First Impressions of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks is designed for the professional user needing to carry both rifle and pistol magazines in a streamlined, accessible package. This “kangaroo” style combo mag carrier promises a minimal footprint while maximizing load-bearing capacity. It addresses the perennial issue of real estate on duty belts and tactical vests, where space is always at a premium.
I’ve always struggled with balancing the need for adequate ammunition carriage with maintaining a slim profile. Standard double pistol mag pouches and separate rifle mag pouches create bulk that impacts movement and comfort. My search led me to this Zero9 Holsters product seeking a more efficient, consolidated solution.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the robust construction and the no-nonsense plain black finish. The materials felt durable, and the MOLLE Loks seemed solid. It appeared well-made and ready for hard use.
Compared to similar setups I’ve used from Blackhawk and HSGI, this Zero9 combo carrier stood out for its simplicity and integrated design. The Blackhawk pouches were bulkier, and the HSGI required more MOLLE channels to mount. I chose the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks due to its advertised minimal footprint and reputation for quality.
Initially, I was excited by the potential space savings, but also a little skeptical about whether it could truly provide secure retention for both magazine types. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping it could live up to the promise of streamlined functionality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks at a local shooting range during a training session. I incorporated it into my tactical vest setup for drills involving transitions between pistol and rifle. The training conditions were relatively dry and mild, allowing for optimal handling.
The Zero9 performed well initially. Drawing pistol magazines was smooth and consistent, and the AR magazine was easily accessible. I found the retention tight enough to keep the magazines secure during movement, but not so tight as to impede rapid reloads.
After the first hour of drills, I noticed the MOLLE attachment points were starting to loosen slightly. This required some tightening and readjustment to maintain a secure fit on my vest.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use in different training scenarios, the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks has generally held up well. I used it during force-on-force training, high-speed drills, and even a brief stint in light rain. It continued to provide reliable magazine retention and accessibility.
Durability has been decent, although I’ve noticed some minor scuffing on the kydex material from repeated magazine insertions and extractions. The MOLLE Loks have required periodic tightening. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth has been sufficient for maintenance.
Compared to my previous experience with nylon magazine pouches, the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks offers superior retention and faster access due to the rigid kydex construction. However, the nylon pouches were more forgiving in terms of accommodating different magazine types and sizes. The Zero9 is very caliber specific (.40 and AR magazines).
Breaking Down the Features of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks
Specifications
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks features a MOLLE attachment system for versatile mounting on vests, belts, and other gear. It is specifically designed to hold standard AR magazines (PMAG, GI, etc.) and other 9/40 pistol magazines (M&P, Sig, XD, etc.). The color is plain black, which provides a low-profile, professional look.
The holster’s “kangaroo” style design allows for carrying two pistol magazines and one AR magazine using only two MOLLE channels. This minimizes the footprint on the mounting platform. The holster is made from durable kydex material for enhanced retention and longevity.
The .40 Special caliber specification refers to the size of the pistol magazine pouch designed to fit .40 caliber and 9mm magazines, catering to popular law enforcement and military sidearms. This specification is important because it ensures a snug and secure fit for the intended magazines, preventing slippage or accidental ejection during movement. The MOLLE fastener/closure type ensures compatibility with a wide range of tactical gear.
Performance & Functionality
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks performs its job admirably, providing rapid access to both rifle and pistol magazines in a consolidated package. Magazine retention is secure, preventing accidental drops. The kydex construction allows for smooth and consistent draws.
A significant strength is its space-saving design, allowing for a less cluttered and more streamlined gear setup. The biggest weakness is the inflexibility in accommodating magazines outside of the specified dimensions. I did find that the MOLLE Loks required periodic tightening, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Overall, the Zero9 meets my expectations for a slim, reliable magazine carrier, although the need for occasional adjustments prevents it from completely exceeding them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks boasts a functional and practical design. The kydex material is molded precisely to fit the specified magazines. The holster is lightweight and doesn’t add excessive bulk to the user’s gear.
The design is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve required. Attaching and removing the magazines is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its kydex construction, the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks should provide a reasonable lifespan under normal usage conditions. The kydex is resistant to wear and tear. The MOLLE Loks are a potential point of failure.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Repair is limited to replacing the MOLLE Loks if they break or become excessively worn.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks comes with the necessary MOLLE Loks for attachment. There are limited customization options available. The plain black color is standard.
The holster is compatible with most MOLLE-compatible vests, belts, and platforms. There is no specific compatibility issues reported with popular accessory brands.
Pros and Cons of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks
Pros
- Space-saving design: Consolidates rifle and pistol magazine carriage for a minimal footprint.
- Secure retention: Kydex construction ensures magazines stay in place during movement.
- Rapid access: Allows for quick and consistent magazine draws.
- Durable construction: Kydex material is resistant to wear and tear.
- Easy to use: Straightforward and intuitive design.
Cons
- Limited magazine compatibility: Designed specifically for standard AR and .40/9mm magazines.
- MOLLE Loks require periodic tightening: Can loosen over time, requiring readjustment.
Who Should Buy Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks?
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and tactical shooters who need to carry both rifle and pistol magazines in a streamlined, accessible manner. It is especially beneficial for those working in confined spaces or needing to minimize bulk on their gear. Its simple design also makes it a good choice for responsible armed citizens who train regularly and want an efficient way to carry spare magazines at the range.
Those who should skip this product are individuals using non-standard magazine types or needing a more flexible, adaptable magazine carrier. If you prefer a nylon pouch system that can accommodate a wider variety of magazines, this product may not be the best fit.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality MOLLE compatible platform or belt to ensure a stable and secure mounting surface.
Conclusion on Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks offers a practical and efficient solution for carrying both rifle and pistol magazines in a streamlined package. Its space-saving design, secure retention, and rapid access make it a valuable addition to any tactical gear setup. While it has some limitations in terms of magazine compatibility and MOLLE Lok maintenance, its overall performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
The price of $70.95 is justified considering the quality of materials and the functionality it provides. It sits competitively within the market for kydex magazine carriers.
I would personally recommend the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Plain Black / Molle Loks to anyone seeking a compact and reliable magazine carrying solution. It delivers on its promise of minimizing bulk while maximizing accessibility, making it a valuable asset in any tactical scenario. If you are looking to streamline your gear and carry your magazines efficiently, give the Zero9 a try – you won’t be disappointed.