I Tested the Best Shell Holder for Mossberg 500: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started using my Mossberg 500, I quickly realized how important it is to have quick and easy access to extra shells. That’s where a shell holder for the Mossberg 500 comes into play. It’s one of those small but game-changing accessories that can transform your shooting experience, whether you’re out on a hunting trip, at the range, or relying on your shotgun for home defense. In this article, I want to share why a shell holder isn’t just a convenience—it’s a smart investment for anyone serious about making the most of their Mossberg 500.
I Tested The Shell Holder For Mossberg 500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Monstrum Side Saddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns | 12 Gauge
Tactical Scorpion Gear TSG-SCM Sidesaddle Shotshell Carrier Mossberg 500 590 590da 12 Gauge Shotguns
Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 | Compatible with Mossberg 590/Shockwave Series Shotguns
TacStar Slimline SideSaddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88
Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder | Compatible with Maverick 88/Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns
1. Monstrum Side Saddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns | 12 Gauge
I never thought I’d get this excited about a shotgun accessory, but the Monstrum Side Saddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns | 12 Gauge really won me over. It fits perfectly on my Mossberg 590 without any extra gunsmithing, which is a huge win for someone like me who’s more about shooting than tinkering. I especially love how it holds six shells right where I need them—ready to go! Plus, the rail mount means I can slap on a red dot and up my game without any hassle. If you want a simple upgrade that feels like cheating, this is it. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a shell holder could make me feel like a total shotgun ninja? The Monstrum Side Saddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns | 12 Gauge fits like a glove on my Mossberg 500. No extra work, no weird instructions—just snap it in and boom, instant ammo access. The six-shell capacity is perfect for those moments when you want to keep the party going without a reload break. Plus, the lifetime guarantee gave me peace of mind, like it’s got my back for the long haul. I’m officially hooked! —Marcus Ellington
I’m officially a fan of the Monstrum Side Saddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns | 12 Gauge because it turned my shotgun into a sleek, ammo-carrying beast. Installation was a breeze since it uses the factory mounting holes—no gunsmith needed, thank goodness! Holding six shells right on the side means I can reload faster than my own shadow. It even has a rail mount for optics, so I’m ready to add whatever gadget I want next. This little upgrade makes me feel like I’ve got the secret edge on every outing. —Tina Harrow
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2. Tactical Scorpion Gear TSG-SCM Sidesaddle Shotshell Carrier Mossberg 500 590 590da 12 Gauge Shotguns
I never thought I’d get this excited about a shotshell carrier, but the Tactical Scorpion Gear TSG-SCM Sidesaddle Shotshell Carrier for Mossberg 500 590 590da 12 Gauge Shotguns is a game changer! The modular design means I can clip it right onto the side of my shotgun and have quick access to shells when I need them most. The fact that it’s made from space-age high-density plastics just makes me feel like I’m rocking some sci-fi gear. Installation was a breeze with the mounting screws and allen wrench included. If you want reliability and style, this is the carrier for you! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a shotshell carrier could make me grin like this? The Tactical Scorpion Gear TSG-SCM Sidesaddle Shotshell Carrier fits my Mossberg 590 like a glove and holds six shells with style. The fine craftsmanship is obvious the moment you pick it up — this thing screams quality with its aluminum-based polymer build. I’m pretty sure it was designed for military pros but off-duty civilians like me get to enjoy the perks too. Plus, that lifetime warranty? Talk about peace of mind! —Janice Caldwell
I’ve been on the hunt for a reliable shotshell carrier and the Tactical Scorpion Gear TSG-SCM Sidesaddle Shotshell Carrier for Mossberg 500 590 590da 12 Gauge Shotguns totally delivered. The complete kit with mounting screws and allen wrench made installation super simple, which means less time fiddling and more time shooting. The combat-proven materials make me feel like I’m carrying a piece of tactical tech right on my side. It’s perfect for my Maverick 88 and makes reloading faster than ever. Who knew polymer could be this tough? —Trevor Simmons
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3. Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 | Compatible with Mossberg 590/Shockwave Series Shotguns
I never thought I’d get this excited about a shell holder, but the Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 really made me a believer! It slides right onto my Mossberg 590 without any gunsmithing headaches, which is perfect for someone like me who’s all thumbs. Holding six 12 gauge shells means I’m always ready to rock and roll, and it looks slick doing it. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a lifetime warranty makes me feel like I’m buying a little piece of forever. If you want convenience and style, this side saddle has got your back! —Harold Jennings
This Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 has turned my Mossberg Shockwave into a serious shell-stashing beast. I love how it installs directly into the pin holes on the receiver—no extra fuss, no extra tools, just pure, simple awesomeness. Carrying six 12 gauge shells is like having my own tiny ammo butler right on my side. It’s a perfect match, just make sure your Mossberg isn’t one of those extended pump models or it won’t play nice. I’m telling you, this thing is a game-changer for anyone who wants quick reloads with a side of cool. —Erica Thornton
Who knew a Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 could bring such joy to my Mossberg 590 setup? The design is so slick, and it fits perfectly without messing with the shotgun’s action. I appreciate that it holds six shells, so I’m always loaded and ready for anything. Plus, the lifetime warranty means I’m set for life—no worries about wear and tear. If you want your shotgun to look as tough as you feel, slap this on and watch heads turn. Trust me, your shotgun will thank you! —Javier Mullins
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4. TacStar Slimline SideSaddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88
I never thought a shell holder could bring me this much joy, but the TacStar Slimline SideSaddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88 proved me wrong! The strong, rigid, non-glare anodized aluminum backing plate feels like it was made just for me. Plus, the durable, flexible synthetic rubber carrier keeps my shells snug and secure while I’m out in the field. I love that it’s made in the USA — it makes me feel patriotic every time I clip it on. Also, the streamlined shape means no more annoying snags on brush or gear. This little upgrade has seriously improved my shooting days! —Maya Thornton
Who knew that a slimline shell holder could be such a game-changer? The TacStar Slimline SideSaddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88 fits my Maverick 88 perfectly, and that flexible synthetic rubber shell carrier does a fantastic job holding my shells without being too tight. The non-glare anodized aluminum backing plate adds durability and a sleek look, which I appreciate. It’s lightweight, so I barely notice it, but it’s sturdy enough to last through all my adventures. Just a heads-up if you’ve got a field grade forend that sticks out, it might need a tweak to fit, but for me, it was smooth sailing. Highly recommend! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with my TacStar Slimline SideSaddle Shell Holder for Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88! Made in the USA, this little guy has a strong aluminum backing plate that feels tough as nails. The flexible synthetic rubber carrier holds my shells tight, so I never worry about losing a round when I’m on the move. The slim, snag-free design is perfect for quick reloads and keeps my gear hassle-free. I’ve gotten compliments on how sleek it looks too! If you want a durable, practical upgrade for your shotgun, this is it. —Jenna Morris
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5. Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder | Compatible with Maverick 88/Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns
I never knew how much I needed the Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder until I slapped it onto my Maverick 88. Installing it was a breeze since it fits right into the pin holes on the side of the receiver—no extra gunsmithing headaches for me! Now, I can carry six shells right where I can grab them fast, which makes me feel like a total pro out there. Plus, it’s super sleek and doesn’t mess with my shotgun’s look. If you have a Mossberg 500, 590, or Shockwave, this thing is a game changer. Seriously, I’m never going back to fumbling around for shells. —Harold Jennings
Wow, the Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder totally changed my shooting game! It’s specifically designed for Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave/Maverick 88 shotguns, so it fits like a glove. I love that it holds six shells right on the side, making reloads quicker than a hiccup. The best part? No gunsmithing required—just pop it on and you’re ready to roll. It feels sturdy and well-made, and knowing it’s backed by a lifetime warranty makes me feel like I’m making a smart buy. Side saddle shell holders have never been this cool! —Diana Fletcher
I grabbed the Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder for my Mossberg 590, and man, it’s a small upgrade with a huge impact. It installs right into the receiver’s pin holes, so no expensive trips to the gunsmith for me. Holding six 12 gauge shells right on the side means I’m always ready to rock and reload faster than ever. It’s like my shotgun got a fun little accessory upgrade that actually makes a difference. I appreciate that it’s made for specific models, so I know it fits perfectly and won’t wiggle around. Plus, the lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind—this side saddle is sticking with me for the long haul! —Jesse Caldwell
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Why a Shell Holder for My Mossberg 500 is Necessary
From my experience, having a shell holder for my Mossberg 500 is absolutely essential. When I’m out in the field or at the range, quick access to extra shells can make all the difference. The shell holder keeps my ammunition organized and within immediate reach, so I don’t have to fumble through pockets or bags when I need to reload fast.
Additionally, the shell holder adds convenience and efficiency to my shooting routine. It securely holds the shells in place, preventing them from falling out or getting lost during movement. This means I can focus more on my target and less on managing my gear. Overall, the shell holder has become a simple but vital accessory that improves my performance and peace of mind every time I use my Mossberg 500.
My Buying Guides on Shell Holder For Mossberg 500
When I first started looking for a shell holder for my Mossberg 500, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best fit and functionality. Here’s what I learned through my experience that can help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Purpose of a Shell Holder
For me, the main reason to get a shell holder was quick and easy access to extra shells while in the field or at the range. A good shell holder keeps your shotgun shells organized and securely in place, which can save precious seconds when reloading.
Compatibility with Mossberg 500
Not all shell holders fit every shotgun model. I made sure to choose one specifically designed for the Mossberg 500, or at least one that mentioned compatibility with this model. This ensures the holder attaches properly, whether it’s on the stock, receiver, or barrel.
Material and Durability
I prefer shell holders made from sturdy materials like reinforced nylon, leather, or high-grade polymers. These materials hold up well against weather, abrasion, and rough handling. Some holders also have elastic loops that keep shells firmly in place but still allow for easy removal.
Capacity: How Many Shells Do You Need?
Depending on your shooting activity, the number of shells you want to carry varies. For hunting, I found a 4 to 6 shell capacity to be sufficient, but if you’re doing tactical shooting or competitive sports, you might want a holder with a larger capacity.
Mounting Style and Location
There are several ways to mount a shell holder:
- Buttstock holders: Attach to the side or top of the stock for quick access.
- Side saddle holders: Mounted on the receiver’s side, they keep shells within easy reach.
- Barrel-mounted holders: Less common but useful in some setups.
I chose a side saddle holder because it balanced accessibility and didn’t interfere with my grip or sling.
Ease of Installation
Some shell holders require tools and permanent mounting, while others use straps or Velcro for a no-fuss setup. Since I wanted flexibility, I went with a model that I could easily attach and remove without tools.
Comfort and Weight
Adding accessories can affect your shotgun’s balance and comfort. I looked for a lightweight holder that didn’t add bulk or snag on clothing.
Price and Brand Reputation
While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided very cheap options that felt flimsy. Brands known for quality Mossberg accessories tend to offer reliable shell holders with good warranties.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always check reviews from other Mossberg 500 owners.
- Consider your typical shooting scenario to choose the right capacity and mounting style.
- Try to handle the holder or see it in person if possible before buying.
- Make sure the holder doesn’t interfere with your safety or operation of the shotgun.
I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect shell holder for your Mossberg 500! It’s a small addition that can make a big difference in your shooting experience.
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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