I’m a strong advocate for utilizing 3D printing technology to enhance the firearm industry. 3D printed guns are helping kill gun control, but 3D printing isn’t just being used to create guns. It’s being used to create accessories. Accessories that are affordable, durable, and different. Stuff like the Pew Pew Koncepts side saddles is proof of that.
Upgrade Your Scattergun with Pew Pew Koncepts
Those plastic side saddles that require you to swap bolts out and are nearly permanently attached to the side saddle are so last week. The modern side saddle is removable and doesn’t need to compromise your reliability. I’ve used all manner of detachable side saddles. I’ve used the basic nylon Esstac cards, the all-metal Aridus industries QD-C, and now I’ve something that sits between the two.
The Pew Pew Koncepts Side Saddle
The Pew Pew Koncepts Side Saddle is a 3D-printed design, and if you’re familiar with 3D printers, you might assume it’s made from PLA, a cheap and somewhat brittle plastic. For the price, I’d expect PLA too, but that’s not the case. Pew Pew Koncepts uses TPU. TPU provides strong, flexible prints that aren’t brittle or fragile.
The side saddles are made from TPU and feature Cordura wraps, providing a weather-resistant finish in all your favorite camouflage colors. The camos cost a hair more, but come in God’s Plaid, M81, multicam, chocolate chip, and many more. If you want plain colors, that’s an option too.
The use of TPU offers several significant benefits. First, it doesn’t wear out like elastic. Elastic cards eventually become too loose. It takes a fair bit, but it does happen. It becomes noticeable not when rounds are slipping out, but when you sprint and all of a sudden you’re missing two rounds. TPU isn’t going to wear out, and retention will remain high.
Additionally, it doesn’t fold or move. A lot of elastic side saddles will eventually start curling inwards. This makes drawing shells difficult. That’s not the case with TPU; it comes flat and stays flat. Pew Pew Koncepts produces seven-round shotgun side saddles and will be releasing an 8-round side saddle soon.
I personally hope they go in the opposite direction and provide four or five-round side saddles. I don’t like all the extra weight of a long side saddle, and it’s unlikely I’ll need all that extra ammo in a realistic scenario.
Running and Gunning
I loaded up the Pew Pew Koncepts side saddle and hit the range, working some tube reloads and port reloads. The TPU carrier holds the rounds incredibly tight. Retention is high, and it takes a real dedicated pull to remove the rounds from the side saddle. I would like them to be a hair looser, but tight is better than loose when it comes to retention.
A little practice makes all the difference. The Pew Pew Koncepts side saddles feature a tab that’s solid for removing the side saddle and conducting side saddle reloads. The tab allows for easy removal and easy retrieval from magazine carriers, bags, and beyond.
The tap works, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it sit horizontally rather than vertically. This would allow me to loop the tab over my finger and reload without throwing it on the gun. It’s a nitpick, but I think it might be worth it for a different variant.
Overall, I’m impressed by the little side saddle that could. For only ten bucks, it’s an impressive design. If you want the special camo versions, that’ll run you $15.50. I gotta mention they also produce a mini-shell variant for mini-shell enthusiasts. I have one of those on order.
Small Businesses – Big Results
I love small businesses in the gun world. They often innovate and do something just a bit different than the big boys. Pew Pew Koncepts has produced a good in-between when it comes to side saddles. It doesn’t have the price of the Aridus, but it doesn’t have the flaws of the elastic cards. Plus, it’s affordable! That’s the right combination for me.
