Let’s Talk About 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters
The 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters promises a discreet and comfortable way to carry an extra magazine, disguised as a pocketknife. Marketed by 1791 Gunleather as a solution for concealed carriers who want readily available backup ammunition, the Snagmag boasts a fast draw design and a limited lifetime warranty.
As someone who has spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear industry, I’m always looking for innovative solutions to everyday carry problems. The idea of a magazine carrier that seamlessly integrates into your pocket, appearing as an innocuous everyday item, was particularly appealing.
Upon receiving the Snagmag, my initial impression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. The Kydex construction felt robust, but the pocket clip seemed surprisingly weak. I picked it over traditional IWB (inside-the-waistband) mag carriers hoping for a more comfortable and less bulky option, and over open-top pocket pouches seeking better retention and discretion.
First impressions were that I was unsure. I was excited by the concept, but concerned about the execution based on the apparent clip strength and the generic molding.
Real-World Testing: Putting 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters at my local shooting range and during daily activities, simulating real-world concealed carry scenarios. I used it with a Glock 19 magazine, as well as a smaller magazine for a Springfield XD subcompact.
The Snagmag struggled to maintain its position in my pocket during drills. The pocket clip failed to securely grip the fabric, causing the entire holster to come out with the magazine upon drawing.
Ease of use was also problematic. The “snag” feature, designed to keep the holster in place, didn’t consistently work. I often had to use two hands – one to hold the holster in place and another to draw the magazine. This negated the purpose of a quick and efficient reload.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters showed minimal wear and tear on the Kydex itself, but the clip showed signs of bending outward, further reducing its retention capability.
The holster required minimal cleaning, only needing occasional wipe-downs with a damp cloth to remove lint and debris. However, the failure of the clip to maintain a secure grip rendered the Snagmag unreliable for its intended purpose.
My previous experience with other magazine carriers, particularly those with adjustable tension and robust belt clips, far surpasses the performance of the Snagmag. Those offered a far more secure and reliable carry option.
Breaking Down the Features of 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters
Specifications
The 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters features a Kydex construction, designed for single-stack or double-stack pistol magazines. It has a pocket clip attachment system, and its intended to provide concealed carry of a single magazine. The version I tested was for right-hand draw.
The specifications aim for a lightweight and discreet carry solution. However, the weak pocket clip undermines the entire design, rendering these specifications largely irrelevant in practical application.
Performance & Functionality
The 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters fails to reliably perform its primary function: securely holding a magazine in place for a quick and efficient draw. The lack of retention and the inconsistent “snag” feature significantly hinder its usability.
The primary weakness lies in the pocket clip design and the inconsistent molding. While the Kydex material is durable, the lack of a secure attachment point renders it ineffective.
The Snagmag falls short of expectations. It doesn’t provide the secure and reliable concealed carry solution it promises.
Design & Ergonomics
The 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters features a simple design intended to mimic the appearance of a pocketknife. However, the build quality of the clip is concerning, and the lack of adjustability negatively impacts its ergonomics.
The learning curve is minimal, but its user-friendliness is affected by the clip’s failure to maintain a secure grip. The Kydex offers a comfortable fit against the magazine, but the overall design lacks refinement.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kydex construction of the 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters suggests it should last a reasonable amount of time under normal use. However, the fragile pocket clip is a clear point of failure that will likely determine the product’s lifespan.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove debris. However, the lack of replaceable parts means that a broken clip renders the entire unit unusable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters comes with no additional accessories. There are also no customization options available.
It is not explicitly designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. It is intended as a standalone product, but its limited functionality restricts its versatility.
Pros and Cons of 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters
Pros
- Discreet design resembling a pocketknife.
- Lightweight and relatively comfortable.
- Simple to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Extremely weak pocket clip that fails to securely hold the holster in place.
- The “snag” feature is inconsistent and unreliable.
- Poor retention, leading to magazines falling out or the entire holster drawing with the magazine.
Who Should Buy 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters?
The 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters might be suitable for individuals who prioritize extreme concealment above all else and are willing to accept significant compromises in retention and reliability. It might be helpful to someone in static environments where printing is an absolute concern.
Anyone relying on a firearm for self-defense should skip this product. Its unreliability makes it unsuitable for tactical applications or situations where a rapid reload is critical.
A reinforced pocket clip is a must-have modification. Without it, the Snagmag is essentially unusable.
Conclusion on 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters
The 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters presents an innovative concept but fails in its execution. The weak pocket clip and unreliable snag feature undermine its primary function, making it unsuitable for serious concealed carry.
At a price of $23.03, the cost is relatively low. However, the lack of reliability makes it a poor value proposition compared to other magazine carriers on the market.
I cannot recommend the 1791 Gunleather Snagmag Concealed Magazine Holsters in its current form. A complete redesign of the pocket clip and improvements to the magazine retention system are necessary before it can be considered a viable option for concealed carriers. Consider other options that offer proven reliability and secure retention for your spare magazines.