Let’s Dive into Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps
The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps is a seemingly simple piece of gear, but in the world of tactical and duty equipment, simplicity often equates to reliability. Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in law enforcement and military circles, offers this magazine pouch as a solution for those who need quick access to spare ammunition without sacrificing security. Its design focuses on speed and ease of use, making it a compelling option for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike.
I was looking for a low-profile, yet secure, magazine carrier that wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk to my duty belt. Many flap-covered pouches are slow to access, and open-top designs often lack sufficient retention. The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps seemed like a potential middle ground, offering a blend of speed and security.
My initial impression upon receiving the pouch was positive; it felt solid and well-constructed. The materials appeared durable, and the overall design was clean and functional. Compared to some of the more elaborate magazine pouches I’ve used, its minimalist approach was refreshing. I was choosing between this Safariland offering, a similar model from Blade-Tech, and a kydex pouch from a smaller custom shop. I opted for the Safariland due to its reputation for durability and its compatibility with Safariland’s existing belt attachment systems.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve used Safariland products before and generally been pleased, but I was eager to see if this particular pouch lived up to the hype. I was hoping for a fast, reliable, and durable solution for carrying extra magazines.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps was at the shooting range during a law enforcement training exercise. We were running drills that involved rapid magazine changes under simulated stress. The pouch performed admirably, allowing me to quickly and smoothly draw magazines without fumbling. It was a noticeable improvement over the flap-covered pouches I was previously using.
I tested it in relatively dry conditions that day. A few weeks later, I subjected it to a light rain during an outdoor training session. Even with slightly wet magazines, the retention remained secure, and the draw was still smooth. There were no malfunctions or issues during either session.
The pouch was surprisingly intuitive to use. The tension adjustment screw allowed me to fine-tune the retention to my preference, and I quickly developed a consistent draw stroke.
There were no significant issues, but I did notice that the magazines sat quite deep in the pouch initially, requiring a slightly more deliberate grip to ensure a clean draw. After some use and tension adjustment, this became less of an issue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even with daily use on my duty belt. The polymer construction has held up well, and the tension adjustment screw remains secure.
I’ve noticed only minor cosmetic scuffs, which are to be expected with any duty gear. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to some of the cheaper magazine pouches I’ve used in the past, the Safariland offers a significant improvement in durability and reliability. It consistently provides a secure and smooth draw, even after extended use. The retention hasn’t loosened noticeably over time, which is a common problem with some other open-top designs.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps
Specifications
The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps is designed to hold two pistol magazines, typically 9mm, .40 caliber, or .45 ACP, depending on the specific model. While Safariland doesn’t provide exact weight specifications in the available product details, the polymer construction ensures it remains lightweight and doesn’t add significant bulk to your belt. The absence of flaps contributes to a streamlined profile.
The pouch utilizes an adjustable tension device, allowing the user to customize the retention level to their preference. This is a crucial feature, as it ensures a secure fit for various magazine types and prevents accidental magazine loss while allowing for a smooth, fast draw. The polymer material is impact-resistant and designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps excels at its primary function: securely holding and providing quick access to spare magazines. The adjustable tension allows for a customized draw, balancing security with speed.
The main strength is undoubtedly the speed and ease of access. The absence of flaps eliminates a step in the reloading process, allowing for faster magazine changes. A potential weakness is that, without flaps, magazines are more exposed to the elements. This might be a concern in extremely dusty or muddy environments, but it hasn’t been a significant issue in my experience.
The pouch meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty-grade magazine carrier. It provides a secure and reliable platform for carrying spare ammunition, without sacrificing speed or ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps features a simple, functional design. The polymer construction is durable yet lightweight, and the contoured shape allows it to sit comfortably on the belt.
The pouch is very user-friendly. The tension adjustment is straightforward, and the absence of flaps eliminates any learning curve. The magazines are readily accessible, and the draw stroke is natural and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
Given Safariland’s reputation, the Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps should last for years with proper care. The polymer construction is resistant to impacts, abrasions, and chemicals.
Maintenance is minimal. As mentioned earlier, a simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the pouch clean and functional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps is designed to be compatible with Safariland’s various belt attachment systems, including the popular ELS and QLS platforms. This allows for easy integration with existing duty belts and gear setups.
While the pouch itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the adjustable tension allows for a degree of personalization. Also, because it uses Safariland attachments, you can easily change how it connects to your belt to optimize location and access.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps
Pros
- Extremely fast magazine access due to the flapless design.
- Adjustable tension provides a secure fit for various magazine types.
- Durable polymer construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Lightweight and low-profile design minimizes bulk on the belt.
- Compatible with Safariland belt attachment systems for easy integration.
Cons
- Magazines are more exposed to the elements without flaps.
- Some users may find the initial magazine depth requires a deliberate grip.
Who Should Buy Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps?
The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and competitive shooters who require rapid access to spare magazines. It’s also a good option for anyone who wants a durable and reliable magazine carrier for training or personal defense.
This pouch might not be ideal for those who frequently operate in extremely dusty or muddy environments, as the absence of flaps leaves magazines more exposed. It may also not be the best choice for those who prefer the added security of a flap-covered pouch, even if it means sacrificing some speed.
A must-have accessory is a quality duty belt that is compatible with Safariland attachment systems. Experiment with cant and position to find the best configuration for your body type and preferred draw stroke.
Conclusion on Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps
The Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps is a well-designed and durable magazine pouch that delivers on its promise of speed and reliability. It’s a simple, yet effective, solution for carrying spare magazines in demanding environments.
At a price of $47.99, the pouch represents a solid value, especially considering Safariland’s reputation for quality and durability. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who relies on their gear to perform consistently under pressure.
I would absolutely recommend the Safariland Double Duty Mag W/o Flaps to anyone looking for a fast, reliable, and durable magazine carrier. It’s a solid piece of gear that will likely serve you well for years to come. If you’re tired of fumbling with flaps or worrying about magazine retention, give this pouch a try. You won’t be disappointed.