The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13: Final Thoughts from Me
In the world of concealed carry, a reliable magazine holder is just as crucial as the firearm it supports. Today, I’m diving deep into the Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13, a product promising both discretion and quick access. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the tactical gear arena, I’ve seen countless magazine carriers come and go, and I’m eager to see where this one lands.
My quest for the Safariland 079 began with a need for a low-profile, yet readily accessible, double magazine carrier for my Glock 21. I’d grown tired of bulky, ill-fitting options that printed easily and slowed down my reloads during training drills. I was specifically seeking something that would allow me to carry spare magazines comfortably and discreetly.
Upon receiving the Safariland 079, my initial impression was decent; the STX TAC Black finish looked clean and durable. The weight felt appropriate for a double magazine carrier, and the snap-on design seemed convenient. However, a closer inspection revealed some concerns about the overall build quality, especially regarding the tension adjustment mechanism.
Compared to similar offerings from Blade-Tech and Comp-Tac, the Safariland 079 initially appeared to offer a balance of price and functionality. Ultimately, I chose it because of the Safariland name and the promise of ambidextrous carry. I was hopeful that it would provide a secure and easily adjustable system.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was eager to test its concealability and draw speed, but the somewhat flimsy feel of the adjustment hardware gave me pause. Only real-world testing would reveal its true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 079 at my local shooting range during a practical pistol course. The weather was mild, but the range was dusty. I ran several drills focusing on magazine changes and target acquisition.
The Safariland 079 performed adequately during the initial drills, but the magazines felt a little loose even with the tension screw tightened. The low-cut design did facilitate a relatively quick magazine grasp. However, I had to adjust my grip slightly to ensure a clean draw.
After the first few hours, the tension adjustment screw started to loosen, requiring constant readjustment. The dust seemed to exacerbate the problem. The snap-on belt loop felt secure, but the overall experience left me wanting more.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in various scenarios, including concealed carry during daily activities and more rigorous training sessions, the Safariland 079’s shortcomings became more apparent. The tension adjustment remained a constant issue. Over time it made me lose confidence in the gear.
The STX TAC Black finish showed minimal signs of wear, which was a positive. However, the plastic body of the holder exhibited some flex under stress, raising concerns about long-term durability. The screw continued to loosen.
Maintenance was simple, requiring only occasional wiping down with a damp cloth. However, the need to constantly adjust the tension screw became tedious. Compared to my previous magazine carriers from G-Code, the Safariland 079 was a disappointment in terms of reliability and adjustability.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13
Specifications
The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13 is designed to hold two magazines and offers ambidextrous carry. It’s compatible with Glock 20/21, H&K USP 40/45/45C, Para-Ordnance P-14, and Strayer-Voigt Infinity magazines.
The holder features a low-cut design for easy magazine grasp and an adjustable tension device. It’s designed to fit belts up to 1.75″ wide and comes in a STX TAC Black finish. The listed specifications seem adequate for concealed carry, but the execution falls short in some areas.
The adjustable tension device is meant to allow users to customize the tightness of the magazine retention. However, its design is flawed, leading to inconsistent performance and requiring frequent readjustments. The fit for specific magazines might vary which is not ideal.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 079 aims to provide a secure and accessible way to carry spare magazines. However, its performance is hindered by the poorly designed tension adjustment. It allows magazines to shift, especially when the screw is loose.
The low-cut design does facilitate a decent magazine draw, but the inconsistent retention undermines its effectiveness. The Safariland 079 falls short of expectations. Improvements should focus on reliability and consistent magazine retention.
The main strength of the Safariland 079 is its ambidextrous design, which caters to both right and left-handed users. It has weaknesses however due to the poor tensioning mechanism, a spacer needs to be added.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 079 is constructed from a durable polymer with a STX TAC Black finish. The snap-on belt loop is easy to attach and detach, adding to its convenience. The weight is manageable, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The holder sits relatively close to the body, aiding in concealment. However, the overall build quality feels somewhat cheap, especially the tension adjustment hardware. The design is ergonomic enough, but improvements could be made to enhance its durability.
The overall design and feel of the product did not meet expectations. This is due to the cheaply made design that relies on tension.
Durability & Maintenance
The STX TAC Black finish appears to be durable and resistant to scratches and abrasions. The polymer body is reasonably sturdy, but the tension adjustment screw seems prone to wear and tear. The long-term durability of the Safariland 079 is questionable, mainly due to the weak adjustment mechanism.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning. The polymer material is easy to wipe down and doesn’t require special care. Regular checks on the tension screw are essential to prevent it from loosening.
However the plastic will more than likely give out before anything else goes wrong. A more quality product should be looked at for long term use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 079 doesn’t come with many accessories. As far as I could find, there are no readily available customization options. The design is fairly basic and doesn’t allow for many modifications.
It is compatible with standard 1.75″ belts, which is a common size. You may use different types of belts for comfort and carry. The lack of customization options is a drawback for users who prefer to personalize their gear.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13
Pros
- The STX TAC Black finish looks professional and is relatively durable.
- Its Ambidextrous design makes it suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users.
- Its Low-cut design facilitates a relatively quick magazine grasp.
- Its Slim profile aids in concealment.
- The felt lining helps with magazine retention.
Cons
- Its Tension adjustment is poorly designed and requires frequent readjustment.
- The overall build quality feels somewhat cheap and flimsy.
- It is prone to loosening under normal use.
Who Should Buy Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13?
The Safariland 079 might be suitable for individuals looking for a budget-friendly, ambidextrous magazine carrier for occasional use. This may be for individuals who prioritize a low profile. However, I would highly recommend that you keep looking.
Those who require a durable and reliable magazine holder for everyday concealed carry or professional use should skip this product. Users who demand consistent performance and easy adjustability will likely be disappointed.
Must-have modifications would include replacing the tension screw with a more robust alternative or adding a spacer to improve magazine retention. You might need to look for an alternative. It may be best to look for different magazine holder all together.
Conclusion on Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13
The Safariland 079 Concealment Magazine Holder, Snap-On, Double – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 079-383-13 offers a blend of affordability and ambidextrous functionality. Its key downside is the tensioning system and the over all construction. The product isn’t reliable enough.
At $39.99, the price may seem justified for a basic double magazine carrier. However, the issues with the tension adjustment and overall build quality undermine its value proposition. In the end you might be better off spending more money on something better.
Personally, I cannot recommend the Safariland 079 due to its reliability issues. While the ambidextrous design and low profile are appealing, the inconsistent magazine retention and flimsy construction are deal-breakers.
If you’re looking for a dependable magazine carrier for serious use, I advise exploring other options. Don’t settle for something that compromises your safety and efficiency. Invest in a quality product that will stand up to the demands of real-world use.