Let’s Talk About Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch offers a solution for carrying extra M4/M16 magazines, a necessity for anyone serious about preparedness. Manufactured by Mercury Tactical Gear, it boasts a simple yet effective design to keep your ammunition readily accessible. This pouch piqued my interest because I’ve been searching for a reliable and compact system to carry extra magazines during tactical training and range days.
My initial reaction upon receiving the Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch was positive. It felt solid and well-constructed. The 600 Denier Polyester material seemed durable enough to withstand the rigors of field use, a critical factor when evaluating tactical gear.
I considered a few other options, including a modular MOLLE pouch from Condor and a Kydex insert from Blade-Tech. However, the Mercury Tactical Gear option stood out due to its stacked design and integrated elastic retention. This promised a smaller footprint on my plate carrier and faster access to magazines. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see if it would live up to its promise in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch at an outdoor shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. The weather was dry and mild, offering ideal conditions for evaluating the pouch’s functionality. I ran drills involving rapid magazine changes and movement under simulated fire. The pouch held the magazines securely throughout, even during sprints and crawls.
The initial use revealed that accessing the magazines was relatively easy, though required some familiarization with the hook and loop flap closures. Re-indexing magazines into the pouch after a reload required a bit more focus, especially under the stress of simulated combat. There were no immediate failures or malfunctions, but I noticed the hook and loop closures took some effort to secure quietly, a potential concern in a tactical situation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a weekend-long tactical training course, the Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch continues to perform adequately. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the 600 Denier Polyester material. A few loose threads have appeared around the seams, but these haven’t impacted functionality.
Cleaning the pouch is simple; a damp cloth and mild detergent easily remove dirt and grime. Compared to my experience with other magazine pouches, this one is holding up reasonably well. However, the hook and loop closures are starting to show signs of wear, with the hook material losing some of its grip. While it hasn’t outperformed my higher-end pouches from Blue Force Gear, it’s certainly held its own at a significantly lower price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch
Specifications
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch is designed to hold four M4/M16 style magazines. It’s constructed from 600 Denier Polyester for water resistance and durability. Its Coyote color provides a neutral tone suitable for various environments.
The pouch measures 7.25 inches in height, 6.75 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth. Magazines are secured within each compartment using both an elastic band and a hook and loop closure. It attaches to plate carriers or other MOLLE-compatible gear using four rear fixing snap straps with press-stud closures. These specifications are important because they dictate the pouch’s carrying capacity, durability, and compatibility with existing tactical gear.
Performance & Functionality
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch performs its primary function – holding and providing access to magazines – adequately. The elastic bands provide sufficient tension to keep magazines in place, preventing them from rattling or falling out during movement. The hook and loop closures, while secure, require deliberate action to open and close, potentially slowing down magazine changes.
A definite strength is the compact, stacked design. This minimizes the amount of real estate required on a plate carrier. One area needing improvement is the quietness of the hook and loop closures; a snap or buckle system might be preferable for tactical applications. Overall, the pouch meets basic expectations for magazine retention and accessibility at its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch design is straightforward and functional. The 600 Denier Polyester material feels reasonably durable, although not as robust as higher-denier nylon fabrics. The pouch’s weight is minimal, which is a significant advantage when carrying a full combat load.
The pouch is relatively user-friendly, although the hook and loop closures take some getting used to. There’s a slight learning curve associated with quickly and quietly opening and closing the flaps, especially under pressure. However, once mastered, magazine changes can be performed efficiently.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch appears to be reasonably durable, given its 600 Denier Polyester construction. While it won’t withstand the same level of abuse as pouches made from 1000 Denier Cordura nylon, it should provide acceptable service life for most users. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to maintain its appearance and functionality.
Repairing minor damage, such as loose threads, is relatively straightforward with basic sewing skills. However, significant damage to the hook and loop closures or snap straps may require professional repair or replacement of the entire pouch. The longevity of the pouch will ultimately depend on the frequency and intensity of use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch does not come with any additional accessories. Its design is relatively simple and doesn’t lend itself to significant customization. While it’s compatible with any MOLLE-compatible platform, its fixed configuration limits options for adjusting magazine height or orientation.
Users can potentially add aftermarket magazine retention inserts for increased security, but this would require modifying the existing elastic bands. The pouch is primarily intended for use with standard M4/M16 magazines and may not be suitable for other magazine types without modification. There is no included accessory with this pouch.
Pros and Cons of Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Compact, double-stacked design saves space on gear.
- Adequate magazine retention with elastic bands.
- Reasonably durable 600 Denier Polyester construction.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Hook and loop closures are noisy.
- Hook and loop closures show signs of wear after extended use.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch?
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch is perfect for recreational shooters, airsoft enthusiasts, and budget-conscious individuals looking for a basic magazine carrying solution. It’s also suitable for those who prioritize a compact design and don’t require extreme durability. Individuals participating in high-intensity tactical training or professional use should invest in higher-quality pouches with more robust construction and quieter closure systems.
Someone who should skip this product is the seasoned operator/tactical professional. They would benefit from investing in a more high-end product. A must-have modification would be replacing the hook and loop.
Conclusion on Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch
The Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch offers a budget-friendly solution for carrying extra magazines. Its compact design and adequate retention make it a viable option for recreational use. However, the noisy hook and loop closures and limited durability may be a concern for serious tactical applications.
The price is justified for what it offers: A basic, functional magazine pouch. I would personally recommend it to individuals on a tight budget or those new to tactical gear who need a simple, entry-level option. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills magazine carrying solution that won’t break the bank, the Mercury Tactical Gear Double Stacked Mag Pouch is worth considering. Try it out and experience the convenience for yourself!