Best OWB Magazine Holsters For Carrying Your Extra Mag
Apr 2nd 2020
Gun owners know that it’s better to be overprepared than to run out of ammo in an emergency. For pistol owners, this means carrying an extra magazine at all times. Though it’s unlikely that you will ever need to fire more than a few rounds, the extra dozen or more bullets in a magazine may make all the difference someday.
IWB (inside the waistband) mag carriers are best for concealed carry. However, open carry laws make it easier for gun owners to carry magazines in a comfortable manner. OWB (outside the waistband) mag carriers or pouches are a great option for carrying multiple extra magazines in a safe and accessible way.
How Many Magazines Will You Be Carrying?
Single and double magazine carriers are both common. Because magazines don’t weigh very much, a double mag carrier won’t weigh down your belt. However, they can add a little extra bulk under a jacket. Plus, some carriers are large enough that they won’t fit well on a woman with a small frame.
Single versus double mag carriers are ultimately a matter of preference, so pick whichever one works best for you. Whatever you decide, practice drawing the magazines and reloading from it several times.
Keep in mind that even police officers won’t hit their targets with 100% accuracy, especially from a distance. Having extra ammo will be useful if you are ever in a serious self-defense situation with an aggressive pursuer.
How Will You Carry Your Mag Pouch?
Some mag carriers clip on to the belt, while others use belt loops. Though belt loops make it harder to remove a mag holder quickly, they hold it more securely while the magazines themselves are being removed. Belt clips can still be a secure option, as long as they fit the user’s belt appropriately.
Belt loops are recommended for double magazine holsters, as these holsters are a little larger and may be more comfortable with belt loops. However, this comes down to user preference. Belt clips may be a much more convenient option for users who need to take off their carrier frequently.
Spare magazines should typically be worn on the user’s weak side. For example, a right-handed user will want to carry their mags on the left-hand side, in order to make reloading easy while holding the gun in the right hand.
Magazine Retention
There are four main methods for holding the magazine in the carrier.
- Strap retention magazine pouches use a flap or strap to hold the magazine in place, usually with a snap to keep it closed.
- Magnetic carriers use magnets to secure the magazine until the user firmly pulls it out.
- Locking mechanism mag holsters use a latch.
- Friction retention holsters simply use the friction of the material to hold the magazine in place.
While all four of these options can hold the magazine well, locking mechanisms and strap retention require the user to fumble with the closure method. This can waste valuable seconds in an emergency, and should be avoided.
Choosing A Magazine Holster Material
Mag carriers and pouches are available in a variety of materials, but the most common ones are nylon, leather, and Kydex. Nylon and leather are flexible and comfortable, but typically require snaps or zippers to hold the magazine in place.
Kydex is a thermoplastic that can be precisely molded to a particular gun magazine’s shape. This creates a plastic that snugly snaps around the magazine, holding it until the user needs to draw it. Kydex is both thin and lightweight, making it a great option for magazine and gun holsters alike.
What About Pocket Carrying Mags?
Just like holstering a gun in your waistband, pocket carrying mags is not optimal for safety. Magazines do not fit well in most pants pockets, and can even be damaged if they collide with a hard object. Even cargo pants pockets are not a good option, especially if they are far down the thigh.
A mag carrier worn at the waist is the safest and most reliable option for carrying a spare magazine. If the added weight is a concern, consider sticking to a single mag carrier.
Best Mag Holsters and Pouches Ranked
Some gun owners try to make a list of the top 10 or 12 of the best magazine holsters. However, the best OWB magazine holsters can really be narrowed down to two.
Incognito Concealment makes single stack and double stack magazine holders that attach with belt loops or clips. These holsters use molded 0.08” Kydex for a secure fit that’s still light enough for everyday carry. Mag carriers are available for Glock pistols and many other popular brands.
What About IWB Mag Carriers?
IWB magazine holsters are also a good option, especially if your state has concealed carry laws. However, they can be a little more difficult to draw from, especially if you’re using your weak hand to do so. If your state allows magazines to be carried visibly, stick to OWB holsters to minimize reload time.
Selecting A Mag Pouch Or Holster
No matter what pistol you use or where you’re going, Incognito Concealment has all your holster needs covered. Our IWB and OWB mag carriers have been designed to maximize comfort while keeping your magazines accessible and secure. We use 0.08” Kydex that is strong without unnecessary weight or bulk. Each mag holster is molded to fit your specific pistol model’s magazines, so you never have to worry about buying a poorly-fitting one.
