Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06 Review

The Road Test: Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06

As a gear specialist with a decade of experience across diverse environments, I’ve learned that the smallest accessories can make or break a setup. This was certainly true when I needed a reliable way to carry spare magazines for my primary sidearm during extensive range training and private security details. After experiencing a few instances where my existing pouches were either too bulky for deep concealment or too flimsy to secure magazines under duress, I started looking for a more robust, yet streamlined solution. This led me to the Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06. Safariland is a name synonymous with quality tactical gear, and the promise of snap-on functionality and an ambidextrous design caught my eye. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid construction; the Plain Cordovan finish felt durable, and the snap mechanism seemed robust. I had considered a few other Kydex magazine carriers, but they often lacked the double capacity or the specific belt attachment I was looking for. This Safariland model offered a compelling balance of form and function right out of the box, sparking immediate curiosity about its real-world performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial tests with this magazine holder were conducted during a demanding week at a private range and several on-duty shifts where concealment was paramount. I specifically focused on how well it integrated with my everyday carry attire, from tactical pants to more civilian-oriented clothing. The snap-on belt attachment proved surprisingly secure, holding fast through vigorous movement, including bending, crouching, and quick draws.

I subjected the holder to various conditions, from dry, dusty outdoor ranges to humid, indoor environments, and even a light drizzle during an extended patrol. Through it all, the Plain Cordovan finish maintained its integrity, showing no signs of premature wear or stiffness. Its ease of use was remarkable; the magazines slid in and out smoothly but with enough retention to prevent accidental drops, requiring minimal familiarization.

One minor surprise was the initial feel of the snap mechanism; it felt very firm, almost stiff. However, this quickly gave way to a reassuringly positive engagement, ensuring the holder stayed put without being overly difficult to attach or detach when needed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder has become an indispensable part of my gear rotation. It’s been on my belt for countless hours of dry fire practice, live-fire drills, and everyday carry, proving its worth time and again. The durability of the Plain Cordovan material is exceptional; despite frequent contact with clothing, doorways, and the occasional bump, there are no significant scuffs, cracks, or signs of material fatigue.

Maintenance has been straightforward, consisting of occasional wipe-downs with a damp cloth to remove dust and sweat. The snap-on attachment remains as secure as the day I received it, and the retention on the magazines is still perfectly calibrated – snug enough for confidence, yet quick enough for rapid reloads. Comparing it to previous magazine pouches, this double holder has outperformed both less expensive, generic options that stretched out quickly and some higher-end, single-magazine Kydex holsters that were simply too bulky for effective concealment.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06

Specifications

The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06 is designed to hold two spare magazines for a variety of popular double-stack handguns. It features a snap-on belt loop that is adaptable to belts of varying widths, typically up to 1.75 inches, though I found it most secure on standard 1.5-inch duty or EDC belts. The construction utilizes a durable, yet flexible polymer blend, finished in Safariland’s signature Plain Cordovan color, which offers a subtle matte appearance that blends well with tactical and civilian attire.

This holder’s core functionality relies on its ambidextrous design, meaning it can be configured for use on either the dominant or support side of the body, a critical feature for many concealed carry practitioners. The double magazine capacity provides a substantial backup ammunition supply without adding excessive bulk. The retention mechanism is internal, adjustable via screws that allow the user to fine-tune how tightly the magazines are held, ensuring they remain secure but are still accessible for a swift reload.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, this magazine holder excels at its primary task: securely and discreetly carrying two spare magazines. The snap-on belt attachment is a standout feature, providing a very secure grip on the belt without requiring the belt to be fully unbuckled for installation, unlike many traditional belt loops. This is a significant advantage for quick donning and doffing.

The ambidextrous configuration is a true benefit, allowing users to tailor its placement precisely to their carry style and handgun. Retention is generally excellent; once adjusted, the magazines stay put even during dynamic movement. The primary strength lies in its balance of secure retention, concealability, and capacity. A minor weakness, if one can call it that, is that the retention screws, while functional, require a bit of fiddling to achieve the perfect tension for both magazines.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Safariland holder is focused on practicality and low profile. The Plain Cordovan finish is not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s also less prone to showing scuffs and wear compared to glossier or textured finishes. The overall form factor is relatively slim for a double magazine carrier, helping it remain concealed under clothing.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for quick access. The open-top design allows for a natural thumb-sweep to draw the magazine. The snap-on loop, while initially feeling robust, becomes intuitive to use and allows for confident attachment and detachment. There’s no significant learning curve; it’s straightforward to load magazines and attach the holder to a belt.

Durability & Maintenance

The Plain Cordovan material is remarkably tough. I haven’t encountered any signs of cracking or delamination, even after prolonged exposure to sweat and varying temperatures. The snap mechanism feels solid and has not shown any signs of weakening.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean and free of debris. For deeper cleaning, a mild soap and water solution can be used, followed by air drying. It’s important to periodically check the retention screws to ensure they haven’t loosened, which is a minor task that guarantees consistent performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

This model of the Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder typically comes as a standalone unit, with no included accessories. The primary customization is the ambidextrous adjustment of the belt loop and the user-tunable magazine retention via small adjustment screws. While Safariland offers a vast array of holsters and accessories, this particular magazine holder is designed to be a self-contained, highly functional piece of gear rather than part of a larger modular system.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06

Who Should Buy Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06?

This magazine holder is an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize concealed carry and need reliable, accessible spare ammunition. It’s particularly well-suited for law enforcement officers on plainclothes duty, security professionals, and responsible citizens who carry a firearm for self-defense and want the advantage of immediate backup rounds. The ambidextrous nature makes it ideal for both right-handed and left-handed shooters, or those who switch their carry side.

Those who should probably skip this model might be individuals who exclusively use minimalist carry setups and require an ultra-compact single magazine pouch, or those who need a carrier that attaches via a different system (like a paddle or MOLLE webbing). It’s also less suited for competitive shooters who might prefer dedicated speed-reload pouches with less retention. If you frequently need to attach and detach your magazine carrier without removing your belt, this model is a strong contender.

Conclusion on Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06

The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – Plain Cordovan, Ambidextrous 079-383-06 delivers on its promise of secure, discreet, and accessible spare ammunition. Its combination of a robust snap-on attachment, versatile ambidextrous design, and effective magazine retention makes it a standout choice for concealed carry. While the initial adjustment of retention screws might take a moment, the overall performance and durability of the Plain Cordovan finish make it a worthwhile investment. For anyone seeking a dependable double magazine carrier that balances capacity with concealability, this Safariland model is a highly recommended piece of gear. It provides peace of mind by ensuring you have backup rounds readily available without compromising your ability to move freely or remain discreet.