Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black Review

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black Made a Bold First Impression

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black promises to be a versatile and reliable platform for carrying essential gear. Manufactured by High Speed Gear (HSGI), its U-MOUNT design aims to bridge the gap between MOLLE compatibility and belt-mounted convenience. Its sleek front and hidden shock cord system intrigued me, promising a secure yet streamlined carry option.

For years, I’ve struggled to find the perfect balance between rapid access and secure retention for my magazines and other tools. Existing MOLLE setups often felt too bulky and cumbersome for dynamic situations. Belt-mounted pouches, on the other hand, sometimes lacked the secure feel I desired for demanding tactical environments. I was seeking a solution that offered the best of both worlds.

Upon unboxing, the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black immediately impressed me with its robust construction and clean aesthetics. The black finish is professional and discreet, while the materials felt durable and ready to withstand serious abuse. The universal HSGI clips also appeared very sturdy and well-designed.

Compared to some generic MOLLE pouches I’ve used, the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black felt significantly more premium. I also considered the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed M4 pouch and the Esstac KYWI pouches. Ultimately, the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black’s unique U-MOUNT system and advertised versatility made it the most appealing option for my specific needs.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked and felt the part, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was eager to put the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black through its paces and see if it could truly live up to its potential.

Real-World Testing: Putting Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black at an outdoor shooting range during a carbine training course. I mounted it on my battle belt, securing it using the HSGI clips. I practiced various drills, including reloads from different positions, movement under cover, and target transitions.

The weather was mildly damp, and the range was somewhat dusty, providing a realistic environment for testing. The pouch performed admirably in these conditions. Magazine retention remained consistent even with slightly wet magazines. The open-top design allowed for quick and intuitive reloads without any fumbling.

Initially, the fit felt a little snug, requiring a deliberate motion to fully seat the magazines. After a few practice repetitions, however, muscle memory quickly developed, and the process became seamless. There were no unexpected issues during this first outing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. I’ve used it in several more range sessions, a few force-on-force training exercises, and even while hiking. It has consistently performed well under various conditions.

Despite being exposed to dirt, sweat, and occasional light rain, the pouch shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, and the HSGI clips still function flawlessly. Cleaning is straightforward, typically only requiring a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.

In comparison to some older nylon pouches I’ve used, the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black’s material seems to be more resistant to abrasion and fading. It definitely outperforms them in terms of retention and ease of access, though my older pouches were not using hidden shock cord. This gives me confidence in its long-term durability and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black

Specifications

  • The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black is designed to hold most rifle and pistol caliber magazines. This is achieved through its flexible design and internal shock cord adjustment.
  • It is also capable of accommodating radios, shotgun shell trays, flash bangs, multitools, small flashlights, and pocket knives. This makes the TACO a highly versatile piece of gear.
  • The pouch utilizes the HSGI U-MOUNT system, allowing it to be mounted on both MOLLE platforms and belts up to 2 inches wide. This provides exceptional flexibility in how the user can configure their loadout.
  • The Duty Rifle TACO features a sleek front design and hidden shock cord, woven internally, for a streamlined appearance and secure retention. The “Pop Lock” configuration further enhances retention.
  • It is offered in black, which is advantageous for tactical applications. The black color minimizes visibility.

These specifications matter because they dictate the pouch’s overall utility and adaptability. The ability to carry a wide range of items reduces the need for multiple specialized pouches. The universal mounting system ensures compatibility with various load-bearing platforms.

Performance & Functionality

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black excels at its primary job: securely holding and providing rapid access to magazines. The internal shock cord provides adjustable retention, ensuring that magazines of different sizes are held firmly in place. Reloads are smooth and intuitive, allowing for quick and efficient magazine changes.

One of the TACO‘s strengths is its versatility. It can comfortably accommodate AR-15 magazines, AK-47 magazines, and even some pistol magazines. Its ability to hold other tools and equipment also makes it a valuable asset for any loadout.

However, the tight fit can sometimes be a minor inconvenience. Larger items or oddly shaped objects may require some effort to insert and remove. Overall, the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black meets and even exceeds expectations, delivering a reliable and adaptable carry solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black is well-constructed using high-quality materials. The pouch feels robust and durable. The black finish is clean and professional.

The U-MOUNT system is cleverly designed, providing a secure and stable attachment to both MOLLE platforms and belts. While the retention is secure, it can be a little difficult to attach in some situations, depending on how tight the MOLLE webbing is woven. The learning curve is minimal, and after a few uses, mounting and removing the pouch becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black appears to be built to last. The materials are resistant to abrasion and the stitching is robust. With proper care, I expect this pouch to withstand years of use in demanding environments.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. In cases of heavy contamination, a mild detergent can be used.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black does not come with any specific accessories. Its primary customization option lies in its ability to accommodate a wide range of items. The adjustable retention allows users to tailor the pouch to their specific needs and preferences.

The pouch is compatible with most standard MOLLE platforms and belts up to 2 inches wide. This means that it can be easily integrated into existing loadouts and used with various accessories, such as magazine couplers or retention straps. Be sure to check compatibility with specific accessories before purchase.

Pros and Cons of Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black

Pros

  • Highly versatile, able to hold a wide range of rifle and pistol magazines, as well as other tools and equipment.
  • Secure retention, thanks to the internal shock cord and “Pop Lock” configuration.
  • Universal mounting system, compatible with both MOLLE platforms and belts up to 2 inches wide.
  • Durable construction, made from high-quality materials that are resistant to abrasion and wear.
  • Streamlined design, with a sleek front and hidden shock cord.

Cons

  • The tight fit can sometimes make it difficult to insert or remove larger or oddly shaped items.
  • The MOLLE attachement can sometimes be tricky, depending on how tight the MOLLE webbing is woven.


Who Should Buy Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black?

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and competitive shooters who require a versatile and reliable magazine pouch. It’s also suitable for hunters, survivalists, and tactical enthusiasts who prioritize adaptability and durability in their gear. The U-MOUNT system makes it ideal for those who switch between belt-mounted and MOLLE-based loadouts.

Individuals who should skip this product are those who primarily need to carry only one specific type of magazine. A dedicated pouch designed specifically for that magazine might offer a more streamlined and lightweight solution.

A must-have accessory for the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black is a reliable magazine, or other object you wish to hold. Some sort of quick-release buckle to the belt may also be beneficial.

Conclusion on Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black

The Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black is an excellent magazine pouch that offers a compelling combination of versatility, reliability, and durability. Its ability to accommodate a wide range of magazines and other equipment makes it a valuable asset for any loadout.

At $51.00, the price is justified given the TACO’s high-quality construction and versatile functionality. It’s a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best from their gear.

I would definitely recommend the Duty Rifle TACO U-MOUNT | Black to anyone looking for a versatile, reliable, and durable magazine pouch. Upgrade your loadout today and experience the HSGI difference!


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