The inventor, Sherwood Akuna explains how he came up with the idea for his Akuna Brass Catcher:

"As a youngster I was a member of the West Compton, Ca., Jr. Sportsman and Gun Club circa 1965-70.  We were allowed to practice and shoot our NRA mail-in competition targets to qualify for our marksman badges, etc. at the San Pedro Division, LAPD Range. In exchange for the privilege to shoot, we were "brass rats" (kids who picked up brass on the range). We had the same agreement with the US Naval Weapons Depot, Los Alamedas (Long Beach), CA.

The most prominent sign at my local gun range, Lake Havasu City Sportsman Club, an NRA affiliate, is about picking up your brass. When I read that sign, a long lost thought I had as a child came back with new clarity.  'Catch the brass before it hits the ground. Empty the sack and shoot again.  Go home when done.'

Brass catchers have been utilized since World War I, primarily for heavy machine guns on a tripod.  They have been experimented with on assault rifles most recently and produced by various countries including the US.  The main problem as far as pistols go is the mounting and being able to maintain an unobstructed sight picture.  

While I was experimenting with designs at the range, I showed it to the local police range boss, who was overseeing other officers doing mandatory shooting to stay current. He said he can't wait to see the finished product and hope that it works well because he believes it would eliminate some of the reluctance of the officers coming to the range to stay current.

The patent papers are filed, so I present as a way to enhance your sight capabilities, end the toil of picking up your brass after shooting on a gun range, and keep your range safer by reducing the danger of people slipping and tripping on spent brass shells, the Akuna Brass Catcher. Please use it for good on your local gun range."