Let’s Dive into Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V
As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve handled countless magazine pouches, but the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V immediately caught my attention with its promise of Safariland’s renowned durability and ambidextrous design. This pouch aims to provide a secure and accessible way to carry two handgun magazines, fitting belts up to 2.25″ wide, a standard requirement for many duty and tactical belts. I was eager to see if it lived up to the Safariland name.
My primary need was a reliable magazine pouch for my Glock 17 magazines when teaching firearms courses. I needed something durable, ambidextrous (since I often work with both right- and left-handed shooters), and easily accessible. This seemed to fit the bill perfectly, so I ordered the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V.
Upon unboxing, the pouch felt solid and well-constructed. The plain black finish gave it a professional, low-profile look. The stiffness of the material instilled confidence that it could withstand the rigors of daily use.
Compared to other magazine pouches I’ve used (such as the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse and the Galco DMC Double Magazine Carrier), the Safariland 77 stood out due to its adjustable tension and ambidextrous design. I chose it over the others because those features offered more flexibility for various carry positions and magazine types. The Blade-Tech, while excellent for concealment, lacks adjustable retention, and the Galco, though high-quality leather, isn’t ideal for tactical environments.
My first impression was positive. The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V appeared to be a well-built, functional piece of gear that would serve its purpose effectively. I was excited to test it on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V at an outdoor shooting range during a basic pistol course. I used it to carry two Glock 17 magazines loaded with 9mm rounds. The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle throughout the morning.
The pouch performed admirably even in the less-than-ideal weather conditions. The magazines stayed securely in place during movement, but were easily accessible when needed. I experienced no issues with retention, even when drawing quickly.
There was a slight learning curve with adjusting the tension screws for optimal magazine retention. After a few adjustments with a screw driver I had on my multi-tool, I found the sweet spot that provided secure carry and quick draws. Overall, the first-time use was positive, and the pouch significantly improved my efficiency during drills.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. It has seen action in various environments, from the controlled setting of the range to outdoor training scenarios in brush and varied terrain. The plain black finish is starting to show some scuff marks, but this is expected with regular use and does not detract from its functionality.
Durability has been excellent; there are no signs of stitching coming loose or the material wearing thin. The molded plastic has held its shape, and the tension screws have maintained their adjustments. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional wiping down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
Compared to cheaper magazine pouches I’ve used in the past, the Safariland 77 far outperforms them in terms of durability and retention. The cheaper pouches typically suffer from loose stitching or inadequate retention, leading to magazines falling out during movement. This is a serious issue during any high-stress or tactical situation, and has not been an issue at all with the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V
Specifications
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V boasts several key specifications. These directly impact its performance and overall user experience.
- Category: Tactical Accessories
- Finish/Color: Plain Black
- Fits: Various handgun magazines, including Beretta PX4, Glock 17/22/34/35/37, HK USP9C/40C/P2000, HS America HS2000 9MM, Sig Sauer SIGProSP2340/Sig P2022/P229/P229R, S&W Sigma/M&P, Steyr M40, and Taurus 24/7.
- Fastener: Velcro
- Type: Ambidextrous
- Belt Width: Fits belts 2.25″ wide.
- Material: Durable molded synthetic material.
These specifications matter because they dictate the pouch’s compatibility, durability, and ease of use. The wide compatibility ensures that it can be used with a variety of common handgun magazines. The ambidextrous design and adjustable tension make it suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters and magazines of various sizes.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V performs its job exceptionally well. The adjustable tension screws allow for precise magazine retention, preventing magazines from falling out while allowing for quick, smooth draws. The ambidextrous design ensures that it can be used comfortably and effectively by all shooters.
Its greatest strength lies in its reliable retention and accessibility. The adjustable tension screws give the shooter a high level of control and help accomodate various magazine brands and sizes. One minor weakness is that the Velcro belt loop, while secure, can be somewhat cumbersome to attach and detach compared to other attachment methods like MOLLE.
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of providing a secure, accessible, and durable magazine carrying solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V is outstanding. The molded synthetic material feels robust and the stitching is clean and strong. The pouch is relatively lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the belt.
The design is user-friendly, though the tension adjustment may require some experimentation to find the optimal setting. The ambidextrous design is a significant plus. The slightly bulky profile makes it less ideal for concealed carry.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its sturdy construction, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V is expected to last for many years. The material is resistant to wear and tear, and the stitching is unlikely to unravel.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. There are no complex parts that require special care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V does not come with any additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options beyond adjusting the tension screws. It is compatible with standard 2.25″ duty belts and can be used with a variety of magazine types as specified.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V
Pros
- Durable Construction: The molded synthetic material and sturdy stitching ensure long-lasting performance.
- Adjustable Tension: The tension screws allow for customized magazine retention, accommodating various magazine types.
- Ambidextrous Design: Suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters.
- Secure Retention: Magazines stay securely in place during movement and activity.
- Wide Compatibility: Fits a variety of common handgun magazines, including Glock, Beretta, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson models.
Cons
- Velcro Belt Loop: Can be cumbersome to attach and detach compared to MOLLE or other attachment methods.
- Slightly Bulky Profile: Not ideal for concealed carry.
Who Should Buy Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V?
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, competitive shooters, and firearms instructors. Anyone who needs to carry spare handgun magazines securely and accessibly will benefit from this pouch.
This pouch may not be ideal for individuals prioritizing deep concealment. Those looking for a minimalist, low-profile option might prefer a different design.
A must-have modification would be exploring alternative attachment methods, such as MOLLE clips, for greater versatility and ease of attachment. Aftermarket tension springs could also be beneficial for users seeking to customize their draw weight, but is unlikely to be necessary.
Conclusion on Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V
Overall, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V is a high-quality, reliable magazine pouch that delivers on its promises. Its durable construction, adjustable tension, and ambidextrous design make it an excellent choice for anyone needing to carry spare handgun magazines.
The price of $49.99 is justified given the pouch’s quality and functionality. It offers excellent value for the money.
I would highly recommend the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-2V to anyone looking for a dependable and versatile magazine carrying solution. Don’t settle for inferior pouches that compromise on security and accessibility. Invest in the Safariland 77 and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your magazines are always securely in place and ready when you need them!