Magazine retention balanced with speed is an issue for many people from the experienced operator to the person who enjoys training at the local range. Enter the Blue Force Gear Ten Speed Mag Pouch. I personally was extremely skeptical when I first ordered this piece of kit due to its lack of Velcro flap or bungee retention. So my first time using the pouch is went to my local flat range and ran it through the paces. Much to my surprise and pleasure, they worked great with both steel mags and PMags. So I upped the ante I ordered the triple panel to run on the left of my plate carrier. After a few weeks and training ops, I decided it would work for my needs. By the time Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course came around I had acquired another double panel for the front of my carrier to allow me to go lower to the deck than the issued double magazine pouches. They functioned fantastically and due to their elasticity can hold a variety of objects here’s a small list:
- AR Magazines (steel and PMags)
- AK Mags
- Smoke Grenades
- Frag Grenades (it’s a tighter fit but works)
- Copenhagen Straight cans
- C4 sticks
- Fuze ignitors
- M9/ Glock pistol mags (not as tight but still functional)
- CAT tourniquets
- Smaller Radios
After running these pouches for quite some time I have only discovered one downside. The elastic doesn’t snap back quite as tight after holding a larger object but I expected as much and have dedicated pouches for smoke now that I’ve discovered that. My other concern was that they would not be as durable dragging over rougher terrain but after low crawling over harsh desert terrain in Yuma, AZ my worries were crushed. An overall great product that, if used properly, will last you a very long time.
Author – Tanner Hodges is an Active Duty Marine Infantry man currently serving as a Platoon Sergeant with 3dBn 2d Marines. He holds two infantry MOS’s (0351/0365) and has completed Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course, and Advanced Infantryman Course. He has trained in Mountain Warfare, Desert Warfare, and Jungle Warfare all around the globe.