Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For Review

After the Test: My Review of Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For

As someone who’s spent over a decade navigating the demanding realities of outdoor adventures, workshop projects, laboratory experiments, and rugged field deployments, I’ve developed a keen eye for equipment that truly performs. The Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For Glock 20/21, with its distinctive basket weave finish, promised a blend of accessibility and security for carrying spare magazines. My need for a reliable, quickly accessible way to carry spare magazines for my duty weapon, specifically for my Glock 20 and 21, led me to explore this particular offering from Safariland. After years of relying on more traditional flap-covered pouches, the appeal of an open-top design for rapid reloads was undeniable. My initial impression upon unboxing was of a robust, well-constructed piece of gear; the basket weave pattern, while aesthetically pleasing, felt like it would add a layer of texture and grip. I had briefly considered other brands known for their tactical gear, but Safariland’s reputation for durability in professional circles tipped the scales. My immediate reaction was one of quiet satisfaction, a feeling that this might just be the dependable solution I’d been seeking.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place on the range, during extended training sessions, and as part of my daily carry loadout when transitioning between secure locations. I deliberately exposed the pouch to various conditions, including dusty ranges, the occasional light rain, and varying ambient temperatures, to see how it would hold up. From the moment I attached it to my duty belt, the ease of use was apparent; the magazines slid in and out with a satisfyingly secure friction fit, requiring minimal effort for a smooth draw. The open-top design allowed for incredibly fast access, a stark contrast to the deliberate unfastening required by flap-style pouches, and there were no immediate issues or unexpected quirks.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For continues to impress with its resilience. It has seen countless reloads, been snagged on doorways, and been subjected to the general abuse that comes with being part of a professional’s everyday equipment. Despite this rigorous use, there are no signs of significant wear and tear; the basket weave finish remains largely intact, and the internal grip on the magazines has not loosened. Cleaning is a simple matter of wiping it down with a damp cloth and allowing it to air dry, which is a refreshing change from more complex maintenance routines. Compared to some of the cheaper, generic magazine pouches I’ve used in the past, which often develop loose stitching or a stretched-out magazine retention after just a few months, this Safariland pouch is a clear step up in terms of longevity and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For

Specifications

The Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For is specifically designed to accommodate magazines for the Glock 20 and Glock 21 pistols. It features an open-top design, allowing for rapid access to spare magazines without the need to release a flap or strap. The pouch is constructed from a durable, injection-molded polymer, ensuring a robust and long-lasting product. Its distinctive basket weave finish offers both a tactical aesthetic and an improved grip surface, which is particularly helpful when drawing under pressure. The dual magazine capacity means it carries two spare magazines, effectively doubling your immediate ammunition availability. The pouch attaches via a Safariland belt loop system, designed to securely fasten to a standard duty belt, ensuring it stays put even during strenuous activity.

This double magazine pouch is engineered for a precise fit, meaning that the Glock 20/21 magazines nestle snugly within, providing excellent retention without being overly difficult to draw. The injection-molded polymer construction is a significant advantage, offering superior resistance to impact and environmental factors compared to softer nylon or fabric pouches. This ensures that the pouch maintains its shape and the magazines remain securely held, even after repeated use or exposure to the elements. Unlike generic pouches that might offer a looser fit for a wider range of magazines, the targeted design for Glock 20/21 magazines ensures optimal retention and access.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For excels at providing fast and secure access to spare magazines. The friction-fit retention is spot-on; magazines are held firmly enough to prevent accidental dislodging during dynamic movement, yet they can be drawn smoothly and quickly when needed. During high-stress drills, the ability to grasp and draw a fresh magazine without fumbling was a significant advantage. Its core job is to hold two magazines reliably and make them accessible, and it achieves this with remarkable efficiency.

The main strength of this pouch lies in its unimpeded access design. When seconds count, the open-top nature is invaluable, allowing for a fluid transition from an empty magazine to a full one. However, this design also means that in extreme environments with heavy dust or debris, there’s a slightly increased chance of foreign material entering the pouch compared to a fully enclosed design. Despite this, for its intended purpose of rapid deployment, its performance is exceptional, easily meeting and often exceeding expectations for a duty-grade accessory.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For is immediately apparent. The injection-molded polymer feels solid and durable, with a precise finish that speaks to quality manufacturing. The basket weave pattern isn’t just for looks; it provides a subtle texture that enhances grip, both for securing the pouch on a belt and for drawing the magazines. Its slim profile means it doesn’t add excessive bulk to the duty belt, contributing to overall comfort during extended wear.

Ergonomically, the pouch is designed for function. The angled orientation of the magazines, coupled with the open top, allows for a natural drawing motion. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s intuitive from the moment you attach it. The retention is achieved through the molded shape of the polymer, which cradles the magazines perfectly without requiring any additional tension screws or straps. This minimalist approach to design enhances its usability and reliability.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its polymer construction and robust design, the Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For is built for longevity. Under normal duty use, I expect this pouch to last for many years, potentially outlasting the firearms it serves. The injection-molded polymer is highly resistant to cracking or breaking, even when subjected to impacts. Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime.

The only potential concern, though minor, might be the slight possibility of the polymer becoming brittle in extreme cold over very long periods, although this is a characteristic of most plastics. For practical purposes, regular cleaning and occasional inspection of the belt attachment points are all that’s needed. There are no complex parts to wear out or fail, making it an exceptionally low-maintenance piece of equipment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For is a standalone piece of equipment, and as such, it does not come with specific accessories or extensive customization options beyond its intended purpose. However, its primary compatibility lies with the magazines themselves, specifically the Glock 20 and Glock 21 magazines, ensuring a perfect fit. It attaches securely to various Safariland belt systems and other compatible duty belts, making it adaptable to different loadout configurations. While there are no aftermarket upgrades for this specific pouch, its robust design means it performs its function without the need for additional embellishments.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For

Who Should Buy Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For?

This Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For is ideally suited for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and responsible civilian firearm owners who carry Glock 20 or Glock 21 pistols and prioritize quick access to spare magazines. It’s particularly beneficial for those who engage in regular tactical training, competition shooting, or personal defense scenarios where speed is paramount. Anyone who needs a reliable, durable, and accessible way to carry two extra magazines for these specific Glock models will find this pouch an excellent investment.

Those who require a pouch that offers complete environmental sealing for their magazines, or who carry a variety of different pistol models, should look at alternative solutions. For optimal use, ensuring you have a quality duty belt that can securely accommodate the pouch’s attachment system is recommended. If you’re using this pouch for competition, consider practicing your reloads extensively to maximize the benefit of its open-top design.

Conclusion on Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For

The Safariland Open Top Double Mag Pouch For delivers precisely what it promises: swift, secure access to spare magazines for Glock 20 and 21 pistols. Its injection-molded polymer construction and effective friction-fit retention make it a robust and reliable piece of gear, while the basket weave finish adds a practical tactile element. For its price point of $47.99, the value offered in terms of durability and performance is exceptional, especially when compared to less robust alternatives. I would wholeheartedly recommend this double magazine pouch to any user of Glock 20 or 21 firearms who prioritizes speed and reliability in their magazine carry. It’s a straightforward, effective solution that stands up to the demands of professional use.