Let’s Talk About Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier promises a blend of versatility and affordability for shooters. This carrier aims to be a one-size-fits-most solution for double-stack 9mm and .40 S&W magazines, making it a potentially attractive option for those with multiple firearms or those just starting out in shooting sports. Its appeal lies in its universality and ease of use, targeting IDPA competitors, range enthusiasts, and even everyday carriers looking for a simple, functional solution.
I had been searching for a magazine carrier that wouldn’t require me to buy a dedicated pouch for each of my pistols. The market is flooded with specialized carriers, but the promise of a truly universal design piqued my interest and led me to the Black Scorpion product. It was meant to save me money and reduce clutter on my gear belt.
Out of the box, the carrier feels surprisingly solid for its price point. The Kydex construction appears durable, and the adjustable retention mechanism seems robust. It is lightweight and minimalist.
Compared to the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse mag carrier and the Safariland 773, the Black Scorpion stood out because of its lower price and “universal” claim. While the Blade-Tech offered excellent modularity, and the Safariland was known for its bombproof build, the Black Scorpion’s low cost and promise of compatibility with different magazines made it worth the try. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, wondering if a “universal” design could truly deliver reliable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier at my local shooting range during a practical pistol match and subsequent training session. The conditions were hot and dusty, typical for our summer matches. The range provided a variety of scenarios, including reloads on the move and under time pressure.
The magazine carrier performed adequately under these conditions. It was easy enough to draw magazines, but the retention needed some fine-tuning initially to prevent magazines from falling out during movement. No time was needed to get used to it, as it is relatively simple.
The initial surprise was how much adjusting I had to do to get the retention just right for each of my magazines. Even then, there were slight variations in how securely different magazines were held.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and some dry-fire practice, the Black Scorpion carrier has held up decently. There are some minor scratches on the Kydex, but no significant signs of wear and tear. The finish on the attachment screw shows slight wear.
Cleaning the carrier is straightforward – just a wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient. I occasionally lubricate the adjustment screw to ensure smooth operation. The carrier outperforms some of the cheaper nylon magazine pouches I’ve used in the past, but falls short of the custom-molded Kydex carriers designed for specific magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier
Specifications
- Material: The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier is constructed from Kydex. Kydex is known for its durability, resistance to abrasion, and ability to retain its shape under stress, making it a common choice for holster and magazine carrier construction.
- Compatibility: The carrier is designed to accommodate all 9mm and .40 S&W double-stack magazines. This universal fit is achieved through an adjustable retention system.
- Retention Adjustment: Retention is adjusted via a 3.5mm hex key. This allows the user to fine-tune the tightness of the carrier to suit different magazine types and personal preferences.
- Belt Attachment: The belt attachment is compatible with 1” – 2” belts. This provides versatility for use with a variety of belts, including standard pants belts and dedicated gun belts.
- Number of Magazine Compartments: It features a single magazine pouch compartment. It is designed for carrying one spare magazine.
- Color: It is only available in black. Black is a neutral color that blends well with most tactical gear and clothing.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the carrier’s versatility, durability, and ease of use. The Kydex construction ensures the carrier can withstand the rigors of regular use, while the adjustable retention allows for a customized fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier performs its core function of holding and releasing magazines adequately, though not perfectly. The adjustable retention is a key feature. This is what allows it to adapt to various magazine sizes, but it requires careful adjustment to achieve the desired balance between security and ease of draw.
One strength is its versatility, allowing it to be used with different firearms. The main weakness lies in its inability to provide the same level of secure, custom fit as a dedicated magazine carrier molded for a specific magazine type. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly, universal option, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The Kydex is molded adequately, and the edges are smooth enough to prevent discomfort. The weight is minimal, contributing to comfortable all-day carry.
The carrier is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. Adjusting the retention is simple, although it may require some experimentation to find the optimal setting.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kydex material is durable and should last for a reasonable amount of time with regular use. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the adjustment screw are sufficient to keep the carrier in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier comes with the carrier itself and a hex key for retention adjustment. There are no included accessories. The carrier is compatible with any belt that fits within the 1” – 2” belt loop size.
Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier
Pros
- Affordable Price: The carrier is very budget-friendly. It’s an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
- Universal Fit: Compatible with most 9mm and .40 S&W double-stack magazines. This saves users from needing multiple carriers.
- Adjustable Retention: Allows customization of the draw tension to suit individual preferences.
- Durable Kydex Construction: Provides decent durability and resistance to wear.
- Lightweight Design: Comfortable for extended wear.
Cons
- Not Truly Universal: Some magazines may fit better than others, requiring frequent adjustments. It doesn’t fit all magazines perfectly.
- Retention Adjustment Required: Needs constant adjusting to maintain a secure fit with different magazines.
- Basic Design: Lacks the refined features and fit of higher-end, dedicated magazine carriers.
Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier?
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier is perfect for: budget-conscious shooters, new gun owners looking for an inexpensive option, and those who own multiple 9mm/.40 handguns and want a single carrier to work with all of them. This is also suitable for casual range users, or those who only occasionally participate in shooting sports.
This product isn’t ideal for: competitive shooters who need a highly refined, custom fit for fast reloads, law enforcement or military personnel who require the utmost security and reliability in their gear, and those who prioritize high-end build quality and features over price.
A must-have modification would be adding some thread locker to the retention adjustment screw, to prevent it from loosening over time.
Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Universal OWB Double Stack 9mm/.40 S&W Magazine Carrier offers a decent value proposition for its low price. It delivers on its promise of universality, albeit with some caveats regarding the need for adjustment. The Kydex construction provides adequate durability.
I would recommend this product to those who need a budget-friendly, flexible magazine carrier. If you need a high-performance, custom-fit solution, you should invest in a more expensive, dedicated carrier. If you are looking for an affordable entry into the world of magazine carriers, the Black Scorpion is a good place to start.