A Spare When You Need It - How to Pick and Use Mag Pouches

If you're a firearm enthusiast, concealed carry permit holder, or a competitive shooter, you understand the importance of having quick and reliable access to spare magazines. A good magazine pouch can be a game-changer, making your shooting experience more efficient and enjoyable. But with the plethora of options available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. From daily range use to concealed carry or competition shooting, this article will help you navigate the magazine pouch landscape, offering tips and insights on how to make the best choice for your specific needs.

Magazine Compatibility

The very first thing you should consider when choosing a magazine pouch is whether it's compatible with your magazines. Magazines come in different shapes and sizes, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Make sure the pouch is designed for your firearm's specific make and model. For daily range use, having the right pouch means quick and smooth reloads.

Many magazine pouches and holders are specific to the type and style of the magazine. For example, Falco Holsters sells a very useful Dual Speed Loader pouch that can be accessed either from the top or bottom making it not only more versatile but also completely ambidextrous. You can see in some of these photos that since I didn’t have speed loaders handy, I tried to put regular Glock 17 magazines in them. This obviously didn’t work because the speed loader pouch, despite its similar appearance and function, just doesn’t work for Glock magazines. Likewise, putting speed loaders in a regular magazine pouch won’t work, and putting Single-stack magazines in double-stack magazine pouches will not work - just use the “buy once, cry once” method and get the right product the first time.

Mag Holster Capacity

The next question to tackle is how many magazines you want to carry. Magazine pouches come in single, double, or even triple configurations, depending on your needs. For daily range use, it's handy to have multiple magazines at your disposal for uninterrupted shooting sessions. Concealed carriers may opt for a single or double pouch for a more streamlined setup, while competitive shooters might prefer the capacity of a triple pouch for those high-speed courses of fire.

Material Matters

The material of your magazine pouch can greatly impact its durability, maintenance, and performance.

Leather Mag Pouch

Leather pouches are known for their durability and classic look. They're great for daily concealed carry use, offering both function and style. However, leather may require a bit more maintenance to keep it looking pristine. Falco Holsters has a wide variety of quality leather magazine pouches like the ones seen in this article.

Nylon Mag Pouch

Nylon magazine pouches are lightweight, affordable, and resistant to the elements. These are easy to clean, making them a practical choice for everyday range sessions. The Classic Nylon version may not be as durable as other materials on this list, however Premium nylon definitely is. Whatever you choose, both of the variants get the job done.

Kydex Mag Pouch

If you're looking for lightweight, durable, and high-retention magazine pouches, Kydex and polymer are the way to go. These materials are perfect for competitive shooting, as they securely hold your magazines in place while allowing for lightning-fast reloads. The aesthetics might not be as appealing as leather, but for functionality, they're top-notch.

Retention of Magazine Pouch

A critical factor in magazine pouch selection is the retention mechanism. It's essential that your pouch holds your magazines securely to prevent accidental loss and ensure quick access. Some pouches use tension screws, straps, or friction retention mechanisms. For daily range use, a tension screw might provide a good balance of security and ease of access. Concealed carriers may opt for a open pouch and strap or flap for extra security might be good for open carry the the range. Competitive shooters often prefer open-top designs for lightning-fast reloads during matches. Falco has all these options available, so only thing you have to do is choose model & specs to your new magazine pouch.

Prefered Carry Method

How you plan to carry your magazines should influence your pouch choice. Magazine pouches can be attached to your belt, chest rig, plate carrier, or thigh rig. Each method has its advantages, and your selection should align with your intended use. If you're hitting the range daily or concealed carrying, a belt attachment is a straightforward and comfortable choice. It keeps your magazines within easy reach and allows for quick reloads. Chest Rigs or Plate carriers are also options that are used for carrying spare magazines but are almost always exclusively used by those participating in a competition, training at their home range, or who are involved in law enforcement or military duty. Even then, plate carriers and chest rigs are not typically used to carry spare pistol magazines.

If you plan to carry your magazines for an extended period, comfort is key. Padded or contoured designs can enhance comfort, making long sessions at the range or extended concealed carry periods more enjoyable.

Price of Magazine Pouch

As with any product, your budget plays a role in your choice. Quality magazine pouches can be an investment, but they often come with better durability and functionality. Do some research on reputable brands, and consider reading user reviews to gather real-world feedback on specific magazine pouches.

Final Thoughts

Consider how quickly you need to access your magazines. Open-top designs are ideal for those moments when you need a lightning-fast reload during competitive shooting. However, concealed carrying might be problematic, so make sure you have mag pouch equipped with retention screw. Daily range-goers can choose a design that balances security with ease of access, depending on their preferences. Magazine pouches come in various orientations, such as horizontal and vertical. The orientation you choose should align with your draw and reload technique. Competitive shooters often prefer horizontal orientation for fast reloads, while vertical may be more comfortable for concealed carriers.

In conclusion, the ideal magazine pouch depends on your specific needs, whether you're hitting the range daily, carrying concealed, or competing in shooting sports. With the right magazine pouch, you'll enhance your shooting experience, ensuring that you're always prepared. Consider factors such as compatibility, material, retention, capacity, and attachment method when making your choice. Find a balance between ease of access and security, and you'll have a reliable companion for your magazines. So, go ahead and explore the world of magazine pouches to find the perfect one for you.