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.

Works to a degree, i have tried adjusting this many times to get it right but i'm able to save more brass my letting it fall to the floor naturally than to use this thing. Its a great idea but it just doesn't work very well with my hands.

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 brass catcher fit comfortably on my hand, the frame is adjustable for each of my pistols. I collected 45 out of 50 casings on average.

Imagine what it would be like trying to design a brass catcher. The brass leaves the weapon in a wide arc, and your product has to attempt to catch it, while not interfering with the operation of the firearm, is comfortable for the user to use, is large enough to catch the brass while still being small enough to not be a hassle.Not an easy task. I've tried various brass catchers over the years, and all have fallen out of use. They just didn't come close enough to the above requirements to continue to use. This one is the exception. It hits the mark in all of them.IMO, you just aren't going to be able to design a brass catcher that is absolutely 100% in all of those areas, but this one comes really close. As long as you are willing to take the time and analyze exactly how you need to adjust it to catch the brass, not interfere with the gun's operation, and be comfortable in the process. Yes, it's going to take some time to get it set just right, but after a while, it becomes second nature to put the catcher on your hand in just the perfect way.I liked this brass catcher enough that I just now ordered two more of them, so that when I go shooting with my buddies, I don't have to go searching for their brass.My only complaint is that, IMO, it's a bit overpriced for what it is. But then again, it's a hand made product, and I'm sure a lot of time goes into making each one. As such, I don't mind paying a bit extra to support an artisan that takes the time to hand make the product (s)he sells.Again IMO, it is well worth putting the time into learning how to best use this brass catcher rather than chase brass all over the range or all over the desert.