Safariland 78 – Slimline Double Magazine Pouch Review

First Impressions of Safariland 78 – Slimline Double Magazine Pouch

The Safariland 78 – Slimline Double Magazine Pouch promises a sleek and efficient way to carry spare magazines on a duty belt. Safariland, a name synonymous with quality law enforcement and tactical gear, offers this pouch as a solution for those seeking a low-profile, easily accessible magazine carrier. I was intrigued by its slim design and the promise of both vertical and horizontal carry options, hoping it would address some discomfort issues I’ve had with bulkier pouches.

I’ve struggled for years to find a comfortable and reliable double magazine pouch. Many options on the market either print too much, feel bulky against my side, or have retention issues. The promise of a slim profile and adjustable tension drew me to the Safariland 78.

Upon unboxing, the Safariland 78 immediately impressed me with its clean lines and seemingly robust construction. The SafariLaminate material felt durable, and the overall design appeared well-thought-out, though the black snap closure seemed a bit dated. Compared to my older, bulkier nylon pouches from Uncle Mike’s, the Safariland 78 looked significantly more streamlined. It also seemed more durable than a cheaper, no-name Kydex pouch I had experimented with. I hoped this would be the solution I was looking for.

I was definitely excited to try it out, cautiously optimistic that it could solve my comfort and accessibility issues. I was eager to see if it lived up to the Safariland name and provided the reliability and performance I needed.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 78 – Slimline Double Magazine Pouch to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Safariland 78 at my local shooting range during a training session focused on rapid reloads. I configured it in the vertical position on my 2.25-inch duty belt, as I typically prefer that orientation. The pouch performed well initially, allowing for quick and relatively smooth magazine draws.

The tension adjustment screw proved useful, allowing me to fine-tune the retention to my preference. However, I noticed that under rapid movement and simulated stress, the magazines occasionally felt a bit loose.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Safariland 78 has held up reasonably well, but a few concerns have surfaced. The SafariLaminate shows minimal signs of wear, but the snap closure feels like the weakest point, sometimes requiring extra effort to secure. The pouch has retained its shape and continues to offer acceptable retention, although not as rock-solid as some Kydex options.

Cleaning is relatively simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth. While it outperforms my older nylon pouches in terms of profile and retention adjustability, it doesn’t quite match the secure feel of higher-end Kydex carriers.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 78 – Slimline Double Magazine Pouch

Specifications

The Safariland 78 – Slimline Double Magazine Pouch is designed to hold two double-stack pistol magazines. It is constructed from rugged SafariLaminate and features both vertical and horizontal belt slots to accommodate 2.25-inch duty belts. A magazine tension screw allows for adjustable retention.

The pouch comes in black with an STX Tactical finish and utilizes a black snap closure. It is specified for use with Glock 19 magazines, although it can accommodate other similar-sized magazines. The dimensions and weight are optimized for a slim, low-profile carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 78 performs its primary function—holding and providing access to spare magazines—adequately. The adjustable tension screw is a key feature, allowing users to customize the draw resistance. However, the snap closure can be a bit cumbersome compared to open-top designs, especially under pressure.

The pouch’s main strength lies in its slim profile, which minimizes printing and maximizes comfort. The snap closure and the tensioning screw are the weaknesses of the design. Overall, it meets basic expectations but doesn’t necessarily exceed them in terms of speed and security.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 78 boasts a practical, no-frills design. The SafariLaminate provides a durable exterior, while the slim profile ensures a comfortable fit on the duty belt. The pouch’s weight is negligible, contributing to overall comfort.

The vertical and horizontal carry options add versatility. The learning curve is minimal, as the pouch operates in a straightforward manner. However, the snap closure requires slightly more dexterity than open-top designs.

Durability & Maintenance

The SafariLaminate construction suggests reasonable durability. However, the snap closure is a potential point of failure. Regular cleaning involves wiping down the pouch with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.

The Safariland 78 appears to be a relatively low-maintenance piece of gear. Given the simple design, repairs are unlikely to be necessary unless the snap closure fails.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 78 itself doesn’t come with any included accessories. The primary customization option is the adjustable tension screw, which allows users to tailor the retention to their preference. While there aren’t specific aftermarket accessories designed for this particular pouch, its compatibility with standard 2.25-inch duty belts means it can be used with various belt keepers and other belt-mounted accessories.

The lack of extensive customization options is a trade-off for its simplicity and slim design. Those seeking greater customization may want to consider modular MOLLE-compatible pouches.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 78 – Slimline Double Magazine Pouch