Single stack 9mm mag pouch options

[flyboy129]

Hello all. Noob here.


Recently, I have purchased a 3913NL from a pawn shop in really nice shape.


Also, have found a decent iwb holster for once I get CC status.


Have just ordered a gun belt.


The firearm came with a spare mag, and I would like to also carry it as EDC when I do start.



So, school me on pouches. I know that there are soft and hard, iwb and owb. I'm sure there are pros and cons to each.


One issue I've read in a review is the bullets can wiggle out of place in a soft pouch and cause potential loading issues. I am leaning toward a kydex style iwb.


Still, I'm all ears on comments and suggestions.



Thanks!

 

[Univibe]

How will you be dressing? I carry my spare in a Galco leather mag pouch, that clips outside on my belt. Works fine under suit coat or winter jacket.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Lots of options for mag pouches, though I'm not sure about the availability for your particular model.

I don't know what a "soft" pouch is. Are you talking about nylon/fabric pouches? Never heard about ammo "walking out," either. Not saying it doesn't happen, just never heard of it.

Like with holsters, it's generally preferable to stick with rigid mag pouches molded to your specific mag, whether leather or kydex. That will usually give you the best balance of retention and accessibility.

The most common is the vertical pouch, worn on the weak side, bullets pointing forward. It's probably how most instructors and courses teach reloads.

I would generally recommend against IWB mag pouches. They typically have much less surface area than an IWB holster to spread out belt pressure. They're not as comfortable. I do have an IWB mag pouch, but it's design incorporates a large flap which makes it more comfortable, but it also makes it more difficult to get a solid grasp on the mag. My mag is double-stack, so it may be less of an issue with a single-stack mag like yours.

Leather vs. Kydex. For the most part, personal preference. Good versions of each can work well. Leather may be more comfortable over the long-term since it tends to conform to your body, but the pouch's design can be a bigger factor. Most of the kydex mag pouches I've seen clip on the belt, which can make putting it on and taking it off easier, but they tend not to conceal as well. Of course, that depends on your clothing.

I personally find leather pancake-style pouches to be the most concealable OWB mag pouches. They have belt slots on either side of the pouch which helps pull it in closer to the body. There are also easy on/off versions that use snap loops instead of slots. My experience is that they tend to be slightly less concealable than slotted pouches, but the difference may not be significant depending on your clothing.

OWB pouches can also be found with a slight forward tilt. This helps lower the profile when sitting or bending forward. There are also horizontally-mounted pouches that you could wear on the front of the belt, but it may not be compatible with some types of concealing garments, like jackets or coats. And there are pocket mag pouches.

I generally stick with weak-side, vertical, OWB mag pouches as it's consistent with how I've been trained. And it works with my clothing. I've been tempted to try one of the slanted pouches, but so far vertical pouches haven't been much of an issue for me so it's not really a priority.

Like holsters, you may have to experiment to find the one that works for you. We all have holster boxes for all the holsters we tried that didn't work. I'm sure there are probably some mag pouches in there, too.

For a starting point, you may want to check with the maker of your holster. Most holster makers I'm aware of also make mag pouches.

If you don't have one already, a good gunbelt can help make it easier and more comfortable to carry everything. For leather, a double-layer design is good. I personally like Beltman, but there are lots of good makers out there. There are also less expensive nylon belts designed for carrying guns. The Wilderness Instructor belt is probably the most popular one and can be had with internal reinforcement for extra support. Some people use suspenders to help support the weight. I like Perry Suspenders since they clip on the belt, though I don't use them very much. It's generally a good idea to think of your carry gear as a "system," with the holster, mag pouch, and belt working together to support your tools.

Training from a good instructor would be highly beneficial, if you haven't gotten any yet.

If you haven't already done so, a search of this subform and the Concealed Carry subforum can give you some good information.

Of course, this is based on my experience. Everybody will have different opinions and suggestions. Doesn't necessarily mean someone's right and someone's wrong. It just reflects on their own experiences.

I hope this helps.

Apologies for the novel.

 

[flyboy129]

How will you be dressing? I carry my spare in a Galco leather mag pouch, that clips outside on my belt. Works fine under suit coat or winter jacket.

I am a t-shirt/blue jeans guy. I will probably go up a size in shirt if needed, or maybe a button down pattern shirt to conceal better. Unless it is cool, I won't have a jacket. I live in the south, so we only rock about 4 months like that. I rarely wear dress stuff. I can count on one hand the number of times I've worn a suit, and I'm 38.


Hence, why I'm doing iwb holster, and probably do the same for mag pouch.

 

[flyboy129]

Lots of options for mag pouches, though I'm not sure about the availability for your particular model.

I don't know what a "soft" pouch is. Are you talking about nylon/fabric pouches? Never heard about ammo "walking out," either. Not saying it doesn't happen, just never heard of it.

Like with holsters, it's generally preferable to stick with rigid mag pouches molded to your specific mag, whether leather or kydex. That will usually give you the best balance of retention and accessibility.

It was a basic, generic model on amazon. I think it wasn't even specified for double or single stack. Probably had a little slop, allowing the top bullet to wiggle forward a bit.

The most common is the vertical pouch, worn on the weak side, bullets pointing forward. It's probably how most instructors and courses teach reloads.

I would generally recommend against IWB mag pouches. They typically have much less surface area than an IWB holster to spread out belt pressure. They're not as comfortable. I do have an IWB mag pouch, but it's design incorporates a large flap which makes it more comfortable, but it also makes it more difficult to get a solid grasp on the mag. My mag is double-stack, so it may be less of an issue with a single-stack mag like yours.

Leather vs. Kydex. For the most part, personal preference. Good versions of each can work well. Leather may be more comfortable over the long-term since it tends to conform to your body, but the pouch's design can be a bigger factor. Most of the kydex mag pouches I've seen clip on the belt, which can make putting it on and taking it off easier, but they tend not to conceal as well. Of course, that depends on your clothing.

I personally find leather pancake-style pouches to be the most concealable OWB mag pouches. They have belt slots on either side of the pouch which helps pull it in closer to the body. There are also easy on/off versions that use snap loops instead of slots. My experience is that they tend to be slightly less concealable than slotted pouches, but the difference may not be significant depending on your clothing.

OWB pouches can also be found with a slight forward tilt. This helps lower the profile when sitting or bending forward. There are also horizontally-mounted pouches that you could wear on the front of the belt, but it may not be compatible with some types of concealing garments, like jackets or coats. And there are pocket mag pouches.

I generally stick with weak-side, vertical, OWB mag pouches as it's consistent with how I've been trained. And it works with my clothing. I've been tempted to try one of the slanted pouches, but so far vertical pouches haven't been much of an issue for me so it's not really a priority.

Like holsters, you may have to experiment to find the one that works for you. We all have holster boxes for all the holsters we tried that didn't work. I'm sure there are probably some mag pouches in there, too.

For a starting point, you may want to check with the maker of your holster. Most holster makers I'm aware of also make mag pouches.

Very good points. A loose fitting t-shirt will still conceal an owb pouch easily. I'll check the Galco site where I got the holster.

If you don't have one already, a good gunbelt can help make it easier and more comfortable to carry everything. For leather, a double-layer design is good. I personally like Beltman, but there are lots of good makers out there. There are also less expensive nylon belts designed for carrying guns. The Wilderness Instructor belt is probably the most popular one and can be had with internal reinforcement for extra support. Some people use suspenders to help support the weight. I like Perry Suspenders since they clip on the belt, though I don't use them very much. It's generally a good idea to think of your carry gear as a "system," with the holster, mag pouch, and belt working together to support your tools.

Already on that. Have the Galco Tuck-n-go 2.0 for the Sig 239. It fits the 3913 dang near perfect.


Also have ordered a Nexbelt ratcheting leather setup for my anchor point for the attachments.

Training from a good instructor would be highly beneficial, if you haven't gotten any yet.

If you haven't already done so, a search of this subform and the Concealed Carry subforum can give you some good information.

Of course, this is based on my experience. Everybody will have different opinions and suggestions. Doesn't necessarily mean someone's right and someone's wrong. It just reflects on their own experiences.

I hope this helps.

Apologies for the novel.

No worries. I appreciate all of the insight and wisdom dispensed. My plan is hit up the nearby range as soon as my work schedule drops down to normal. I've already stopped in and found out their services.


Newbie intro to handguns- Gonna be the first class I take. About 1 1/2 hours long.


Next will be the CC course.


After that, they offer 2 levels of advanced training, focusing more on self defense and realistic scenarios. All of these are on my radar in that order.


Thanks!

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I'm like you. I wear jeans 98% of the time. I carry my extra mags in my back jeans pocket in this leather holster I had made. Works great, looks like a wallet, never has fallen out.

Someone on the Kahr Talk forum made a couple of these for me a few years ago. I think his name was Scott. Very good construction. Has held up well.

 

[Smoke]

The double stack version of this is what is on my belt right now. I find it to be more comfortable than a vertical magazine carrier and I carry it with the shell casings down so that every step I take settles the rounds towards the back of the magazine.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Galco-HMC26B-Horizontal-Magazine-Ambidextrous/dp/B001F0GVZ2[/ame]

 

[squidsix]

Desantis makes a great product called the Magpacker. It is essentially a nylon insert for your pocket with a rubberized outer coating. All it does is hold a magazine oriented the way you want it inside your pocket.
I absolutely love this and use it more than my other choices.
I am never ever armed without a reload.
A lot of the failures you might experience can be solved with a new magazine.
DeSantis Mag-Packer Mag Pouch, Ambidextrous, Black - Single Stack 9mm/.40 Magazines - M38BJEEZ0 | 18% Off 4.9 Star Rating Free Shipping over $49!

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've carried a 3913/ 3913NL almost ever day since about 1990..... in a Milt Sparks Summer Special or Executive Companion.... IWB holster

A favorite mag pouch is my Milt Sparks IWB double mag pouch......thou I tend to wear it between my jeans and my 1 1/2" Wilderness Tactical Frequent Flyer Belt (5 stitch) when wearing jeans. Behind my left hip


Like Smoke I prefer a horizontal mag pouch for double stack mags... I use the Safariland 123...... for the past 20 years or more.

 

[BB57]

There are lots of options. Some are conventional some are not.

Cell phone cases allow you to carry a magazine in plain sight. This case slips in a pocket, and carries 2 magazines with the addition of a piece of closed cell foam in the bottom:

IWB and OWB cases also work, but you've also got the option of a multi-tool case. If you live in an area where people carry multi-tools it won't ever get a second glance.

 

[flyboy129]

There are lots of options. Some are conventional some are not.

Cell phone cases allow you to carry a magazine in plain sight. This case slips in a pocket, and carries 2 magazines with the addition of a piece of closed cell foam in the bottom:

IWB and OWB cases also work, but you've also got the option of a multi-tool case. If you live in an area where people carry multi-tools it won't ever get a second glance.

The multitool case idea is nice. Yep. Redneck central here.

I carry my multitool or knife in my pocket.



My only concern is the top bullet wiggling . I also like the horizontal setup mentioned as it would mitigate that issue.



Did find an interesting carrier by a company called pitbull. It is adjustable for iwb/owb, and adjusts for single/double stack, forward/rear facing. Costs $20. I definitely have my options.

 

[serger]

I've been using a Leatherman or Gerber Multi tool pouch for
years with my Shields because they are invisible. By that I mean
no one notices them at all.

 

[BB57]

I've been using a Leatherman or Gerber Multi tool pouch for
years with my Shields because they are invisible. By that I mean
no one notices them at all.

I got made once. An acquaintance of mine noted my Leatherman case and asked if he could borrow my multi-tool for a minute. I said "sure", reached in my pocket, which is on the other side, and handed it to him. He got a funny look on his face and looked closer at the Leatherman case.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I love the use of Leatherman tool sheaths for magazine holsters. VERY smart!

I would generally recommend against IWB mag pouches. They typically have much less surface area than an IWB holster to spread out belt pressure. They're not as comfortable.

YA THINK? Especially if you're already carry a somewhat large handgun like a 3913 IWB. The last think you need is more "stuff" inside your waistband. Using an OWB knife sheath with a flap that looks exactly knife-like is such a great idea I'm going to try it myself!

I am not sure what this "top cartridge wiggling" thing is all about.

 

[ContinentalOp]

YA THINK? Especially if you're already carry a somewhat large handgun like a 3913 IWB. The last think you need is more "stuff" inside your waistband

Seriously? Just because you and I know it, doesn't mean someone inexperienced like the OP knows it. Otherwise he wouldn't have asked for advice.

 

[lrrifleman]

Flyboy,

I am a little different. I prefer the Safariland spring steel magazine clips. I have them for my: 1911s, Sig P229 and P320, my Smith 439, and have ordered a pair for my Glock 17 mags. I carry them on my weak side, and when I need to be discrete, I position them between my belt and pants. They run about $13 a piece.

 

[flyboy129]

I am not sure what this "top cartridge wiggling" thing is all about.

The top round in the spare mag can walk forward when in the mag pouch vertically. When you pull it out to reload, you'll have to push that top round back into place. Some have reported the rounds actually can come out and be in the bottom of a pouch or pocket if the mag isn't in a snug fitting setup. May be weak mag springs, but I'm not the only one who has noticed it.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I use an Uncle Mike's synthetic OWB double mag pouch. It works for me.

 

[ContinentalOp]

The top round in the spare mag can walk forward when in the mag pouch vertically. When you pull it out to reload, you'll have to push that top round back into place. Some have reported the rounds actually can come out and be in the bottom of a pouch or pocket if the mag isn't in a snug fitting setup. May be weak mag springs, but I'm not the only one who has noticed it.

I could see that potentially happening, but I only use molded mag pouches so I've never had to deal with it.

Now that I think about it, I remember something from training (or something I read? It's been a while...). The way I was taught to grab the magazine for a reload was to line my index finger along the front of the mag while grasping the exposed portion. The tip of the index finger should be on the nose of the first round in the mag. Mostly this was to help align the mag into the mag well, but it also put your finger in position to either push the first round back in or flick it out if it had moved forward before inserting the mag.

 

[Iggy]

Pocket Concealed Systems PCS



Magazine Carriers


I use the horizontal one..