First Thoughts on the Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double
The Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double from HSGI represents a significant evolution in modular gear carriage. It promises a streamlined and secure method to carry pistol magazines and other similarly sized items. The vibrant LE Blue color adds a touch of distinction, setting it apart from the sea of black and OD green gear typically encountered.
My need for this product stemmed from a desire to consolidate my duty belt setup. I was looking to reduce bulk and improve access to spare magazines during training scenarios and potential real-world engagements. The promise of HSGI‘s universal mounting system, compatible with both MOLLE and belts, was particularly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double impressed me with its robust construction. The 1000D Cordura nylon felt incredibly durable, and the stitching was clean and reinforced. The design was noticeably sleeker than the original TACO pouches I’ve used in the past, and the hidden shock cord gave it a more professional appearance.
Compared to other double pistol magazine pouches I’ve used, such as those with traditional flaps or elastic retention, the TACO U-MOUNT seemed to offer a superior balance of retention and accessibility. I chose this product over others because of the proven reputation of HSGI and the promise of universal adjustability. My first impression was one of excitement. The pouch felt like a well-engineered piece of kit that could significantly improve my efficiency on the range and in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double primarily at the shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. The weather conditions were typical for late spring: a mix of sun and intermittent rain. I used it to carry Glock 17 magazines, a multi-tool, and a small tactical flashlight.
The pouch performed admirably in both wet and dry conditions. The magazine retention remained secure even when moving dynamically. The open-top design allowed for quick and intuitive reloads, proving faster than my previous flap-covered pouches. There was a slight learning curve in adjusting the tension of the shock cord to achieve the perfect balance of retention and ease of access.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double has held up remarkably well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the 1000D Cordura nylon. The stitching remains intact, and the HSGI clips show no signs of loosening or fatigue.
Maintenance has been minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. Compared to my previous pouches, the TACO U-MOUNT has significantly outperformed them in terms of both speed of access and overall durability. This pouch exceeded my expectations and has become an integral part of my duty setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double
Specifications
The Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double boasts several key specifications. It is constructed from proprietary 1000D Cordura, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to abrasion. The pouch features a universal mounting system, compatible with both MOLLE webbing and belts up to 2 inches wide thanks to the HSGI clips.
The interior dimensions are adjustable via the internal shock cord, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of items. This includes most pistol and rifle caliber magazines, radios, shotgun shell trays, flash bangs, multi-tools, small flashlights, and pocket knives. The LE Blue color provides clear identification for law enforcement personnel. These specifications matter because they provide versatility, durability, and reliable performance in demanding environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The open-top design allows for rapid reloads. The adjustable shock cord ensures secure retention of various items.
The pouch’s strength lies in its versatility and ease of use. The weakness is that smaller items might require careful adjustment of the shock cord to prevent them from slipping too far into the pouch. Overall, the pouch meets and exceeds expectations, providing a reliable and efficient solution for carrying essential gear.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double is outstanding. The materials feel premium, and the construction is solid. The pouch’s weight is minimal, adding negligible bulk to a duty belt or vest.
The pouch is user-friendly, requiring minimal setup and offering intuitive access to its contents. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 1000D Cordura construction suggests excellent longevity. The reinforced stitching and robust clips further contribute to its overall durability. The pouch is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
The TACO U-MOUNT is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. Its rugged construction and minimal maintenance requirements make it a reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double does not come with any included accessories beyond the HSGI clips for mounting. However, the pouch’s modular design allows for a degree of customization. Users can adjust the tension of the internal shock cord to accommodate different sized items.
The pouch is compatible with a wide range of MOLLE-compatible accessories, such as additional pouches or attachment points. This allows users to tailor their setup to their specific needs. The pouch is designed to work with standard magazine sizes and allows for flexible integration with many other accessories from different brands.
Pros and Cons of Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double
Pros
- Exceptional Versatility: Accommodates a wide range of magazines and gear, making it adaptable to various loadouts.
- Rapid Access: Open-top design allows for lightning-fast reloads, critical in high-pressure situations.
- Durable Construction: 1000D Cordura nylon ensures long-lasting performance, even under heavy use.
- Secure Retention: Adjustable shock cord provides a customizable and reliable grip on contents, preventing accidental loss.
- Universal Mounting: Compatible with both MOLLE and belts, offering flexible attachment options.
Cons
- Shock cord adjustment can be finicky. Achieving the optimal balance of retention and accessibility requires some experimentation.
- Smaller items may require additional securing measures to prevent them from shifting within the pouch.
Who Should Buy Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double?
The Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and tactical enthusiasts. Anyone who needs a reliable and versatile magazine carrier will benefit from this pouch.
Those who prioritize absolute concealment or require specialized pouches for specific magazines might want to explore other options. This pouch really shines when you need to handle multiple types of gear, not just a specific magazine. Must-have accessories would include spare magazines, a multi-tool and a tactical flashlight to take advantage of the pouch’s ability to carry a broad array of gear.
Conclusion on Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double
The Duty Pistol TACO U-MOUNT | LE Blue | Double is a well-designed and highly functional piece of gear. Its versatility, durability, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any tactical loadout. At $59.00, the price is justified by the quality of materials and construction.
I would absolutely recommend this pouch to anyone seeking a reliable and adaptable magazine carrier. It’s a worthwhile investment for those who demand performance and durability from their equipment. Upgrade your gear today and experience the difference a TACO U-MOUNT can make!