Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models Review

What Makes Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models Stand Out?

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models promises rapid reloads and secure magazine retention. Safariland is a trusted name in law enforcement and tactical gear, and this pouch aims to deliver their signature reliability to users of Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Walther firearms. The open-front design and adjustable tension are key features designed for speed and adaptability.

For years, I’ve struggled with magazine pouches that either lacked retention or were too slow on the draw. I needed a pouch system that allowed for consistent, quick reloads during training exercises and the occasional competitive shooting event. My search led me to the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models.

Out of the box, the pouch felt solid and well-constructed. The molded polymer felt durable, and the tension screws offered a promising degree of adjustability. It was noticeably lighter than some of the older, bulkier pouches I’ve used in the past.

Compared to my older nylon pouches from Blackhawk and some Kydex models from Blade-Tech, the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models stood out with its specific firearm compatibility and retention system. The other pouches were more generic and lacked the fine-tuning that Safariland offered. The promise of a faster reload due to the open-front design was particularly appealing compared to the full-coverage Kydex options.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The pouch seemed well-designed, but only real-world testing would reveal if it lived up to the Safariland name and its claims of speed and reliability. The adjustability gave me confidence that I could dial it in for my specific magazines.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models at an outdoor shooting range during a practical pistol course. The course involved moving and shooting, requiring rapid reloads under simulated stress. I specifically used it with my Heckler & Koch VP9 and SIG Sauer P320 magazines.

The weather was typical for a summer day at the range: hot, humid, and dusty. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the pouch performed admirably. The open-front design allowed for a consistent grip on the magazine during reloads, and the plastic rollers reduced drag effectively.

The initial tension adjustment took a few minutes, but once dialed in, the magazines were held securely, yet easily accessible. I needed to tighten the screws slightly more than I initially anticipated to prevent the VP9 mags from shifting during movement. There were no malfunctions or fumbles during the reloads, which boosted my confidence in the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. It has seen action in multiple range sessions, a weekend-long tactical training course, and even a few IDPA matches. The pouch shows minimal signs of wear and tear.

The polymer construction has held up well to the constant friction of drawing and re-holstering magazines. The tension screws have remained secure, requiring only minor adjustments after extended periods of use. Cleaning is simple, usually just requiring a wipe-down with a damp cloth.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper pouches, the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models significantly outperforms them in terms of speed, retention, and durability. The consistent magazine presentation has improved my reload times noticeably. The level of reliability is what you’d expect from Safariland.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models

Specifications

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models is designed for specific magazine types. It accommodates magazines for Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Walther pistols. It is available in right-hand configurations and utilizes the ELS 34/ELS 35 mounting system.

• Material: Constructed from a durable, molded polymer. This material provides excellent resistance to abrasion and impact.
• Mounting System: Compatible with the Safariland ELS (Equipment Locking System) 34/ELS 35. These systems offer quick and secure attachment to belts and other gear.
• Tension Adjustment: Features two magazine tensioning screws on the back. The screws allow for adjusting tension on both the middle and the end of the magazine for a custom fit.
• Open-Front Design: The open-front allows for a full grip on the magazine during reloads. This speeds up the draw and reduces the chances of fumbling.
• Internal Rollers: Incorporates plastic rollers that reduce drag during the draw stroke. This contributes to faster and smoother reloads.
• Finish: Available in STX Tactical or STX Basketweave finishes. The finishes provide a non-reflective surface and enhance grip.

These specifications contribute to the overall performance by ensuring compatibility, adjustability, and speed. The magazine-specific design ensures secure retention and prevents unwanted movement, while the adjustable tension allows users to fine-tune the draw to their personal preference.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models excels at its primary job: providing fast and reliable access to spare magazines. The open-front design and smooth rollers significantly reduce reload times. The adjustable tension ensures that magazines are held securely without being too difficult to draw.

The main strength of this pouch is its speed and consistency. With proper adjustment, the magazine draw is smooth and repeatable. The only potential weakness is that the precise tension setting might require some initial experimentation to find the optimal balance between retention and speed.

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models meets and exceeds expectations for a dedicated magazine pouch. It’s a well-designed piece of gear that contributes to improved performance in shooting activities.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, as expected from Safariland. The molded polymer feels robust and durable, and the overall design is streamlined and functional. The weight is minimal, adding little bulk to the belt.

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models is designed with the user in mind. There is minimal learning curve; the intuitive design and adjustable tension make it easy to adapt to.

Durability & Maintenance

The pouch is built to last, with a rugged polymer construction that can withstand heavy use. The materials used are resistant to abrasion, impact, and the elements. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models is designed to withstand harsh conditions. Proper care will ensure that it remains a reliable piece of equipment for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The pouch itself does not come with many accessories, but it is designed to be compatible with the Safariland ELS system. This allows users to customize their gear setup by easily attaching and detaching the pouch from belts, vests, and other platforms.

It’s also worth noting that the tension screws themselves can be replaced, though this is usually unnecessary. The compatibility with the ELS system is the primary customization feature of the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models

Who Should Buy Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models?

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models is perfect for competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and tactical training enthusiasts who prioritize speed and reliability. Anyone who carries a Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, or Walther pistol and needs rapid access to spare magazines will benefit from this pouch.

This product might not be ideal for those who require a universal magazine pouch that can accommodate a wide range of magazine types. Shooters who prefer a fully enclosed pouch for added protection might also want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory is a Safariland ELS belt or mounting platform to fully utilize the pouch’s quick-attachment capabilities. Experimenting with different tension settings to find the optimal balance is also recommended.

Conclusion on Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models

The Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models is a well-designed, durable, and highly functional piece of gear that delivers on its promise of speed and reliability. The price of $49.99 is justified by the quality of construction and performance.

I would personally recommend this pouch to anyone who carries a compatible firearm and needs a reliable and efficient way to carry spare magazines. It’s a valuable investment for competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and anyone serious about tactical training.

If you’re looking to improve your reload times and enhance your gear setup, the Safariland 771 Open Front Magazine Pouch, Heckler – 1 out of 48 models is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your kit today and experience the Safariland difference!