Magazine Holster Guide - Know All About Mag Carriers

When carrying your firearm, you need to ensure you have enough ammunition. Having a spare magazine can be useful if you’re on a hunt, or life-saving in an emergency. Being prepared is crucial when you carry a firearm, and keeping a spare magazine is one of the best ways to protect your life, property, and perhaps save others’ lives.

Many manufacturers supply a range of excellent everyday concealed carry weapons (ED CCW), and firearms enthusiasts often choose these for self-defense. It would be pointless to benefit from the lightweight polymer frames and compact designs only for your magazine holster to reveal you are armed.

Incognito Concealment provides sleek and streamlined inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband  (OWB) holsters, complementing your concealed carry holster by hiding your spare magazine from view. The incredible range of holster features makes them comfortable, form-fitting, accessible, and can give you the edge of quick reloading.

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IWB and OWB Magazine Holsters

In contrast to inside-the-waistband (IWB) mag carriers,  an OWB holster sits outside your clothing. Many firearm carriers find this option is more comfortable and prevents the magazine from digging into your side when you are moving. Comfort is essential when carrying a spare magazine because it means you can keep it with you at all times.

If you find it irritating or painful to keep your magazine on your belt when standing up and sitting down, mainly if you are active during the day, you are more likely to remove it from your belt.

Although an OWB magazine holster may not be as comfortable to conceal as an IWB holster, you can make it less conspicuous by wearing a loose-fitting shirt or a jacket. In summer, it is customary to see people wearing shirts over the top of their shorts, and in winter, most people wear a coat, so blending in is not a problem.

Because your firearm fits easily into your belt holster, there is plenty of room on your belt for a compact spare mag holster to sit alongside your pistol. By sitting on the outside of your belt, your magazine holster is more accessible than an IWB holster, which could be crucial when you need quick access.

However, an  inside-the-waistband magazine holster is superior for concealed carry. Because they are compact and have a slimline design, they are suitable for everyday use. The secure attachment inside your clothing ensures others can’t access your spare magazine, and it is easy to reach just by lifting your shirt. An IWB holster has less contact with the weather or outside contaminants, so it offers protection for your spare ammo.

IWB and OWB holsters are both excellent choices, and they can be beneficial in a wide range of scenarios. Often, your choice comes down to personal preference.

Why a Spare Magazine Holster is Essential

Target shooting is a fun and competitive activity; you can enjoy solo or with friends. However, a magazine could malfunction, or you might run out of ammunition just as you’re hitting your best scores. Because semi-automatic pistols come with standard magazines, you can go to your mag pouch and load up to continue your shooting.

Carrying your spare magazine is more convenient than keeping it in a bag and retrieving it when you feel a comfortable shooting groove. While you could opt for a weapon with a large capacity, a smaller firearm is more suitable.

If you favor a compact firearm, the chances are that you carry it for self-defense, whether you are in your home or you practice everyday carry. It is difficult to hit a moving target in an emergency, especially if you are also moving. Even if you hit your target, you may need  more bullets to ensure you have neutralized the threat and removed yourself and those around you from danger.

A spare magazine is an obvious answer, but it won’t help if you keep it in a car or a home cabinet. You need instant access, which is when a holster and mag on your belt clip are invaluable. Instead of loading loose bullets into your empty clip or searching for a full spare mag, you can quickly eject the used clip, put in the fresh one, and now you have more bullets for self-defense.

Opt for a  double mag carrier to add another magazine to your self-defense preparations. This is especially important if you carry a firearm with low ammo capacity since you may need more than the standard mag bullets to protect yourself and others from harm.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict when a threatening scenario can occur, making being prepared and carrying a spare magazine a vital part of your daily routine.

Vital Features for a Spare Magazine Holster

When choosing a holster for your firearm, there are various features you consider before purchase. Buying a magazine holster is just as important, as you may need the extra ammunition in a hurry. While there are many materials and designs you can choose, some key elements make a significant difference in your holster’s quality, durability, and ease of use.

Magazine Holster Material

The holster material should be durable because you want to get value for your money, and because it could damage your ammunition if it is unsuitable for the task. If a magazine holster is too soft or does not provide a tight fit, it can sag over time. This sagging can cause the magazine to fall out of a loose-fitting holster, potentially denting the clip and increasing the chances of a malfunction.

Scrapes and bumps on a magazine clip could put your life at risk because you may not realize the ammunition is compromised until you need to fire your gun. While a clip should not be too tight, making it difficult to free the loaded clip, it does need to fit neatly to provide a firm hold of your ammunition.

A loose fit could also allow moisture to enter the holster. Water could damage the ammunition and the inside of the holster material, reducing the lifespan and necessitating a replacement.

Incognito Concealment uses Kydex, a thermoplastic polymer that is waterproof and durable. By heating Kydex and molding it to each magazine’s shape, we ensure it provides the ideal fit for your spare ammunition.

Kydex holds its shape over time and does not sag like a leather holster. Because it is also resistant to many harsh chemicals, it offers superior protection for your magazine. The secure fit and tough Kydex combine to keep your ammo safe from dust, oils, damp, and other contaminants that could damage your bullets.

Despite the robust feel, Kydex does not damage your clip during removal and insertion, so you don’t need to worry about scraping your spare magazine.

Magazine Holster Accessibility

While an OWB magazine holster is more accessible than an  IWB magazine holster, other factors determine the level of accessibility. Ride height is crucial because being too low or too high can make it challenging to remove the clip, particularly in an emergency when you may feel rushed, under pressure, or intense adrenaline spikes.

A leather holster, or one made with material not as firm as Kydex, can change shape. Even if you practice your reach and magazine draw many times, if the clip is at a different height when you reach for it when you need it most, you may find it challenging to locate, or even drop the clip by accident.

Athletes refer to practiced movements becoming second-nature as muscle memory, and your hands draw on the same principle for finding your magazine. The retention of your holster should be at the perfect angle and remain there each day.

Incognito Concealment Glock magazine holsters come with adjustable retention. You can adjust the tightness and the magazine’s angle, giving you comfortable and quick access to your fully-loaded clip. Because the Kydex material holds the holster at the precise angle you choose, you can practice drawing your spare mag from the position that is most suitable for you.

Since people have different body dimensions, and perhaps issues such as arthritis in their elbow that stop them from reaching certain angles, a holster without adjustable retention is unlikely to be the best fit. Incognito Concealment understands each individual has specific requirements, and Kydex holsters allow you to personalize your spare magazine holster’s fit.

Magazine Holster Hand Orientation

Most people prefer to carry their spare magazines on the side of their dominant hand. However, if you are already holding your firearm in that hand, it may be more suitable to carry your mag holders on the other side. This way, you can release the empty clip with your dominant hand while simultaneously reaching for your spare mag with your weaker hand.

Where you keep your spare magazine is a personal preference, and if you are target shooting, then perhaps it is easier to take your time, set your gun down, and reach for the new clip with your dominant hand. Incognito Concealment provides left- and right-sided options for your spare mag holder. You can also choose from two different belt sizes, depending on what you wear.

A holster that sits loosely on your belt is uncomfortable, moves around too much, and could stand out from your clothing, revealing you are carrying a firearm. Because many states forbid the open carrying of a gun, you could find yourself in legal trouble if you fail to conceal your weapon and mag holster correctly.

Magazine Holster Style

Having a superior holster keeps your gun secure, safe from contaminants, and provides a firm hold, so you always know where to find your magazine. In addition to these critical features, Incognito Concealment offers a range of color schemes for your magazine holster.

You can make a statement at the range with a brightly-colored choice, or you may want to choose a color that fits with your clothing style. Many firearms are excellent concealed carry weapons, and you can hide your spare magazine holster by picking a color that blends in with your clothes. Even if your shirt rides up by accident, if your magazine holster’s color is similar, people may not notice you are carrying a firearm.

If your gun is primarily for home-defense, choosing a dark color can give you the advantage over a home intruder. If the assailant can’t see you in the dark, you may have a chance to overpower them before they can react.

Magazine Holster Final Thoughts

A high-quality magazine holster is essential, whether you carry your firearm outside the home or keep it in your house. Malfunctions are a leading cause of a gun failing to fire, and they can happen without warning. A malfunction may ruin a day at the range if you don’t carry a spare clip or be life-threatening in an emergency.

Some guns are low-capacity firearms, and it is more likely you would need to reload after firing the initial shots. By keeping a single spare mag clipped on your belt, you are staying prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Not all magazine holsters are created equal, and an OWB model gives you faster access to your ammunition than an IWB holster. However, an IWB holster provides more effective concealment. Kydex is a durable material that lasts a long time and offers excellent protection from moisture and chemical contaminants.

Incognito Concealment is a leading provider of the highest-quality Kydex Mag Holsters. We are proud to serve the military, law enforcement, and American gun owners with the finest equipment, helping to uphold our second amendment rights.

For the best magazine carriers available for your ammunition, contact our team at (586) 333-4240 or browse our inventory online.