Magazine pouches are a great way to carry additional ammunition for your gun. They are designed with ease of use in mind, allowing you to quickly access the mags you need while keeping them safely secured in place.
The proper choice of a magazine pouch will depend on your needs and preferences. They can be made from various materials and have different retention mechanisms. For example, some may include a bungee cord, elastic material design, or screw-based system.
What is a Magazine Pouch?
A magazine pouch is a device that allows you to carry spare magazines with your firearm. This is especially important if you take a weapon for service or tactical recreation. Whether you need to bring a single or multiple pistol or rifle magazines, having an ammo pouch that you can access quickly is crucial to your safety and survival.
Magazine pouches come in various designs, materials, and finishes. Some of these include concealment gear, nylon, and composite plastic holders. Some are designed to accommodate specific magazine sizes, while others are unfit-designed and can be used with any firearm.
Most magazine pouches can hold anywhere from one to 10 pistol or rifle magazines. In addition, many are compatible with MOLLE battle belts and chest rigs, making them a convenient and versatile addition to your tactical gear setup.
Mag pouches are typically made of ballistic nylon or Kydex(r) materials for a robust and reliable construction that withstands the harsh environment of field and combat use. They feature snap-closure flaps that cover the magazine, securing it as long as the pouch remains closed.
Another popular style of magazine pouch is the flip-top pouch, which resembles a taco shell and carries spare ammo in a snap-closure design that secures backup magazines securely as long as the carrier keeps it closed. Unfortunately, this type of holder may delay magazine changes by an additional moment. Still, it helps prevent others from taking your backup ammo and keeping it away from you during critical defensive maneuvers.
When choosing a mag pouch, look for features like adjustable straps, movable mounting positions, and a snug fit for both the magazines and the carrier. This will ensure a smooth draw and holstering experience and help keep the user’s firearm safely secured during defensive maneuvers.
Choosing a Magazine Pouch
When carrying extra magazines, you must choose a magazine pouch that works for your needs. Whether you’re on a tactical mission or need to keep spare magazines handy for a casual shoot, a magazine pouch can be a great addition to your gear.
The materials used to make magazine pouches can significantly impact how they function. For example, leather is the oldest and most traditional material, but it’s also the least expensive and practical. On the other hand, it doesn’t matter molle well with plate carriers, and it may be difficult to attach to a battle belt.
If you want to avoid the extra cost of a leather mag pouch, consider using kydex. Unlike leather, kydex is a durable thermoplastic composite that holds up well to sand infiltration. Plus, kydex-lined pockets like the ones from Safariland and Kywi provide passive retention that makes it easier to re-index your magazines.
Another option is to use a pouch that is made with elastic. This pouch will stretch and accommodate cargo, but it can also be folded flat when not used. This is the best option for keeping your spare magazines safe when you’re not in a combat environment or on a mission.
Nylon is more versatile than kydex or leather, so it’s often used to create magazine pouches with multiple compartments. Some MOLLE-compatible bags even allow you to adjust the size of each case.
If you’re looking for a suitable nylon mag pouch, consider the Ten Speed from Blue Force Gear. This pouch can be adapted to fit different sizes and has three positions for the magazine inside, making it easier to grab an extra magazine or reload faster.