Some of my favorite movie heroes like to carry a shotgun on their back, from Ash “this is my boomstick” Williams, to Corporal “I like to keep this handy for close encounters,” Hicks. The idea isn’t new, but the current market offers very few quality options. The Desantis Kurz Shotgun scabbard stands above the current crop of Chinese made nylon options. Well to be honest they call it a shotgun case, but it’s certainly works as a scabbard.
With the rise of guns like the TAC 14 and Mossberg Shockwave a quality shotgun scabbard needed to become a thing. These guns are tricky to carry on a sling, and you can’t exactly holster them, so a scabbard it is. Additionally, this would be a great option for guns like Mares Leg lever actions or SBS/AOW guns.
The name itself is pretty cool. Kurz means short in German so a Kurz Shotgun Case means Short Shotgun case.
What Sets the Kurz Apart?
The first thing that makes this such an awesome scabbard is the fact it is made from leather. Most are made from a cheap nylon material that’s not exactly well known for its durability. Leather is not only a durable material, but it looks damn good. This is especially true when it is paired with my TAC 14 Hardwood model. Admittedly I had to remove the front sling for it to fit. The Hardwood sling guard is a massive shield so it makes senses it needs to be removed. Got now it sits in my spare parts box with my SB 15 braces, a random box of 243 WSSM, and my old 80 lower jigs.
A standard TAC 14 and Mossberg Shockwave fits perfectly in the Kurz shotgun scabbard though.
The Kurz is outfitted with both a sling for across the back carry as well as a carrying handle if you wanted to use it as a standard case. The whole setup is completely ambidextrous and it’s easy swap the configuration. The sling is attached via snap buttons and it can be swapped from side to side. It comes with a 5 round shell carrier that is also easy to remove and swap sides with. Lastly the retention device is attached via button and done so on both sides.
Carrying the Kurz Shotgun Scabbard
The smooth fitted nature of these pump action firearms makes them easy to carry. Nothing pokes or prods the body. The Kurz itself is quite thick though, and this keeps the gun from rubbing or hitting me. The strap is long enough to fit, but I wish it was at least a few inches longer. I’m a big guy and the strap just barely fits.
Drawing from the scabbard is quick and intuitive. The retaining strap is very large and very easy to disengage with the hand. That said, the strap will not disengage on accident very easily. I held the whole package upside down and shook it hard to see if the gun could disengage the strap. The gun was of course empty and the action was left opened.
It never fell out, and the strap staid put. Once the strap is defeated draw the gun up and away from the body. Be careful not to flag yourself. As a rightie, I carry the gun over my right shoulder with the grip right side up. It’s easy and safe to draw from this position.
Its best to brace the strap with your off hand until the gun clears the case.
Covered Up
Outside of walking around like Denzel in the Book of Eli the case is perfect for traveling in all sorts of vehicles. From your truck to your ATV the case is a great companion. The Kurz provides protection to the gun in a multitude of ways. The entire gun is covered except the bird’s head grip. This, of course, protects the finish of the gun, but also covers the trigger for safety reasons. It also keeps dirt, grime, and everything else from getting into the gun’s action.
While it from water proof, it is certainly water resistant. It’ll protect your gun from light rain and splashes. The Kurz is more than a stylish scabbard, but a genuinely handy piece of gear if you own, carry or use these type of weapons. It will fit 410 and 20 gauge models and you can get additional shell carriers for different calibers. You can get yours here.
