The Good, the Bad & the Real of the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL is more than just a mag pouch; it’s a legacy. Crafted by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and tactical gear, this pouch is designed for those who demand reliability and durability. Its ambidextrous design and STX Tactical finish make it a versatile and practical choice for duty use.
I needed a reliable magazine pouch that could withstand the rigors of daily duty. My previous pouch, a cheaper nylon model, was showing significant wear and tear after only a few months. I needed something that could hold up during foot pursuits, grappling situations, and the general wear and tear of patrol.
Upon unboxing, the Safariland 77 immediately impressed me with its robust construction and quality materials. The STX Tactical finish provided a durable and textured surface, offering a secure grip. It felt significantly more substantial and better built than my previous pouch.
Compared to similar offerings from Blackhawk and Uncle Mike’s, the Safariland 77 stood out due to its superior retention and overall build quality. While the Blackhawk offered similar functionality, the Safariland boasted a more robust construction and a reputation for long-lasting durability. The Uncle Mike’s, while more affordable, simply couldn’t match the Safariland’s retention or overall quality.
My first impression was one of confidence. The Safariland 77 felt like a piece of gear I could trust my life with. It wasn’t flashy, but it was purposeful and exuded reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 77 at the range during a qualifications course. I ran through various drills, including rapid reloads, moving and shooting, and shooting from cover. The pouch performed flawlessly, providing secure magazine retention while allowing for quick and easy access.
The Safariland 77 held up remarkably well in both dry and humid conditions. The STX Tactical finish provided a secure grip even when my hands were sweaty. I was able to draw and reload magazines quickly and efficiently without any fumbling or slippage.
The learning curve was minimal. The Safariland 77 is intuitive to use, and I quickly adapted to its retention system. After a few practice draws, I was able to reload with confidence and speed.
The only initial issue I encountered was that the snaps were a bit stiff at first, requiring a bit of force to open and close. However, this loosened up after a few uses, and the snaps became easier to operate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use on patrol, the Safariland 77 has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. It has withstood the rigors of daily wear and tear, including foot pursuits, grappling situations, and exposure to the elements. The pouch shows no signs of significant wear and tear, and the magazines are held securely in place.
The STX Tactical finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of scuffing or wear. The snaps remain secure and functional. The overall construction of the pouch has proven to be incredibly robust and durable.
Maintaining the Safariland 77 is simple. I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. The pouch requires no special cleaning or maintenance procedures.
Compared to my previous nylon pouch, the Safariland 77 is a significant upgrade. It provides superior retention, durability, and overall performance. It has exceeded my expectations and has become an indispensable part of my duty gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Safariland. This is a brand known for quality and durability in law enforcement and tactical gear.
- Color: Black. A standard, professional color for duty gear.
- Finish: STX Tactical. Provides a textured, durable, and non-reflective surface.
- Fabric/Material: SafariLaminate. SafariLaminate is a proprietary material known for its strength, durability, and resistance to the elements.
- # of Mag Pouch Compartments: 2. Holds two magazines for quick access and increased firepower.
- # of Mags Held in Each Compartment: 1. Each compartment is designed to hold a single magazine securely.
- Hand: Ambidextrous. Can be worn on either the left or right side, providing versatility for the user.
- Gun Model: Glock 35, Glock 34, Glock 22, Glock 17, SIG Sauer P229. Compatible with a wide range of popular handguns.
- Belt Width: 2.25 in. Designed to fit standard duty belts.
- Accessory Attachment System: Belt Loop. Easy to attach and remove from the duty belt.
- Fastener/Closure Type: Snaps. Provides a secure and reliable closure system.
These specifications are critical for performance because they directly impact the pouch’s ability to securely hold magazines, withstand the rigors of daily use, and integrate seamlessly with the user’s duty belt and other gear. The SafariLaminate material and STX Tactical finish are essential for durability and resistance to the elements, while the ambidextrous design and compatibility with a wide range of handguns ensure versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 77 performs its job exceptionally well. The pouch provides secure magazine retention, allowing for quick and easy access when needed. The magazines are held firmly in place, preventing them from falling out during strenuous activity.
The pouch’s strengths lie in its durability, reliability, and ease of use. The SafariLaminate material and STX Tactical finish make it resistant to wear and tear, while the simple snap closure system allows for quick and easy access to magazines. The main weakness I’ve found is that over long periods in hot environments, the STX Tactical finish can become slightly sticky, though this is minor.
The Safariland 77 meets and exceeds expectations. It is a reliable and durable magazine pouch that performs as advertised. It has become an indispensable part of my duty gear.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 77 features a simple and functional design. The pouch is constructed from high-quality materials and is built to last. The STX Tactical finish provides a secure grip and a professional appearance.
The pouch is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. The snap closure system is easy to operate, and the magazines are easily accessible. The pouch is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with movement.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 77 is built to last. The SafariLaminate material and STX Tactical finish make it resistant to wear and tear. The pouch is easy to maintain and repair.
The pouch should last for many years with proper care. The materials are resistant to wear and tear, and the construction is robust. The pouch can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 77 does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of duty belts and other gear. There are no specific customization options available for the Safariland 77.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL
Pros
- Unmatched Durability: The SafariLaminate and STX Tactical finish provide exceptional resistance to wear and tear.
- Secure Magazine Retention: Magazines are held firmly in place, even during strenuous activity.
- Ambidextrous Design: Can be worn on either the left or right side, providing versatility for the user.
- Easy to Use: The snap closure system allows for quick and easy access to magazines.
- Professional Appearance: The black color and STX Tactical finish provide a professional and non-reflective appearance.
Cons
- Stiff Snaps Initially: The snaps can be a bit stiff at first, requiring some force to operate.
- Limited Customization: There are no specific customization options available for the Safariland 77.
Who Should Buy Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL?
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and military personnel who require a reliable and durable magazine pouch for duty use. It is also a good choice for competitive shooters and anyone who wants a high-quality magazine pouch for training or recreational shooting.
This product might not be ideal for casual shooters who only occasionally visit the range, as there are more affordable options available.
A must-have accessory is a quality duty belt that is compatible with the Safariland 77.
Conclusion on Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL
The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX TAC Black, Ambidextrous 77-83-13PBL is a reliable and durable magazine pouch that is well worth the investment. Its SafariLaminate construction, STX Tactical finish, and secure magazine retention make it an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-quality magazine pouch for duty or recreational use.
The price is justified given the pouch’s durability, reliability, and overall performance. While cheaper options are available, they simply cannot match the Safariland 77’s quality and longevity.
I would highly recommend the Safariland 77 to anyone who needs a reliable and durable magazine pouch. It is a piece of gear that you can trust your life with. Invest in your safety and preparedness – get the Safariland 77 today!