First Thoughts on the Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black
The Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black is a seemingly simple piece of gear, but in the world of tactical equipment, simplicity often equates to reliability. Designed by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and military-grade holsters and accessories, this magazine pouch aims for discreet carry and quick access. It promises a low-profile solution for those who prioritize concealment.
My journey to this particular pouch started with a persistent issue: printing. Standard vertical magazine carriers, while functional, often created a noticeable bulge under my cover garment, especially when bending or sitting. I needed a solution that minimized this profile while still providing rapid access to a spare magazine. After years of relying on vertical carriers, the horizontal configuration seemed like an intriguing alternative.
Upon receiving the Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black, my initial impression was one of understated quality. The leather felt sturdy, though not overly thick, and the stitching appeared clean and even. It certainly lacked the tactical “bling” of some other options, favoring a more subdued and professional aesthetic. Compared to Kydex options, it immediately felt more comfortable against the body.
I was cross-shopping this magazine pouch against a similar horizontal carrier from Galco and a minimalist Kydex carrier from Blade-Tech. I chose the Safariland primarily due to Safariland’s reputation for durability and its readily available design that fit multiple Glock models. I was hoping for a good balance of retention and accessibility. My first impression was positive, but I reserved final judgment until I had a chance to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black at an outdoor shooting range during a practical pistol course. This provided a controlled environment to evaluate its performance under moderate stress. The weather was dry and mild, offering no immediate environmental challenges.
The pouch was surprisingly easy to use right out of the box. The hook-and-loop closure provided a secure hold, while the horizontal orientation allowed for a natural and intuitive draw stroke. I was able to acquire the magazine quickly and efficiently, without any fumbling or hesitation.
One minor issue arose during the rapid-fire drills. The hook-and-loop closure, while secure, required a conscious effort to re-secure after each reload. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it did add a fraction of a second to my reload time compared to open-top Kydex carriers.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including daily concealed carry and multiple training sessions, the Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black has held up remarkably well. The leather shows minimal signs of wear, and the stitching remains intact. There has been no degradation in the hook-and-loop closure’s effectiveness.
Maintenance has been incredibly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functional. Unlike some leather gear, it doesn’t seem to require frequent conditioning or special care.
Compared to my previous experience with vertical magazine carriers, the Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black offers a significant improvement in concealment. It sits flatter against the body, minimizing printing under a variety of clothing. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black
Specifications
The Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black is designed to carry a single Glock magazine in a horizontal position. It is constructed from plain black leather with a smooth finish. Its dimensions are approximately 6″ L x 1″ H x 1.75″ W.
The pouch is designed to fit Glock models 17, 19, 22, 23, 34, and 35. Attachment to the belt is achieved via a hook-and-loop system. The pouch features a hook-and-loop flap for magazine retention.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The horizontal orientation directly impacts concealment, while the leather construction influences comfort and durability. The secure hook-and-loop attachment is important for stability on the belt. The compatibility with multiple Glock models adds versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black performs its primary job admirably: securely carrying a spare magazine in a concealed manner. Its horizontal orientation makes it significantly less noticeable under clothing than traditional vertical carriers. The magazine retention is adequate, providing a balance between security and ease of access.
One strength is its low profile and comfortable design. A weakness is the reliance on hook-and-loop, which can be slower and louder than some alternatives. Overall, it largely meets expectations, especially for concealed carry.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black is simple and functional. The leather construction feels durable and comfortable. The hook-and-loop attachment is straightforward and secure.
It is quite user-friendly. The only learning curve involves mastering the draw stroke from the horizontal position.
Durability & Maintenance
The leather construction suggests good long-term durability. After several weeks of use, there are no signs of premature wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black is a relatively simple design and doesn’t offer extensive customization options. It can be paired with different belts to optimize concealment and stability. There are no integrated accessory mounts.
The holster should be compatible with magazines from other brands that are similar in size and dimension to Glock magazines. The hook-and-loop is a standard size to enable a secure fit.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black
Pros
- Exceptional Concealment: The horizontal design minimizes printing under clothing.
- Comfortable Wear: The leather construction is comfortable against the body.
- Durable Construction: The leather and stitching are of good quality and hold up well to daily use.
- Secure Retention: The hook-and-loop flap keeps the magazine securely in place.
- Multi-Fit Design: Compatible with multiple Glock models.
Cons
- Hook-and-Loop Closure:* Can be slower and louder than other retention methods.
- Limited Customization: Offers minimal accessory options.
Who Should Buy Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black?
The Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black is perfect for individuals prioritizing concealed carry, particularly those who carry Glocks and experience printing with traditional vertical magazine carriers. It is also well-suited for plainclothes law enforcement officers and security personnel who need a discreet and reliable magazine pouch. It’s a great option for those who want a more comfortable, less tactical looking magazine carry option.
This product isn’t ideal for competitive shooters or those who prioritize absolute speed in reloads. The hook-and-loop closure may not be fast enough for those applications. Also, those who prefer Kydex or polymer carriers may find the leather construction less appealing.
A sturdy belt designed for concealed carry is a must-have accessory to maximize the pouch’s stability and concealment.
Conclusion on Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black
The Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black is a well-designed and functional magazine pouch that excels in its primary role: providing discreet concealed carry. The price of $24.00 is justified by its quality construction, comfortable wear, and exceptional concealment capabilities. The leather construction adds a layer of comfort that Kydex often lacks.
I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone seeking a low-profile, comfortable, and reliable magazine carrier for their Glock. The Safariland Horizontal Single Fits Glock 17/19/22/23/34/35 Leather Black solves the problem of printing in a sleek and effective package. If concealment is your priority, this is the magazine pouch for you. Consider adding this Safariland product to your tactical gear for its comfort, concealability, and reliability.