Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP Review

First Impressions of Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP

The Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP isn’t just another magazine pouch; it’s a purpose-built piece of kit designed to complement the precision and performance of the Desert Tech SRS rifle. This custom Kydex carrier promises secure retention and rapid deployment of your .308 Winchester or .338 Lapua Magnum magazines. As someone who has relied on various magazine carriers in demanding environments for over a decade, I was eager to see if this offering lived up to the Desert Tech name and justified its premium price tag.

I needed a reliable, low-profile carrier for my SRS when participating in long-range shooting competitions. Many universal pouches felt bulky or insecure, impacting my ability to move swiftly and maintain a consistent shooting platform.

Upon receiving the Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP, my initial impression was positive. The Kydex felt robust and well-molded, exhibiting a crisp, clean finish. Compared to nylon or polymer carriers, this Kydex model appeared significantly more rigid and resistant to deformation. I’ve used similar Kydex carriers from other manufacturers like Blade-Tech and Safariland, and the Desert Tech carrier seems to hold its own in terms of build quality. The Tek Lok attachment system also suggested versatility and ease of mounting to various belts or platforms. At $79.99, it’s pricier than some generic options, but I was hoping the custom fit and superior retention would justify the cost. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – excited to see if its real-world performance matched its promising initial appearance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test involved a day at a long-range shooting competition held in the arid conditions of the Nevada desert. I needed to carry two spare magazines for my SRS, and the Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP was attached to my competition belt.

The carrier performed admirably, providing secure retention of my .308 Winchester magazines even during dynamic movements. Drawing magazines was smooth and consistent, without any snagging or hesitation. The dry, dusty environment didn’t seem to affect its function, and the Kydex material resisted scratches and abrasions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use in varying conditions, including training sessions in moderate rain and cold weather, the Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP has proven its reliability. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily some minor surface scuffs on the Kydex.

The Tek Lok system remains secure, and the carrier hasn’t loosened or shifted on my belt during rigorous activity. Cleaning is straightforward – a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or debris. Compared to some nylon carriers I’ve used in the past that can become saturated with moisture and attract dirt, the Kydex material is a significant improvement. The Desert Tech carrier has consistently outperformed my expectations, providing a secure and reliable magazine-carrying solution.

Breaking Down the Features of Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP

Specifications

The Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP is a custom-molded Kydex magazine pouch specifically designed for Desert Tech SRS magazines chambered in .308 Winchester or .338 Lapua Magnum. Its key features include a Tek Lok belt attachment system, allowing for adjustable cant and secure mounting on belts up to 2.25 inches wide. The Kydex construction provides excellent rigidity and durability.

The custom fit ensures optimal magazine retention, minimizing the risk of accidental magazine release while enabling swift and consistent draws. The Tek Lok system offers versatility in attachment options, catering to different user preferences and belt configurations.

Performance & Functionality

The Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP excels in its primary function: securely carrying and rapidly deploying SRS magazines. Magazine retention is superb, thanks to the precise Kydex molding. The magazines remain firmly in place even during vigorous movement.

The draw stroke is smooth and consistent, allowing for rapid magazine changes under pressure. The carrier’s rigid construction prevents deformation, ensuring consistent performance over time. A potential improvement could be adding adjustable retention screws to fine-tune the draw resistance, but the factory setting has worked well for me. Overall, the carrier meets and often exceeds expectations for a high-quality, specialized magazine pouch.

Design & Ergonomics

The carrier’s design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of use and reliability. The Kydex is molded to perfectly match the contours of the SRS magazine, providing a snug and secure fit. The Tek Lok attachment allows for easy adjustment of cant angle, optimizing the carrier’s position for individual preferences.

The carrier’s weight is minimal, adding negligible bulk to the user’s belt. The only minor design consideration would be the lack of a flared opening at the top, which could slightly improve the ease of re-indexing magazines, but this is a minor quibble.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kydex construction ensures exceptional durability, withstanding the rigors of field use without significant wear and tear. The material is resistant to abrasions, impacts, and extreme temperatures.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Unlike nylon carriers, Kydex doesn’t absorb moisture or retain odors, further simplifying maintenance. The Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP is built to last, providing years of reliable service with minimal upkeep.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP comes with the Tek Lok attachment system. While Desert Tech doesn’t offer specific accessories for the carrier itself, the Tek Lok system is compatible with various mounting platforms and belt attachments from other brands.

Users can easily adapt the carrier to different belt widths, MOLLE platforms, or drop leg configurations using compatible Tek Lok accessories. The lack of integrated accessories is a minor limitation, but the versatility of the Tek Lok system compensates for this.

Pros and Cons of Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP

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Who Should Buy Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP?

This magazine carrier is perfect for Desert Tech SRS owners who prioritize secure magazine retention, rapid deployment, and durability. It’s well-suited for long-range shooters, tactical competitors, and hunters who rely on the SRS platform in demanding environments.

Individuals seeking a budget-friendly option or those who don’t require a custom-molded carrier might find generic alternatives more suitable. A must-have modification could include adding a small piece of adhesive-backed Velcro inside the carrier to further fine-tune retention if needed, although I haven’t found this necessary.

Conclusion on Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP

The Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP is a premium magazine pouch that delivers on its promises. Its exceptional magazine retention, rapid deployment capabilities, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious SRS users.

While the price is higher than some alternatives, the performance and reliability justify the cost. I would personally recommend this carrier to anyone seeking a top-tier magazine-carrying solution for their Desert Tech SRS rifle. If you value performance and demand the best, the Desert Tech Kydex Mag Carrier Tek Lok 308Win 338LP is a worthy addition to your kit. Upgrade your gear and experience the difference today!