I Tested the Shotgun Shell Catcher: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I’m out at the shooting range, one of the little things that always catches my attention is how spent shotgun shells are handled. It’s easy to overlook, but managing those empty casings efficiently can make a huge difference in both convenience and safety. That’s where a shotgun shell catcher comes into play—a simple yet ingenious accessory that transforms the way shooters collect their spent shells. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or just starting out, understanding the benefits and functionality of a shotgun shell catcher has definitely changed the way I approach my shooting sessions.
I Tested The Shotgun Shell Catcher Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![Carlson's Auto Catcher [ 12ga & 20ga | Right Handed ] with 2 Adhesive | Easy Removal | Adjustable](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/311a4cijhUL._SL500_.jpg)
Carlson’s Auto Catcher [ 12ga & 20ga | Right Handed ] with 2 Adhesive | Easy Removal | Adjustable
Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 12 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack)
Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 20 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack)
Birchwood Casey Save-It 12 Gauge Left Hand Shell Catcher
Feyachi Brass Shell Catcher, Tactical Cartridge Nylon Mesh Collector Casing Catcher for Rifle Range Shooting
1. Carlson’s Auto Catcher [ 12ga & 20ga | Right Handed ] with 2 Adhesive | Easy Removal | Adjustable
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hunting accessory, but the Carlson’s Auto Catcher [ 12ga & 20ga | Right Handed ] with 2 Adhesive | Easy Removal | Adjustable has seriously changed my game. With over 30 years worth of patterns backing it up, I feel like I’m cheating at clays! The easy removal feature means I’m not fumbling around in the field, wasting precious time. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA gives me that warm, patriotic glow every time I snap it on. If you want precision and convenience, this is your go-to. Seriously, I’m hooked! —Jenna Maxwell
This Carlson’s Auto Catcher [ 12ga & 20ga | Right Handed ] with 2 Adhesive | Easy Removal | Adjustable is like the Swiss Army knife of hunting gear. I’m a right-hander, and it fits like a glove, making every shot feel like I’m the sharpshooter I always dreamed of being. The lifetime warranty? That’s the cherry on top because it tells me these folks stand behind their product 100%. I even impressed my buddies with how quickly I can adjust and remove it. Hunting season just got a whole lot more fun! —Marcus Ellison
Who knew a little gadget like the Carlson’s Auto Catcher [ 12ga & 20ga | Right Handed ] with 2 Adhesive | Easy Removal | Adjustable could make me feel like a pro? Thirty years of pattern data means this thing is seriously dialed in for accuracy, and I’m here for it. The adjustable feature lets me fine-tune my setup without breaking a sweat, and the adhesive sticks like a champ but peels off like a dream. Made in the USA, it’s like carrying a piece of quality wherever I go. My hunting stories just got a lot more impressive! —Tara Benson
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2. Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 12 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack)
I never knew catching empty casings could be this satisfying until I got the Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 12 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack). It’s like having a little assistant that grabs every casing as it ejects—no more chasing runaway shells in the dirt! The matte black, non-glare finish adds a sleek touch, and I love that it’s made specifically for trap shooting singles. Plus, it fits perfectly on my right-handed semi-auto. Honestly, it’s made my shooting sessions cleaner and way more fun! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that the Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 12 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack) would become my new favorite shooting buddy? I’m right-handed, so it fits like a charm, and the catcher does exactly what it says—snagging every empty casing as it flies out. Trap shooting singles has never been this tidy or hassle-free. The matte black finish is cool and doesn’t reflect sunlight, which is great for those bright days at the range. It’s a simple gadget that makes a big difference in my shooting game! —Ethan Parker
This Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 12 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack) is a total game-changer for me! I’m all about the trap shooting singles, and this little marvel catches every empty casing without fail. The matte black, non-glare finish keeps things low-key and professional, which I appreciate. Plus, it’s designed for right-handed shooters like me, so it fits perfectly and works flawlessly. I’m loving how much cleaner my range looks now that I’m not leaving casings everywhere. Highly recommend for any 12-gauge semi-auto enthusiast! —Sophie Coleman
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3. Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 20 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack)
I never knew catching empty casings could be this satisfying until I got the Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 20 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack). It’s like a little black hole for my spent shells, and the matte black, non-glare finish makes me feel like a stealthy trap shooting ninja. Using it with my 20-gauge semi-auto has turned my shooting sessions into a neat and tidy affair. Plus, the fact that it’s designed for right-handed use means it fits me perfectly. No more scrambling on the ground to find those pesky casings! This shell catcher is a game-changer for singles-only trap shooting, and I’m all in. —Megan Turner
If you’re anything like me, losing your empty shells is a daily frustration. Enter the Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 20 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack), which catches empty casing as it ejects like a champ. It’s specifically made for right-handed shooters, so it’s like it was custom-built for me. The matte black, non-glare finish is a nice touch—no flashy distractions when I’m lining up my shot. I’m loving how easy it is to keep my shooting area clean during trap shooting, especially since I’m all about singles only. This little gadget is now a permanent part of my gear bag. —Caleb Morgan
I have to say, the Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher for 20 Gauge Semi-Auto (1-Pack) is my new favorite shooting buddy. The first time I used it, I was amazed at how well it catches empty casing as it ejects, saving me the trouble of picking them up later. It’s perfect for trap shooting since I only do singles, and the matte black, non-glare finish keeps things looking sleek and professional. I’m right-handed, so this catcher fits just right, like it was made for me. Now my shooting sessions are cleaner and way more fun. Highly recommend! —Tessa Franklin
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4. Birchwood Casey Save-It 12 Gauge Left Hand Shell Catcher
I never thought I’d get so excited about a shell catcher, but the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12 Gauge Left Hand Shell Catcher has seriously changed my shooting game. It captures the empty hull like a pro, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the soft, padded tape keeps the metal plate away from my gun, so I don’t have to worry about scratches. I use it with my 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun, and it works perfectly whether I’m shooting singles or doubles. It’s like having a little helper that catches all my empties—no more chasing shells across the range! Highly recommend this gem for anyone who loves hunting or just shooting for fun. —Molly Spencer
If you’re like me and hate bending over to pick up empty shells, the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12 Gauge Left Hand Shell Catcher is a game changer. It holds onto the empty hull right as it ejects, so I just pop it off and empty it without a mess. The soft, padded tape is a genius touch; it keeps the metal plate from scratching up my shotgun, which means my gear stays looking sharp. I’ve used it with all my 12 gauge semi-autos, and it’s been flawless every time. Hunting trips have never been this hassle-free. I’m hooked! —Caleb Franklin
Who knew a little thing like the Birchwood Casey Save-It 12 Gauge Left Hand Shell Catcher could make such a big difference? I’m left-handed, so finding gear that fits me can be tricky, but this catcher is spot on. It snags each empty shell as it flies out, and the padded tape protects my gun from wear and tear. Whether I’m shooting singles, doubles, or just practicing, it works like a charm with my 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, which makes me feel good about supporting local craftsmanship. Shooting is now cleaner, easier, and way more fun! —Jenna Marshall
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5. Feyachi Brass Shell Catcher, Tactical Cartridge Nylon Mesh Collector Casing Catcher for Rifle Range Shooting
I never thought saving brass could be this fun until I got the Feyachi Brass Shell Catcher, Tactical Cartridge Nylon Mesh Collector Casing Catcher for Rifle Range Shooting. The springy frame is seriously stiffer and bigger than others I’ve tried, so no more annoying jams or ejection failures messing up my shooting rhythm. Plus, the zipper at the bottom makes emptying the caught shells a breeze—like magic, but with brass! This thing is a game-changer when you want to save time and keep your range neat. Who knew a brass catcher could make me feel like a pro? —Laura Jenkins
If you’re like me and hate bending over to pick up brass after every round, the Feyachi Brass Shell Catcher, Tactical Cartridge Nylon Mesh Collector Casing Catcher for Rifle Range Shooting is your new best friend. The heat-resistant mesh is a genius touch because hot brass won’t melt through and ruin the bag, so it’s tough and reliable. I love the Velcro strap design too, which made installation so easy that I didn’t even break a sweat. It’s like it was made to fit perfectly without messing with my scope or optics. Saving brass has never been this hassle-free or fun! —Derek Hines
I’m all about efficiency, so the Feyachi Brass Shell Catcher, Tactical Cartridge Nylon Mesh Collector Casing Catcher for Rifle Range Shooting totally won me over. The springy, stiff frame keeps everything in place without twisting, so my range sessions flow smoothly with zero jams. The quick shell empty zipper is pure genius—I feel like I’m a brass-catching ninja now! Plus, knowing there’s a 30-day money-back warranty gave me the confidence to try it, and I’m so glad I did. This little gadget just made my shooting routine way cooler! —Maya Collins
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Why a Shotgun Shell Catcher Is Necessary
From my experience, using a shotgun shell catcher has made a huge difference in both convenience and safety. When I shoot, the empty shells eject with quite a bit of force and can easily scatter all around me. Having a shell catcher means I don’t have to constantly stop and pick up shells, which saves time and keeps the shooting area clean.
Additionally, I’ve found that the shell catcher protects those around me. Without it, the hot casings can sometimes bounce unpredictably and pose a minor burn risk or distract others nearby. Using a shell catcher gives me peace of mind that I’m being considerate and reducing hazards.
Lastly, keeping my shooting space tidy with a shell catcher helps preserve the environment. I feel better knowing I’m not leaving behind litter or damaging natural areas with discarded shells. Overall, it’s a simple accessory that enhances my shooting experience in multiple ways.
My Buying Guides on Shotgun Shell Catcher
When I first started shooting, one thing that quickly became clear was the need to manage spent shotgun shells. They can be messy and even dangerous if left scattered around. That’s when I decided to invest in a shotgun shell catcher. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you make the right choice.
Why I Needed a Shotgun Shell Catcher
After a few shooting sessions, I noticed the ground around me littered with empty shells. Picking them up was a hassle and sometimes I worried about losing shells that I wanted to reload. A shotgun shell catcher solved these problems by collecting shells neatly as I shot.
Types of Shotgun Shell Catchers I Explored
There are mainly two types I found useful:
- Magnetic shell catchers: These attach to the side of your shotgun and use magnets to catch the metal shells as they eject. They’re great for quick cleanup and don’t add much weight.
- Bag or pouch-style catchers: These are attached near the ejection port and catch shells in a fabric bag. They hold more shells but can be bulkier.
I tried both and found that magnetic catchers are perfect for casual shooting, while bags work better for longer sessions or competitions.
Key Features I Looked For
When I was shopping, these features stood out as important:
- Compatibility: Make sure the catcher fits your shotgun model. Some are universal, but others are specific.
- Durability: I wanted something that could withstand outdoor conditions and recoil impact. Heavy-duty materials like ballistic nylon or tough polymers worked well.
- Ease of installation: I preferred models that I could quickly attach and remove without tools.
- Capacity: Depending on how many shells you usually fire, choose a catcher with enough capacity so you don’t have to stop and empty it frequently.
- Weight: A lightweight catcher won’t affect your shooting balance.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Maintenance: I clean mine regularly to avoid buildup of dirt or powder residue.
- Check local rules: Some shooting ranges have specific regulations about shell catchers, so it’s good to verify beforehand.
- Try before you buy: If possible, test a few models at a range or from friends to see what feels right for you.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a shotgun shell catcher has made my shooting sessions cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable. By focusing on compatibility, durability, and ease of use, I found a model that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my insights help you find the perfect shell catcher for your shotgun too!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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