Can I mount a magnet on my shotgun to collect shells?

Yes, hunters have successfully mounted powerful pot or block magnets on shotguns—typically using straps or a small bracket—so empty shells stick to the side instead of falling to the ground or water.

Which magnets are commonly used for collecting shotgun shells?

Recommended magnets include rubber‑coated disc magnets (20×10 mm, 7.1 kg pull‑force), ferrite and rubber‑coated block magnets (40×10×5 mm, 8 kg), and larger block magnets (50×15×15 mm, 33 kg), depending on strength needed.

How do I choose the right magnet strength?

Start with one magnet and test it. If it's too weak, stack two identical magnets to increase strength. Trial and error helps determine the best fit for your shotgun.

Will these magnets fit any shotgun?

Not necessarily. Fit and effectiveness depend on your gun’s shape and ejector position. Tests with Velcro or brackets are recommended, and results will vary.

Magnet on Shotgun to Collect Shells

Some skilled hunters have come up with the idea of placing a powerful magnet on their shotgun to avoid having to pick up empty shells. Instead of falling on the ground or in the water, the empty shells are picked up by the powerful magnet on the side of the shotgun. It's a simple idea that elegantly solves an annoying problem. With great help from Søren Kristensen and other users at strandoghavjagt.dk, I have put together the following guide, which gives examples of which magnets might fit your shotgun. Please note that it cannot be guaranteed that the magnets will fit your particular gun.

Examples

Velcro/cage straps hold a Skivemagnet 20x10 mm in place.

A strong Blokmagnet 50x15x15 mm held in place with velcro.

Magnets recommended by our customers

The following magnets have been tested by our customers. This is not a guarantee that the same magnets will work for you, but it may help you decide what strength your magnet should have.

Rubber coated disc magnet 20x10 mm

The magnet has a strength of 7.1 kg and a rubber coating to protect against wind and weather. It is tested with a position just below the ejector 2/3 back. Go to Disc magnet 20x10 mm

Block magnet 40x10x5 mm

Block magnet with a strength of 8 kg. It has been tested on a bracket with a location approximately 7 cm from the ejector. Since this magnet does not have a rubber coating, it is recommended to cover it with a protective surface such as plastic dip to protect the magnet from corrosion. Go to Block magnet 40x10x5 mm

Block magnet 40x20x10 mm

Block magnet with a strength of 25 kg. It has been tested on a shotgun without a mount, but not with a good result. On a mount, the magnet may well work fine. Go to Blokmagnet 40x20x10 mm

Block magnet 50x15x15 mm

Block magnet with a strength of 33 kg. Tests with this magnet have been positive. It's a fairly powerful magnet, so it doesn't need to be in exactly the right place on the shotgun, as it's strong enough to “pull" the cartridges to it. The cartridges that it doesn't catch don't fall far away. Go to Block magnet 50x15x15 mm

Closing comments

As previously written, it's difficult to give a clear recommendation on which magnet will work with your shotgun. That's why you'll have to do some trial and error. If you're unsure of the magnet strength, you can buy two magnets of the same size. If the strength is too weak with one magnet, you can take the second magnet and place it on top of the first magnet. This will increase the strength.

If you have any experience with magnetic collection of cartridge cases, we'd love to hear from you and add it to the article. Also, if you have pictures of how you have mounted your magnet. You can contact us by writing to info@brisingi.com