Tactaload Flash 5: Ultimate Ammo Shotgun Storage Solution

When it comes to adding spare ammo to your home defense shotgun, the Tactaload Flash 5 stands out as one of the smartest upgrades available. Instead of relying on bulky side saddles or loose shell holders, this innovative stock builds shell storage directly into the rear of the shotgun, streamlining your setup without sacrificing speed. After testing it out in the field, I can confidently say it changes the way you run a pump gun.

This post is based on an episode of Extreme DIY Gunsmithing, where I tested and installed the Flash 5 on the Mossberg 500. Check out the full DIY build, The Home Rumbler here.

(Want to get the Flash 5 for your shotgun? Buy it now on Amazon.)

TL;DR

• The Tactaload Flash 5 is a shotgun stock with built-in ammo storage—no more bulky side saddles.

• It holds 5 shells (12 gauge: 2 ¾”, 3”, or 3 ½”), keeps your gun balanced, and makes reloads fast.

  

• Installs easily on Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88, and Remington 870 shotguns.

• Featured in my DIY tactical build, The Home Rumbler.

The Problem With Shell Storage on Defensive Shotguns

For decades, shotgun owners have leaned on side saddles, butt cuffs, or even tactical bandoliers to hold extra rounds. While those options work, they all come with tradeoffs:

• Side saddles add weight to one side of the receiver, throwing off your balance.

• Elastic shell holders wear out over time, especially in heat and humidity.

• Chest rigs and belts are fast but overkill for home defense.

When seconds matter, grabbing the wrong shell or fighting retention loops isn’t ideal. That’s why an integrated solution like the Flash 5 changes the game.

What Is the Tactaload Flash 5?

The Flash 5 is a replacement shotgun stock with built-in ammo storage. It holds five 12-gauge shells inside the buttstock, securely and out of the way. It eliminates the need for side saddles, ammo loops, or other clunky carriers.

Key Features:

• Holds 5 extra shells

• Works with 2 ¾”, 3”, and 3 ½” shells

• Pull-twist-load reload system

• Maintains balance and profile of your shotgun

• Available for Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88, and Remington 870 platforms

How The Tactaload Flash 5 Works

1. Load shells into the stock with brass facing forward.

2. When needed, pull a shell out, twist slightly, and drop it into your receiver.

3. You’re reloaded and back in action.

It might sound different, but with a few reps, it becomes second nature. Compared to fumbling with loops or reaching across the gun for a side saddle, it’s smooth and fast.

Installing the Flash 5: Step-by-Step

If you can install a standard buttstock, you can install the Flash 5. Here’s how:

1. Clear your shotgun. Always safety first.

2. Remove the old stock. Typically requires a long screwdriver or Allen wrench.

3. Insert the Flash 5. Use the included long Allen wrench to secure the bolt.

4. Tighten evenly. Ensure the stock is straight and secure.

5. Adjust length of pull. Add or remove spacers as needed.

Done. You now have a fully functional, balanced shotgun with onboard spare ammo.

Use Case Breakdown: Home Defense, Range, Competition

Home Defense:

• No external attachments to snag on furniture or walls

• Perfect for grab-and-go readiness

• Doesn’t add front-end weight

At the Range:

• Excellent for practicing reloads

• Durable enough to withstand drills, recoil, and abuse

Competition Use:

• Not faster than quad-loading but still viable for tactical stages

• More intuitive than reaching for a belt or side saddle

Built for Real-World Conditions

The Flash 5 is made from rugged polymer and built to handle real abuse:

• Rain? No problem.

• Cold weather? Won’t crack.

• Recoil? Shells stay locked in.

This is the kind of setup you want on a truck gun, cabin gun, or something you might depend on during bad situations.

Tactaload Flash 5 vs. Traditional Options

Community Questions

Can you run a sling with the Flash 5? Yes. You can use QD sling points or aftermarket mounts designed for shotgun stocks.

Will the shells fall out during recoil? Nope. Shells stay secure, even after repeated fire. Retention is solid.

Can I run 3 1/2″ shells in the Flash 5? Yes—though it may reduce capacity if mixed with shorter shells.

How does it compare to a side saddle in speed? With a little practice, the difference is minimal. You trade a bit of raw speed for better balance and simplicity.

Is it ambidextrous? Yes. The shell retention and extraction work well for left- or right-handed shooters.

Tacticaload Flash 5 FAQ

What is the Tactaload Flash 5? A shotgun stock with built-in shell storage for 12-gauge shells.

What shotguns does it work with? Mossberg 500/590, Maverick 88, and Remington 870.

Is it legal everywhere? It’s just a stock. There are no legal concerns in any U.S. state at the time of writing.

Can I install it myself? Absolutely. Comes with the tool needed for install. If you can swap a stock, you can do this.

Does it work for home defense? Yes—it’s ideal for home defense due to its speed, retention, and low profile.

Final Verdict

The Tactaload Flash 5 stock is a clever, rugged, and well-designed upgrade. It simplifies how you carry spare shells while improving balance and preserving the lines of your shotgun.

Whether you’re building a tactical shotgun for serious use or just want smarter home defense gear, this thing belongs on your list.

Buy it here: Amazon Storefront

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Credit: Jason Schaller
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About the Author: Jason Schaller is a former FFL holder and founder of Eagle Eye Shooters Supply in Helena, MT, where he provided professional gunsmithing services and guided customers on all aspects of firearms ownership. Today, he teaches DIY gunsmithing at The Rogue Banshee and serves as a Chief Instructor at Freedom Crew University. With over a decade of hands-on professional experience with firearms and nearly 30 years in IT, Jason also holds top cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC. When he’s not geeking out, he’s helping others build self-reliance, critical thinking, and firearms proficiency through real-world content.

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