Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 Review

Taking the Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 for a Spin

The Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 isn’t exactly the sexiest piece of gear, but it’s the kind of unsung hero that keeps you ready for whatever the world throws at you. Made by Safariland, a name synonymous with duty gear and trusted by law enforcement professionals, this horizontal mag carrier promises discreet and rapid access to your spare ammunition. This particular model stands out for its horizontal orientation, designed for deeper concealment and potentially faster reloads, and its ambidextrous design means it works regardless of your dominant hand.

My journey to finding the perfect concealed magazine carrier was born out of necessity. I needed a way to carry a spare magazine for my Glock 19 without printing, especially when wearing lighter clothing. I wanted something more discreet than a traditional vertical carrier that often sticks out or requires an awkward upward draw.

Upon receiving the Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2, I was immediately impressed by its slim profile and the quality of the materials. The thermal molded laminate felt sturdy and well-constructed, promising decent durability. It was noticeably lighter than some of the leather carriers I’ve used in the past, which is always a plus for all-day carry.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Safariland 123. I looked at some Kydex models, but they tend to be bulkier and less comfortable against the skin. I also considered some nylon pouches, but they often lack the rigidity needed for smooth magazine deployment. The Safariland 123 seemed to strike a good balance between comfort, concealment, and secure retention.

My first impression was a cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for deeper concealment but also slightly concerned about the draw speed. I wondered if the horizontal orientation would be as intuitive as a traditional vertical carry. Time would tell, but it looked promising out of the package.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 was at an outdoor shooting range during a moderately warm day. I ran a few drills, focusing on drawing and reloading my Glock 19 using the horizontal magazine carrier. The hook-and-loop belt attachment proved secure, keeping the pouch firmly in place even during rapid movements.

The weather was clear and dry, which provided optimal conditions for testing. The ease of use was immediately apparent. The horizontal orientation required a slight adjustment in my grip, but the draw stroke felt surprisingly natural after a few repetitions. There were no major issues after the initial practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, both at the range and in everyday concealed carry scenarios, the Safariland 123 has proven to be a reliable and comfortable option. The thermal molded laminate has held up well, showing no significant signs of wear and tear. It molded slightly to the magazine over time making for an even better fit.

Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all it needs to stay clean. Compared to some leather carriers I’ve used in the past, which require regular conditioning, the Safariland 123 is virtually maintenance-free. It has definitely outperformed my expectations in terms of comfort and concealability.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2

Specifications

• The Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 is designed to carry a single magazine in a horizontal position for enhanced concealment. Its compact design minimizes printing under clothing.
• It features a hook-and-loop belt attachment system, allowing for easy and secure mounting on belts of various widths. The simple design ensures a snug fit and prevents shifting during movement.
• The hook-and-loop flap closure keeps the magazine securely in place, while also providing relatively quick and easy access when needed. This balances retention with speed of deployment.
• Finished in plain black, the holder offers a low-profile appearance that blends seamlessly with most clothing and gear. Its non-reflective surface is ideal for covert operations.
• The Safariland 123 is ambidextrous, meaning it can be comfortably used by both left-handed and right-handed shooters. The design accommodates either hand orientation without compromising accessibility.
• Constructed from thermal molded laminate, the holder provides a rigid and durable structure that maintains its shape even under stress. This material also offers excellent resistance to abrasion and moisture.
• It is designed to fit Glock magazines, specifically models 17, 19, 22, 23, 34, and 35. The fit is snug and secure, preventing the magazine from rattling or falling out.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 performs its primary function exceptionally well: securely holding a spare magazine while maintaining a low profile. The horizontal orientation truly aids in concealment, especially when wearing fitted shirts. The hook-and-loop closure provides adequate retention, though it’s not as fast as some open-top Kydex carriers.

The strength lies in its concealability and comfort. The main drawback is the draw speed, which is slightly slower compared to vertical carriers. It meets expectations for a deep concealment option but might not be ideal for situations demanding lightning-fast reloads.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, typical of Safariland products. The thermal molded laminate feels robust and well-stitched. The light weight is a major plus for all-day carry.

There’s virtually no learning curve. The hook-and-loop closure is simple and intuitive. The horizontal orientation might require a bit of practice to master the draw stroke, but it’s generally user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The thermal molded laminate construction suggests good long-term durability. It has shown no signs of degradation after several weeks of use. The simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 is a fairly simple design, so there aren’t many customization options. It’s primarily designed to be used as-is. While it’s not explicitly compatible with accessories from other brands, the hook-and-loop belt attachment system should work with most standard belts.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2

Who Should Buy Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2?

This magazine holder is perfect for individuals who prioritize deep concealment and comfort, such as plainclothes officers, concealed carry permit holders, and anyone needing a low-profile option for everyday carry. It is best for those who carry Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 34 and 35 magazines. It is ideal for those who prefer a more secure magazine retention system.

Those who prioritize extremely fast reloads or who need a carrier compatible with a wide range of accessories should probably skip this product. Must-have modifications are not really necessary. A good quality belt is always recommended for any concealed carry setup.

Conclusion on Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2

The Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 123-83-2 is a well-designed and reliable option for those seeking deep concealment. While it might not be the fastest magazine carrier on the market, its comfort, durability, and low profile make it a solid choice for everyday carry. At a price of $25.20, the price is definitely justified.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and discreet way to carry a spare Glock magazine. If you value concealment above all else, this is an excellent choice. Give it a try, and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared without sacrificing comfort or concealability.