from the caddy is smooth and efficient, even under pressure. The retention is strong enough to prevent accidental loss, yet not so tight as to hinder quick reloads.

The caddy’s strengths lie in its simplicity and reliability. Its elastic loops securely hold the rounds. It is also easy to install and use. One potential weakness is that the elastic loops may wear out over extended periods, though I have not yet experienced significant degradation.

Overall, the Safariland 4145 meets and exceeds my expectations for a buttstock ammunition carrier. It is functional, durable, and offers a significant improvement over basic shell holders.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 4145 features a straightforward, no-frills design. The construction is robust, and the materials feel durable in hand. Its lightweight design prevents adding unnecessary weight to the firearm.

The caddy is exceptionally user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills to install or use. The elastic straps easily adjust to fit various buttstock sizes. There is virtually no learning curve; it’s a simple and effective solution.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Safariland 4145 is built to last. The nylon material and reinforced stitching suggest it can withstand years of use. Proper care can extend its lifespan.

Maintaining the caddy is simple: regular cleaning with a damp cloth is typically sufficient. The elastic loops may eventually need replacement, but this is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 4145 itself does not come with any additional accessories. The basic design prioritizes function over customization. It is compatible with most standard buttstocks.

The caddy’s simple design also means it doesn’t interfere with the use of other accessories like slings or cheek risers. There are no other customization options.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 4145 Munitions Butt Stock Caddy, 37 /40mm and 12 Gauge 4145-12-2