The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black from High Speed Gear (HSGI) promises versatility and secure retention for a wide array of pistol magazines and other similarly sized gear. Its ability to mount on both MOLLE and belts up to 2 inches wide, coupled with its “taco” style adjustable retention, intrigued me. Could this single pouch truly replace the need for multiple magazine-specific carriers, and offer a secure hold under demanding conditions?
As a gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen countless magazine pouches come and go. I was seeking a universal solution that could handle everything from standard 9mm magazines to extended .45 ACP mags, and even the occasional submachine gun magazine when training with various platforms. Tired of constantly switching pouches based on the firearm I was using, a truly universal option was highly appealing.
Unboxing the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black, my initial impression was positive. The black nylon felt durable, and the HSGI clips appeared robust. The “sleeker fronts and hidden bungee” design gave it a clean, professional look compared to some of the bulkier, overtly tactical pouches I’ve used.
I considered the Safariland Universal Magazine Pouch and the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double Pistol Mag Pouch. The Safariland, while proven, is significantly bulkier. The Blue Force Gear offering relies heavily on elastic, which concerned me regarding long-term retention, especially with heavier magazines. The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black seemed to offer a better balance of retention, adjustability, and a streamlined profile.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed solid, and the design thoughtful. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to its promise of universal compatibility and secure retention.
Real-World Testing: Putting Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black at an outdoor shooting range during a full-day pistol training course. The range conditions varied throughout the day, from dry and sunny in the morning to slightly damp and muddy in the afternoon. I mounted the Taco on my duty belt using the provided HSGI clips.
Initially, I used it with standard Glock 17 9mm magazines. I quickly found that adjusting the bungee cord was key to achieving the right level of retention. Once dialed in, drawing and re-holstering magazines was smooth and consistent. The pouch held the magazines securely even during dynamic movements, like running and transitioning between shooting positions.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the initial bungee adjustment took a little experimentation to get just right.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a weekend-long tactical training exercise, the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after being exposed to dirt, mud, and abrasive surfaces. The stitching remains intact, and the bungee cord shows no signs of stretching or fraying.
Cleaning the pouch is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I did apply a fabric protectant spray to enhance its water resistance and prevent staining. It continues to perform well, consistently providing secure magazine retention and easy access.
Compared to my previous experience with dedicated magazine pouches, the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black offers a significant advantage in terms of versatility. I no longer need to swap pouches when switching between different pistol platforms. It outperforms my previous nylon pouches in terms of retention adjustability and streamlined design.
Breaking Down the Features of Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black
Specifications
- Color: Black. This offers a low-profile look suitable for tactical and duty applications.
- Mounting: Universal mounting system using HSGI clips, compatible with MOLLE and belts up to 2 inches. This feature is crucial for adaptability across different gear setups.
- Retention: Adjustable bungee retention system with hidden bungee design. This allows users to fine-tune the retention force to their preference and magazine type.
- Compatibility: Designed to hold most extended pistol magazines, submachine gun mags, extendable batons, large flashlights, and suppressors. The wide compatibility is a key selling point.
- Construction: Durable nylon construction. This ensures the pouch can withstand the rigors of field use.
Performance & Functionality
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black performs admirably in its intended role. Magazine retention is excellent once the bungee cord is properly adjusted. Drawing and re-holstering magazines is fast and intuitive.
Its primary strength is its versatility. The pouch can accommodate a wide variety of magazines and other gear. The main weakness is that the initial bungee adjustment can be time-consuming. It meets my expectations as a universal pouch, but requires some initial tweaking.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials used are durable and the stitching is robust. The pouch is lightweight and does not add unnecessary bulk to a belt or vest.
The design is user-friendly. The open-top design allows for easy access to magazines, and the adjustable bungee cord allows for a customized fit. There is a slight learning curve involved in adjusting the bungee, but once mastered, it’s simple to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black is built to last. The durable nylon construction and reinforced stitching ensure it can withstand heavy use. It’s likely to provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean. The nylon material is resistant to stains and mildew.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black comes with the HSGI universal clips for mounting. There are no other included accessories. Users can customize the pouch by adding other MOLLE-compatible accessories to the surrounding webbing on their gear.
The pouch is compatible with most standard MOLLE platforms and belts. This allows for a wide range of customization options. Users can attach it to vests, belts, or other gear as needed.
Pros and Cons of Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black
Pros
- Universal Compatibility: Holds a wide range of pistol magazines, submachine gun mags, batons, flashlights and more.
- Adjustable Retention: Bungee cord allows for customized retention, securing different sized items.
- Durable Construction: High-quality nylon and robust stitching ensure longevity.
- Low Profile Design: Sleeker front and hidden bungee provide a professional look.
- Versatile Mounting: HSGI clips allow for attachment to both MOLLE and belts up to 2 inches.
Cons
- Initial Bungee Adjustment: Fine-tuning the bungee cord can be time-consuming.
- May not be optimal for extremely specialized gear: While versatile, dedicated pouches might offer slightly better security for specific items.
Who Should Buy Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black?
- Perfect for: Law enforcement officers, military personnel, tactical trainers, and shooting enthusiasts who use a variety of pistol platforms and magazine types. This pouch simplifies gear management and ensures compatibility.
- Who should skip this product? Users who only use one type of pistol magazine and prefer the streamlined profile of a dedicated, magazine-specific pouch. Someone who never needs to carry anything besides a standard pistol magazine may find a simpler, less adjustable pouch more suitable.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? None. The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black is ready to use out of the box. Fabric protectant spray can enhance water resistance.
Conclusion on Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black from High Speed Gear is a versatile and durable solution for carrying a wide range of pistol magazines and other similarly sized gear. Its universal compatibility and adjustable retention make it a valuable addition to any tactical or duty loadout. While the initial bungee adjustment may require some patience, the pouch ultimately delivers secure and reliable performance.
At $45.00, the price is justified by the pouch’s quality, versatility, and durability. Considering the cost of purchasing multiple dedicated magazine pouches, the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black offers excellent value.
I would highly recommend the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black to anyone seeking a truly universal magazine carrying solution. It simplifies gear management, offers reliable retention, and is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Upgrade your loadout with the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | Black and experience the convenience of universal compatibility.
