Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2

The Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2 is designed for individuals prioritizing discreet carry and quick access to a spare magazine. This single magazine holder from Safariland boasts a low-profile design and ambidextrous functionality, making it a popular choice for law enforcement, security personnel, and responsible citizens alike. It aims to be a reliable and unobtrusive addition to any concealed carry setup.

My need for a reliable, low-profile magazine carrier stemmed from an incident where fumbling for a spare magazine during a training exercise cost valuable time. I was looking for a solution that would provide secure retention, easy access, and minimal bulk. The Safariland 81 seemed to fit the bill.

Out of the box, the Safariland 81 feels surprisingly lightweight yet sturdy. The plain black finish offers a professional and unassuming appearance. The fold-over design forming the belt loop is simple, but seems functional.

I considered the Galco Single Magazine Carrier and the Blade-Tech Revolution Series Magazine Pouch. The Galco offered a more traditional leather aesthetic, but seemed bulkier. The Blade-Tech promised adjustable retention, but its polymer construction felt less refined than the Safariland.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Safariland 81 appeared well-made and the design seemed promising. I was eager to put it through its paces in real-world scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Safariland 81 occurred at a local shooting range during a concealed carry qualification course. I primarily used it with a Walther PPK/S magazine, as specified in the product description. The weather was moderately humid, typical for a late summer afternoon.

The magazine holder performed admirably, providing secure retention while allowing for a smooth and relatively quick draw. The low-cut design proved advantageous, allowing for a solid grip on the magazine during extraction. No magazines were launched unintentionally.

The belt loop, while simple, held securely to my 1.5″ belt. I initially had some concerns about the snap closure, but it remained firmly in place throughout the drills. There were no significant issues or surprises during the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of weekly range trips and daily wear during off-duty hours, the Safariland 81 has held up surprisingly well. There is minimal wear on the finish, and the stitching remains intact. The snap closure, a potential weak point, continues to function reliably.

Durability has been impressive given its lightweight construction. The material shows no signs of cracking or deformation despite repeated use and exposure to varying temperatures. The plain black finish hides any minor scuffs or scratches, preserving its professional appearance.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional wiping with a damp cloth to remove dust or debris. The simple design allows for easy cleaning without the need for specialized tools or solvents. Compared to other magazine carriers I’ve used, the Safariland 81 excels in its combination of durability, low profile, and ease of maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2

Specifications

• The Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder is a single magazine carrier. This design keeps the profile slim and reduces bulk for concealed carry.
• It features a low-cut design for enhanced grip and faster magazine extraction. A lower cut allows more of the magazine to be exposed for a secure purchase.
• The back side folds over to create a snap-type belt loop. The simple but functional design accommodates belts up to 1.75″ wide.
• It’s available in a plain black finish. The subdued color helps it blend in with clothing and other gear.
• The Safariland 81 fits Colt Government 380, Smith & Wesson Sigma 380, and Walther PP, PPK, and PPKS magazines. This information ensures compatibility with specific firearm models and magazine types.
• It features an ambidextrous design. The user can wear it on either their left or right side, offering maximum versatility.

These specifications are vital for concealed carry as they influence comfort, accessibility, and overall effectiveness. The low profile, lightweight construction, and secure retention mechanism contribute to a positive user experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder performs its intended function exceptionally well. It securely retains a single magazine while allowing for a swift and efficient reload. The low-cut design facilitates a positive grip on the magazine, even under stress.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity, lightweight construction, and reliable retention. The ambidextrous design is a welcome feature for both left- and right-handed users. A potential area for improvement would be the addition of adjustable retention to accommodate different magazine types and user preferences.

The Safariland 81 largely meets and exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point. It provides a functional and reliable solution for concealed carry of a spare magazine.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Safariland 81 is commendable, especially given its lightweight construction. The materials used are durable and resistant to wear and tear. Its lightweight design adds minimal bulk to a concealed carry setup, enhancing comfort and concealability.

The design is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment or training. The snap-type belt loop is easy to attach and detach. A slight learning curve might exist for those accustomed to more elaborate magazine carriers with adjustable retention, but the Safariland 81 prioritizes simplicity and ease of use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 81 is built to last, with durable materials and sturdy construction. The design minimizes potential failure points, contributing to its longevity. With proper care, it is expected to provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The simple design allows for easy access to all areas, simplifying the cleaning process. No specialized tools or solvents are necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 81 comes as a standalone magazine holder with no included accessories. Customization options are limited, as the design is relatively simple and straightforward. There are no specific Safariland accessories designed for use with the Model 81.

However, the Safariland 81 is compatible with various aftermarket belt clips if the user prefers an alternative to the snap-type loop. The plain black finish also allows for customization with paints or dyes, although this may affect the material’s durability. There is also nothing to stop a user from adding a strip of velcro to the inside to increase retention with the magazine.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2

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Who Should Buy Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2?

The Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder is perfect for individuals who prioritize concealed carry and require a reliable, low-profile magazine carrier. This includes law enforcement officers, security personnel, and responsible citizens. It’s also a solid choice for those participating in shooting sports who need a simple and effective way to carry spare magazines.

This product might not be the best choice for individuals who require adjustable retention or prefer a more elaborate magazine carrier with multiple attachment options. Competitive shooters who demand lightning-fast reloads may also find the fixed retention to be a limiting factor. A high-end carrier with adjustable tension might be a better choice.

A high-quality belt designed for concealed carry is a must-have accessory to maximize the Safariland 81’s performance. Aftermarket belt clips can provide alternative attachment methods for users who prefer them. If the user would like to increase the retention, velcro strips can be added to the inside of the carrier.

Conclusion on Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2

The Safariland 81 Concealment Magazine Holder, Lightweight – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 81-89-2 is a simple, yet effective solution for concealed carry of a spare magazine. It combines lightweight construction, reliable retention, and ambidextrous design at an affordable price point. While it lacks advanced features like adjustable retention, its simplicity and durability make it a worthwhile investment.

The price is certainly justified by the quality and functionality of the product. It provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking a discreet and reliable magazine carrier.

I would personally recommend the Safariland 81 to anyone seeking a no-nonsense, low-profile magazine carrier for concealed carry. If you value simplicity, durability, and affordability, the Safariland 81 is an excellent choice. Consider adding the Safariland 81 to your concealed carry setup and experience the peace of mind that comes with having a readily available spare magazine.