Graco Models Mark I Handheld Brass case Catcher

I got this because my Shield Plus in 30 SC throws brass around like a jet powered manure spreader.I stopped shooting on the local range for a while because it throws brass so far out in the weeds I could never find them and there isn't a good source for 30 SC brass other than shooting up manufactured target ammo and then using the one fired brass to reload with. Well it's hard to reload once fired brass if you can't find it afterward.A friend told me I should get a brass catcher and I had not heard of them before so I googled it and this came up on Amazon. I figured why not it costs a hair more than a box of 50 rounds but if it let's me save my brass it will pay for itself in one trip to the range.I have fired about 150 rounds into now and it works fantastic! Has already paid for itself.It looks like a bit like you have a fish tank dip net on your hand when you use it but you don't lose any brass.After the bag starts getting full it pulls it tighter and some bounce out but they fall right at your feet so you don't have to look for them. Dump it after every magazine full and this tends not to happen. If you let it get too full you can cause it to drop hot brass between your hand and the net pinning it there to sizzle and giggle at your funky chicken dance moves...don't ask...just trust me on this an empty it about every 17 rounds give or take.The little metal ring that holds the net open can be bent to what works best for you. Just don't put it so far forward the muzzle blast catches it because it will tear holes in the edge of the bag material...again...don't ask...just save yourself a patch job and make sure it is just a tad back from the edge of the muzzle.

I'm giving it a 3 for now until I get a chance to check it our with some different calibers and pistols but out of the package it has sharp edges on the plastic plate (scratched up the back of my hand just putting it on) that holds the strap and wire frame. If the catcher works reasonably well then I'll take a grinder to the edges and round them off. I'll be updating my review at that time. I did let the manufacturer know about the edges and I'm waiting to see if they respond. I'll add that to the review as well.02/03/15 I'm updating my review from the other day. My concern about the sharp edges centered on the recoil of the firearm used. I glad to report there were no issues with this so it is comfortable during repeated firing.I tested the catcher using a two-handed stance and with the following pistols: Walther PPK/S .380ACP, Para-Ordnance P12(compact) .45ACP, Springfield Armory XD40.40S&W, and Beretta 92F 9mm. I fired a box or 50 rounds for each firearm.The Walther placed all rounds in the bag.The .40 and .45 had a couple bounce off the frame but close by, it caught about 40+ out of 50.The Beretta, due to its design, was about 30+/- out of 50, with some dropping nearby and others having to be retrieved.Yes, there was some adjusting of the frame to suit the firearm being used. The Beretta has the frame positioned over the top of the slide, almost obscuring the rear sight.Here's a personal note. I shoot with my right normally but I like to practice with my left hand so to place the catcher in a proper position, place the elastic strap over and behind the thumb of your right hand (when using a two-handed stance). The will allow you to make adjustments as needed.Unfortunately, I did this at the tail end of my shooting with only 10 rounds of .380 Critical Defense but it did catch the brass. I'll have to repeat the whole test again next time.So, here's my summary.1.) Yes, I think it is a bit pricey for what it is.2.) I would have like to see a larger catch area by about an inch on the sides and top of the frame.3.) It did as advertised by the manufacturer. If you go to their website, they honestly discuss their product and do try to set your expectations.4.) I upgraded my 3 star review to a 4 star.On a separate note, about 3 days after receiving the catcher, another one showed up with it being charged to my account. Having only ordered one, I went through the return process. A Return Authorization was quickly processed, by Amazon and Graco Models, I sent back the item to Graco, and received a note from Graco the had received the returned product and Amazon would be issuing the refund.Waiting to see that part complete but I think there shouldn't be an issue there.2/5/15 - received an email from Amazon and Graco-models that the returned item was received and my account was refunded the full amount (cost+shipping).

This catcher works..ish. In the configuration its sent out it will catch brass 25% of the time. It is very easy to bend and form to catch more shells. Even after that though it will only catch about 80% only because when shells start pulling the bag down it will cause bounce off the fabric and away from the bag. Also, the plastic support around the wire that goes on the back of your hand has sharp edges/corners but is easily fixed with sandpaper or a pen file. For the price of the item I think this should already be done prior to shipping. If the design was adjusted to something similar to what is being done with the rifle brass catcher's with an additional support bar to hold the fabric up when there is weight in the bag I think this would be almost perfect.