First Impressions of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok is a unique piece of kit promising a streamlined solution for carrying both pistol and rifle magazines. Zero9 Holsters, a company known for its durable and practical designs, aims to solve the common problem of bulky loadouts with this combo carrier. This design piqued my interest because I often find myself balancing the need for readily accessible pistol mags with the necessity of having rifle magazines available, especially during training exercises and competitions.
I was looking for a way to reduce the real estate taken up on my belt without sacrificing efficiency. The promise of carrying two pistol magazines and one AR magazine in a “kangaroo” style setup, all within a minimal footprint, was incredibly appealing.
Upon receiving the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo, my initial impression was that of robust construction. The Silver Tan color provides a professional and tactical aesthetic. The materials felt rigid and durable, hinting at long-lasting performance.
Compared to a standard double pistol magazine pouch and a separate AR magazine pouch, the Zero9 Holsters combo system looked significantly more compact. I had been considering a similar setup from Blade-Tech and Safariland, but the Zero9 Holsters option seemed to offer a better balance of size and accessibility for my needs, particularly with the Tek-lok attachment system which I prefer for its secure and versatile mounting. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; it appeared well-built and cleverly designed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo at an outdoor shooting range during a full-day training session. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the carrier’s performance.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. I spent a little time adjusting the Tek-lok to my preferred belt position. Drawing magazines felt intuitive and relatively smooth after a few practice runs. The retention was solid; no magazines came loose during dynamic movement exercises.
After the first few hours, I noticed that the AR magazine pouch, being positioned closer to my body, required a slightly different draw stroke than I was used to. This was something I needed to adapt to, but wasn’t a significant hurdle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range trips and force-on-force training scenarios, the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo has held up impressively well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the Kydex, and the Tek-lok remains securely attached.
Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe down with a damp cloth keeps it looking and functioning optimally. I compared it to my older Safariland double pistol mag pouch and a Magpul AR mag carrier. The Zero9 Holsters combo is a clear winner in terms of space-saving and convenience, although it takes slightly longer to get used to the AR mag draw.
Breaking Down the Features of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok
Specifications
- The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok is designed to hold two standard Glock 9/40 pistol magazines and one standard AR-15 magazine (PMAG, GI, etc.). This offers a good balance for most users who require both pistol and rifle capabilities.
- It features a Zero9 Holsters unique “kangaroo” style configuration. This places the AR magazine directly behind the pistol magazines.
- The carrier is constructed from durable Kydex. This material provides excellent retention and resistance to wear and tear.
- It comes in a Silver Tan color. This offers a neutral, professional look that blends well with various tactical gear.
- It utilizes a Tek-lok attachment system. This allows for secure and adjustable mounting on belts of various widths.
- The caliber designation is .40 Special. This indicates the pistol magazine pouches are designed to accommodate .40 S&W magazines, but will also generally fit 9mm magazines.
These specifications translate to a compact, durable, and versatile magazine carrier. The Tek-lok system is a particularly valuable feature, allowing for quick and easy adjustments to belt placement.
Performance & Functionality
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo performs its job admirably. Magazine retention is excellent, ensuring magazines stay securely in place during movement. The draw stroke, while requiring some initial practice, becomes fluid and efficient with familiarity.
The main strength lies in its space-saving design, allowing for a less cluttered belt setup. The AR magazine draw is slightly slower than a dedicated AR mag pouch, but the trade-off in reduced bulk is worthwhile for many applications. It meets my expectations for a streamlined, reliable magazine carrier.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch. The Kydex is precisely molded, and the edges are smooth and comfortable against the body. The weight is surprisingly light, considering the combined capacity.
There’s a slight learning curve associated with the AR magazine draw. However, the overall design is user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kydex construction ensures excellent durability. The carrier has shown no signs of cracking, bending, or losing its shape after weeks of use.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok comes ready to use with the Tek-lok attachment. There aren’t many customization options specific to this model, but the Tek-lok allows for adjusting ride height and cant.
The carrier is compatible with most standard Glock 9/40 magazines and AR-15 magazines (PMAG, GI). Aftermarket retention adjustment screws might be added for even finer control (user modification).
Pros and Cons of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lokPros
- Space-saving design: Combines pistol and rifle magazine carriage into a single, compact unit.
- Durable Kydex construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Secure Tek-lok attachment: Provides a stable and adjustable mounting platform.
- Excellent magazine retention: Keeps magazines securely in place during dynamic movement.
- Professional Silver Tan color: Blends well with various tactical gear.
Cons
- AR magazine draw requires adjustment.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok?
Pros
- Space-saving design: Combines pistol and rifle magazine carriage into a single, compact unit.
- Durable Kydex construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Secure Tek-lok attachment: Provides a stable and adjustable mounting platform.
- Excellent magazine retention: Keeps magazines securely in place during dynamic movement.
- Professional Silver Tan color: Blends well with various tactical gear.
Cons
- AR magazine draw requires adjustment.
- Limited customization options.
This product is perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement officers, and competitive shooters who need to carry both pistol and rifle magazines in a streamlined and efficient manner. It’s also suitable for individuals who prioritize a low-profile belt setup.
Individuals who rely heavily on extremely fast AR magazine reloads might find a dedicated AR magazine pouch more suitable. This product might not be the best choice for those who prefer a wider range of customization options.
A good quality tactical belt is a must-have accessory to maximize the performance of this carrier.
Conclusion on Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Traditional 9/40 / Silver Tan / Tek-lok offers an innovative solution for carrying both pistol and rifle magazines. The price of $74.59 is justified considering the durable construction, space-saving design, and secure Tek-lok attachment.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to streamline their loadout without sacrificing magazine capacity. It’s a well-designed, durable, and practical piece of kit that delivers on its promise of efficiency. If you’re tired of a cluttered belt, give the Zero9 Holsters combo a try; you won’t be disappointed.
