Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 Review

My Honest Thoughts on the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058

The Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 is a classic piece of kit from a trusted name in law enforcement and tactical gear. Bianchi has a long history of providing quality holsters and pouches, and this magazine pouch aims to offer a simple, reliable way to carry spare magazines on your belt. Its plain black leather design offers a professional look, and the open-top design promises quick access to extra ammunition.

I sought this pouch out because I needed a dependable way to carry my double-stack .45 magazines for range days and potential training scenarios. I was tired of using generic nylon pouches that lacked retention and looked unprofessional. I wanted something that offered both functionality and a touch of class.

Upon unboxing, the Bianchi pouch immediately impressed me with its solid feel. The leather is substantial, and the stitching appears robust and well-executed. The Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 has a simple design but promises to be both highly effective and long lasting.

I considered similar leather magazine pouches from Galco and Safariland. I chose the Bianchi, believing its simple spring-steel clip design would provide better retention and a lower profile than the alternatives. Ultimately, this pouch offers excellent fit and superior retention.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The quality seemed evident, but I was concerned about the fit with my specific magazines and the long-term durability of the spring-steel clip. Only time and real-world use would tell if the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 lived up to its reputation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 at my local shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for assessing its basic functionality. I focused on drawing and re-indexing magazines while performing various shooting drills.

The draw was surprisingly smooth and consistent. The open-top design made it easy to acquire a positive grip on the magazine, even with gloves on. The leather provided just enough friction to keep the magazine secure but not so much that it hindered the draw.

I encountered a slight issue with the initial fit. While the pouch was designed to accommodate double-stack .45 magazines, the retention was too loose. The magazines would occasionally shift during movement, which was a concern. This was not the “snug” fit I was hoping for.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 has held up reasonably well. The leather has softened slightly, molding to the shape of my magazines, improving retention. However, the initial looseness remains a nagging concern.

I’ve noticed some minor wear and tear on the edges of the leather, but nothing that compromises the pouch’s functionality. The stitching remains intact, and the spring-steel clip continues to provide a secure attachment to my belt.

Maintenance is simple. I occasionally wipe the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 down with a damp cloth and apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple. Overall, it is relatively easy to clean and maintain.

Compared to my previous nylon pouches, the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 offers a significant upgrade in terms of aesthetics and build quality. However, the retention issue prevents it from being a clear winner.

Breaking Down the Features of Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058

Specifications

• Material: The pouch is constructed from plain black leather. This provides a classic look and promises durability, as leather is known for its resistance to wear and tear.
• Attachment: A spring-steel clip secures the pouch to belts up to 1.75 inches (45mm) wide. This offers easy on/off capability without having to remove the belt.
• Design: The open-top design allows for quick access to the magazine. This is crucial in tactical situations where reloading speed is paramount.
• Compatibility: According to the product description, this specific pouch (size 04) is designed to fit Glock 20/21, H&K USP .40/.45, and Para Ordnance P12/P13/P14/P16 magazines. This means it’s essential to verify fit with your specific magazine type.
• Finish: Plain black for a professional, low-profile appearance. This makes the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 suitable for law enforcement and concealed carry.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 is to securely hold a spare magazine and provide quick access when needed. While the open-top design excels in accessibility, the retention can be problematic, as noted in my testing. This directly impacts its reliability in dynamic situations.

The strengths of the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 lie in its build quality and ease of use. The leather construction promises long-term durability, and the spring-steel clip makes it easy to attach and detach from a belt. The main weakness is the lack of adjustable retention.

The Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 partially meets expectations. It provides a professional appearance and relatively quick access. The loose fit, however, is a significant drawback.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is commendable. The leather is substantial, and the stitching is well-executed. The weight is reasonable, and the pouch sits comfortably on the belt without feeling bulky.

The open-top design makes the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 user-friendly. There is minimal learning curve. It is intuitive to draw and re-index magazines.

Durability & Maintenance

The leather construction suggests that the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 will last for years with proper care. The spring-steel clip is also durable, showing no signs of weakening after repeated use.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional leather conditioning will keep the pouch in good condition. Repairs, if needed, would likely involve re-stitching, which can be done by a qualified leatherworker.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 is a simple, standalone product. It does not come with any accessories. Customization options are limited to adding decorative elements, such as stitching or embossing.

The Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 is generally compatible with any standard belt up to 1.75 inches wide. It can be used in conjunction with other belt-mounted accessories, such as holsters, knife sheaths, and flashlight pouches.

Pros and Cons of Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058

Who Should Buy Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058?

The Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 is perfect for law enforcement officers or security personnel who carry a sidearm as part of their uniform or plain clothes kit. It is also well-suited for competition shooters who prioritize speed and ease of access during reloads. Anyone looking for a simple, elegant and durable way to carry a spare magazine, who can also verify fit, will appreciate this pouch.

Individuals requiring highly secure magazine retention should avoid this product. Those who carry a wide variety of magazines of different sizes may also find the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 too restrictive.

A leather conditioner is a must-have accessory to preserve the quality and extend the lifespan of the pouch. A small piece of strategically placed closed-cell foam inside the pouch to improve retention may also be helpful.

Conclusion on Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058

The Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 offers a classic combination of quality leather construction and a simple, functional design. While the open-top design provides rapid access to spare magazines, the lack of adjustable retention is a significant drawback.

At $50.00, the price is reasonable for a Bianchi product made of genuine leather. However, the retention issues detract from its overall value proposition.

I would conditionally recommend the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058. If you can verify that your specific magazines fit snugly and securely, it’s a decent choice. If retention is a primary concern, explore alternatives with adjustable retention mechanisms.

Ultimately, the Bianchi 20A Open Magazine Pouch – Plain Black 18058 is a good-looking and well-made pouch with a potentially critical flaw. Do your homework, measure your magazines, and prioritize retention. It is always best to know your requirements, and research your equipment, prior to purchase.