Brass catchers are awesome accessories that make a world of difference at the end of a long day of shooting.
Anyone who goes to the range would agree that one of the more annoying aspects of going to the range is cleaning up your brass.
It gets everywhere and depending on how long you have been at the range, it can take a long time to clean up.
Brass catchers also prevent hot brass from hitting your neighbors.
Brass burns hurt, do your part, and protect your fellow range goers.
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What to Look for in a Brass Catcher
To ensure that you are getting the right brass catcher, there are a few things to consider.
Weapon System
The primary thing you need to consider is what weapon system you are looking to use the brass catcher for?
You can get one that is specialized for your type of weapon system.
Some brass catchers come with a universal fit for various rifle models.
Mounting System
Brass catchers can be mounted to your weapon, a tripod, or independent on the ground or platform.
If you are doing lots of moving, go with a mounted system.
However, if you are going to be stationary, a universal non-mounted brass catcher is an excellent option since you can use it for any weapon to include pistols.
Capacity
You will need to dump your spent casings less often with a larger capacity, but a smaller one will be lighter and more agile.
Below are the 10 best brass catchers you can buy.
#1. Caldwell AR Pic Rail Brass Catcher
- Compatible: All Flat Top or Picatinny Rail Rifles
- Material: Aluminum, Heat Resistant Mesh
- Dimensions: 5″ L x 5.5″ W x 3.5″ H
- Weight: 8 oz
- Price: $44.99
Caldwell’s AR Pic Rail Brass Catcher is designed to fit all flat top or Picatinny rail rifles.
It is constructed with an aluminum clamp and wire frame to make the brass catcher fully adjustable to help it fit your rifle.
If you need to dump your brass or store the brass catcher, the aluminum clamp can be easily detached.
With a heat resistant mesh bag, you can be assured that your brass catcher will not melt from hot brass.
With a 100-case capacity, you can fire multiple magazines without needing to empty your brass catcher.
One of the nice features of this brass catcher is that it is designed to allow the brass to eject without interference.
If you have a rifle that uses a rail system Caldwell’s AR Pic Rail Brass Catcher is an excellent choice.
It is available from Cabelas. Here’s where to buy it: www.Cabelas.com
#2. Caldwell Universal Brass Trap
- Compatible: Universal
- Material: Heat Resistant Mesh
- Dimensions: 19” L x 17” W x 21” H
- Weight: Not Specified
- Price: $42.79
Caldwell’s Universal Brass Trap is an excellent brass catcher that does not mount to a rifle.
This makes it perfect for all shooters, including rifle and pistol shooters.
A nice feature is that it includes threads to mount it to a tripod (not included) for easy setup.
It also has a collapsible design for convenient storage and transportation in the included carrying bag.
It has a bottom zipper to dump your brass after a long day of shooting easily.
Constructed out of heat resistant mesh, it will not get damaged by hot brass.
It will also not get blown away by the wind with its heavy-duty construction.
Caldwell’s Universal Brass Trap is an excellent choice for those who plan on being stationary.
Overall, this brass catcher has several features that make it a must have for any shooter.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#3. CTK Precision Universal Brass Catcher
- Compatible: Universal
- Material: Steel, Mesh
- Dimensions: 16” L x 16” W
- Weight: 1 lbs.
- Price: $59.99
The CTK Precision Universal Brass Catcher allows you to use multiple weapon systems without worry about attaching the brass catcher to your weapon.
The brass catcher is independent of the weapon and is placed on the ground or a platform.
A great feature of a universal brass catcher is that it works well with pistols or rifles.
The mesh netting has a durable E-Coat finish that helps protect the mesh from heat damage.
You do not need to worry about the wind knocking your brass catcher over because it has a steel frame.
With a 16” x 16” mouth, it can easily catch any brass you throw at it.
The design works well no matter your firing position, including stand, kneeling, sitting, or prone.
The CTK Precision Universal Brass Catcher is domestically made in the United States.
If you are looking for a universal brass catcher made with heavy-duty steel and high-quality nylon, the CTK Precision Universal Brass Catcher is an excellent choice.
It is available from Midway USA. Here’s where to buy it: www.MidwayUSA.com
#4. Caldwell AR-15 Brass Catcher
- Compatible: AR-15
- Material: Heat Resistant Mesh
- Dimensions: 9” L x 4” W x 2” H
- Weight: 8 oz
- Price: $14.99
Caldwell’s AR-15 Brass Catcher provides the features you expect from Caldwell at an affordable price.
The brass catcher is constructed with a heat resistant mesh that will not take damage from your hot brass.
It has a sturdy wire frame that can easily secure to your weapon.
The best feature of this brass catcher is that it includes a bottom zipper that will allow you to empty the catcher quickly.
The brass catcher can hold up to 30 rounds of .223.
With an easy to attach hook ‘n’ loop webbing, you can attach your brass catcher quickly.
It is designed to prevent interference, so you do not need to worry about stovepipes or brass getting stuck in your ejection port.
With the limited capacity of 30 rounds, you will need to dump the catcher after every magazine.
If you need additional storage capacity, look at the AR Pic Rail Brass Catcher.
If you are looking for a brass catcher with a solid design at an affordable price Caldwell’s AR-15 Brass Catcher is an excellent choice.
It is available from Cabelas. Here’s where to buy it: www.Cabelas.com
#5. Tac-Star Brass Catcher AR-15 Picatinny Rail Mount
- Compatible: All Flat Top or Picatinny Rail Rifles
- Material: Heat Resistant Nylon
- Dimensions: 7” L x 5” W x 4” H
- Weight: 5 oz
- Price: $29.99
Tac-Star Brass Catcher AR-15 Picatinny Rail Mount clamps to any Picatinny rails on a flat top assault rifle.
You can set it up easily since it does not require any modifications to your weapon to mount it.
The brass catcher has a low-profile design that is adjustable to suit your needs.
The catch bag is heat resistant to prevent damage from hot brass.
With a 120-round capacity, this brass catcher is excellent for those who want to fire multiple magazines without cleaning up your brass.
It is equipped with an aluminum deflector plate to prevent any back feeding.
Once your catch bag eventually fills up, you can easily empty it with a simple button design.
If you are looking for a brass catcher with a low-profile design and a 120-round capacity, the Tac-Star Brass Catcher AR-15 Picatinny Rail Mount may be right for you.
It is available from Midway USA. Here’s where to buy it: www.MidwayUSA.com
#6. Caldwell S.A. Universal Brass Catcher
- Compatible: Universal
- Material: Heat Resistant Nylon
- Dimensions: 8” L x 4” W x 4” H
- Weight: 6 oz
- Price: $25.99
Caldwell S.A. Universal Brass Catcher is one of the best brass catchers for anyone who wants a weapon-mounted universal catcher.
It uses a hook and loop system to easily attach to any rifle, including bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles.
This makes it a perfect fit for anyone who wants to spend a day at the range with their rifle.
At the end of the day, you will not need to worry about cleaning up your brass with a 100-round capacity (.223).
Two awesome features make this a must have for rifle shooters.
The first is the swing-open design to allow easy access to the chamber.
The second being a bottom zipper that allows for easy dumping of rounds for those who want an extended day at the range.
Like the other Caldwell products, it is constructed out of heat resistant materials to prevent hot brass damage.
Caldwell’s S.A. Universal Brass Catcher is a must for any bolt-action or non-railed rifle owner.
It is available from Midway USA. Here’s where to buy it: www.MidwayUSA.com
#7. Fox Outdoor Tactical Brass Catcher
- Compatible: Assault Rifles
- Material: 600 Denier Nylon
- Dimensions: 11” L x 5” W
- Weight: 4 oz
- Price: $9.49
Fox Outdoor Tactical Brass Catcher is the most affordable option on this list, but that does not mean it is cheaply made.
The brass catcher is constructed out of heavy-duty 600 denier nylon, which is resistant against abrasion, rot, and color damage.
It has a hook and loop design that allows it to attach to all assault rifle platforms easily.
The 11” x 5” storage can easily retain a large amount of spent brash, and once it does get full, you can easily dump the brass with the included zipper on the bottom.
For easy identification, it includes a loop string where you can add a patch.
One of the cool features of this brass catcher is that it is available in 3 colors: black, coyote, and olive drab.
At only $9.49, this brass catcher is a steal.
The Fox Outdoor Tactical Brass Catcher is a basic universal brass catcher constructed out of high-grade materials at an affordable price.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#8. SME Brass Catcher SME-BRSC
- Compatible: All Flat Top or Picatinny Rail Rifles
- Material: Heat Resistant Mesh
- Dimensions: 17” L x 7.4” W x 8.9” H
- Weight: Not Specified
- Price: $38.69
Shoot Made Easy’s (SME) Brass Catcher SME-BRSC is made with lightweight nylon mesh to help keep you mobile while retaining your brass.
It is compatible with all flat top or Picatinny rail-styled rifles.
This brass catcher is ideal for re-loaders and will keep you on the go.
An excellent feature of this brass catcher is that it includes a bottom zipper to dump retained cases easily.
The heat resistant mesh will not get damaged by hot brass and is constructed out of durable materials.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#9. Condor M4 / M16 Brass Catcher
- Compatible: M4/ M16
- Material: Polyester Mesh
- Dimensions: 9” L x 6” W
- Weight: 7 oz
- Price: $9.95
Condor’s M4 / M16 Brass Catcher is constructed out of a polyester mesh that is lightweight and durable.
The brass catcher allows rounds to eject from your M4/ M16 with ease without blocking your ejection port cover with a wire frame body.
The padded hook and loop strap allows you to easily attach the brass catcher to your rifle without scratching it since the lining is made of soft material.
Like many of the other brass catchers on this list, the bottom of the bag includes a zipper for easy dumping of spent brass.
If you are looking for a super affordable M4/ M16, brass catcher Condor’s M4 / M16 Brass Catcher may be right for you.
It is available from Optics Planet, and is easily one of the best brass catchers on the market for rifles.
Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#10. JE Machine Tech P90/PS90 Shell Brass Catcher
- Compatible: PS90/P90
- Material: Fabric
- Dimensions: Not Specified
- Weight: 8 oz
- Price: $16.49
JE Machine Tech P90/PS90 Shell Brass Catcher is the only P90/PS90 brass catcher on this list.
The brass catcher attaches to the weapon and will help keep you on the move.
The 8 oz lightweight design is durable and affordable.
With a 50-round capacity, you can continue firing while on the range without constantly cleaning up your brass.
You can quickly attach, detach, and dump for easy brass management.
If you have a P90/PS90 JE Machine Tech’s P90/PS90 Shell Brass Catcher is an excellent choice.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
See Also
11 Best Military Grade Flashlights
References / Resources
What do gun ranges do with spent shell casings?
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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