870 20 gauge side saddle shell holder

[Mcmar]

with a picatinny top rail.

It seems that accessories for 20 ga. are somewhat lacking over the 12 ga. I believe I have exhausted all my searches. Has anyone ever found a side saddle shell carrier with a pictanny rail for the 20? I have seen a side saddle and I have seen a side saddle picatinny top rail but not as a single piece like they have for the 12 ga. Also looking for a heat shield that is high quality that will fit my 18" Rem. 870 20 ga.

[Synchronizor]

Mesa Tactical offers a line of 20ga shell holders for the 870, but I'm not aware of any sidesaddle/top rail combos for the small-frame guns. If you want to use an optic, you should be able to have a top rail mounted directly to your receiver. Pair that with the sidesaddle of your choice, and you'll have effectively the same thing.

[Zebra62]

Doubtful you will find what you are looking for. I have been looking for almost a year and so far it does not exist. We have a simple Mesa Tactical six round side saddle on our 20 gauge youth model. Had to do some minor modification to the forend, but it works well. No rail, though.

I also had this idea put to me: Use the Mesa Tactical saddle with rail for a 12 gauge and just shim the width to fit. Problem with that thought is the saddle is made to fit 12 gauge shells, not 20.

I have considered having the receiver drilled, but Gypsy has put a stop to that. Its her gun anyway.

[Synchronizor]

Not much point in drilling and tapping a receiver if you don't have something to install anyway. I can understand the attraction in adding the option, but it's kind of like hammering nails into your wall before you have a picture to hang up.

[Zebra62]

Not much point in drilling and tapping a receiver if you don't have something to install anyway. I can understand the attraction in adding the option, but it's kind of like hammering nails into your wall before you have a picture to hang up.

True that. Its more a question of economics for most folks. I figure they may have an idea of what the want to mount and they have to get there from here so to speak. Crafty folks like us can drill and tap our receivers ourselves as we have the skill and equipment to do it right the first time. Others need the talents of a gunsmith and they don't work cheap. Having the receiver drilled and tapped for a rail could theoretically cost more than the optic installed. Folks likely will save money to have the holes done then save money again to get their optic.

The saddle with rail I have on my Tactical is simple structural integrity. The saddle mounts from both sides of the receiver providing more stability. It was only a few dollars more than the plain side saddle and offers the cool factor of having a rail should I ever decide ( not likely ) to install an optic.