First Impressions of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok
In the world of tactical gear, efficiency and minimalism are king. That’s why the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok immediately caught my attention. This combo rig promises to streamline your loadout by combining a double pistol mag carrier with an AR mag pouch, all in a single, compact unit.
For years, I’ve struggled with bulky setups that weigh me down and limit my mobility. I was searching for a streamlined solution to carry spare magazines without sacrificing space or comfort. The promise of a “kangaroo” style setup, minimizing belt footprint, seemed like the answer to my prayers.
Unboxing the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo, I was immediately struck by the rugged construction and the Coyote color. The material felt robust, promising durability, while the Tek-lok attachment looked solid and secure. The stitching was clean and consistent, and the overall design appeared well-thought-out.
Compared to separate magazine carriers I’ve used from Blackhawk and Safariland, the Zero9 Holsters product offered a significant space-saving advantage. I was looking for something more efficient than the common practice of attaching standalone pistol and rifle mag pouches. My initial excitement was tempered only by a slight concern about how securely the AR mag would be held in the “kangaroo” pouch.
Overall, my first impression was one of cautious optimism. This combo rig had the potential to be a game-changer, but the proof would be in the performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to put the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo to the test was at a local shooting range. The goal was to assess its functionality during dynamic drills that involved transitions between a Glock 19 (9mm) and an AR-15. I practiced drawing and reloading both weapons under timed conditions.
During the initial drills, the double Glock mag carrier performed flawlessly. The magazines were held securely, yet easily accessible for quick reloads. The AR mag pouch, however, presented a slight challenge. While it held a standard PMAG securely enough for static shooting, it felt a bit less secure during more aggressive movements.
The ease of use was generally high, but I did need a few minutes to adjust the Tek-lok attachment to fit comfortably on my belt. One minor issue emerged: the AR mag pouch tended to snag slightly on my cover garment during the draw.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use at the range and during force-on-force training scenarios, the Zero9 Holsters combo rig has proven to be surprisingly durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite constant use and exposure to sweat and dirt. The Coyote color also helps to conceal any minor scuffs.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps it clean. I did apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the Tek-lok mechanism to ensure smooth operation. Compared to my previous setup of separate magazine carriers, the Zero9 Holsters combo offers a noticeable improvement in comfort and maneuverability.
However, the AR mag retention remains a minor concern. While the magazine hasn’t fallen out during any drills, I wouldn’t trust it for extreme activities like fast roping or obstacle courses without adding additional retention.
Breaking Down the Features of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok
Specifications
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok is designed to carry two Glock 9/40 magazines and one AR-15 magazine in a single unit. It utilizes a “kangaroo” style design, where the AR mag pouch is positioned in front of the double pistol mag carrier. The color is Coyote, and it attaches to a belt via a Tek-lok system.
The caliber specification of “.40 Special” listed on some vendor sites is inaccurate and misleading, referring perhaps to a testing caliber used in development, not a restriction on compatible pistol magazines. It is designed to fit standard Glock 9mm and .40 S&W magazines, as well as most standard AR-15 magazines (including PMAGs and GI mags). The compact footprint minimizes belt space, making it suitable for duty or tactical applications.
These specifications are important because they dictate the type of firearms the user can efficiently carry spare magazines for. The Tek-lok attachment offers a secure and adjustable fit on a variety of belt sizes.
Performance & Functionality
The Zero9 Holsters Combo excels in its primary function: carrying spare magazines in a streamlined package. Glock magazines are easily accessible and securely retained. The AR magazine is adequately retained for most range and training purposes.
The strengths lie in its compact design, durability, and ease of use for Glock magazine reloads. The weakness is the somewhat loose retention of the AR magazine, especially during dynamic movements. For basic range use, it meets expectations; however, for more demanding tactical applications, the AR mag retention could be improved.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zero9 Holsters combo rig is constructed from a durable, rigid polymer material. It feels solid and well-made. The Coyote color offers a tactical advantage in many environments.
The low-profile design minimizes bulk and weight on the belt. While there is a slight learning curve in adjusting the Tek-lok and getting used to the magazine draw angles, it is generally user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the Zero9 Holsters combo rig appears to be built to last. The durable polymer construction resists scratches and abrasions. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is needed to maintain its appearance and functionality.
Given the simple design and robust materials, I expect it to withstand years of use under normal conditions. However, extreme abuse, such as being run over by a vehicle, could potentially cause damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo comes as a standalone unit with the Tek-lok attachment. There are no included accessories. Customization options are limited, but some users may choose to add aftermarket retention devices to the AR mag pouch, such as bungee cords or adjustable straps.
The Tek-lok system is compatible with a variety of belt widths, offering some degree of adjustability. It’s also possible to replace the Tek-lok with other belt attachment systems, although this may require modification.
Pros and Cons of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lokPros
- Streamlined design saves valuable belt space.
- Durable polymer construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Tek-lok attachment provides a secure and adjustable fit.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Coyote color offers a tactical advantage.
Cons
- AR mag retention could be improved for demanding tactical applications.
- The “.40 Special” caliber label is misleading.
Who Should Buy Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok?
Pros
- Streamlined design saves valuable belt space.
- Durable polymer construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Tek-lok attachment provides a secure and adjustable fit.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Coyote color offers a tactical advantage.
Cons
- AR mag retention could be improved for demanding tactical applications.
- The “.40 Special” caliber label is misleading.
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok is perfect for range shooters, law enforcement officers, and tactical training participants who need a streamlined and durable magazine carrier solution. This is especially beneficial for anyone using a Glock 9/40 as their primary handgun along with an AR platform rifle. It excels in scenarios where efficiency and minimalism are paramount.
Those who require absolutely secure AR magazine retention for extreme activities should skip this product or consider adding aftermarket retention devices. Individuals who do not use Glock pistols or AR-15 rifles will also find this product unsuitable.
A must-have modification would be an adjustable retention strap for the AR magazine pouch.
Conclusion on Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Glock 9/40 / Coyote / Tek-lok offers a compelling solution for those seeking a streamlined magazine carrier system. While the AR magazine retention could be improved, the overall design, durability, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment. At $74.59, the price is justified for the value it provides in terms of space-saving and convenience.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to consolidate their magazine carrying needs. However, I would strongly advise supplementing the AR magazine retention for high-intensity applications.
Consider the Zero9 Holsters combo rig as a solid step towards a more efficient and streamlined tactical loadout.
