The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green Made a Bold First Impression
The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green from High Speed Gear promises to securely hold high-capacity pistol and sub-gun magazines while allowing for rapid deployment. It also boasts the ability to accommodate large flashlights, collapsible batons, and other survival equipment, making it a versatile piece of kit. I’ve been searching for a retention system that works across a variety of magazine types, and the Extended Pistol Taco seemed like a promising solution to consolidate my loadout.
My quest for a universal magazine pouch began with endless range days and tactical training exercises. I was constantly juggling different pouches for different pistol and sub-gun magazines. The frustration of reconfiguring my gear for each firearm became a significant drag, slowing down reloads and impacting my overall efficiency. I needed a system that could adapt to various magazine sizes without sacrificing retention or accessibility.
Upon receiving the Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green, my initial impression was favorable. The olive drab color is a classic, versatile choice that blends well with most tactical gear setups. The construction felt solid, with durable stitching and robust materials suggesting it could withstand the rigors of field use. Compared to standard nylon pouches or rigid polymer options, the Extended Pistol Taco appeared to offer a more flexible and adaptable solution. I had previously tried the original Pistol TACO, finding it slightly lacking in length for certain extended magazines; this longer version aims to address that specific concern.
Other pouches I’ve used in the past, like the Blade-Tech Revolution Series or the Condor MOLLE Universal Pistol Magazine Pouch, were either too specific to certain magazine types or lacked the necessary retention for more dynamic movements. I chose the Extended Pistol Taco because of its seemingly universal design and the High Speed Gear reputation for quality. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – excited by the potential, but aware that only real-world testing would reveal its true performance. The $38.00 price point felt reasonable if it delivered on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green** to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green at an outdoor shooting range during a pistol training course. I used it to hold magazines for a Glock 17, a Sig Sauer P320, and an MP5 sub-gun. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the pouch’s performance.
The initial experience was positive; the magazines were held securely, even during rapid movements and transitions. Drawing the magazines was surprisingly smooth and intuitive, requiring minimal effort and without any noticeable snagging. I appreciated the ease with which I could insert and remove different magazine types without adjusting any straps or buckles. No immediate issues arose, but I was curious to see how it would perform in more challenging environments.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including a weekend-long tactical training event in mixed weather conditions (rain, mud, and dust), the Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. The pouch shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with no fraying stitching or degradation of the materials. The retention remained consistent throughout, even when the pouch was soaked with rain or covered in dust.
Maintaining the pouch has been simple; a quick rinse with water and a brush removes most debris. Compared to other magazine pouches I’ve used, the Extended Pistol Taco requires significantly less maintenance and has demonstrated superior durability. It has definitely outperformed my expectations, offering consistent and reliable performance across a range of conditions and magazine types.
Breaking Down the Features of **Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green**
Specifications
- The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green is designed to hold most high-capacity pistol and sub-gun magazines. This versatility is a major selling point, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pouches.
- The color is olive drab (OD Green), a popular choice for tactical gear due to its effective camouflage in various environments. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of loadouts and uniforms.
- The pouch adds 2.25 inches in length compared to the original Pistol TACO. This extra length is crucial for accommodating longer magazines, such as those used in MP5s or extended capacity pistol magazines.
- The pouch can also hold large flashlights, collapsible batons, and other survival equipment. This further enhances its versatility and makes it a valuable addition to any tactical setup.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the pouch’s adaptability and functionality. The added length ensures compatibility with a wider range of magazines, while the ability to hold other essential gear enhances its overall utility. The durable construction and secure retention are critical for reliable performance in demanding situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green excels at its primary function: securely holding and rapidly deploying magazines. The retention system provides a snug fit without making it difficult to draw the magazine quickly. It also works well with various magazines.
One strength is its ability to adapt to different magazine types without requiring any adjustments. A slight weakness might be that very small or short magazines could sit too low in the pouch, potentially slowing down reloads slightly. The pouch has met and largely exceeded my expectations, providing a reliable and versatile magazine carrying solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green boasts a robust build quality, utilizing durable materials that feel capable of withstanding significant abuse. The pouch’s weight is minimal, adding very little bulk to a tactical loadout.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no learning curve. Magazines can be inserted and removed quickly and easily, even with gloved hands. The MOLLE attachment system is straightforward, allowing for secure and stable mounting on vests, belts, and other platforms.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green is built to last. The materials and construction suggest it can withstand years of hard use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with water and a brush. There are no complex mechanisms or parts that require specialized care or repair. This contributes to its reliability and long-term value.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green does not come with any specific accessories, but its modular design allows for extensive customization. The MOLLE attachment system makes it compatible with a wide range of mounting platforms and accessories.
It can be paired with various MOLLE-compatible pouches, holsters, and other gear to create a personalized loadout. There are no proprietary features that limit compatibility with accessories from other brands. The user has considerable flexibility in configuring their gear to meet specific needs.
Pros and Cons of **Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green**
Pros
- Versatile magazine compatibility: Holds a wide range of pistol and sub-gun magazines securely, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pouches.
- Durable construction: Made from high-quality materials that can withstand demanding conditions and heavy use.
- Rapid deployment: Allows for quick and easy magazine draws, enhancing efficiency during tactical operations or range sessions.
- Modular design: Compatible with MOLLE attachment systems, providing extensive customization options.
- Minimal Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, ensuring long-term reliability.
Cons
- Retention may be too tight for some users initially: The retention system may require a break-in period to achieve optimal draw speed.
- Shorter magazines may sit too low: Very short magazines may sit too low in the pouch, potentially affecting reload speed.
Who Should Buy **Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green**?
The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green is perfect for: tactical professionals, law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and anyone who needs a versatile and reliable magazine pouch. It is ideally suited for those who use a variety of firearms and magazines and want a single pouch system that can accommodate them all.
Who should skip this product? Individuals who only use a single type of magazine may find a more specialized pouch to be a better fit. Those who prioritize extremely lightweight gear above all else might find lighter alternatives, although the Extended Pistol Taco is already quite light for its capabilities.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A secure MOLLE mounting platform (such as a tactical belt or vest) is essential for proper use. Depending on personal preference, users may want to experiment with different mounting angles and positions to optimize draw speed and accessibility.
Conclusion on **Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green**
The Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green is a versatile, durable, and reliable magazine pouch that delivers on its promises. Its ability to accommodate a wide range of pistol and sub-gun magazines makes it a valuable addition to any tactical loadout.
The $38.00 price point is justified by its quality construction, versatility, and long-term durability. While there may be some initial adjustment required to optimize the retention, the overall performance is excellent.
I would highly recommend the Extended Pistol Taco | OD Green to anyone looking for a universal magazine pouch that can handle a variety of magazines and withstand the rigors of real-world use. If you’re tired of juggling multiple pouches and want a single, reliable solution, the Extended Pistol Taco is definitely worth considering. Invest in your gear and experience the difference!
