Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS Review

Let Me Walk You Through the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS

As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless magazine pouches come and go. The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS promised something different: a professional, duty-ready design that could withstand the rigors of daily use. It’s from Safariland, a name synonymous with quality law enforcement gear, so my expectations were high.

I was looking for a reliable and durable magazine pouch that could hold my backup magazines securely, but still provide quick access when needed. My old pouch was flimsy and prone to magazine ejections during strenuous activities. This Safariland pouch seemed like a serious upgrade based on its description.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the high-gloss black finish. It looks incredibly professional and durable. The pouch feels substantial, definitely built to withstand the daily grind. It’s heavier than my previous nylon pouch, but the added security and robust construction seemed worth the extra weight.

Compared to other double magazine pouches I’ve used, like the Blackhawk! Double Mag Pouch and the Condor MA52 Triple Kangaroo Mag Pouch, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS stood out for its rigid construction and refined appearance. While the others were functional, they lacked the professional aesthetic and secure magazine retention I was after. I chose this Safariland model for its reputation for durability and its compatibility with a wide range of handgun magazines.

My first impression was one of excitement. It looked and felt like a serious piece of kit designed for professionals. The high-gloss finish and sturdy construction gave me confidence that it would perform well under pressure.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS at the shooting range during a force-on-force training scenario. I needed quick and reliable access to my spare magazines while moving and engaging targets.

The pouch performed admirably, even when subjected to simulated stress and movement. Magazine retention was excellent, and the magazines were easily accessible when needed. There were no accidental ejections or fumbling during reloads.

The first few draws were a bit stiff. However, after about an hour of practice, the leather loosened up slightly, allowing for smoother and faster magazine changes. After the initial break-in period, the draws became much more natural.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS has held up remarkably well. It’s become a trusted piece of my duty gear.

There are some minor scuffs on the high-gloss finish from rubbing against other gear, but the pouch itself is still structurally sound. The stitching remains tight, and the magazine retention is just as secure as when it was new.

Maintaining the pouch is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dirt and grime. A little leather conditioner every few weeks keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking. Compared to my previous nylon pouches, the Safariland requires minimal maintenance and shows far less wear and tear. I have been using standard leather care products I have for my boots.

This pouch significantly outperforms my previous experiences. It offers superior magazine retention, quicker access, and far greater durability than any nylon pouch I’ve used. It is a clear upgrade for anyone serious about their gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS

Specifications

The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS is designed to fit belts up to 2.25 inches wide. This ensures compatibility with most duty belts used by law enforcement and security personnel.

It’s available in Plain Black, Basket Weave, Hi-Gloss or STX TACTICAL finish. I specifically chose the Hi-Gloss Black for its professional appearance and ease of cleaning.

It’s part of the Safariland 6004/6005 Tactical System. This allows it to be easily integrated with other Safariland duty gear for a cohesive and streamlined setup.

The pouch is designed to fit specific handgun magazines, including Sig Sauer 239, P-225, Smith & Wesson 3913, 3913LS, 3913NL, 3913TSW, 3914, 3914LS, 3953, 3953TSW, 3954, and Walther P-38, P-7, P5 magazines. This compatibility is crucial for ensuring a secure and reliable fit.

The ambidextrous design is a huge benefit, allowing it to be worn on either the left or right side of the belt. This is particularly useful for users who may need to switch their gear configuration based on the situation.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS excels at its primary job: securely holding and providing quick access to spare magazines. The retention is firm enough to prevent accidental ejections, but not so tight that it hinders rapid reloads.

The pouch’s strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. It’s a straightforward design that works consistently. The main weakness is that it is specific to the listed magazines. Other magazines will likely be loose.

The pouch meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty-grade magazine carrier. It provides peace of mind knowing that my spare magazines are always secure and readily available.

Design & Ergonomics

The high-gloss black leather gives the pouch a professional and polished appearance. The sturdy construction and reinforced stitching inspire confidence in its durability.

The pouch is relatively comfortable to wear, though the rigid leather can feel a bit stiff at first. The break-in period helps to improve comfort and ease of use.

There’s a slight learning curve in getting used to the draw stroke. After a few practice sessions, reloads become smooth and efficient.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS should last for years with proper care. The leather is resistant to cracking and tearing, and the stitching is reinforced to prevent unraveling.

Maintenance is straightforward: regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional leather conditioning are all that’s needed to keep the pouch in top condition. This is one of the reasons I choose leather over nylon.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone magazine carrier. However, it can be easily integrated with other Safariland duty gear, such as holsters and handcuff cases, using the Safariland Equipment Locking System (ELS).

The pouch is not highly customizable, but the leather can be dyed or polished to match other gear. The focus is on functionality and durability rather than extensive customization options.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS

Who Should Buy Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS?

The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and private citizens who carry handguns for self-defense and want a reliable, professional-looking magazine carrier. Those who use the magazines that are listed by Safariland will benefit the most.

This pouch is not ideal for those who need a universal magazine carrier that can accommodate a wide range of magazine sizes. Also, those on a tight budget might find it too expensive compared to nylon alternatives.

A must-have accessory is a good quality leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Consider using the Safariland Equipment Locking System (ELS) to integrate the pouch with other duty gear.

Conclusion on Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS

In summary, the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS is a top-tier magazine carrier that delivers on its promise of durability, reliability, and professional appearance. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who depends on quick and secure access to spare magazines.

At $51.20, the price is justified given the quality of materials and construction. This isn’t a cheap nylon pouch that will fall apart after a few months of use. It’s a durable piece of gear that will last for years.

I would personally recommend the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – Hi Gloss Black, Ambidextrous 77-118-9HS to anyone who values quality, reliability, and a professional appearance in their duty gear. It’s a solid investment that will provide years of dependable service. Upgrade your setup today and experience the Safariland difference!