Let’s Dive into Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL is a duty-grade piece of kit from a manufacturer renowned for its commitment to quality and reliability. Safariland has built a reputation on providing law enforcement, military personnel, and serious shooters with gear that can withstand the rigors of daily use and extreme conditions. This particular magazine pouch is designed to securely carry two handgun magazines, offering quick access in critical situations while maintaining a low profile.
My journey to this pouch began with a need for a more efficient and reliable way to carry spare magazines on my duty belt. The standard issue pouches I was using were bulky, slow to draw from, and showed signs of wear after only a few months. I needed something that could hold up to the demands of my profession while providing a smooth, consistent draw.
Upon unboxing the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch, my initial impression was one of quality and durability. The STX TAC Black finish gives it a professional and low-profile appearance, while the construction felt robust and well-made. It wasn’t overly heavy, which is crucial when adding gear to an already burdened duty belt.
Compared to some of the other double magazine pouches I considered, such as the Blackhawk! Double Stack Mag Pouch and the Bianchi Accumold Elite Double Mag Pouch, the Safariland 77 stood out for its streamlined design and Safariland’s proven reputation. While the others had their merits, I felt the Safariland offered a better balance of security, accessibility, and durability. I picked this one as I trust Safariland with my life.
My initial reaction was excitement mixed with relief. I was excited to finally have a magazine pouch that seemed capable of meeting my demands, and relieved to have found a solution to a frustrating problem.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test of the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch was at the shooting range during a training day. I focused on drills involving rapid magazine changes to assess the pouch’s accessibility and retention capabilities. The weather was dry, and the temperature was comfortable, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The draw was smooth and consistent, allowing me to quickly retrieve magazines without fumbling. I did not have to learn a new process to become proficient in using it. The magazines remained securely in place during movement, even when running and transitioning between shooting positions. There were no surprises or unexpected issues during the initial use; it performed exactly as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use on duty, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch has held up remarkably well. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight scuffing on the STX TAC Black finish from rubbing against other gear. The pouch has retained its shape and functionality, even after being exposed to rain, mud, and extreme temperatures.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Compared to my previous experience with other magazine pouches that quickly became loose or frayed, the Safariland 77 has significantly outperformed them. It has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment that I can depend on every day.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL
Specifications
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch is designed to fit belts up to 2.25″ wide, making it compatible with most duty belts. It is available in various finishes, including Plain Black, Basket Weave, Hi-Gloss, and STX TACTICAL, with my review focusing on the STX TAC Black. The pouch is ambidextrous, allowing it to be worn on either the left or right side.
This pouch is designed to fit a variety of magazines, including those for Glock 20 and 21, Heckler & Koch USP 40, USP 45C, and USP 9, and Para-Ordnance P-14. The ambidextrous design allows for placement on either side of the body. These specifications are important because they ensure compatibility with standard duty belts and a wide range of handgun magazines, providing versatility and convenience for the user.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch excels at its primary function: securely holding and providing quick access to handgun magazines. The retention is firm but not overly tight, allowing for a smooth and consistent draw. The ambidextrous design is a significant advantage, providing flexibility in positioning the pouch on the duty belt.
The pouch is incredibly durable and reliable. The only improvement I could suggest would be adjustable retention. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty-grade magazine pouch.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch is exceptional. The materials used are robust and durable, and the construction is solid. The weight is manageable, especially given its durability.
The pouch is user-friendly with minimal learning curve. The ability to quickly and easily draw magazines is crucial in high-stress situations.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the heavy-duty construction and quality materials, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch is built to last for years. It is easy to maintain. A quick wipe down is generally all that is needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch does not come with any accessories, but is designed to seamlessly integrate with Safariland’s 6004/6005 Tactical System. Although customization options are limited, the various finish options available allow users to choose the one that best matches their existing gear. The pouch is compatible with a wide range of handgun magazines.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The Safariland 77 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use, offering long-lasting performance.
- Smooth and Consistent Draw: Provides quick and reliable access to magazines, crucial in high-stress situations.
- Ambidextrous Design: Allows for flexible positioning on the duty belt, accommodating both left- and right-handed users.
- Secure Retention: Magazines remain firmly in place during movement, preventing accidental loss.
- Professional Appearance: The STX TAC Black finish offers a low-profile and professional look.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Lacks adjustable retention features.
- Fixed Magazine Size: While it fits many magazines, it may not accommodate all sizes without some looseness.
Who Should Buy Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL?
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, security professionals, and competitive shooters who require a reliable and durable magazine carrier. Anyone who needs quick access to spare magazines in a duty or tactical setting will benefit from this pouch. This product is also useful for responsible armed citizens who carry a firearm and need to carry extra magazines.
This product is not for individuals who prioritize extreme lightweight options or require highly customizable magazine pouches with adjustable retention for very specific magazine types.
A must-have modification could be using magazine shims for those who carry smaller magazines to ensure an even more secure fit.
Conclusion on Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL
In summary, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13PBL is a top-tier duty-grade magazine carrier that delivers on its promises of durability, reliability, and accessibility. At a price of $41.99, the value proposition is excellent, especially considering the pouch’s long-lasting performance and the peace of mind it provides.
I would absolutely recommend the Safariland 77 to anyone seeking a dependable and professional magazine pouch for duty or tactical use. This is the magazine pouch that you can trust to perform when you need it most. Invest in the Safariland 77 today and experience the difference that quality gear can make!