First Thoughts on the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black
The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black from an unnamed manufacturer promises to be a versatile and adaptable magazine pouch, capable of handling not only standard pistol magazines, but also the larger magazines found in pistol caliber carbines and even some less conventional items. As someone who’s always juggling gear and trying to find the most efficient way to carry essentials, the promise of a universal pouch was immediately appealing. It solves the age-old problem of dedicated pouches clogging up valuable real estate on my kit and requiring a change-out depending on my weapon platform.
My search for this pouch started with a familiar frustration. I was tired of having separate magazine pouches for my pistols and my pistol-caliber carbines when heading to the range. This resulted in wasted space and a convoluted loadout. I needed a solution that offered versatility and ease of use across a variety of platforms, ultimately streamlining my kit.
Upon receiving the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black, I was immediately impressed by its seemingly robust construction. The injection molded polymer brackets felt rigid and durable, while the 1000D Cordura Nylon laminate gave it a distinctly tactical and rugged aesthetic. My first thought was that this thing looks like it can take a beating, a critical feature for any piece of gear intended for serious use. Compared to some of the flimsy elastic pouches I’ve used in the past, the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black felt like a serious upgrade.
I had been considering a couple of other “universal” pouches before settling on the Taco. I looked at a similar product from HSGI, but the price was significantly higher. Another option was a cheaper, generic elastic pouch from an unknown brand. However, I felt that their durability was questionable. I chose the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black for its balance of price, construction, and the promise of true versatility.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential for streamlining my kit and simplifying my loadouts. But I also knew that the proof would be in the pudding. The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black looked promising, but I needed to see how it performed under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black at my local shooting range during a carbine training day. This offered the perfect opportunity to evaluate its ability to handle various magazine types, from standard 9mm pistol mags to extended 33-round Glock magazines. The pouch was mounted on my plate carrier for easy access during drills and transitions.
The pouch performed admirably in various drills including rapid reloads and movement exercises. Even when fully loaded with a 33-round magazine, it held everything securely. While the retention felt reassuringly firm in dry conditions, I wanted to simulate adverse environments, so I deliberately sprayed the pouch with water to simulate rain and moisture. The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black continued to perform flawlessly, maintaining a secure grip on the magazine even when wet. Despite initially taking some getting used to, I quickly found that the elastic shock cord system allowed for intuitive and quick magazine changes, with minimal fumbling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use and multiple range sessions, the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scuff marks on the injection molded polymer brackets. The 1000D Cordura Nylon laminate has proven to be highly abrasion-resistant.
Cleaning the pouch is incredibly simple. Dirt and grime wipe off easily with a damp cloth. The materials seem inherently resistant to staining. Compared to previous magazine pouches I’ve used that quickly became frayed and loose, the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black still looks and feels like new. It has definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and overall performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black
Specifications
The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black boasts a robust construction, featuring injection molded polymer brackets for structural integrity and a flexible, elastic shock cord system for adjustable retention. The pouch is crafted from proprietary 1000D Cordura Nylon laminate. This offers exceptional resistance to abrasion and tearing. It’s designed with a vinyl backer for PALS compatibility, ensuring secure attachment to any MOLLE-compatible platform.
The specifications matter significantly in terms of both performance and user experience. The 1000D Cordura Nylon laminate ensures long-term durability. The elastic shock cord is key to its versatility. This allows it to accommodate a wide range of magazine sizes and other items. The PALS compatibility is crucial. This allows for seamless integration with plate carriers, belts, and other tactical gear.
Performance & Functionality
The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black excels at its core function: securely retaining and providing quick access to magazines. Its adjustable retention system accommodates everything from standard pistol mags to larger pistol caliber sub gun magazines with ease. The open-top design facilitates rapid reloads, which is crucial in dynamic shooting scenarios.
The pouch’s strength lies in its versatility and robust construction. However, the reliance on elastic shock cord for retention means that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could potentially degrade the elasticity over time. It does its job incredibly well, far exceeding my initial expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black features a streamlined and minimalist design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The injection molded polymer brackets provide a rigid frame. The elastic shock cord allows for a snug fit around the magazine. Despite its robust construction, the pouch is surprisingly lightweight, adding minimal bulk to my overall loadout.
There’s a slight learning curve to finding the optimal shock cord tension for different magazine types, but once dialed in, the system is intuitive and easy to use. The open-top design allows for quick and easy magazine retrieval without requiring any complex manipulation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black is built to last. The combination of 1000D Cordura Nylon laminate and injection molded polymer brackets creates a highly durable pouch that can withstand the rigors of tactical use. Short of deliberate abuse, I expect this pouch to last for years.
Maintaining the pouch is a breeze. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s typically required to remove dirt and grime. The materials are resistant to water and stains, making it easy to keep the pouch in pristine condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black is primarily a standalone product and doesn’t come with any included accessories. Its modular design allows for seamless integration with any MOLLE-compatible platform. It is compatible with a wide range of MOLLE-based accessories from other brands, such as magazine carriers, medical pouches, and utility pouches.
While the pouch itself doesn’t offer any specific customization options, users can easily adjust the elastic shock cord tension to fine-tune the retention based on their specific magazine types. The MOLLE compatibility also allows for extensive customization of the overall loadout configuration.
Pros and Cons of Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black
Pros
- Incredible Versatility: Accommodates a wide range of magazine sizes and other items, making it suitable for various weapon platforms.
- Exceptional Durability: Constructed from 1000D Cordura Nylon laminate and injection molded polymer brackets for long-lasting performance.
- Rapid Access: Open-top design allows for quick and easy magazine retrieval, even under stress.
- Lightweight Design: Adds minimal bulk to your overall loadout, ensuring comfortable and unencumbered movement.
- Easy to Maintain: Resistant to water and stains, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Potential Elasticity Degradation: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat could potentially degrade the elasticity of the shock cord.
- Initial Adjustment Period: There is a slight learning curve to finding the optimal shock cord tension for different magazine types.
Who Should Buy Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black?
The Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black is perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel who require a versatile and durable magazine pouch that can accommodate a wide range of magazine types. It’s also ideal for competitive shooters who need rapid access to their magazines during matches. Any shooter seeking to consolidate and simplify their kit will find this pouch incredibly useful.
Those who prefer dedicated pouches tailored to specific magazine types may find the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black less appealing. Individuals operating in extremely hot environments should monitor the shock cord for signs of degradation.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality MOLLE attachment system to ensure a secure and stable attachment to your platform of choice. Additionally, considering the wide range of magazine compatibility, having a variety of magazines on hand to test and adjust the pouch’s retention is recommended.
Conclusion on Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black
Overall, the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black is an outstanding magazine pouch that delivers on its promise of versatility, durability, and rapid access. Its robust construction, adjustable retention system, and lightweight design make it an excellent addition to any tactical loadout. The pouch simplifies gear management and performs reliably in various shooting scenarios.
At $37.00, the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black offers exceptional value for its performance and versatility. Given its durable construction and ability to accommodate a wide range of magazine types, I believe the price is justified.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black to anyone seeking a versatile, durable, and reliable magazine pouch. It has streamlined my kit, improved my reload times, and given me the confidence to tackle any shooting scenario. If you’re looking for a pouch that can handle it all, look no further than the Molle Extended Pistol Taco | Black. Upgrade your loadout and experience the difference today!
