Having a few magazine carriers is undoubtedly one of the most important handgun accessories, along with a gun belt and a good holster. They are essential for drills, competition, and carrying extra ammunition should you decide to do so while out and about. That much is really up to you; some people do it naturally, while others don’t.
There are IWB and OWB magazine holsters, just like there are for carrying a gun. Since both items effectively serve the same purpose of holding an object in place, magazine carriers and gun holsters have many similarities in their designs. All the information you need to understand about magazine carriers is included in this article.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Magazine Holster
When it comes to choosing a new magazine holster for your pistol, there are many factors you should consider. The following section will outline some of the most important considerations to help you find the best magazine holster for your needs.
Intended Use
Before deciding on which is the best magazine holster for your needs, think about how and where you intend to carry it. If it’s in a vehicle console or a backpack, then weight might be an issue. However, if you’re looking for something that can easily be attached to your belt, a fixed position holster may work better than one that’s reliant on gravity.
- If you’re looking for a versatile option, then a floating position holster might be your best bet. These holsters allow the gun to move with the movement of the wearer, making them more comfortable. They’re great for people who need to shift positions frequently or engage in activities that require moving around.
- For those who prefer a more traditional style, a fixed position holster with a leather loop may be the way to go. This type of holster has a rigid strap that fastens over your shoulder blades, holding the magazine close to your body.
Material
The material from which a magazine holster is made affects durability, price, and comfort. Generally speaking, plastic and rubber holsters tend to be cheaper and less durable than their metal counterparts. Metal holsters tend to offer greater strength and stability, though they’re usually pricier. Leather loops and straps add a bit of extra cost but make for a very comfortable fit. They also look nice, especially when paired with a matching jacket.
Size
Next, think about where you intend to wear the magazine holster and how often you’ll need to access it. If you have large hands or happen to meet someone with larger hands you might want to size up. A larger hole means a bigger knob, so a smaller knob would suit someone with small hands. However, even if you don’t use big guns, a large magazine holster still makes sense because it helps prevent accidental activation when reaching inside your car or pack. Smaller holes mean fewer bumps, bruises, and strained fingers.
Fit
A good fit ensures that the magazine holster doesn’t fall out while doing everyday activities or when shifting gears. It also prevents the holster from sliding down during operation, which could cause problems such as increased friction, overheating, and possibly catching on fire. Most magazine holsters feature adjustable waistbands that help achieve a proper fit. To tighten things up, you can tie the waistband in knots or use elastic bands. You can loosen the fit by removing the waistband and letting it dangle free.
Quality Construction
Finally, check into the quality of construction of the magazine holster itself. While all manufacturers claim their products are made of high-quality materials, not all metals are created equal when it comes to durability. For instance, steel plated onto a titanium base tends to be stronger than regular steel. Also, keep in mind that plastics and rubbers used in magazine holsters are designed to flex and conform to different shapes. So while all these materials are generally considered strong, remember that they’re only as reliable as the welds that hold them together.
Orientation: Right or Left Hand
Magazine carriers can be made with a right- or left-hand orientation, just like a gun holster. The magazine is placed on the non-dominant side, which is the difference. Left-handed persons usually bring their mag on the right, while right-handed people typically carry theirs on the left. But there are some exceptions. Revolver shooters will however place their speedloader or moon clip magazines on the side of the dominant hand because the dominant reloading methods for revolvers employ the non-dominant hand to control the ejector rod and then grab the pistol.
Most magazine holsters are vertically oriented, which means they are up and down. Some allow you to slightly cant it forward or backward; others do not. Additionally, there are a few horizontal magazine carriers that position the mag parallel to the waist for simpler concealment. You can customize some mag holsters by configuring them whichever you choose. You can choose to have it IWB, OWB, vertical, or horizontal.
Style
Bright colors are a great way to draw attention at the range, but you may also go with a hue that complements your personal sense of style. Many pistols make excellent concealed carry options, and by choosing a color that matches your outfit, you may conceal your extra magazine holster as well. Even if your shirt accidentally rides up, if the color of your magazine holster matches your shirt, people might not even realize that you are carrying a gun. Picking a dark color for your pistol can give you an advantage over a house intruder if you want to use it primarily for home defense. When it’s dark and the attacker can’t see you, you could have an opportunity to get the upper hand before they can respond.
Functionality
You should think about an IWB magazine holster’s functionality before buying one. Any IWB Magazine Holster’s functionality is often dictated by its specifications. The standards improve as functionality increases. So it is better to check to see whether it is precisely what you are searching for. You will ultimately receive the gold from the treasure chest.
Price
The manufacturer, size, and other particular features affect the price. Everyone wants to purchase high-quality goods at affordable prices. You have a strong chance if you are fortunate enough to discover a discount on items with greater specs.
Types Of Magazine Holsters
There are several different types of magazine holsters on the market. Each has its place, but you need to know what you’re getting into before making a purchase.
Belt loop
The belt loop is by far the most common type of holster found in today’s law enforcement community. It consists of two straps that attach near your hip and loops that run across your abdomen. The design provides very good retention because it keeps the muzzle of your gun firmly against your body. However, this can be uncomfortable when wearing for long periods of time. A better option would be an IWB holster with a strong retention mechanism.
Shoulder
Some people prefer carrying their magazines at the shoulder instead of around the waist or hips. This can be done with either a single strap or multiple straps. Most often, these designs use hook-and-loop assemblies to keep them secured. These tend to offer slightly less retention than other options since they don’t tension as tightly against your body. However, some may find this position more comfortable than others. If you do decide to go with this setup, make sure the hook-and-loop assemblies provide enough resistance to prevent your magazines from shifting during firing.
Paddle
Another popular choice is the paddle mag holder which resembles a large pistol grip safety. This style is typically used for rifle mags due to the larger size compared to handgun mags. This allows for faster reloading because there isn’t any unnecessary gear hanging off your weapon.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When choosing our recommendations for this article, we relied on personal experience with concealed and open-carry holsters from a range of manufacturers. For more specialized duty holsters like SLS or Kydex long guns, we also reached out to other experts for their thoughts as well.
We then read publications for best reviews. Finally, we looked at what others in the industry have to say about the best choices. In the end, here are our best choices for the best magazine holsters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Magazine Holsters
What is the most comfortable way to carry a gun?
The answer depends heavily on what you intend to use it for. For self-defense, I’d recommend something with a good fit and minimal wobble.
How do you wear a magazine holster?
Holsters are designed to be worn either inside or outside of your belt. Inside your belt, it’s typically recommended that you wear it loose enough so that it doesn’t interfere with drawing from an extended position. Outside your belt, it can be worn more snugly against your body, but still comfortably drawn from an extended state.