First Impressions of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok
In the dynamic world of tactical gear, efficiency and adaptability reign supreme. The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok enters the scene as a potential game-changer for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Promising a streamlined approach to carrying both pistol and rifle magazines, this combo rig offers a unique “kangaroo” style configuration that piqued my interest immediately. I’ve spent years juggling multiple pouches, always searching for that perfect balance of capacity and compactness.
I was specifically looking for a low-profile setup that wouldn’t weigh me down or snag on obstacles. This combo system offered a potential solution. Upon receiving the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok, my initial impression was positive. The Ranger Green color is a tactical classic, and the Tek-lok attachment looked robust.
Compared to running separate pistol and rifle magazine pouches (such as the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed pouches or the HSGI TACOs), the Zero9 Holsters combo offered the promise of a reduced footprint. The build quality appeared solid, but the real test would be in the field. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this would be the streamlined solution I’d been searching for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok was at an outdoor shooting range. I set up a course of fire involving pistol transitions and rifle drills to simulate a dynamic tactical scenario. The weather was dry and mild, offering ideal conditions for testing. I was using a Glock 19 (9mm) and a standard AR-15 with PMAGs.
Initially, retrieving the AR magazine felt a bit awkward due to the “kangaroo” pouch design. However, with a few repetitions, I quickly adapted to the draw stroke. The pistol magazines were easily accessible, and the overall system felt secure during movement. I did notice that re-indexing the AR mag, particularly under pressure, was slower than with a dedicated rifle mag pouch.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok has proven to be fairly durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear despite repeated draws and re-holstering. The stitching remains intact, and the Tek-lok attachment shows no signs of loosening. I’ve used it in both dry and light rain conditions; the material doesn’t seem to absorb much water.
Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and grime. While the reduced footprint is a definite advantage, the slightly slower AR mag reloads compared to dedicated pouches are a compromise to consider. In comparison to my previous setup with separate pouches, the Zero9 Holsters combo is definitely more streamlined but requires more practice for fast reloads.
Breaking Down the Features of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Zero9 Holsters is known for its duty-grade, law enforcement-focused gear. Their reputation for durability and reliability is generally positive.
- Color: Ranger Green offers excellent camouflage in a variety of environments. It is a standard color for tactical gear.
- Caliber: Designed for “Other 9/40” pistols (M&P, Sig, XD, etc.), this combo is versatile. It also accommodates standard AR magazines (PMAG, GI, etc.).
- Configuration: Duty-style double pistol mag case with an attached AR mag case (“kangaroo” style). This design minimizes belt space.
- Attachment: Tek-lok offers secure and adjustable belt attachment. The Tek-lok system allows for easy on and off without removing the belt.
- Material: While the specific material isn’t listed, Zero9 Holsters typically uses durable, high-strength nylon or similar synthetic fabrics. This material is chosen for its resistance to abrasion, tearing, and weather.
Performance & Functionality
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok performs its core function of carrying pistol and rifle magazines effectively. The pistol magazines are easily accessible for quick reloads. The “kangaroo” style AR mag pouch offers a slimmer profile but requires more deliberate action for reloads.
The main strength is its compact design, minimizing bulk on the belt. A weakness is the AR mag reload speed compared to dedicated pouches. It meets expectations for a streamlined, low-profile carry solution, though not necessarily for optimal speed.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality appears solid, with reinforced stitching at stress points. The weight is reasonable, especially considering the capacity. The Tek-lok attachment allows for comfortable positioning on the belt.
The design is user-friendly, though mastering the AR magazine draw from the “kangaroo” pouch requires practice. There’s a slight learning curve to optimize reloads.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the materials and construction, the Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok should last for several years with regular use. The durable nylon and reinforced stitching contribute to longevity.
Maintenance is minimal; simple cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. The design is straightforward, making repairs unlikely to be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
This combo rig doesn’t come with many accessories beyond the Tek-lok attachment. However, the modularity of the Tek-lok system allows for attachment to MOLLE platforms.
It’s compatible with most standard double-stack 9mm/.40 pistol magazines and AR-15 magazines. There aren’t specific brand accessories for this item, but the Tek-lok system can be adapted to various belt widths.
Pros and Cons of Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok
Pros
- Compact Design: The “kangaroo” style allows for carrying both pistol and rifle magazines with a minimal footprint.
- Durable Construction: The reinforced stitching and durable materials ensure long-term reliability.
- Versatile Compatibility: It fits most common 9mm/.40 pistol magazines and AR-15 magazines.
- Secure Attachment: The Tek-lok system provides a stable and adjustable attachment to the belt.
- Tactical Color: The Ranger Green color offers excellent camouflage in various environments.
Cons
- Slower AR Magazine Reloads: The “kangaroo” style pouch can be slower for AR mag reloads compared to dedicated pouches.
- Limited Customization: There are few customization options beyond adjusting the Tek-lok position.
Who Should Buy Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok?
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok is perfect for law enforcement officers, tactical trainers, and competitive shooters who prioritize a streamlined, low-profile gear setup. It’s also well-suited for airsoft players and paintball enthusiasts who want a realistic and functional magazine carry system. Anyone needing to carry both a pistol and rifle magazine while minimizing belt space will benefit.
Those who prioritize the absolute fastest AR magazine reloads should skip this product and opt for dedicated rifle magazine pouches. Also, individuals with particularly large or oddly shaped pistol magazines might find the fit less ideal.
A must-have modification would be experimenting with different tension adjustments on the AR mag pouch to optimize the draw stroke.
Conclusion on Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok
The Zero9 Holsters Zero9 Rifle/pistol Combo / Other 9/40 / Ranger Green / Tek-lok offers a compelling solution for those seeking to minimize their gear footprint without sacrificing essential magazine capacity. Its durable construction, versatile compatibility, and secure Tek-lok attachment make it a reliable choice for tactical applications. The trade-off for the compact design is a slightly slower AR magazine reload, a factor to consider based on individual needs and priorities.
At $74.59, the price is justified given the quality of materials and the unique combo design. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a streamlined and efficient magazine carry system, understanding the compromise on AR mag reload speed. If you value compactness and are willing to practice your reloads, the Zero9 Holsters combo is a worthwhile investment. Consider it – streamline your kit, reduce your profile, and stay prepared.