Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double Review

The Story Behind the Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double

My toolkit, whether for a dusty workshop, a sterile lab, or out in the field, has always been a carefully curated collection built over a decade of hands-on experience. When it came to reliable carrying solutions for spare magazines, particularly for common duty and sport pistols, I found myself constantly adjusting, improvising, or replacing. The need for a sleek, secure, and accessible double magazine pouch became apparent during a particularly demanding range day where fumbling for a spare was not an option. This led me to the Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double.

Initially, I was looking for something that wouldn’t snag, wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk, and would keep my magazines readily available. I considered a few other brands, including some more utilitarian polymer options that felt a bit too bulky for concealed carry or quick access. My first impression of the Safariland pouch was its understated design; it felt robust without being overtly tactical, hinting at the STX material’s durability and the open-top configuration’s ease of use. It offered a promising blend of functionality and a relatively low profile, a welcome change from some of the more cumbersome pouches I’d encountered. It felt like a potential solution to a persistent minor annoyance in my gear setup, offering a sense of anticipation for smoother transitions during critical moments.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place during extended shooting sessions at the local range and during some rigorous training drills that mimicked high-stress scenarios. The pouch was attached to a duty belt system, experiencing the jostling and movement associated with rapid transitions and prone shooting. It performed admirably in keeping the magazines secure, even when subjected to significant physical activity. The open-top design proved to be a significant advantage, allowing for a swift and fluid draw of the spare magazines without any obstruction.

Conditions varied from dry, dusty indoor ranges to humid outdoor environments, and this pouch handled them all without issue. The STX material seemed resistant to light moisture and dust accumulation, requiring minimal attention to maintain its function. Initially, there was a slight learning curve in finding the perfect angle for drawing the magazines smoothly, but this was overcome within the first few reloads. The most notable quirk was ensuring the pouch was oriented correctly on the belt for optimal draw; once that was dialed in, it felt intuitive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double continues to perform exceptionally well. It’s become a go-to for my training pistols, which see frequent use. There are no visible signs of significant wear, such as cracks, excessive stiffness, or loss of retention. The magazines remain firmly seated until intentionally drawn, a testament to the Safariland quality.

Maintenance has been remarkably straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth usually suffices to remove any dirt or grime. I haven’t encountered any issues that required specific care beyond basic cleaning. Compared to some cheaper nylon pouches I’ve used in the past, which tend to lose their shape and retention over time, this double magazine pouch has held its form and functionality remarkably well. It stands up to the rigors of frequent training without complaint.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double

Specifications

The Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double is specifically designed for common pistol magazines, such as those used in a 1911 platform. It features an open-top design for rapid access, eliminating any retention hoods or flaps that could slow down a reload. The pouch is constructed from Safariland’s proprietary STX material, known for its durability and resistance to various environmental factors.

This double capacity pouch holds two magazines, positioning them side-by-side for efficient carrying. While the exact dimensions and weight are not provided in the basic description, its “Slimline” designation suggests a low profile meant to minimize added bulk. The specific model reviewed is designed to attach to a belt system or potentially a leg shroud, offering versatility in carry configurations. The STX material ensures a balance between toughness and a degree of flexibility.

Performance & Functionality

In its core function, the Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double excels at securely holding two spare magazines and allowing for quick retrieval. The open-top configuration, a key feature, enables a smooth, unhindered draw, which is critical during dynamic shooting or competitive events. The retention is achieved through the tight tolerances of the pouch and the material’s inherent grip on the magazines, rather than external clips or straps.

The primary strength of this pouch lies in its balance of secure retention and rapid access. It effectively prevents magazines from accidentally falling out, even during vigorous movement, yet allows for them to be drawn with minimal effort and a natural motion. A potential weakness, depending on the user’s preference, is the lack of a secondary retention mechanism; for situations demanding extreme security against deliberate attempts to dislodge magazines, this open-top design might not be the primary choice. However, for its intended purpose of speed and accessibility, it performs admirably.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double is focused on practicality and efficiency. The Slimline aspect is evident in its relatively low profile, which is a significant ergonomic advantage, especially when worn on a duty belt or for concealed carry. The STX material provides a sturdy yet slightly yielding structure that conforms well to the magazines it holds.

The pouch’s ergonomics are straightforward: load magazines, attach to belt, draw when needed. There’s virtually no learning curve for its basic operation. The tactile feel of the STX material is robust, suggesting good grip and durability without being overly abrasive. The clean lines and lack of extraneous features contribute to its streamlined appearance and functional efficiency.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the reputation of Safariland products, this magazine pouch is built for long-term durability. The STX material is renowned for its resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, suggesting it will withstand considerable use and abuse. I anticipate it will last for many years, even with frequent exposure to the elements and demanding training scenarios.

Maintenance is minimal. The non-porous surface of the STX material makes it easy to clean with just soap and water or a damp cloth. There are no complex mechanisms or parts that are prone to failure, which contributes to its overall reliability and ease of care. The primary concern for longevity would be ensuring the belt attachment system (which can vary) remains secure, rather than the pouch itself degrading.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double itself is a focused accessory designed to hold magazines. The description mentions its compatibility for attachment to a leg shroud, implying that a belt loop or other mounting system is likely included or available separately, depending on the specific package. This allows for integration into larger duty or tactical gear setups.

There aren’t typically extensive customization options for the pouch itself, as its design is quite fixed. However, its compatibility with various belt widths and potentially other mounting platforms from Safariland or third-party manufacturers provides a degree of adaptability. For those who need to carry multiple spare magazines, the fact that these pouches can be arranged side-by-side or in conjunction with other pouches offers a customizable loadout.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double

Who Should Buy Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double?

This double magazine pouch is an excellent choice for law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts who prioritize speed and accessibility for their spare magazines. It’s ideal for individuals who need to perform rapid reloads in dynamic situations and appreciate a streamlined gear setup. Those who carry for self-defense and want a reliable, low-profile way to carry extra ammunition will find this pouch highly beneficial.

Individuals who require maximum retention security against extreme physical duress or deliberate interference might want to consider models with hood or flap closures. Similarly, if you carry less common magazine types that aren’t standard duty calibers, it would be prudent to verify fitment before purchasing. For anyone looking to enhance their reload efficiency without adding significant bulk, this Safariland offering is a strong contender.

Conclusion on Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double

The Safariland 79 Slimline Open Top Magazine Pouch – Double stands out as a highly effective piece of gear for anyone needing quick and secure access to spare magazines. Its Slimline design, coupled with the robust STX material and the efficiency of the open-top configuration, makes it a practical choice for a wide range of users. While it lacks secondary retention, its primary function of providing fast, reliable magazine access is executed flawlessly.

For its price point of $35.99, the value proposition is strong, offering a durable and performance-oriented solution from a reputable manufacturer. I would confidently recommend this magazine pouch to individuals engaged in tactical training, competitive shooting, or those seeking a dependable spare magazine carrier for duty or defense. It successfully balances essential functionality with a refined design that doesn’t impede movement or add unnecessary bulk.