First Impressions of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch arrives promising quick access and ambidextrous functionality for large-frame AR enthusiasts. With a focus on accommodating various calibers like .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, and an adjustable design for optimal draw angle, this pouch seems geared towards the practical shooter. As someone who’s spent years lugging gear through dense forests, scorching deserts, and competitive shooting stages, I’m always on the lookout for kit that blends ruggedness with usability. Let’s see if this pouch lives up to the hype.
I was hunting for a reliable and versatile magazine pouch that could accommodate the larger magazines for my AR-10 platform rifles, specifically for 3-Gun competitions. Many pouches I’ve used in the past have been either too bulky, difficult to adjust, or specific to only one type of magazine.
Upon unboxing, the Black Scorpion pouch feels surprisingly lightweight yet solid. The polymer construction appears durable, and the adjustable belt attachment offers promise for customizable carry. Compared to some nylon pouches I’ve used, the Black Scorpion seems more rigid and potentially faster to draw from; against kydex options, it feels less bulky. I picked this pouch because of the advertised ambidextrous design and adjustability, hoping it would offer a universal solution for my AR-10 magazines.
My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. The pouch seems well-made, but the true test will be its performance under real-world conditions. I’m eager to see if the adjustability and ambidextrous features live up to their promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use was at a local 3-Gun match, a perfect environment to assess the Black Scorpion pouch’s speed and accessibility. I ran it with both .308 PMAGs and 6.5 Creedmoor AICS-pattern magazines, attaching it to my competition belt in the 90-degree, “speed draw” configuration.
The pouch performed adequately in dry conditions, although the draw wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped initially. The retention seemed a little tight with some of the magazines. While the adjustability is a nice concept, I found the screws loosened slightly during the match, requiring minor adjustments between stages to maintain consistent retention.
After my first run, I did notice the polymer showing some slight wear marks where the magazine contacted the pouch during insertion and extraction. These were purely cosmetic, but worth noting. I also discovered that the pouch was not compatible with all of my AR-10 magazines, specifically the PMAG 7.62×51 AC magazines and Tikka CTR magazines, which were too long and thick, respectively.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, across three different shooting matches and a few range days, the Black Scorpion pouch has proven to be reasonably durable. The polymer construction shows no signs of cracking or significant damage, despite being bumped and scraped against various obstacles.
Regular cleaning involves simply wiping down the pouch with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime; no special maintenance is required. Compared to nylon pouches that can absorb moisture and require more thorough cleaning, the Black Scorpion is relatively low-maintenance. While it hasn’t completely outperformed my favorite kydex pouches in terms of speed and consistency, it has held its own as a budget-friendly option.
One thing I’ve noticed is that magazine compatibility remains a key factor. The pouch works best with standard PMAG LR/SR 7.62×51 magazines. Other magazine types may require significant adjustment or simply not fit at all.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch
Specifications
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch is designed for large-frame AR magazines. It supports calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
- Manufacturer: Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear.
- Color: Black.
- Caliber: 6.5mm Creedmoor, .308 Winchester.
- Size: One Size.
- Hand: Right (Ambidextrous with attachment adjustment).
- Gun Model: Smith & Wesson M&P 10, AR-10.
- Gun Make: AR Platform, Smith & Wesson.
- Condition: New.
These specifications are critical because they dictate the pouch’s compatibility with your specific rifle and magazine types. The ambidextrous design adds versatility, while the “one size” approach necessitates careful consideration of magazine dimensions. The Black Scorpion pouch is not a truly universal solution for all AR-10 magazines, but does work for some.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch performs its basic function adequately, holding and securing AR-10 magazines. The adjustable cant angle offers a degree of customization for draw preference, and the ambidextrous design is a welcome feature.
However, the retention can be inconsistent, and some users may find the draw less smooth than with more premium options. The pouch meets expectations as an entry-level option. The magazine retention on this is adjustable.
A significant weakness is magazine compatibility. It works well with standard PMAG LR/SR 7.62×51 magazines. Other magazines may not fit, making it unsuitable for shooters with a variety of magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The pouch features a simple, no-frills design made from durable polymer. The material feels solid and reasonably lightweight, but lacks the premium feel of higher-end kydex or composite pouches.
The design is user-friendly, but may require a learning curve to dial in the correct retention and cant angle for your specific setup. The adjustability is a plus, but the screws can loosen over time, requiring periodic tightening.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction should provide reasonable longevity, but it’s not indestructible. Expect to see some wear marks over time, particularly in high-friction areas.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. The pouch should last for a reasonable amount of time for recreational use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The pouch itself comes with the necessary hardware for belt attachment. There aren’t many customization options beyond adjusting the cant angle and switching the belt clip for ambidextrous use.
The pouch is compatible with most standard MOLLE attachments, allowing it to be mounted on vests or other gear platforms. Unfortunately, the Black Scorpion pouch offers limited customization options beyond basic cant angle and belt clip adjustments.
Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Ambidextrous design.
- Adjustable cant angle for personalized draw.
- Durable polymer construction.
- Compatible with standard PMAG LR/SR 7.62×51 magazines.
Cons
- Inconsistent magazine retention.
- Limited magazine compatibility.
- Screws can loosen over time.
Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch?
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who primarily use standard PMAG LR/SR 7.62×51 magazines. It’s a decent option for recreational range use or entry-level 3-Gun competitions.
Shooters with a variety of AR-10 magazine types or those seeking the fastest, most consistent draw should skip this product and invest in a higher-end kydex or composite pouch.
Must-have accessories include thread locker for the adjustment screws and potentially shims for fine-tuning magazine retention.
Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear AR-10, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, MP10 Magazine Pouch offers a reasonable value proposition for shooters on a tight budget. While it has its limitations, such as inconsistent retention and limited magazine compatibility, it provides a functional and adjustable solution for carrying AR-10 magazines.
At its price point, the price is justified for shooters who use PMAG LR/SR 7.62×51 magazines. I would recommend it with the caveat that buyers should be aware of its limitations and compatibility issues.
If you’re looking for an affordable and adjustable pouch for your AR-10 PMAGs, the Black Scorpion is worth considering. But if you need a truly universal and high-performance solution, be prepared to invest in a more premium option.