Saddle mounts vs drill and tap

[Ladys man]

Building an 870 youth for Turkey. So far I've added shurshot stock and forend, but that put my POA vs POI off.
So looking at adding some type of red dot or scope. Looking at the b square saddle but just curious to anyone that has used saddle mounts. I have a friend at the shop that has all the goodies to drill and tap for me.

Bushnell trs 25, tru glow gobble stopper, or Simmons pro diamond are the sights I've narrowed it down to I think.

 

[Andy S.]

..... drill and tap

My preference.

 

[TNhunter]

I have saddle mounts on one 870 20 gauge, one 870 super magnum 12 gauge, and a 1187 20 gauge (all with Burris FF3 or other red dot). They serve their purpose but I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING HATE THEM. I need to find someone in the middle TN area that will drill and tap all 3 of them.

 

[scn]

I have always used saddle mounts on any shotgun that wasn't tapped/drilled at the factory, and have had not issues with anything shifting on point of aim or any ejection issues. They are heavier than a tap/drill mount, and they certainly don't look as good.

I went that direction because I didn't have access to a quality gunsmith to do the tap/drill, and concerns about those mounts shifting. If the receiver is an alloy and not hardened steel, there are instances where the tap/drill holes just will not hold up to the significant recoil from shotguns. That is particularly true with shotguns shooting slugs. The recoil on those approaches the level you might see on some elephant guns.

As with most things, there are some pros/cons on both sides.

 

[Gobbler88]

I have a saddle mount on my Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge. I've never had any problems out of it. I like it because if something happens with my red dot, I can still shoot with my beads. Guess it's just what you prefer.

 

[muddyboots]

I had a saddle. It works and gets the job done. I got a new gun last year that was tapped. Definatejy better.

 

[TN Larry]

My gun is drilled/tapped with a FF3 while my son's has a saddle mount with Bushnell trs-25. Both serve the purpose, but I prefer drilled and tapped.

 

[SKFOOTER]

Don't overlook the Aimtech Rib Rider Mount. Mounts rock steady to your vent rib.

 

[Ladys man]

Don't overlook the Aimtech Rib Rider Mount. Mounts rock steady to your vent rib.

I like that, thanks