Firearms and 3D printing are more than compatible. I’m sure 3D printing goes well with most hobbies, but 2A folks tend to be particularly passionate about it. Obviously, 3D printed guns get all the attention, but you’d be surprised by how many 3D printed accessories are out there. Pew Pew Koncepts has stepped into the 3D printed area with a series of side saddles for your favorite shotgun.
Most 3D printers will use PLA for a lot of their products. That material is suitable for toys and some firearms. I 3D printed a single-shot Harlot derringer from the more rigid PLA+. Pew Pew Koncepts, however, is using TPU. TPU is thermoplastic polyurethane, which is a fairly common material used in automotive, aerospace, and sporting goods.
It’s durable like plastic, but flexible like rubber, offering greater flexibility and durability compared to PLA. And a little flexibility goes a long way. The use of TPU puts the Pew Pew Koncepts side saddles in a different category than elastic or polymer cards, but provides the best of both worlds, and the use of 3D printing makes these an affordable side saddle option.
The Pew Pew Koncepts Side Saddles
I have four of these, three standard models in various colors and one mini shell side saddle. Yep, a mini shell side saddle. Mini shells have become somewhat of a meme and some say they’re not particularly useful, but people enjoy them, and there’s a market for mini shell side saddles.
I have recently purchased a micro-sized Mossberg Compact Cruiser and plan to make it my dedicated mini shell blaster, so this side saddle will have its purpose.
Pew Pew Koncepts makes side saddles in varying capacities, including 6, 7, and 8-round options. The side saddles are coated with Cordura, and that allows for a new layer of protection as well as allowing you to choose from a ton of different camouflage options.
You can pick from classics like Multicam, Woodland, and even unique options like Rhodesian Brushstroke, DNC, and many more. They come in and out of stock, and I’m sure they’ll expand over time.
Throwing Them On
These side saddles are designed to mount to your shotgun with velcro, much like an elastic side saddle. The end of the side saddles uses a loop constructed from TPU to get a grip. The loop varies by model. On the mini shell saddle, it sits flat against the shotgun’s receiver. On the standard version, it sits vertically upward.
I prefer the flat design, and this offers you another loading option. You can put a side saddle in a magazine pouch and put your thumb through the loop, lift it out, and then load as the side saddle hangs from your thumb. I think Pew Pew should offer both options and a lower capacity option. I prefer the lighter four or five-round side saddles.
I’m supporting Pew Pew Koncepts in hopes they can expand and offer more options. It’s worth mentioning that Pew Pew is a micro-sized company of two people and I want to give them major customer service credit. I originally ordered two standard side saddles and one mini shell side saddle.
I received three standard side saddles. I sent an email to them about the issue. They replied quickly, told me to keep the extra, and shipped me a mini shell side saddle. It was in my hands by the end of the week. That’s good customer service.
The Pew Pew Koncepts Side Saddle In Action
The TPU loops are quite tight. They offer excellent retention, and I am confident running my shells upside down. At first, they were a little too tight, and shells were difficult to remove. After leaving them loaded for a bit, they loosened up just enough to make extraction easier. Elastic side saddles are largely disposable. They vary in how disposable they are, but they will wear out.
I can’t say for sure, as I haven’t used these for months or years, but the TPU should maintain its rigidity far longer than elastic. This should give the side saddle a longer lifespan.
Retrieving shells from the side saddle and feeding the gun takes a dedicated pluck but can be done smoothly with some practice. I prefer to pinch with my thumb and pointer finger to free the shells, and that works well for pulling one or two shells when needed.
The Velcro sticks well to the gun, and it never gives up the ghost when retrieving shells. It’s a solid attachment, and they must be using quality Velcro. I’ve found it to be at least as capable as automotive hook and loop.
You can grab the tab and pry it free with ease and ‘reload’ your shotgun with a fresh side saddle if necessary. Is this realistic for a home defense shooting? No, but for training purposes, it can be nice to have. Police and military might have a better use for this than me, at least until the zombies come.
Going Small
Small businesses doing neat stuff is my bread and butter. Mix it with a shotgun, and it becomes that Texas Roadhouse butter. These side saddles have some dead giveaways that they’re 3D printed. There are little bits of flashing, and you can see the layers of material. That doesn’t detract from their usefulness, though, and good design. Give Pew Pew Koncepts a look if the current state of side saddles isn’t working for you.