Safariland 77 Double Magazine Pouch – Ambidextrous, STX Tactical Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B

Every officer, competitive shooter, or serious enthusiast knows that a reliable magazine pouch is as vital as the firearm it supports. Enter the Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B, a seemingly simple piece of gear designed to keep your spare magazines secure and accessible in high-stress situations. Safariland is a name synonymous with law enforcement and tactical gear, so my expectations were, admittedly, high.

I had grown tired of generic magazine pouches that either dumped my mags at the worst possible moment or made retrieval feel like wrestling an alligator. I needed something secure, durable, and fast – a pouch that wouldn’t let me down when seconds mattered. The Safariland name and the promise of ambidextrous functionality drew me in.

Upon receiving the pouch, the first thing I noticed was the STX Tactical Black finish; it’s a matte, textured surface that screams durability and resists scratching. The construction felt solid, with tight stitching and a reassuring heft that spoke to its quality. I’ve used many nylon pouches but the Safariland pouch material and construction are definitely a step up.

Compared to cheaper, generic nylon pouches or even some leather options I’ve used, the Safariland 77 felt like a significant upgrade. I considered Blackhawk and Uncle Mike’s pouches, but Safariland’s reputation for law enforcement-grade gear, coupled with the ambidextrous design, ultimately swayed my decision. This is not a budget option, but it’s clear that the price reflects the build quality and the trust that police officers around the world have in this brand.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. It looked and felt the part of a high-quality magazine pouch, but the real test would be how it performed under pressure. Would it live up to the Safariland name, or would it be just another piece of tactical gear destined for the gear bin?

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Safariland 77 was at my local outdoor range, during a series of drills focused on reloading speed and weapon manipulation. I ran drills that involved rapid magazine changes while moving and shooting from various positions. The weather was mild, but the range was dusty, providing a minor environmental challenge.

The pouch performed admirably, retaining my magazines securely during movement but allowing for a smooth, snag-free draw when needed. I ran both Glock 21 and USP45 magazines in the pouch without issues. The ambidextrous design proved its worth, allowing me to switch hands seamlessly without fumbling.

There were no immediate issues, although I did notice that the magazines sat very securely, requiring a deliberate, firm grip to extract them. I suspected that with repeated use, the draw would become smoother.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 77 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. I’ve subjected it to a variety of conditions, from dusty outdoor ranges to humid indoor training facilities. The STX Tactical Black finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear.

The pouch has retained its shape and tension, continuing to hold magazines securely. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and grime. Compared to nylon pouches that tend to fray or lose their shape over time, the Safariland 77 shows no signs of degradation.

My previous experience with cheaper magazine pouches often involved replacing them every year or two due to wear and tear. The Safariland 77 feels like it will last for years, making it a worthwhile investment. It definitely outperforms any similar pouches that I have used.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B

Specifications

The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch is designed for duty and tactical applications. It holds two handgun magazines of various sizes, offering secure retention and quick access.

• The pouch is constructed from durable synthetic material with an STX Tactical Black finish, offering resistance to scratches and abrasions.
• It is designed to fit belts up to 2.25 inches wide, making it compatible with most duty and tactical belts.
• The pouch is ambidextrous, allowing for left- or right-hand carry.
• It fits Glock 20 and 21 magazines, Heckler & Koch USP45 Compact .45ACP and USP40/USP9 magazines, and Para Ordnance P-16LDA and P-14 9mm/.45 magazines.
• The fasteners are made of brass, offering corrosion resistance and durability.

These specifications are crucial for a duty-grade magazine pouch. The durable construction ensures longevity and reliability, while the belt compatibility and ambidextrous design enhance versatility and user comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 77 excels at its primary function: securely holding and providing rapid access to spare magazines. The magazines are held firmly in place, preventing accidental release during movement or strenuous activity.

The draw is smooth and consistent, allowing for quick and efficient magazine changes. While the initial draw was a bit stiff, it loosened up with use. The main strength of this pouch is its ruggedness and reliability; the only area for improvement would be to reduce the draw strength slightly.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Safariland 77 is simple and functional. The STX Tactical Black finish provides a professional appearance and enhances grip. The pouch is relatively lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the belt.

The Safariland 77 does not have any sharp edges that could cause discomfort or snag on clothing. The user-friendly design requires no adjustment or modification.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 77 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. The durable synthetic material and robust stitching ensure longevity.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The materials used are resistant to degradation from moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 77 is designed as a standalone magazine pouch, without specific accessories included. It is compatible with any standard 2.25-inch duty belt.

There are no specific customization options offered by Safariland for this model beyond the choice of finishes. However, users can add aftermarket belt keepers for extra security if desired.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B

Who Should Buy Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B?

The Safariland 77 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, competitive shooters, and serious firearm enthusiasts. Anyone who needs a reliable and durable magazine pouch that can withstand heavy use will benefit from this product.

Those who prefer a more relaxed magazine retention or require extensive customization options should skip this product. A good quality belt is a must-have accessory to use with this product.

Conclusion on Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B

The Safariland 77 Double Handgun Magazine Pouch – STX Tactical Black, Ambidextrous 77-383-13B is a high-quality, durable, and reliable piece of gear that lives up to the Safariland name. While the draw strength may be a bit high for some, the secure magazine retention and rugged construction make it a worthwhile investment.

At $41.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the peace of mind that comes with knowing your spare magazines are secure and accessible. I would highly recommend the Safariland 77 to anyone who needs a dependable magazine pouch for duty, tactical, or competitive applications. Invest in your preparedness and secure your magazines with the Safariland 77 today!