Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Gun buttstock shellholders

I know it seems trivial but are there some better than others? Never ran one before on any of my rifles and just wanting to try one to see if it’s for me or not. Tired of digging in my pockets or pack to occasionally grab a cartridge. Seems like having them always at the ready might make more sense and in a much more logical location.

No matter which you choose, please remove it during storage or risk ruining the buttstock finish!

The $3.50 Allen cloth cartridge holders from WalMart work just fine.
They hold 9 rounds.
I have them on every rifle I own and have never had a problem with them damaging the finish.
If they get wet they come off though.

While not classy, the Allen holders work just fine. I use one on my single shot. Magazine rifles have their own shellholder; built in. GD

I agree and very rarely need more than what the magazine will hold. Perfect scenario you only need 1 shell ... right??

I think it’s more about just keeping them in a good location that is easily accessible for me. Could possibly pay off one day to have them there?

Most damage I have seen on buttstocks from those were from using the rifle while hunting, and being outdoors, and usually amounted to sun damage to part of the stock, while that part under the holder was protected, and didn't get faded and scratched as the rest of the exposed areas did.

I think if the material isn't caustic, storage as a safe queen wouldn't really matter. But then, and safe queen is probably not very likely to sport a shell holder in the first place.

I use the flip open type with the hook and loop that you wear with your belt. They work good for me. I think I got mine from Midway.

........ You beat me to it....... I second that motion. Handiest thing yet for a few spare rounds.

Never even considered that style. Might look into it.

If you need that many rounds to put down an animal, you should be asking different questions.

Federal used to sell centerfire in those plastic belt holders.

See some goober checking a spike horn in at the market with enough fire power attached to him to raid Abbottabad.

I like them on a shotgun but not so much on a rifle. When they get stretched out the shells fall out.

Again, it’s not about needing them. It’s about keeping them in an easily accessible location and always knowing where they are. If I actually need that many rounds I’ll just put down the bolt action or lever action and grab the AR.

Allen shell holder on every big game rifle.

Beginning of season, four in the belly and nine in the shell holder. Those 13 rounds remain in/on the gun until the season is over or they get used. That way, I grab the gun and go, and never worry about having the right ammo around. We don't have to unload the magazine for vehicle travel here, so I never have loose rounds to worry about for the entire season.

Never tried one myself but look like they would be especially handy with single shot rifles and double barrel shotguns. For removable clip type firearms I just always carried a spare loaded clip or two in a easy to get to pocket with nothing else in that pocket.

Google - rifle buttstock pouch, I tried to show pics but was unable. Some have shell loops on a velcro card that can be transferred from inside a zippered pouch to the outside to be attached there. The pouch is handy for keeping other things such as a hex wrench for rings.
Some offer comb risers, but most can retain ones you make yourself, if you want a better cheek rest.

Oh, I forgot about this. Please disregard the pouch in front of the action, I decided it was dumb & took it off.

Indeed!! One shot should do it, otherwise you need more range time.

I see the judgmental aspect of the fire hasn't changed.

Have one on the kid's rifle. Keeps it simple. Everything in 1 spot.

My chest bino-carrier has small mesh pockets on either side. I tend to carry 3 or 4 extra shells in those little pockets. Handy and very accessible.