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Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:17
In the 90s, when the molle system was first employed by the united states military, the
need to store Ak-47 style magazines was unheard of. The standard weapon utilized the
American armed forces was the 5.56 m-16; so the system, and subsequently all the pouches for the system, were designed around that platform. Not until the beginning of the war on terror was the 7.62x39 platform even considered.

As the war on terror grew in the middle east, more and more American security contractors found themselves deploying their services in countries such as iraq and Afghanistan, the need for a 7.62 sized pouch also grew.

Some AR magazine pouches have been known to work with AK style magazines. The main problems being a) the drastic curvature of the magazine b) the wider floor plate of the ak magazines, and c) the locking tab found on the spine just below the feeding lips.
Fast forward to modern times and you'll find that most of the "name brand" nylon
manufacturers provide some sort of AK magazine Pouch. With the recent addition of the PMAG to the AR platform, some manufacturers are finding themselves inadvertently making pouches that will fit.

There are two different styles of pouches available. The most sought after is the
"shingle" style. A shingle pouch is a pouch that holds the magazine with at least 3/4
coverage and has an open top. The most common method of retention for these pouches is a length of bungee cord that can be pulled over the top of the magazine. The other style is a "flapped" style pouch. Like the shingle, the pouch provides 3/4 coverage, but instead of being open topped, they have a flap that folds from the rear of the pouch over the top of the magazine, and down the front of it. Common retention methods for these pouches are either fastex buckles and/or velcro. There are other methods of retention for this style, but varies per manufacturer.

In this review, we will examine pouches by companies such as Diamond Back Tactical, High Speed Gear Inc, original SOE gear, ATS Gear, Zulu Tactical; and as time progresses, hopefully more.

At this point, as to appease the "professional crowd" I must point out that I am not any type of security contractor, not active duty military, have not seen active combat, and am not law enforcement. I am your average joe, who happens to have one of the
oddest hobbies i've personally ever heard of.

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:18
First up is the Shingle Style. The shingle pouch allows for the most easy/quick access to your replacement magazine. The shingle is basically an open topped magazine pouch. There are two styles of retention commonly used with these pouches. Bungee Cord and Velcro-ed tabs. The main downside to this style pouch is that if you run your magazines bullets up, and decide to GI crawl through mud, your liable to gum up your feed lips.


Ats Triple M4 Pouch w/20 and 30 round ak mags (http://www.atstacticalgear.com/cgi/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=ST-7340)

The Ats Triple M4 pouch came to me on recommendation from a board member on The Ak Forum (http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB2/). From the edges inward, the stitching Is as I would expect from one of the most trust “down range” companies on the market.

The outer webbing is secured with double lined stitching. Moving into each cell of the pouch you’ll notice that it has three inner lines of stitching and one outer at the dividing points. {insert picture}

The outer pals channels are secured with a single line of zig zag stitches, which is a very sturdy stitch, as it puts more thread in the same amount of space as a single stitch. {insert Picture}

The top of the cells has a single fold over secured with the same dual lines of stitching that the outer edging has. {insert Picture}

The ATS pouch uses a bungee retaining system for m4 magazines, but they will need to be removed to enable a smoother draw of the ak magazines; as you have to “rock” the magazine out of the pouch instead of drawing it straight up like you would a m4 magazine. {insert Picture}

The back has what I call a broken pals system. Meaning that there is a gap between each pals row. These rows are again secured with the same zig zag thread pattern as the front. The ATS pouch uses a system that some manufacturers have moved away from, and that is actually having molle straps sewn onto the back. The molle straps are constructed from a single piece of one inch webbing, folded over and stitched together. At each end you will find a snap button to finalize the securing of the pouch. {insert picture a: rear pals channels and b: Molle straps over pals channels)
You can use ak magazines in either configuration, either bullets up, or down.{insert picture}

Do note that if you run the magazines bullets down, you will have to “rock the magazines” out of the pouch, much like you would load a magazine into your weapon. If you run the magazines bullets up, you can draw straight up. If you choose to run bullets up, I would strongly recommend getting some magazine caps in order to prevent debris from entering the magazine between the live rounds and the feeding lips of the magazine.; and eventually causing the inevitable misfeed .
All in all I’d give this pouch a 3/5 when running ak magazines in it (which is not designed for) due to fact that you have to remove the bungees to make it work with an ak magazine, and due to the molle system on the back (I prefer malice clips for ease of installation)


Diamondback Tactical Battle Lab Single m4 short Shingle (http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/BattleLab-M4M16-Single-Mag-Shortbr-CAMELTAN-P2564C0.aspx)

The BLPM04-S was originally designed to hold a 20 round PMAG. On a whim, I picked up one of these on one of the various equipment exchanges. At first glance this pouch is a tad on the lighter weight than the others in this post.

The front of the pouch has dual pals channels on it. The edges, at first glance seem to be single stitch. However, if you rotate it, you'll notice that each side is stitched separately, making it a dual stitch. The pals channels are held on with a single stitch, overlapped with a zig zag stitch.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020085.jpg

As you can tell, the bungee retention cords are wrapped through the molle webbing, and tied off on the outer side of the pouch. There is a rubbery material on the inner of the pouch that aides in retention. The rear of the pouch has dual stitched in molle strips constructed of folded over one inch webbing; using snaps to secure them, once threaded.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020086.jpg

These pouches hold 20 round hungarian magazines like DBT originally designed the pouch around them, which they didn't. again, these were designed for m4 magazines. There is just enough space in the pouch to make a silky smooth draw. Unlike the ATS pouch, the locking tab does not snag on any material.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020089.jpg

Final Notes: out of all the pouches in this review. this is my favorite. I run 20 round magazines, and have little use for 30 round magazines. This one gets a five star rating because of the perfect draw, superior retention, and excellent construction.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020088.jpg

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:18
Diamondback Tactical BattleLab M4/M16 Single Open Top Mag Pouch (http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/BattleLab-M4M16-Single-Open-Top-Mag-Pouch-P702C111.aspx)
NOTE: This is an m4 pouch that, like the short, I am attempting to apply to the 7.62 ak magazine platform.

Well here is another pouch that I was looking foward to looking at, but ended up slightly disappointed. After having such a great success with the #BLPM04-S Short pouches, I emailed DBT and ask about it. The Main question I asked was whether or not the Regular sized pouch was made to the same specs as the short. Their response was:

"Yes, the Magazine Pouches you’re asking about below are the same with the exception of the “S” being short"

Well It's not. The opening is a tad smaller than the -S, and the pouch is harder to mount the magazines in than the -S was. So much so, that you should be prepared to take your rig off, mount the pouch, and once all your pouches are full put the rig back on. Removing the magazine isn't quite as hard as the initial mount. All it takes is a rock towards the locking tab, and then another away from the locking tab to pull the magazine free and clear of the pouch.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020124.jpg

There are a few distinct differences between the long and the short pouches. The main being the opening width that I already discussed. Other visual distinctions are added lines of stiching along the bottom of the pouch, an additional row of pals channels on the front and the back. Another serious difference between the short and the long are is the black interior lining. Unlike the short, it stops well inside of the pouch and does not overlap onto the front of the pouch.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020122.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020123.jpg

You'll notice that the 30 round magazine has plenty of body to grab a hold of, in order to draw the magazine. the 20 round hungarian magazines are almost completely swallowed by this pouch.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020125.jpg

Final Thoughts: The quality on the one long pouch i have recieved does not seem par with the other pouches I have gotten from DBT. There are several freys in the stiching, stray thread tacks, broken stiches, and the bungees were tied to short. With the amount of effort you have to put into mounting the magazine inside this pouch, I would say that for the AK magazine, this is NOT a viable option.

Esstac 7.62 Double Wedge
http://www.skdtac.com/product_p/ess.110.htm
Available pretty much only from Skd Tactical (http://www.skdtac.com/Esstac_s/28.htm), esstac is one of the smaller, yet quality gear makers out there. Originally constructed to handle FAL style magazines, or those using 7.62x51 ammunition, the Single, double, and triple wedge will all fit ak magazines. My main gripe is the fit. We'll delve into that a bit later.

The first thing you'll notice when opening the packaging is how well this magazine pouch is constructed. just looking at it, you'll see the difference, not to mention the feel of it. it just .. like a better quality pouch. Unlike most pouches, these are constructed in an 8 pattern. It's one strip that is folded back on each end, overlapped and then stitched together.

The front of the pouch has three pals channels on it. There are 5 rows of stitching just on the front of this pouch. that's not including the double stitching holding the pals channels on the front.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020093.jpg

The rear of the pouch has four rows of webbing on it. For whatever reason, the manufacturer strayed from the industry standard width, and tacked these at one and a half (1.5) inches; however there is no side to side movement (which i expected) once the malice clips are threaded through the pals channels.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020094.jpg


Now we come to the point on these pouches that i was slightly disappointed with. the magazine fit. Because these were originally designed for Fal sized magazines, the ak magazines tend to have a loose side to side movement, when not properly retained by the bungees. Once secured with the bungees however, there is zero movement.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020096.jpg

Speaking of the bungees, unlike several other manufacturers, stu secures the bungees on the inside of the pouch, instead of through the pals channels on the front and back. The magazines are seated on a single layer of thin 3" webbing, which is double stitched into the bottom edging.

Final thoughts: These pouches are built like a tank. with the bungee retainers in original configuration, these are perfect for 30 round magazines. Because of the height of these pouches, they are not ideal for 20 round magazines, it leaves very little magazine to grip for draw. However, the bungees can be adjusted to hold the 20 round magazines just as well as the 30s.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020095.jpg

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:19
Triad Tactical and Eagle Industries (a combined effort)
Steve over at Triad Tactical provided these to me for a "first look." These pouches are not yet in production, as he's still working out all the details.

The Triad/Eagle shingle is designed specifically around the AK magazine.

The construction is slightly different than the other shingles i've looked at. Like others, it uses double stitching on the seams and webbing contact points. it uses single stitching for some reinforcement. Around the mouth of the pouch Eagle/Triad has placed single ply webbing, for additional reinforcement. Retention is provided by a front mounted bungee, instead of a top mounted bungee. Because of the tightness of this pouch, retention is NOT an issue. i'm pretty sure it would take you dangling upside down for a good while for a loaded magazine to extract itself.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/triad%20shingle/DSCN1291.jpg

The rear of the pouch is closed cell channels.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/triad%20shingle/DSCN1290.jpg

There is enough room for the locking tab to clear the reinforced mouth. Though not a lot. The draw is real nice and smooth. no hang ups, though due to the constricting retention it does require a forced extraction. It takes some practice getting the magazines into the pouch with any speed. You need to insert the locking tab first and the rotate the magazine downward.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/triad%20shingle/DSCN1294.jpg


This pouch was obviously designed around the 30 round or larger magazines.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/triad%20shingle/DSCN1292.jpg

It will not function well with a 20 round magazine, as it does not leave enough exposed to get a good grip on.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/triad%20shingle/DSCN1293.jpg

Final Thoughts: For some reason i find this pouch ascetically pleasing. I think it has to do with the lack of pals channels on the front like most other pouches have. These were obviously designed for a minimalist rig, as you can't stack anything on the front. I really like the 1" webbing that runs the exterior of the pouch and all the way down each side of it. What I didn't like was the fact that it swallowed my 20 round magazines. This pouch needs to be about 3 inches shorter to effectively work with that size magazine.
{insert two on OSOE micro pals rig
Nancy Tactical Triple 20 round ak pouch
Nancy Tactical (http://nancytactical.blogspot.com/2008/04/nancy-tac-tactical-hoodie.html)
Which transitioned to Zulu Tactical (http://www.zulunylongear.com/)
note to mods, i do own this pouch. the pictures were provided prior to shipment to verify that i was okay with the design
I found Zulu/Nancy Tactical through customgearreport (http://www.customgearreport.com/main/index.php/tag/customtacticalgear/). On a sperm of the moment whim, I emailed him asking whether or not he made mag pouches, and if he did, what It would take for him to do a “one off” pouch for the Hungarian 20 round AK magazines. The conversation started on the 13th of march, and over the next week he and I worked out all the particulars of what I wanted in the pouch. The simplest thing for us to do was for me to send him a magazine.

Fortunately Copes Distributing (http://www.copesdist.com) had some in stock, so I paid for it and had it shipped out to him. During the wait time for the magazine to get to him, I looked at some of the other pouches in this review, took some measurements and decided that the height should be 4 and 2/10"s high, and the opening of the mouth should be 3 and 2/10s wide.

This is what we ended up with after all was said and done.
The pouch sits at just around 4.5 inches tall, so it’s a tad taller than what I had planned for, but works out a lot better, as my measurement would have been to short. It’s a triple configuration, holding one magazine per cell.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/DSC00245.jpg

The front
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/DSC00236.jpg

The back, like the Esstac Wedge is a closed row system, meaning that there are no gaps between the pals channels. It’s four rows of webbing, top to bottom.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/DSC00241.jpg

The Fit is loose, but with the bungees in place it's not an issue. The draw is super easy due to the ample amount of space in the pouches.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/DSC00248.jpg

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:20
reserved for content - possible OSOE shingles and EGL
Here is yet another M4 pouch that i'm trying to make work for a platform for which it was not designed. Like the other OSOE pouches that I have received in the construction on these is far beyond impressive. All the other shingles i've handled, with the exception of the esstac, felt loose and weak. this pouch feels like a brick. It is so well reinforced that it holds it form perfectly.
Like pretty much every other shingle out there, there are pals channels running the length of the pouch; so you can stack multiple pouches. However, Unlike the other brands available, john uses matching webbing for the channels.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/osoe%20shingle/DSCN1244.jpg

The rear has closed cell pals channels.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/osoe%20shingle/DSCN1245.jpg

The bottom of the pouch consists of four layers of material that has been folded over and tacked down. this provides for excellent stability in the bottom of the magazine pouch.
{insert picture}

On the inside of the pouch you will find velcro. If you don't want to run the bungees you can take a piece of industrial strength velcro (1"x1") and attach it to the magazine. it will hold it in place and function with perfect retention.
{insert picture}

According to the manufacturer description these pouches will not work with ak magazines. They are right to a point. Because Ak magazines have a locking tab that protrudes from the side of them, you cannot run Ak magazines in this pouch... bullets down. However, You can run them bullets up. This pouch will fit both 20 and 30 round magazines, BULLETS UP. Do not buy this pouch expecting to be able to run them bullets down. IT WILL NOT WORK.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/osoe%20shingle/DSCN1246.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/osoe%20shingle/DSCN1247.jpg

Final Thoughts: I love the construction on this pouch. So much so that I wished that it was available in a slightly wider version to accommodate running the AK magazine bullets down. Like the manufacturer says though, this pouch is not designed for AK mags, and therefore is not a viable option.

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:20
The Next style in the line up is a flapped pouch. Meaning that there is a flap that fold back to front, over the magazine. It replaces the bungee retention of the shingle. There are quite a few professionals that will argue in this styles favor. This is mostly due in part that the flap goes the extra mile to keep dirt and debris out of your magazine and magazine pouch. The flapped style will allow you to run your magazines bullets up without the fear of getting the feed lips all junked up.


HSGI Double UMMP w/20 and 30 round ak mags (http://www.hsgi.us/proddetail.asp?prod=HSG-UMMPD)
This pouch was one of the very first pouches I ever bought when I started putting together my kit. I spent a few weeks researching different rifle pouches and decided on this one for two reasons. First of all I was running two platforms at the time, both an m4 and an AK, so I wanted something that would work for both styles of magazines. Secondly, one of my now online buddies, had a sale going on “last years run” and was able to hook me up with a killer price.

This pouch will allow you to carry up to four ak magazines, and works well with both 20 and 30 round magazines. It uses a triple retention system in securing the magazines. From the outside working inward, you have a fastex buckle you have to undo, after that you have the choice of using (or not) the built in Velcro closure system; lastly you can set the retention level with a built in bungee cord, and dual adjusters. {insert Picture a)closed pouch with fastex secured c) Velcro, one side in use, one side not c) twin picture of each side showing the adjusters}

Last notes on hsgi ummps: The ummps have pals channels sewn into the sides so that you can add other pouches, if you run out of space on your chest rig or plate carrier.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1000679.jpg


Diamondback Tactical Battle Lab m4/m16 single mag pouch (http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/BattleLab-M4M16-Single-Mag-Holds-2-P700C111.aspx)
This is another pouch that DBT has built for m4 magazines, that i'm trying to shove ak magazines into.

Unlike the Regular sized shingle that they sent me, this one has little to no freying, or other design issues. It actually feels like a mid weight pouch. Very well constructed. These pouches are advertised to hold 2 m4 magazines. Like other brands, that tends to mean that it will only hold one AK magazine. And so it is proven in this pouch.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020126.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020128.jpg
As you can tell in the picture below, if's deep enough to hold 30 round magazines with no issue. it actually leaves a great deal exposed, so that you can grab the magazine easily.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020127.jpg
not so much with the 20 round magazine.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020129.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020130.jpg

Final Note on the single mag pouch:
For a first line belt, where you only want to carry one rifle magazine next to your pistol magazines, this would be ideal. If you are looking for a flapped pouch to hold 2 AK magazines, this one is not going to be the way you want to go. Getting a second magazine in this pouch IS impossible.

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:21
Diamondbck Tactical Staggered pouch m4 pouch (http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/BattleLab-M4-Tiered-Double-Mag-Pouch-Holds-2-P704C111.aspx)
I actually bought this one prior to DBT sending me the single pouch for T&E. Unlike the single magazine pouch reviewed above, the staggered pouch actually DOES fit two ak magazines. Like the tall shingle, it takes a decisive rocking motion to remove the magazine from the pouch. This, like the tall shingle is to clear the locking tab of the side material.
This pouch utilizes less hook and loop on both the lid and the magazine body. Instead of continuing it upward like they did on the single magazine pouch, they cut the hook and loop level with the top of the pouch. Unfortunately, this makes for carrying double 30 round magazines very difficult, as there is very little contact between the two side of the velcro.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020134.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020135.jpg
The pouch is little better when used in conjunction with the 20 round magazines. it doesn't leave as much of the magazine exposed, as it does with the 30, but enough so that you can easily withdrawn the magazine.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/P1020136.jpg

Final note: This pouch utilizes two 1.75" strips of elastic to add retention to these pouches. Personally, i'd like to see DBT remove the piece that goes around the rear magazine. Compared to the HSGI UMMP, i'd take the UMMP over it, but it still works well. The main thing i like is the fact that it does not have a fastex buckle on it.

Blackhawk six mag pouch

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:21
OSOE Rallyman
This is the first piece of work i've ever seen done by john and his staff over at OSOE. This is by far the most well made pouch i've seen to date (regardless of type or brand). The stitching on this item is stupendous. every seam is triple stiched. Where the pals channels meet the seams, it's quadruple stitched.

The rallyman pouch is a flapped pouch, secured by both velcro and a fastex buckle. The female part of the buckle is adjustable, so that if you have large magazines in the pouch it'll reach, and you can snug the pouch down.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1229.jpg
As you can see in the picture the rallyman also features pals channels on the sides, so that you can add, say, a pistol magazine pouch to it.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1230.jpg
The Rear has your standard pals channels.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1231.jpg
The Rallyman will readily double stack both 20 and 30 round magazines (sorry guys, i dont own any 40s), with plenty of room to spare. This was the only spot where i was slightly disappointed. Because of the ample amount of room (these were originally designed to hold 3 m4 magazines), if you don't snug the flap down really well, the magazines do have some side to side movement. however, comma, if the flap is properly secured, there is 0 movement.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1236.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1237.jpg
Another Great feature of this pouch is something that i've yet to see with anyone else's products. it has a fully adjustable/removable flap. Running 30 round magazines? no problem, adjust the flap up the rear of the pouch. running 20s? adjust it down. And don't worry about it accidentally coming loose, there is PLENTY of hook and loop on the back of this pouch. it's not going anywhere, unless you really want it to.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1233.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1234.jpg
John has included a fairly standard feature on today's pouches and that's a metal grommet in the bottom for immediate drainage, should you get all wet.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/rallyman/DSCN1232.jpg

Final thoughts: At first I thought that retention was going to be an issue. till i toyed with it and really snugged the flap down. Everyone knows i usually can't stand fastex buckles, but on this model it's a must, and i don't mind it so much. These puppies are wide. Remember the picture of the Mini-Mav with a HSGI dual UMMP, double pistol pouch, and a med pouch? not with these bad boys. If your looking for a small rig with dual rallyman pouches, look to the OSOE Micro AK/m4 rig (to be posted later).

OSOE Da Pouch Gen II
So the Gen II is the rallyman with a few tweaks.

Unlike the Rallyman, This pouch has pals channels running the entire circumference of the pouch. Not only can you add things to the sides, but you can also put something on the front as well.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/da%20gen%20II/DSCN1238.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/da%20gen%20II/DSCN1239.jpg

Also like the Rallyman, DA Pouch also has an adjustable lid. However, unlike it's antecedent, you loose the fastex buckle and gain a eyelet snap.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/da%20gen%20II/DSCN1241.jpg

like it's predecessor, This pouch will readily accept both 20 and 30 round magazines. The pouch works better with 30s than 20s. The problem being that the 20 round magazines are so short that it makes the flap seem to long. I put two 20 round magazines in it, lined the very bottom of the flap with the very bottom of the pouch, and still had air space between the top of the magazines and the flap, when using the second retention level snap. you can secure it more tightly, but you have to pull the flap down below the snap, and will not be able to use it.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/da%20gen%20II/DSCN1242.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/da%20gen%20II/DSCN1242.jpg

Final Thoughts: I'm going to have to run this one. I'm not sold on it just yet. The rallyman thrilled me, but this one was kinda... "eh." Like the rallyman, it's big. and like the rallyman, i'm going to have to wait on my malice clips to get here from SKD (http://www.skdtac.com) to mount it and see how many i can get side by side.

UPDATE: because the rallyman and gen II pouch have adjustable lids, and plenty of velcro on the back of the lid; I have found that if you simply fold the velcro over a little, you will be able to lower the lids even more. Thus accomidating the 20 round magazine with little to no air space, and properly secure the lid

Urban Tactical Gear
17 June 2009, 15:22
One of the first pouches that almost always gets suggested when an Ak mag pouch thread is started is the Emdom Ak-M4 Double Mag Pouch. (http://prostores2.carrierzone.com/servlet/emdomusa/Detail?no=51) Thanks to Ken at EmdomUSA for getting me a loaner so I can show you some of the things I thought the other reviewer missed.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0065.jpg
The First thing I noticed when I took this pouch out of the delivery envelope is that it's TALL. The Pouch is originally designed for use with 30 round magazines. We'll get to that in just a second.

First up is the covering flap. In the picture below you'll notice a thin vertical strip of velcro Loop going down the flap and into the pouch. If you are going into a zone where you know you will need to reload quickly, you can fold the flap BEHIND the magazines and it will be secured and you won't have to worry about it coming out with the last magazine. Should the Hook and loop become inoperable, there is a horizontal piece of elastic that also holds the flap down.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0066.jpg

If you do not feel comfortable tucking the flap down behind the magazines, a good STRONG upward tug will remove the flap all together
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0071.jpg

Like I said at the beginning of this section. This is a tall pouch. Tall = Deep. It is designed to work with 30 round AK magazines. You'll notice a strip of elastic going across the middle of the magazine. this is the second method of retention on this pouch. It is tight enough that it holds the magazine in place, but not to tight as to slow the draw. It will securely retain both 1 or 2 magazines.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0070.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0069.jpg

Like most deep magazine pouches, it will not work so well for a shorter magazine. Sorry fellas, if your like me and run 20 round magazines; this pouch IS NOT for you. It completely swallows the 20 round magazine!
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0076.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0075-2.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0074.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0077.jpg

The final feature I felt was overlooked by the other review is the fact that this pouch has a metal grommet in the bottom of the pouch. This provides for immediate drainage should you find your self exiting a submerged atmosphere.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/arolfsen/reviews/emdom%20ak%20pouch/DSCF0079.jpg

Looking at the pictures above, you will notice that the pouch will allow for running your magazines bullets down. In the limited drawing phases I did before sending the product back to ken, I did not notice any snagging of the locking tab.

Urban Tactical Gear
12 August 2009, 15:07
bump for emdom addition

Stickman
12 August 2009, 17:13
The AK mags really don't shine when it comes to speed loading from a pouch.

Is there one you are using that you think stands out from the rest?

Urban Tactical Gear
12 August 2009, 18:52
in the shingle catagory:
DBT Shorties

In the multimags

Osoe Rallyman

The problem with the multimag pouches is they all tend to be "deep" so they don't necessarily work with the shorter 20 round magazines. they would with an ar mag cause you can put ranger plates on them, but not so much with the aks. I really do wish magpul would come out with an AK based floor plate...

Stickman
12 August 2009, 18:59
The thinner sheet metal of the AK might make it difficult to have a sturdy enough piece, but I'll bring it up.

rob_s
13 August 2009, 02:37
Why not just put the original Magpuls on the AK magazines?

In terms of pouches, I had a custom chest rig made for the AK pouches where we copied the kydex lining idea from the Eagle FB pouches and it worked out great.

Picture showing both

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/Diz%20AK%20Rig/DSC_2070Medium.jpg

Stickman
13 August 2009, 06:53
They don't work as well with the ribbed spine sheetmetal AK mags (7.62).

Gorge Drifter
9 September 2009, 23:34
Informative post. If you have the time, here are three questions for you,

I was looking for better grade versions of CTD's open topped $9.97 double MOLLE-160 and $19.95 double stacked MOLLE-022,

Not finding them, I came across these, that are similar to the ones in your review,

BLPM03-1 BattleLab Tiered Open Mag Pouch (would prefer webbing on outside for stacking)
BLPM04 BattleLab M4/M16 Single Open Top Mag Pouch (single/double)

1. When you stack two pouches together. Will they both still be able to hold 30rd AK 7.62 mags, or will they become narrower due to the stacking and not allow insertion of mags? Had this problem with a cheaper brand of pouches.

2. On the HSGI UMMPS, and if you know on the top listed models, if you don't rock the 30rd AK 7.62 mag during removal, and only pull up straight, is there any overlapping fabric, stitching within or anything else at the top edge of the opening on the pouch, that will snag on the mag locking catch?

3. If you know, does HSGI and Paraclete also use Cordura® Solution Dyed Nylon (Cordura®-SDN) fabric like BattleLab? Thought it was an industry standard with the big names, but it's an interesting marketing point/ploy that BL mentions it on their site as a desired feature. Maybe you could list this "feature" in all your reviews and what manufacturers include it.

Urban Tactical Gear
16 September 2009, 08:40
Informative post. If you have the time, here are three questions for you,

BLPM03-1 BattleLab Tiered Open Mag Pouch (would prefer webbing on outside for stacking)
BLPM04 BattleLab M4/M16 Single Open Top Mag Pouch (single/double)

1. When you stack two pouches together. Will they both still be able to hold 30rd AK 7.62 mags, or will they become narrower due to the stacking and not allow insertion of mags? Had this problem with a cheaper brand of pouches.

couldn't tell you. i have no need to stack anything. i'm not going to tell you how to run your gear, but double stacking a tiered pouch? that's going to put you 4 magazines out from your rig?



2. On the HSGI UMMPS, and if you know on the top listed models, if you don't rock the 30rd AK 7.62 mag during removal, and only pull up straight, is there any overlapping fabric, stitching within or anything else at the top edge of the opening on the pouch, that will snag on the mag locking catch?

The only pouches to date that I have NOT had to rock the magazine out were the DBT short m4 shingle, the Triad Tactical 30 round shingle, The HSGI Taco pouch, and any of the osoe stuff (all johns stuff is wide enough to not need to rock it out).



3. If you know, does HSGI and Paraclete also use Cordura® Solution Dyed Nylon (Cordura®-SDN) fabric like BattleLab? Thought it was an industry standard with the big names, but it's an interesting marketing point/ploy that BL mentions it on their site as a desired feature. Maybe you could list this "feature" in all your reviews and what manufacturers include it.
[/quote]
I'm pretty sure that Tact Tailor and eagle don't. i'll try to find out.
HSGI says

It depends on the contracts we have at the time , but mostly solution dye is used . Our runs of cordura are ran along with other makers , so it makes sense for them to run both or all cordura together .
I have an email out to john at osoe, so once i hear back from him, you'll have another quote.

Gorge Drifter
20 September 2009, 22:58
Excuse the misunderstanding that may have been conveyed. I meant, stacking two single stacks together, i.e., Two DBT BLPM04 together, one on top of another, making it two magazines thick. Still not as thick as some of those HSGI chest rigs, with the built in fold out picnic table.

I was also hoping DBT made a double version of BLPM04, i.e, side by side, but didn't see it in their catalog. Those $16.95 DBT BLPM04 singles get pricey, for something ad hoc. Maybe doubles would be less expensive like other manufacturers.

Perhaps why you can get one AK47 mag in, is because DBT left some play in the fabric to allow stacking M16 mags only. If AK47 30's can be stacked in the DBT as well, then that would be a plus.

Since you have them on hand. I was curious if on the DBT, stacking made the pouch tighter with a smaller capacity, where you may have noticed a potential problem with AK47 type 30rd mags, or if they left the right amount of fabric for sufficient expansion.

Wish the HSGI had straps on their pouches and not those clips. Am satisfied with their other items I have, but I'm limiting my self to use of web strapped MOLLE connections. As I lack confidence and any experience with the clip on connections that they and mostly others use. IIRC who do not have patent rights for usage of straps on their product line.

Good to hear that HSGI cares enough to use completely treated fabric and components. Am surprised Eagle does not, I thought they would, given popularity of their product line, e.g., CIRAS, etc. Maybe you can also start a plate/armor carrier vest thread as well. Thanks.

Urban Tactical Gear
21 September 2009, 00:21
dude malice clips are the way to go.

Gorge Drifter
21 September 2009, 23:54
No thanks, I'll pass on clips.

P/S

Dude, I thought clips and the like were originally "conceived" as a cheap go around, by everyone with a second hand sewing machine (or access to sweat shops in Asia) who wanted to be a gear manufacturer, and couldn't afford to pay for the US patent usage fee for straps.

Urban Tactical Gear
22 September 2009, 00:08
there are very few companies that still use molle straps. condor, dbt, ats and blackhawk are the only three that i can think of off the top of my head. everyone else use malice clips.

High-Speed
22 September 2009, 05:47
No thanks, I'll pass on clips.

P/S

Dude, I thought clips and the like were originally "conceived" as a cheap go around, by everyone with a second hand sewing machine (or access to sweat shops in Asia) who wanted to be a gear manufacturer, and couldn't afford to pay for the US patent usage fee for straps.


Your Loss !

I have repaired more snaps than you could imagine ! Malice clips do not corrode because some lazy-Azz didn't keep up with his PM schedule .
Affordability ..........well let's say there is more labor and cost into producing the strap and snap over the Malice clips . Prices of raw goods are climbing just about every time you turn around . We , the manufacturers are trying our best to keep the price down as much as we can for the best part . Though petroleum prices have gone down a bit , the price of raw goods have NOT ! Converting to a product that has stood up to the test and helps keep the cost down is alright with myself and also with countless thousands upon thousands of others .

Gene @ HSGI

calvados
29 September 2014, 00:51
Hello!

Very intresting for me, but....

Can you reload all foto in this topic?

AK - it's my working rifle. And now I want to find best pouches for himself.