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Venom FAQ

Venom Kit Availability

Where have all the Sidewinder Venom Kits gone?

The Sidewinder has served us well for many years. There have been several iterations of the patented system dating back to the 1990’s. Adaptive Tactical has offered the Kit since 2011, with a long list of loyal customers using Sidewinder Kits around the world.

It was a difficult decision, but the Adaptive leadership and engineering team have decided to discontinue the Sidewinder product line. With current market conditions drastically impacting our vendor supply chain’s ability to consistently supply raw components and the complete depletion of our existing Sidewinder inventory, we felt it best to phase out production of the Sidewinder product line.

While it is sad to see the Sidewinder lifecycle come to an end, we are excited about the opportunity to aggressively pursue product development for new Adaptive product releases in 2021 and beyond. We look forward to serving our customers in all our existing firearm accessory categories.

We will continue to support Sidewinder warranty requests and offer common replacement parts and magazines on this website until inventory is depleted. Thank you again for your continued business – please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any Sidewinder related questions or comments at info@adaptivetactical.com

Configurations/Shotgun Models

Which shotgun configurations will fit with Sidewinder Venom Kits?

Venom kits are compatible with Mossberg 500, 590 and Maverick 88s with 5/6 shot tube configurations and 18.5” barrel. Please reference the Venom Kit Compatibility page for a complete listing of compatible shotgun models.

Is the Sidewinder kit compatible with 3.5” receivers like the 535 or 835.

Due to the longer length of the 535 and 835 action bars to accommodate the travel necessary for 3.5" shells, the action bars supplied with the Sidewinder Venom kits are not compatible. Please reference the Venom Kit Compatibility page for a complete listing of compatible shotgun models.

Will you be making the Sidewinder Venom for the Remington 870?

With the soldered and press fit mag tubes, installing the kits on a Remington is definitely more challenging and complicated for offering through retail dealers. The volume and popularity of the Remington 870 is without question, but at this time our current R&D schedule does not include an 870 model.

Do I have to use the Sidewinder Venom Forend which comes with the Venom Kit? Will the Sidewinder Venom Kit work with other forends or hand grips?

Sidewinder Venom Forends (Standard and Wraptor) are specifically designed for use with Sidewinder Venom Kits. The forend's dimensions are customized to allow fitting of the magazine well located on the rear portion of the magazine tube. The features and shape of the forend allow for structural support of the action bars and prevention of the operator’s hand getting pinched between the magwell and the rear of the forend.

Operation

Why does my ammo fall out the bottom of the receiver when actuating the forend?

Either the cartridge interrupter (shell stop) has not been removed or the cartridge stop (on the opposite side of the ejector port) has been removed and not re-installed.

Why won't my Sidewinder Venom feed any shells into the receiver?

The Follower Assembly Key is either not inserted or inserted improperly.

Why do rounds keep getting jammed in the magazine?

1) The forend is not being actuated hard enough to properly cycle the shotgun, or 2) the wrong ammo is being used.

Imported (i.e. European, Russian, Brazilian, etc.), non-traditional, home defense or bargain ammo can and often does cause issues due to dimensional and length inconsistencies. We recommend major domestic 2.75" brands (Winchester, Remington, Federal, Hornady). SAAMI Spec Ammo MUST be used in the Sidewinder Venom.

Magazines

Can I use Sidewinder Venom Mags in my Mossberg without a Sidewinder Venom Kit installed?

No. In order to utilize Venom magazines in conjunction with a Mossberg Pump Shotgun you must have the entire kit installed on the desired shotgun. Magazines require all of the Sidewinder components to function and feed rounds into the receiver.

Are Sidewinder Venom magazines interchangeable between different Sidewinder Venom Kits?

Yes; the 5 round box, 10 round box and 10 round rotary magazines are compatible with all Sidewinder Venom Kits.

Are Sidewinder Venom magazines for sale through this website compatible with the old Sidewinder Venom shotgun conversion kits?

No -- new Sidewinder Venom magazines and related components are not compatible or interchangeable with the original Sidewinder magazines and conversion kits. We recommend looking on eBay or other online merchants for old Sidewinder products.

Will Sidewinder rotary and box magazines work on any Mossberg® 12 gauge?

Sidewinder magazines and their associated Mag-fed Shotgun Systems and/or Kits are designed to integrate exclusively with 590 series, 88* and 500 Mossberg 12 gauge pump shotguns configured with 5/6 shot magazine tubes.
*Sidewinder Venom Kits are not compatible with Single Action Bar Maverick 88 Shotguns.

Are there any restrictions regarding your 10 rnd rotary magazines?

Adaptive is unable to ship 10 Rnd Kits and Magazines to the states of Colorado and New York. We recommend the purchase of 5 Rnd Kits and Magazines as an alternative.

Installation

I don't want to install a Venom Kit. Can I purchase a pre-configured Sidewinder Venom shotgun system? Can I have someone else install a Venom Kit?

Pre-configured Sidewinder Venom Shotgun Systems are available through your licensed firearms dealer. Visit our dealer page for a list of FFLs that carry Adaptive Tactical products, or ask your local dealer about availability.

You may also purchase a Venom Kit and bring it to a certified firearm technician or gunsmith for installation.

There is too much powder coating on the magwell tube and I’m unable to completely screw it into the receiver.

A wire brush or car battery terminal brush should be used to remove any excess powder coating that is on the threads. You can also use a little acetone & a red Scotch Brite pad. (Be careful with the acetone and don’t go above the threads.) Screw and unscrew the tube numerous times into the receiver to clear the threads and make a better fit.

I’ve lost my installation instructions for my Sidewinder Venom shotgun system or Venom kit.

If available, Adaptive product instructions may be downloaded in PDF format. Menu/Support/Instructions

How do I get replacement parts for my Venom Kit?

Many Venom replacement parts are available for purchase online. Please visit the Venom Components section of this website. Menu/Products/Venom Components.