Let’s Dive into Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL
Magazine pouches. We often overlook them, focusing instead on the firearm, the holster, or the optic. However, a quality magazine pouch is crucial for efficient reloads and overall preparedness, especially in tactical situations or competitive shooting. The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL promises a blend of durability, accessibility, and a professional appearance, all while maintaining an ambidextrous design.
For years, I’d been making do with generic nylon pouches that quickly wore out and offered inconsistent retention. I needed a reliable, duty-grade option that could withstand the rigors of training and potential real-world deployments. The Safariland name carries weight, and I was intrigued by the nylon-look finish that offered a professional aesthetic without the high maintenance of leather. I was looking for rugged reliability.
Unboxing it, I was immediately struck by the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch’s solid construction. The “nylon-look” material felt durable and well-stitched. The weight was substantial enough to inspire confidence without being overly bulky. My initial thought was that this pouch would be a major step up from my previous experience with inferior pouches.
Compared to the cheaper, generic nylon pouches I’d been using, the Safariland offered a clear advantage in terms of build quality and retention. I also considered a Kydex pouch for its rigid structure and fast draw. But I ultimately chose the Safariland 77 for its combination of durability, professional appearance, and ambidextrous design. The rigidity of Kydex wasn’t as important as durability for my purposes.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The pouch looked and felt like a quality piece of gear, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was excited to see if the Safariland 77 lived up to its reputation and solved my magazine retention and access issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch was at a local shooting range during a practical pistol competition. I was using a Glock 17 and several magazines loaded with 9mm rounds. The pouch was secured to my belt using the integrated belt loop, fitting snugly and securely.
The weather was mild, but the range was dusty. The Safariland 77 performed admirably. The magazines were held securely in place, even during dynamic movement. Drawing the magazines was smooth and consistent, and re-indexing was relatively easy, even under the pressure of the competition timer. There were no issues with the draw stroke even though the pouch had just been unboxed.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. The snap closures were easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands. The ambidextrous design meant I could position it on either side of my body without any modification. I was initially concerned about the retention being too tight, but it proved to be just right, offering a secure hold without hindering access.
After the first use, I was impressed. There were no unexpected issues or surprises. The Safariland 77 performed exactly as I had hoped. It was a significant upgrade from my previous pouches, offering superior retention, accessibility, and durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch has held up remarkably well. I have used it during numerous range sessions, training exercises, and even a couple of tactical simulations. It is still my go-to magazine pouch.
The durability has been exceptional. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to sweat, dust, and the occasional bump or scrape. The stitching remains intact, and the “nylon-look” material has retained its shape and color. It is clear that the Safariland 77 is built to last.
Maintenance is straightforward. I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. I also periodically check the snap closures to ensure they are functioning correctly. The Safariland 77 requires minimal care.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper pouches, the Safariland 77 has been a game-changer. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability, reliability, and ease of use. I no longer worry about magazines falling out during dynamic movement, and I can consistently access them quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend this pouch.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL
Specifications
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL boasts several key specifications. It is designed to fit belts up to 2.25 inches wide, making it compatible with most duty belts. The pouch is available in various finishes, including Plain Black, Basket Weave, Hi-Gloss, or STX Tactical. The model I tested features the Black, Nylon-Look finish.
This particular model (77-83-22PBL) is designed to fit a wide range of handgun magazines. These include magazines for Beretta PX4 and Cougar 8045F, Glock 17/22/31/34/35/37 (including those with +2 base pads), Heckler & Koch USP9C/40C Compact and P2000 (12-round magazines), HS America HS2000 9mm, Sig Sauer SIGPro SP2340/Sig P2022/P229/P229R (DASA/DAKA), Smith & Wesson Sigma 9C/40C/9E/Sigma 9/40/M&P 9mm & .40, Steyr M40, and Taurus 24/7. The pouch utilizes black snap closures for secure retention. The pouch is, as the name suggests, ambidextrous, and able to be used by left- and right-handed shooters.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The belt width compatibility ensures a secure fit on standard duty belts. The wide range of compatible magazines makes it versatile for users with different handgun platforms. The secure snap closures provide reliable retention, preventing magazines from falling out during movement. The ambidextrous design caters to both left- and right-handed shooters, increasing its appeal to a broader audience.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch excels in its primary function: securely holding and providing quick access to handgun magazines. The magazines are held firmly in place, preventing accidental ejection, yet can be drawn smoothly and efficiently when needed. Its durable material and construction make it a worthwhile tool.
One of the key strengths is its universal fit. The pouch accommodates a wide variety of magazine types, making it a versatile option for users with multiple handgun platforms. The snap closures are reliable and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. One area for potential improvement is the snap placement. While secure, some users might find it slightly slow compared to open-top designs, especially in high-speed scenarios.
Overall, the Safariland 77 meets and even exceeds expectations for a duty-grade magazine pouch. It delivers a reliable combination of retention, accessibility, and durability. It is a trustworthy tool for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and serious shooting enthusiasts.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 77 features a streamlined, professional design. The “nylon-look” material provides a clean, low-profile appearance that blends well with most duty belts and tactical gear. It is fairly lightweight considering the durability.
The build quality is excellent. The materials are robust, and the stitching is precise and reinforced in key areas. The pouch feels solid and well-constructed in hand. There is a slight learning curve associated with the snap closures, but it is easily overcome with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch is built for long-term durability. The robust materials and reinforced stitching ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. It should last for years with proper care.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe down the pouch with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Periodically check the snap closures to ensure they are functioning correctly. The pouch requires minimal upkeep, making it a low-maintenance piece of gear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 77 is primarily a stand-alone product, and doesn’t ship with many accessories. It is part of the Safariland 6004/6005 Tactical System, which means it can be integrated with other Safariland accessories and platforms. This allows for some customization in terms of positioning and integration with other gear.
The pouch is compatible with a wide range of handgun magazines, but there are limited options for further customization. Users can choose from various finishes to match their existing gear, but there are no readily available modifications to the pouch itself.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL
Pros
- Durable construction: The high-quality materials and reinforced stitching ensure long-term reliability.
- Universal fit: Accommodates a wide variety of handgun magazine types.
- Secure retention: The snap closures provide a secure hold, preventing accidental magazine ejection.
- Ambidextrous design: Suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters.
- Professional appearance: The “nylon-look” finish provides a clean, low-profile aesthetic.
Cons
- Snap closures: Slightly slower access compared to open-top designs.
- Limited customization: Few options for modifying the pouch itself.
Who Should Buy Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL?
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, security professionals, and competitive shooters. Anyone who needs a durable, reliable, and versatile magazine pouch will benefit from this product. It’s ideal for duty use, tactical training, and competition shooting.
Those who prioritize absolute speed over retention might want to consider open-top Kydex pouches instead. Also, individuals who prefer highly customizable gear might find the Safariland 77’s lack of modification options limiting.
A high-quality duty belt is a must-have accessory for the Safariland 77. A reliable holster that complements the pouch is also recommended.
Conclusion on Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Black, Nylon-Look, Ambidextrous 77-83-22PBL is a reliable and versatile piece of gear that delivers on its promises. It offers a solid combination of durability, retention, and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for professionals and serious shooting enthusiasts. It is worth every penny at its price point of $44.99.
I would personally recommend the Safariland 77 to anyone looking for a dependable and professional-looking magazine pouch. It is a significant upgrade from cheaper, less durable options.
If you’re ready to upgrade your gear and experience the reliability and performance of the Safariland 77, don’t hesitate to invest in this quality magazine pouch. It could make a significant difference in your preparedness and efficiency.