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View Full Version : FAB Defense 5.56 Magazine Pouch



Eric
4 March 2014, 02:43
While at the SHOT Show this year I came across a fairly basic AR15/M4/M16 magazine carrier that looked interesting, the FAB 5.56 Magazine Pouch (http://www.themakogroup.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=556+pouch&Submit=Search). I was recently able to get a hold of one. Cost is about $25.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5192-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5192-1.jpg.html)

The open top carrier is made out of a tough polymer material, substantially tougher then I anticipated. I bent the paddle away from the body of the carrier several times. It didn't crack like expected and it snapped right back into place. I also beat on it with a 2x4 a few times. No damage. One piece construction appears to aid in the strength. There are no screws or fasteners to come loose or fail.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5190-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5190-1.jpg.html)

I tried a variety of magazines in the carrier to include: USGI 20 and 30 round, Lancer AWM 20 and 30 round, Magpul Pmag 20 and 30 round and MAKO E-Lander 30 round. All mags fit and locked into place via flexible internal tabs. Mags can be inserted either direction, bullets facing forward or toward the back. Weight is just under 3 oz.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5205-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5205-1.jpg.html)

The paddle can accommodate up to a 1.75" belt. It fit fine on a Tactical Tailor Riggers Belt and a double thickness 1.5" leather belt, but not on a 2" duty belt. The paddle is slightly concave to better fit the hip. Once on the belt, it stays locked in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5204-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5204-1.jpg.html)

Per the Mako webpage:

Great for grab and go, undercover, or any other situation in which a magazine clipped onto the belt is an advantage.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5198.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5198.jpg.html)

I can see this carrier being used for low profile LE and Mil duties where minimalistic kit is preferred, or running it in a class. I also found several places to affix the carrier to inside my patrol car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5202-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5202-1.jpg.html)

The only real downside I have found is the limitation to a maximum belt width of 1.75". I would like to see additional versions to fit a duty belt and one that's MOLLE compatible. I'll be the first to admit that I haven't bothered to spend much time with MAKO products in the past, but this mag carrier gets a thumbs up.