Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8 Review

The Honest Truth About the Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8

As a tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless magazine holders come and go, each promising speed, retention, and comfort. However, few actually deliver on all fronts. The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8, from the venerable Safariland, immediately caught my attention with its low-profile design and adjustable tension. It promised to be a reliable, discreet solution for carrying spare magazines, a constant need in both professional and personal defense scenarios.

For years, I’d struggled with bulky magazine pouches that printed easily under clothing or snagged on gear. I was looking for something that offered secure retention, allowed for a quick reload, and remained comfortable throughout the day. The snap-on design and ambidextrous configuration further piqued my interest, offering versatility for different carry preferences.

Upon receiving the Safariland 079, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the basket-weave leather. The leather felt durable and offered a professional, low-key look. Its weight felt substantial without being cumbersome, a testament to its solid construction.

I considered several other double magazine pouches, including those from Blackhawk and Uncle Mike’s, before ultimately choosing the Safariland 079. While the Blackhawk offered similar adjustability, its polymer construction felt less durable. The Uncle Mike’s option was more affordable but lacked the refined look and adjustable tension of the Safariland.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Safariland 079 appeared to be a well-made, versatile magazine carrier that could finally solve my concealment woes. Only real-world testing would reveal its true potential.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 079 at my local shooting range during a practical pistol competition. The Texas heat and humidity put the pouch’s retention to the test. I also wanted to see how quickly I could access and reload magazines under pressure.

The Safariland 079 performed admirably. Even with sweat-soaked hands, the low-cut design allowed for a secure grip on the magazines, enabling smooth and fast reloads. I experienced no issues with retention; magazines stayed firmly in place during dynamic movement.

The only minor hiccup was adjusting the tension screws initially. I found that too little tension allowed the magazines to move slightly, while too much made them difficult to draw. After a few minutes of fine-tuning, I achieved the perfect balance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of daily carry, the Safariland 079 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. The basket-weave leather shows minimal signs of wear, and the snap-on attachment remains secure. It also continues to offer consistent magazine retention.

I’ve worn the Safariland 079 in various conditions, from sweltering summer heat to light rain, and it has performed consistently. It’s easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and a little leather conditioner.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper magazine pouches, the Safariland 079 is a significant upgrade. Its durable construction, adjustable tension, and comfortable design make it a clear winner.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8

Specifications

The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8 boasts several key specifications:

• It’s a double magazine holder, allowing you to carry two spare magazines simultaneously.
• The low-cut design facilitates a quick and easy magazine grasp, crucial in high-stress situations.
• It accommodates belts up to 1.75″ wide, fitting most common belt sizes.
• An adjustable tension device allows you to customize the retention level for your preferred draw.
• The Basket Black finish offers a professional and discreet appearance.
• It is ambidextrous, allowing for comfortable carry on either side of the body.
• It is compatible with a wide variety of magazines, including those for Glock, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson pistols.

These specifications contribute directly to the Safariland 079’s superior performance. The adjustable tension ensures magazines stay secure, while the low-cut design and ambidextrous configuration enhance usability.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 079 excels in its primary function: securely holding and rapidly deploying spare magazines. The adjustable tension allows users to fine-tune the draw resistance to their liking. This prevents magazines from accidentally falling out.

The low-cut design enables a full and confident grip on the magazine, even under duress. While perfect for most users, the retention adjustment can require some trial and error initially.

The Safariland 079 more than meets expectations. It provides a secure, reliable, and discreet method of carrying spare magazines.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 079 features a classic and functional design. The basket-weave leather provides a professional look while offering excellent durability.

The snap-on attachment is secure and allows for easy on and off. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 079 is built to last. The high-quality leather and sturdy construction ensure years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and leather conditioner.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 079 itself doesn’t require many accessories. The adjustable tension is essentially a built-in customization.

While not explicitly designed for other brands, users report compatibility with various belt clips and attachment methods. It should be noted that this is at the user’s risk.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8

Who Should Buy Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8?

The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and concealed carry permit holders. Anyone who prioritizes reliable magazine retention, rapid access, and discreet concealment will benefit from this product.

Those who primarily use their firearm for recreational shooting or who prioritize budget over quality might find this product overkill. Instead, they might prefer a cheaper option.

A high-quality gun belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper support and stability. Additionally, regular cleaning and conditioning will prolong the life of the leather.

Conclusion on Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8

The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Basket Black, Ambidextrous 079-83-8 is a top-tier magazine carrier that delivers on its promises. Its durable construction, adjustable tension, and discreet design make it a valuable asset for anyone who carries spare magazines.

The price of $45.99 is justified given the quality of materials and craftsmanship. The pouch also delivers superior performance.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 079 to anyone seeking a reliable and discreet magazine carrying solution. Invest in your preparedness – you won’t regret it.