PDA

View Full Version : Safariland Model 71 Injection Molded Pistol Magazine Pouch



Eric
9 April 2014, 23:32
From Safariland (http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=71)

Model 71
Injection Molded Single Magazine Pouch
Flexible "accordion" design allows for multiple fits and minimal size
Fits magazines, flashlights, knives and muli-tools
Available in Black or FDE Brown
Fits up to 1.75" (45mm) belts

I picked up one of these magazine carriers a few months ago at the SHOT Show and have been using it to carry either a Glock 19 mag or S&W M&P full size mag. Most one-size-fits-all products seem to be a poor compromise and I admittedly didn't expect much from a magazine carrier that claimed to fit numerous mag sizes. I was right, and wrong. More to follow.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/pistols/IMG_5256.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/pistols/IMG_5256.jpg.html)

The sides of the carrier are expandable to accommodate wider mags. The belt clip is similar in appearance to a spring clip, but isn't open on the bottom so the clip must be threaded onto the belt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/pistols/IMG_5255.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/pistols/IMG_5255.jpg.html)

The price-point is fairly attractive, only $15. The mag carriers are available in black and FDE.

Wilson .45 1911 mag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/pistols/IMG_5266.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/pistols/IMG_5266.jpg.html)

Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm 17 round mag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/pistols/IMG_5263.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/pistols/IMG_5263.jpg.html)

Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm 12 round compact mag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/pistols/IMG_5264.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/pistols/IMG_5264.jpg.html)

Glock 19 mag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/pistols/IMG_5265.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/pistols/IMG_5265.jpg.html)

The full length mags are a great fit for this mag carrier. There's enough of the mag exposed to get a good grip on it, but the compact M&P mag sits too low and is difficult to get out. The Glock 19 mag has a bit of mag exposed, but the Glock 17 is easier to grab. It would be nice to see Safariland adjust the length of the carrier to work better with short mags that are used in compact versions of duty guns, like the Compact M&P and Glock 26/27. Double stack .45 cal mags, like the Glock 21, can be forced into the carrier, but are too tight to get out easily. A Leatherman Wave was a good fit in the carrier.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/pistols/IMG_5258.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/pistols/IMG_5258.jpg.html)

The nylon material used in the carrier seems to be durable and so far, has retained it's shape. I was surprised how well it retained the 1911 mag, even after having a double stack mag seated in it for an extended period. Magazines are held fairly close to the body, without digging in. There is enough tension on the belt clip to keep it from sliding around, assuming a proper thick leather or reinforced belt is used.

Especially given the $15 cost, this is one of the better buys that I have found in a while.