Safariland Ar 15 Mag Holder With Els Kit Review

The Truth Revealed: Safariland AR 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit

When you’re deep in a competitive shooting scenario, or even just at the range dialing in your setup, having quick and reliable access to spare ammunition is paramount. My search for a better way to carry spare AR-15 magazines led me to the Safariland AR 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit. As an experienced gear specialist who has put countless pieces of equipment through their paces across diverse environments, I was looking for something that blended secure retention with efficient deployment, all while integrating seamlessly into my existing tactical loadout. I’d grown tired of flimsy pouches that let magazines shift or fumbled when speed was critical.

The allure of this particular Safariland offering was its integrated ELS Kit, promising a professional-grade attachment system. Upon arrival, the initial impression was one of robust utility, typical of Safariland’s reputation. The SafariLaminate construction felt solid, a departure from the pure polymer or fabric pouches I’d previously considered. It’s not Kydex, which some might see as a drawback, but the user feedback I’d seen pointed to its effectiveness and unique mounting capabilities.

Before settling on this, I’d briefly considered other modular pouch systems and even generic tactical pouches with Tek-Lok attachments. However, the comprehensive nature of the Safariland AR 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit, providing both the holder and the crucial ELS fork, felt like a more complete and cost-effective solution for my specific needs. My first reaction was a quiet sense of satisfaction, a feeling that I might have found a piece of kit that would genuinely enhance my workflow.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Ar 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for this AR-15 magazine holder were primarily the competitive shooting circuit, specifically 3-Gun events, and extended range sessions. This meant simulating rapid reloads under pressure, moving through different stages, and enduring the typical dust and general wear-and-tear of a shooting competition. The SafariLaminate material proved surprisingly resilient, resisting scuffs from accidental impacts against barricades and range furniture.

Ease of use was a pleasant surprise. The ELS Kit attachment system is exceptionally intuitive; it locks into the ELS receiver plate with a satisfying click, and disengaging it is a deliberate but swift process. There was no significant learning curve; it felt natural to operate from the outset. The only minor quirk I noticed was that, being a non-Kydex construction, the initial molding felt slightly less rigid than some dedicated Kydex options, but this didn’t detract from its function.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple competitive matches and countless trips to the range, the Safariland AR 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit has proven its worth. It has held up remarkably well, with no visible cracks or signs of structural compromise. The SafariLaminate material has maintained its form, and the tension screw, which adjusts the magazine retention, continues to function flawlessly, keeping my magazines secure even during vigorous movement.

Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional application of a basic plastic protectant keeps it looking and performing well. Compared to previous pouches, like those with Tek-Lok systems, I find the ELS Kit offers a superior level of security and modularity. While some premium Kydex holders might offer slightly faster magazine insertion or a more custom-molded fit, this Safariland option strikes an excellent balance between performance, durability, and value, especially considering the included ELS attachment.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Ar 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit

Specifications

The Safariland AR 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit is constructed from durable SafariLaminate, a proprietary material known for its robustness and ability to hold molded shapes. It features a Smooth finish and comes in a standard Black color. A key specification is its Clip-style accessory attachment system, which is integrated with the ELS Kit.

This design means the holder comes pre-equipped with the ELS fork, ready to attach to any Safariland ELS receiver plate. This eliminates the need to purchase separate attachment hardware, a significant value add. The holder itself is molded to securely grip AR-15 magazines, with an adjustable tension screw allowing users to fine-tune retention to their preference.

The SafariLaminate offers a good balance of rigidity for retention and a slight flex that can accommodate minor variations in magazine profiles. The inclusion of the ELS Kit is a major selling point, providing immediate compatibility with a widely adopted duty and competition mounting system. This makes the holder incredibly versatile for those who already utilize or plan to adopt the ELS ecosystem.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – securely holding an AR-15 magazine and allowing for rapid, reliable retrieval – this holder performs exceptionally well. The adjustable tension screw is a standout feature, allowing for a customized level of retention that is critical for different shooting disciplines. I found it holds PMAGs and standard aluminum magazines equally well, with the tension screw offering enough adjustment for a rock-solid hold or a faster draw, depending on your preference.

The primary strength lies in its secure retention and the ease of the ELS Kit integration. Magazines do not shift or fall out, even during dynamic movements. Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is that it’s not Kydex; some users might prefer the absolute rigidity and custom fit Kydex can offer. However, for its intended purpose and material, it performs admirably, meeting and often exceeding expectations for a mid-tier magazine carrier.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this mag holder is functional and utilitarian. The SafariLaminate provides a solid foundation, and the molding is precise enough to offer good magazine support without excessive bulk. Its smooth finish contributes to a clean aesthetic and makes it less prone to snagging.

Ergonomically, the design prioritizes accessibility. The open-top, open-front design allows for a natural, unhindered grip on the magazine for a swift draw. The integrated ELS Kit is well-positioned, ensuring the holder sits comfortably and securely on the belt without excessive canting or wobble. There’s a slight learning curve to fully appreciate the speed of the ELS attachment/detachment, but the core function of drawing a magazine is intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended testing, this Safariland holder is built for durability in a tactical or competitive environment. The SafariLaminate material resists abrasion and impact well. It’s designed to be a reusable piece of gear, not a disposable item, and I anticipate it will last for many years of regular use.

Maintenance is minimal. Cleaning involves a simple wipe-down, and the tension screw can be adjusted with a Phillips head screwdriver if needed. The main point of potential wear would be the ELS fork components over thousands of attachment cycles, but this is generally robust in the Safariland system. There are no obvious inherent failure points that I’ve encountered, making it a reliable piece of equipment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The most significant “accessory” that comes with this product is the ELS Kit itself, which includes both the ELS fork for the holder and the corresponding ELS receiver plate. This integrated approach is a key selling point. Beyond the ELS system, the holder’s design allows for adjustment of the magazine retention screw.

While not explicitly designed for extensive customization like some Kydex holsters, the modularity afforded by the ELS system is its primary customization feature. You can easily detach this magazine holder and swap it for any other ELS-compatible accessory from Safariland or other manufacturers that utilize the ELS standard. This makes it a valuable component within a broader modular loadout.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Ar 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit

Who Should Buy Safariland Ar 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit?

This magazine holder is ideal for competitive shooters, particularly those involved in disciplines like 3-Gun, USPSA, or similar action shooting sports where quick reloads and modularity are crucial. It’s also an excellent choice for individuals building a duty or tactical loadout who want to leverage the Safariland ELS System without investing in separate mounting hardware. Anyone looking for a cost-effective, reliable, and adaptable way to carry spare AR-15 magazines will find this a compelling option.

However, serious tactical operators who demand the absolute highest level of custom fit and rigid retention, or those who exclusively use Kydex, might consider dedicated Kydex alternatives. For those not invested in the ELS system, the primary benefit of the integrated kit might be less impactful, though the holder itself is still functional with other belt clip options if modified. A good complementary item would be a Safariland ELS receiver plate for your belt.

Conclusion on Safariland Ar 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit

The Safariland AR 15 Mag Holder With ELS Kit offers a compelling package for its price point, blending robust construction with the highly practical Safariland ELS attachment system. It reliably secures spare AR-15 magazines while allowing for quick and efficient access, making it a standout choice for competitive shooting and tactical applications. The value proposition is strong, especially considering it includes the ELS fork, which would otherwise be an additional purchase.

I would personally recommend this holder to anyone already using or looking to integrate the ELS system into their gear. It’s a practical, durable, and well-performing piece of equipment that punches above its weight in terms of value and functionality. While not a premium Kydex solution, it provides more than enough performance and reliability for the vast majority of users who need a dependable way to carry extra rifle magazines.