About a month after Steve and I spoke at SHOT SHOW, I had a
package arrive from Fold ‘Em Gear containing five FlxSHOT devices
to try out. I immediately called another one of my fellow writers,
Craig Reinolds to come by and check these out. I had told Craig
about these carriers soon after returning from SHOT SHOW and
wanted him to be a part of the field testing. Craig went his way
with a pair of carriers and I went mine for the following months
running the devices to develop our field notes.
FIELD TEST #1
Over the testing process on the range teaching, I found the FlxSHOT
carrier made for a great way to mount 3 extra shotgun rounds to
a tactical plate carrier via the rear mounted clips. Coming from a
Law Enforcement background with SWAT teams, one of the tasks
most often needed for a shotgun is that of breaching doors by
blasting the lock and hinges. Usually these shotguns are small
and have a very limited magazine capacity. Having extra rounds
to finish the job at your fingertips mounted high and in your work
space could mean the difference between life and death.
I did note something important about the device’s use of
a rare earth magnet to contain the rounds that would be very
important to the end user before going out into the field. Every
manufacturer uses a different mixture of brass components to
make up its shells, some being much more magnetic than others.
Using Federal’s Tru Flite 12 gauge buck shot rounds; the shells
would simply fall out of the carrier, completely unfazed by the
magnet. On the upside, every other type of ammo and brand that
I used, held very well from Winchester to Remington, even other
styles of 12 gauge buck shot rounds made by Federal. Despite
being primarily built to house a 12 gauge shell, I even threw
a few .410 and 20 gauge shells into the FlxSHOT carrier just for
fun. The carrier did a good job holding them in by its magnet
and bottom end pocket. Everything from 2 ¾ to 3 ½ inch shells
worked well aside from the previously mentioned load.
During a staff meeting at the end of last month, I spoke again
to fellow PMCI Staffer Craig Reinolds about his thoughts on the
FlxSHOT carrier. This is what Craig had to say.
“The FlxSHOT seems to be primarily advertised for duck
hunting. In my opinion, I do see this mainly as a duck, quail or
some type of bird hunting accessory. I can see a valid use in 3
gun events or any other type of shooting sport which includes
the shotgun and a need for fast reloading. It attaches well to the
belt and makes additional rounds easily accessible. It does work
well attached to my arm or the butt of shotgun but depending
on activity can move around which can be aggravating. Belt
mounted is my preferred use for the FlxSHOT; it works okay in
the woods as long as you are not going through heavy brush. I
did not lose a round but I could see how it would be possible if
not paying attention. Shorter shells sink deeper into the pocket
past the magnets but catch if shaken before losing them. If I was
hunting with bird shot loaded in my shotgun already, it would be
nice to have a variety of other loads in case I run across larger
game, slug, 00 Buck, so on. I think it is a good tool to have in the
tool box for those times you need it.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Once Craig and I compared notes and exchanged ideas on the
FlxSHOT carrier, we both agreed it was a brilliantly simple idea
for a tool that has yet to reach its fullest potential and made for a
fun T&E. With its segmented “pods”, this carrier appears it could
easily be cut down to a 1 or 2 shell carrier in order to fit into
tighter areas or to supplement a full size carrier as well. The use
of Velcro could facilitate the FlxSHOT being mounted directly on
the side of a shotgun for a 3 Gun event or to a Velcro equipped
tactical shirt or jacket.
What I was the most impressed above all else was the
inventor, Steve Strum himself. Steve remained in close contact
throughout the summer and always seemed to be very open
to any criticism of the device and eager to hear suggestions for
better versions. The FlxSHOT is not the end all of shotgun shell
carry for everyone, but it is a very good start! With new ideas
having already been discussed via design tweaks, color
options and more, look for the FlxSHOT carrier from Fold
‘Em Gear to do great things in the coming year!
For more information on this innovative piece of
equipment go to www.foldemgear.com/flxshot.html
pmcimagazine.
m Ge
FIELD TEST #2