Although the shotgun does a great job on it’s own, there are some accessories that will greatly improve your capability. People like to load up their guns with a lot of accessories that add weight but not much functionality. Here are 4 accessories you actually need:
This article is Part 7 in a series of posts by contributing author Mr. Smashy:
- Part 1: 6 Reasons You Need One
- Part 2: Choosing Gauge and Type
- Part 3: Choosing The Gun
- Part 4: Understanding Loads
- Part 5: Myths Explained
- Part 6: Cleaning and Maintenance
Sling
The best for a shotgun is a two-point sling. Three point slings are too complicated and single point slings are impractical for running, climbing, or moving through brush.
You will most likely be using your shotgun either on quick security checks or long patrols; a simple two point sling is best suited for both missions. A side mounted sling is best, you can find side sling mounts by GG&G or Specter Gear.
Stock Carrier or Sidesaddle
You need a way of keeping an extra reload on the shotgun such as a sidesaddle or buttstock carrier (or both). One of the main weaknesses of the shotgun is firepower; magazine capacity is low and reloads should be carried on the gun so they are always available.
Look for good Buttstock Carriers by Blackhawk, Eagle Industries, Specter Gear and Uncle Mike’s.
Good Side-saddles, receiver mounted ammo carriers, are made by:
- Tac-Star (Remington Version and Mossberg Version)
- Vang Comp Systems
- Mesa Tactical (Remington Version or Mossberg Version)
Side-saddles are not recommended for Mossbergs with aluminum receivers because over time recoil can cause the pins to deform the action. This is also true to a certain extent for Remington guns, but it’s not as pronounced.
Side-saddles made by Vang Comp and Mesa Tactical have mitigated these issues by using different approaches to the problem. I’d still recommended using loctite on the screws and witness marks to be sure the screws aren’t backing out from recoil.
Weapon Light
Target identification saves lives, and a tactical bright light can actually deter the use of lethal force. The best are made by SureFire and are integrated into the pump: Remington Version and Mossberg Version.
The newer models have unbreakable LED bulbs that stand up to recoil, run hours on a set of batteries, and batteries will stay stable in the light for 10 years. However, SureFire is a premium solution, so that may not be for you.
Streamlight is another source of lights and mounts for shotguns. Mesa Tactical offers a Magazine and Barrel Clamp that can be used to mount a 1″ light like a SureFire 6P directly to the barrel. GG&G are offering replacement fore ends with a rail for use as a light attachment. The key is to use a quality light and mount that will hold up to recoil and rough handling.
Extra Shell Carrier
Efficiency is key. Safariland sells a belt clip mounted shot shell holder that is concealable and holds a quick two rounds. There are a huge selection of modular pouches for use with shogun shells, which may be practical but not very versatile, unless you plan on having multiple rigs.
A shotshell card, like the Jones Tactical SSH-01 can be used in conjunction with an existing rifle rig or But Out Bag. They are slim, have hook Velcro on the back, and can be zip-tied to things like pack straps for expedient ammo setup. You can even put loop Velcro on your shotgun and use them as a side-saddle.
Best Choices
If I could only pick two accessories, I’d chose a weapon light and a quality buttstock ammo carrier. A sling is nice, especially for those long walks around the ranch, but target identification and having a reload on the gun is more important.
What’s important for you is getting quality accessories and having them work together reliably for you as a team to help round out your weapon system.
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My name is Scott and I run SurvivalCache.com along with the help of several great contributing authors.
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Nice post. Personally, if I could only choose two they'd be the buttstock ammo carrier and sling. I'm not a big fan of lights.
I've got a rifled barrel that I occasionally swap out on my Mossberg 500. Now that I've been "Appleseeded", I want to take it out with some sabot rounds and my sling and give 'er a run!
Chief,
Thanks for stopping by. I wish I could claim credit for this great article but our resident tactical expert Scott (mr. smashy) does this great series.
I've never put a light on a shotgun (yet) but those surefire built in light are really cool. Kind've expensive though.
I actually like my light on my Mossberg Maverick 88. I've got a Blackhawk Knoxx Stock, UTG Light Mounts, a Cree LED Light, and an Ace Case Ring Sling on mine and the light turns on and off by the tailswitch and is very good for home defense IMO Very good article btw, and for anyone who has been considering a light on their shotgun, from my experience I would definately recommend it
I agree with the light. I have a Maverick 88 myself. With a fold over stock, shell holder on stock light/laser combo, and two point sling I have spent less than $350 on mine over the years(ammo not included). The folding stock makes it more maneuverable for home defense, and is still comfortable enough to take to the range and shoot clays. The light and laser make snap shooting more accurate in the dark. Plus, unlike most home defense shotguns, the 88 comes in 7+1 capacity standard. Great gun!
+1
Can anyone comment on night-vision scopes?
I know they're really cool and crazy expensive
a misconception about slings is that they are only for non combat use and carrying. a tactical sling is actually well suited for rapid and consistent target acquiring assistance in having a 3rd point of contact as well as your 2 hands. it also helps with recoil mitigation as well if used correctly.
Owner of a Saiga 12 shotgun here:
Who needs extra shell carriers when you have 12 round mags and 20 round drums?
Good point on the sling and light though- what you can't see, probably shouldn't be shot at.
"Side-saddles are not recommended for Mossbergs with aluminum receivers because over time recoil can cause the pins to deform the action"
oMG, thanks for this info, I installed a side saddle on my 500 thinking it would help my gun, not destroy it with the large amount of rounds I use in it. D:
THANKS For saving my Shotty!
NEED a light and ghost rings for any shotgun in my opinion. My shotgun is my primary home defense weapon.
i have a suggestion for carrying the shotgun…its called the "African Carry" what you do is you carry the gun weak side muzzle down with your weak hand on the grip, when SHTF bring the gun upside down across your body and grap the pistol grip with your firing hand as you are bringing it up to your shoulder, if you carry it loaded without a shell in the chamber its a fast way to shoulder the gun and rack the slide as well
great thing is it can be used with rifles too
I must say, after reading all of these posts, I must ask the question "why survive?" If the only point is to outlive your competition it seems like a waste. I understand the need to be cautious (and am actually of the same mind set). But surviving in this matter in a PAW seems to ensure my own demise is lonely if somewhat delayed by excellent prep.
Hidden benefits to charity:
In the PAW, information may be hard to come by, and an exchange for a meal would seem like a "good enough" exchange by an outsider (maybe plan to play this up, sharing may seem an act of desperation instead of charity if you are constantly asking about a particular region/relative).
Also, the long term benefits of unity will become apparent the first time someone in the solo/small unit becomes sick. If as the husband/father/sole adult male you become injured or ill during harvest, you may not be able to gather enough of your harvest before winter, and that's all she wrote about your whole family. Spreading the risk is part of what community is actually about.
Early on especially requires caution, especially for short term/regional issues when looting is as much a hobby as it is a career. In the long term, I am fearful that the solitary/small group that doesn't band together will also be lost to injury, illness, or even depression and suicide.
Hopefully food for thought and an encouragement to review new situations and scenarios.
i have a mossberg 500 with a side saddle and it works and shoots just fine. just rember that the quality you pay for is the quality you get
Though I don't own one I have had occasion to shoot the Mossberg 500. It is a good reliable weapon. I do have 4 shotguns of different manufacture. One thing I've learned about all survival guns is that mine are the best. They are the best because they are mine and are all I can afford. I'm sure a lot of us are in the same boat.
Thanx for reading this (assuming you did)
THE absolute best defensive weapon is the one readily at hand.
I prefer a single point sling manufactured out of a two point. It affords rapid deployment with a quick transition to holstered handgun, if necessary. Reconfigure back to the two point for extended carry. Yeah, my extended mag Rem 870 with side saddle bristles with QD attachment points but they are not in the way.
Great job.
It might be a Good idea that everyone who can handle the weapons in the home be trained in the use,matinence of each weapon and how to field strip and clean them. And if the situation arises and someone has to use deadly force that they do not hesitate. There are those who did and died.
i have a winchester defender 1300, 8 shot. wonder why that wasnt mentioned as a survival gun? am i missing something?
Dear Mike. I agree with you. My Winchester is at least 15 plus years old. I did change stock to a Choate with pistol grip. It is very smooth and reliable. I have taken several combat corses with it without fail. Many times firing over 600 rounds in two days. (buck and slug). I do keep it well maintained. I have never felt under gunned when some shooters who came to class with $800 plus whiz bang auto scatter guns. I have seen too many fail. The Winchester 1300 is affordable, reliable, and plenty of accessories are available. So, you are not missing anything, as there are many of us out here with 1300's, we just don't say much.
Winchester went belly up and sold out. The new company no longer make the 1300, so it is a discontinued gun. Gun culture is somewhat faddish, and Winchester is not the current must-have shotgun, although the 1300 is reliable and smooth, maybe the smoothest pump out there. Keep shooting and maintaining yours and if you ever wear it out you always can get a Mossy 500 or a Rem 870 if the Win 1300 replacement does not suit you. I doubt that you ever will wear out your 1300, however. Rest assured, you are not outgunned.
I would keep the less than lethal ammo next to the bed with the "00" buck. Load it with buckshot and just tell the police you must have grabbed the wrong ammo in a panic while trying to protect yourself and family. Still would show intent but ensure the job got done.
If I could only choose from the list above, I would take a sling and side saddle…even though I have a shotshell belt that holds more than a side saddle. I don't go for lights on guns too much. If its dark enough that you need a light then there are two problems. One, in the dark there is a much higher safety risk and two i dont want to be giving away my position with a light.
Anyone in to tactical shotguns or survival shotguns should really check out the new Kel-Tec KSG! The size, 15 round capacity, and double tube configuration sold me! Being able to chose from 2 different types of rounds with the flick of a switch is a great option. You could chose between a lethal or non-lethal round. You could choose bird shot or buck shot….. buck shot or slug… beanbag or breach round………
The rear-bottom ejection of the spent round keeps you from pelting your buddy, or hot brass for left handers, the accessory rails are really nice too!
I have a Mossberg Maverick 88, I had planned on getting a side-saddle but issues with aluminum receivers has me thinking that might not be a good idea. Quick question, does anyone know what the 88 receivers are made out of? I was unable to find detailed specs on it. Am I to assume its aluminum since its a lower budget shotgun? Thanks guys.
pick you gun, get cheap promotional loads at the mart and then Shoot It A LOT. shoot it till you know it inside and out. Shoot tin cans ,shoot skeet ,hunt with it, Then decide what it needs to make it perform better, One nice thing about a shotgun is it is always ready , not the case if it's slung on your back. All my rifles have slings ,none of my shotguns ,different applications. Ammo transport is always a biggie ,a pouch or web belt is my choice, thou the ssh-01 is interesting. I do not want anything on the side of my 870 to affect the balance or hang up on something. As far as sight's get some slugs and see what can be done with a simple bead ,you will probably be surprised. No light for me ,if I can't see it I'll wait ,not giving my position away like that. The shotgun is extremely reliable in stock form ,the more it's modified the more you need to test it to be sure it still is almost as good as designed
Also can't figure out why plastic stocks are better than wood ,??? JUst Me ,YMMV
I haven't seen anyone else ask this, but what about a sling that doubles as a shell holder? Also it sounds like those who keep saying stuff about the lights ("if it's that dark out…" and such), are overlooking the tactical advantage of flipping on that light on a potential adversary to disorient them and buy you time to either fire or take cover.
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