A self clearing single and/or multiple spent shell catcher for use on autoloading guns comprising a plurality of pivoting spring loaded jaws with cam features which are released by a jaw trigger means and thereby catch an ejected shell. Caught shells are automatically cleared from said jaws by a reciprocating parking handle which actuates said jaws into shell catching and shell holding/stabilizing positions and places caught shells in a retention area in preparation for catching a subsequent ejected shell. The spent shell catcher removably straddles the guns ejection port by means of a plurality of dovetail like connections which are adhesively or mechanically attached to the gun and automatically position the device in proper relation to the ejection port.