Reader Brandon Harker writes:
Sometimes it’s the simple things. Simple, cheap and easy has been promised by many products but it doesn’t always pan out that way. In this case, the mini-shell adapter shoe fits.
The OPSol Mini-Clip adapter (designed, tested and made in Texas) from Optimum Performance Solutions LLC, is an outstanding product for those looking to reliably cycle Aguila Minishells in their Mossberg pump shotguns. Not only does the Mini-Clip work, it works perfectly, while being simple, cheap and easy to install. (Editor’s Note: The current version is the OPSol Mini-Clip 2.0 Flex).
Who needs a Mini-Clip? Maybe not everyone, but those little 1.75-inch buckshot, birdshot and slug shells from Aguila are great for home defense and a blast to shoot. The reduced-recoil response is great for getting new or recoil-sensitive shooters the capability of shooting the Mossberg 12-gauge platform without the usual recoil response. And they seriously increase a scattergun’s capacity — albeit with reduced power.
The problem with these little shells is that they tend to jam pump actions designed for standard 2 3/4-inch or longer shotgun shells. The OPSol Mini-Clip adapter eliminates that problem completely, in seconds, with no tools, no gunsmithing.
The adapter is made of a medium-density rubber and can best be described as a small, ramped thing-a-majig. Remember, we’re keeping it simple here folks.
Installing it couldn’t be faster or easier. There are two “tabs” on the rear of the adapter that must be squeezed while inserting into the rear of the Mossberg shotgun’s loading port of the shotgun at an angle. The front then rotates down into position. The two aforementioned tabs fit into two corresponding indents in the receiver forward of the trigger assembly and keeps the adapter in place. This is best done with a closed action.
It sounds more complicated than it is. The adapter won’t allow the use of standard-size shotshells while it’s in your shotgun, but it uninstalls even faster than it installs. Simply open the action, reach in through the ejection port with your index finger and push the adapter down and out of the receiver through the loading port. You’re good to go.
All testing was done with the pistol-grip Mossberg 590 Shockwave and Aguila birdshot and buckshot. Unfortunately, I was not able to acquire any slugs for testing. The Mossberg Shockwave is a ridiculously fun gun to shoot, but getting those Minishells to cycle took all the fun out of it. They turned an enjoyable range trip into a jam session.
But a delivery by the big truck from Amazon and five seconds of install time had things humming along nicely. I ran 200 Minishells through the gun with the adapter installed with zero failures of any kind.
An interesting thing happened during testing. I found at least one shell out of each box of 20 seemed to have reduced recoil/noise compared to the rest. One box had three “questionable” loads. These weren’t all the same lot number but it did make me wonder about the overall quality of the ammo.
I really can’t say enough good things about the Mini-Clip. At only $15, it will run you about as much as a box of decent field ammo and installs and removes in seconds. Opsol Texas is a Made-In-The-USA company that is also veteran-owned, another bonus when spending your hard-earned money.
The adapter is currently only available for the 12ga Mossberg 500, 590, 590A1, Maverick 88, and the 12-gauge Shockwave Firearm.
For color-conscious buyers you can get it in any color you want as long as it’s black. Sorry to those that must FDE all things, I guess you’ll have to put it on your wishlist. It also just sits there, won’t make coffee runs, and is not Bluetooth capable.
The Mini-Clip stays in well, but you may want to tape it in with electrical or Gorilla tape for close contact or heavy-foliage environment applications
If you can get past those limitations and want the flexibility of running Aguila’s Minishells through your Mossy scattergun, you can’t really go wrong.
SPECIFICATIONS: OPSol Mini-Clip (Now the Mini-Clip 2.0)
Weight: .8 oz
Material: Rubber
Shotguns: Mossberg 500, 590, 590A1, and Maverick 88 models
Price: $15 online
UPC: 736902383995
Rating (out of five stars):
Overall * * * * *
It’s inexpensive and installation is simple. Most of all, it works on the trusty Mossberg 12ga platform (but not Winchester or Remington). If you have a Mossy, buy with confidence.
(Editor’s Note from the opsolmini-clip.com website: The Mini-Clip 2.0 Flex has the flexibility to accommodate a wider range of short shell lengths, should Aguila ever want to make an even shorter (or longer) Minishell. Those interested in reloading were very interested in this accommodation as are buyers of Exotic Products Shorty shells in varying lengths. The 2.0 Flex will feed all but the longest in their line, the 3 Buck.)
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