Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch

The Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch is designed for speed and efficiency, catering specifically to the needs of competitive shooters. This pouch, manufactured by Safariland, promises quick magazine access and secure retention, a critical combination when fractions of a second can determine the outcome of a match. What sets this pouch apart is its open-top design coupled with the Safariland‘s renowned build quality, suggesting a reliable and durable piece of gear ready for the rigors of competition.

I was constantly fumbling with my old, bulky magazine pouches during local USPSA matches. I needed a pouch that offered both speed and security, without hindering my movement or weighing me down.

Upon unboxing the Safariland 773, I was immediately impressed by the sleek design and the rigidity of the STX Basket Weave material. It felt lightweight yet robust, a testament to Safariland‘s commitment to quality.

While I considered the Blade-Tech Revolution magazine pouch and the Comp-Tac International magazine pouch, I ultimately chose the Safariland 773 for its open-top design and reputation for speed. The Blade-Tech seemed a bit too bulky, and the Comp-Tac didn’t quite offer the same level of retention I was looking for.

My initial impression was one of excitement. The Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch seemed to be the perfect blend of speed, security, and durability, promising to shave valuable seconds off my reload times.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch at a local USPSA match, setting up various stages to simulate real-world shooting scenarios. The pouch performed admirably in dry, sunny conditions, allowing for swift and seamless magazine changes.

The open-top design truly shined, offering an unobstructed grip on the magazine. It took very little time to adjust to the draw angle and retention pressure, thanks to the pouch’s intuitive design.

However, after a few runs, I noticed the magazines would occasionally bind ever so slightly while reindexing. This was likely due to the tight tolerances and brand-new material.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. The pouch has conformed nicely to the shape of the magazines, resulting in an even smoother draw.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the STX Basket Weave material, even after being subjected to repeated drills and movement. Maintenance has been a breeze, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime.

Compared to my previous magazine pouches, the Safariland 773 significantly outperforms them in terms of speed and accessibility. The Safariland 773 is the preferred choice in my book.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch

Specifications

• The Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch is specifically designed to fit Glock 20, 21, 29, and 30 magazines. This ensures a snug and secure fit for these popular pistol platforms.
• The pouch is constructed from durable STX Basket Weave material. This provides a rigid yet lightweight platform for quick and reliable magazine access.
• Designed for left-handed shooters, the Safariland 773 offers ergonomic placement for easy access to magazines. This caterers to a specific user group who require the correct orientation for efficient reloading.
• It accommodates a 2.25″ belt loop. This works with most competition belts, making it easy to integrate into existing gear setups.

These specifications are crucial for competitive shooters who require a pouch that is specifically designed for their firearm, offers rapid access, and integrates seamlessly with their existing equipment. The 2.25″ belt loop is a competition standard.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch excels at its primary function: providing quick and reliable access to magazines during competition. The open-top design allows for a full grip on the magazine, enabling swift and efficient reloads.

The pouch is secure enough to keep the magazine in place during dynamic movement. The Safariland 773 has some strong durability.

However, the tight tolerances can occasionally cause magazines to bind slightly during the initial break-in period. A smoother, more forgiving material on the interior could enhance the experience.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 773 boasts a streamlined and functional design. The STX Basket Weave material provides a rigid yet lightweight platform, while the open-top configuration ensures easy access to magazines.

The pouch is comfortable to wear and doesn’t hinder movement during dynamic stages. The learning curve is minimal, allowing shooters to quickly adapt to the draw angle and retention pressure.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch is built to last. The STX Basket Weave material is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long service life.

Maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. This keeps the pouch functioning optimally.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 773 itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, focusing primarily on its core function of magazine retention and accessibility. However, its compatibility with standard 2.25″ competition belts allows for seamless integration with a wide range of existing gear setups.

While not strictly an “accessory,” adjusting the retention screw (if equipped on similar models; the product description doesn’t specify) can fine-tune the draw tension to individual preferences. Aftermarket belt attachments could allow for different carry angles.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch

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Who Should Buy Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch?

The Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch is perfect for left-handed competitive shooters using Glock 20, 21, 29, or 30 pistols who prioritize speed and efficiency in their reloads. It’s also a great choice for law enforcement or military personnel who need quick access to spare magazines.

Right-handed shooters or those using different pistol platforms should skip this product. Those who prefer adjustable retention or fully enclosed magazine pouches may also want to consider alternative options.

A high-quality competition belt is a must-have accessory to ensure secure and stable placement of the Safariland 773. A quality belt adds durability.

Conclusion on Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch

The Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch is a well-designed and durable piece of gear that delivers on its promise of speed and reliability for left-handed Glock users. While the initial binding issue and left-hand-only design may be drawbacks for some, the overall performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for serious competitive shooters.

At $37.34, the price is justified by the Safariland 773‘s quality construction, competition-focused design, and tangible performance benefits. This is a great value.

I would personally recommend the Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch to any left-handed competitive shooter looking to shave valuable seconds off their reload times. Upgrade your competition rig with the Safariland 773 Competition Open Top Magazine Pouch and experience the difference for yourself.