First Impressions of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok is a seemingly simple solution to a common problem: efficiently carrying both pistol and rifle magazines on your belt or MOLLE platform. This “kangaroo” style carrier piqued my interest, promising a streamlined approach for those who need ready access to both platforms. This combo rig, made by Zero9 Holsters, seemed to offer a practical way to manage my loadout without excessive bulk.
I’ve always struggled with finding a comfortable and efficient way to carry both pistol and rifle magazines. Standard setups can be bulky, digging into my side or hindering movement. The promise of a single, slimline solution to carry both pistol magazines (specifically Glock 9/40) and an AR magazine in a single unit was appealing.
Upon unboxing, my first impression was of the robust construction and the distinctive flat dark earth (FDE) color. The Tek-lok attachment was already pre-installed, suggesting a focus on immediate usability and secure attachment to a belt. The materials felt rigid and durable, hinting at the ability to withstand the rigors of tactical scenarios and outdoor use.
I considered other options like separate magazine pouches from companies like HSGI and Blue Force Gear. However, I wanted to minimize the space taken up on my belt and streamline my overall setup. This Zero9 Holsters combo carrier offered a more compact alternative.
Initially, I was excited about the potential for a more efficient and comfortable magazine carrying solution. The quality of the materials and the secure Tek-lok system instilled confidence in its ability to perform. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to its promise of slimline efficiency.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok at my local shooting range during a day-long training session. The session involved transitioning between pistol and rifle drills, demanding quick and efficient magazine changes. The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal testing conditions, though I also intentionally dumped a water bottle over it to simulate wet conditions.
The magazine carrier proved easy to use right out of the box. Attaching it to my belt via the Tek-lok was quick and straightforward, providing a secure and stable platform. Drawing magazines from both the pistol and rifle pouches was relatively smooth, though the AR mag required a bit more deliberate effort initially due to the retention.
My first surprise was how well the magazine carrier stayed in place during movement. Even with rapid transitions and running drills, the Tek-lok kept the carrier firmly secured to my belt. I did notice that the AR magazine sat a little higher than I preferred, potentially snagging on gear depending on placement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok in weekly range sessions and force-on-force scenarios, it has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the Kydex material, and the Tek-lok system remains secure. The FDE color hasn’t faded, despite exposure to sun and moderate abrasion.
Maintenance has been incredibly simple. I’ve only needed to wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. This is a significant advantage over nylon pouches, which can absorb moisture and require more thorough cleaning.
Compared to my previous setup of individual magazine pouches, the Zero9 Holsters combo carrier is a clear winner in terms of space saving and streamlined carry. It’s more comfortable, less bulky, and allows for quicker transitions between platforms. While individual pouches might offer slightly more customization, the Zero9 Holsters rig provides a more efficient and practical solution for my needs.
Breaking Down the Features of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok
Specifications
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok is designed to carry two Glock 9/40 magazines and one AR-15 magazine. The “kangaroo” style configuration stacks the AR magazine in front of the pistol magazines. The carrier utilizes a Tek-lok attachment for secure belt mounting, accommodating belts up to 2.25 inches wide.
- Caliber: .40 Special (compatible with 9mm Glock magazines). This may seem confusing, but 9mm Glock mags work perfectly in .40 mag carriers.
- Color: Flat Dark Earth (FDE) offers good concealment in various environments.
- Material: The carrier is constructed from durable Kydex for rigidity and long life.
- Configuration: The “kangaroo” style design allows for a slim profile, minimizing bulk on the belt.
- Attachment: The Tek-lok system provides a secure and adjustable attachment to belts or MOLLE platforms.
These specifications are essential for understanding the intended use and limitations of the Zero9 Holsters combo carrier. The caliber compatibility ensures it will work with common pistol platforms, while the Tek-lok system guarantees secure attachment. The Kydex construction provides durability and resistance to the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok performs its job effectively, allowing for quick and reliable access to both pistol and rifle magazines. The retention is adjustable via screws, allowing users to customize the draw tension.
The main strength lies in its space-saving design, which reduces bulk and streamlines the user’s loadout. The AR magazine sits slightly higher than ideal, potentially interfering with some gear setups. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations as a compact and efficient magazine carrier.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the Kydex material providing a rigid and durable platform. The carrier is surprisingly lightweight, contributing to overall comfort on the belt. The FDE color offers good concealment.
The design is user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve. The Tek-lok attachment is intuitive and allows for quick adjustments. Drawing magazines from both pouches becomes second nature after a few practice sessions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kydex construction ensures that the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok will last for years, even with heavy use. It’s resistant to scratches, abrasions, and the elements.
Maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. The Tek-lok system is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring smooth operation over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok comes with the Tek-lok attachment pre-installed. Retention screws allow for adjustable magazine retention.
There are no other included accessories or official customization options directly from Zero9 Holsters. However, the carrier is compatible with various belt and MOLLE mounting solutions, allowing for some degree of customization. Users can also adjust the Tek-lok position to fine-tune the carrier’s placement on their belt.
Pros and Cons of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok
Pros
- Extremely compact and streamlined design: Saves valuable belt space compared to individual pouches.
- Durable Kydex construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Secure Tek-lok attachment: Provides a stable and adjustable mounting platform.
- Easy to use and maintain: Requires minimal learning curve and simple cleaning.
- Adjustable retention: Allows users to customize the draw tension for both pistol and rifle magazines.
Cons
- AR magazine sits slightly high, potentially interfering with gear.
- Limited customization options beyond retention adjustment and mounting.
Who Should Buy Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok?
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok is perfect for:
- Tactical shooters and law enforcement officers who need to carry both pistol and rifle magazines.
- Competitive shooters who want a streamlined and efficient magazine carrying solution.
- Anyone who wants to minimize bulk and maximize space on their belt.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who need highly specialized or customized magazine carrying setups.
- Users who prefer nylon pouches over Kydex.
A must-have modification would be experimenting with different AR magazine retention settings to find the perfect balance between security and ease of access. Different brands of AR magazines may fit slightly differently, so adjustment is key.
Conclusion on Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok offers a practical and efficient solution for carrying both pistol and rifle magazines. Its compact design, durable construction, and secure Tek-lok attachment make it a worthwhile investment for tactical shooters, law enforcement, and competitive shooters alike.
At $74.59, the price is justified given the quality of materials and the space-saving design. The Zero9 Holsters rig provides excellent value for those seeking a streamlined and reliable magazine carrying solution.
I would personally recommend the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Flat Dark Earth / Tek-lok to anyone looking to simplify their loadout and improve their efficiency. It’s a well-designed and well-executed product that delivers on its promise of slimline performance. Streamline your carry – you won’t regret it!