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Carry Needs
Since the Glock series is easily the most popular striker-fired polymer pistol line in the world it should be understood that they’re carried for a variety of purposes. So, just like with holster selection. you have to choose a mag carrier that works for your Glock’s purpose.  Why is it important to match purpose to a Glock mag holder? I think the best way to explain is to dive into the three main jobs the Glock does that would require additional magazines.Concealed Carry
Glock has tons of different full sized, compact, subcompact, and even three single stack models that are perfectly designed for concealed carry.  Concealed means concealed, so you’ll need Glock mag holders that you can easily and comfortably hide in your everyday clothes.
Tactical
Tactical applications like police and military work have their own special requirements.  Tactical shooters aren’t concerned about concealing their weapons or their Glock mag holders, so they can use bigger and wider systems.  Since tactical operations are often on the offensive, speed and retention are the main keys.
Competition
Competition mag holders for Glock pistols are numerous since the Glock is a popular competition gun.  What I mean by competition is action shooting sports like IDPA, IPSC, USPSA, 3 Gun, and more.  What I’m not talking about is bull’s eye competition. Competitions are won and lost by fractions of seconds in some cases, and reloading is a good way to get caught moving slow.  Competition mag pouches need to present the magazines cleanly and make them easy to grip and rip.  This means they present the majority of the magazine to be gripped, and the magazines are spaced far enough apart you can easily grab them. Comp Glock mag pouches still have the concerns of retention, but it’s not life or death.  You don’t want your mags falling out, but unless the rules require active retention passive is the way to go.Leather, Polymer, or Nylon?
The choice between materials generally comes down to leather, polymer, and nylon (or other synthetic materials). Â Leather and polymer are generally the most popular options because of how well made both materials are.Â
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Mag Holsters for the Little Guys
Two of Glock’s newest guns are the models 42 and 43.  These are single stack pocket guns in 380 and 9mm respectively.  While they are both small single stack pistols the differences in caliber does mean the magazines are different sizes, so a 42 magazine won’t fit in a Glock 43 mag holster, and vice versa. Glock also has the Glock 36, a single stack 45 ACP pistol with a wide single stack magazine, so remember this mag is going to require a specialized mag pouch.Best Universal Mag Holster
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The Fit and Trim Fellas
The most popular Glock pistols are those in medium caliber designs.  This includes 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, and 45 GAP.  These moderately sized double stack magazines are the easiest to find mag holders for.  You’ll have no issues finding mag holders in any configuration in this category.The Big Boys
Glock also makes a double stack 45 ACP and 10mm design that is substantially wider than your average double stack magazine.  This requires them to have specialized large magazine holders, since they aren’t compatible with your standard double stack mag pouch.What’s Your Preferred Method of Carry?
OWB – The most common Glock mag pouches are designed to be worn outside the waistband hooked to a belt.  This is a very comfortable, and very easy to access method of carrying additional magazines.  It does make concealed carry impossible if you have to tuck in your shirt. IWB – Inside the waistband allows you to carry a spare Glock mag in deep concealment, and certain designs even function with tucked shirts.  Some may feel this method of carry is uncomfortable, but it’s the easiest way to conceal a spare mag. On Holster – Carrying a magazine on your actual holster is becoming a popular method to carry an extra mag or two.  It’s nothing new, and holsters like the Galco Miami shoulder rig have long featured the ability to carry spare mags.  Recently appendix carry holsters have been adding magazine carrying capability to their designs. This is a double edge sword for strong side carry.  For appendix and shoulder it works well because it places the magazines in the range of the off hand.  There are some tactical option that can position the mag pouches on a leg rig.MOLLE/PALS
With the advent and popularity of tactical gear like plate carriers and war belts with the tactical crowd, it’d be foolish not to include mounted mag pouches.  When wearing body armor it can be difficult to reach your belt, and sometimes the carrier’s overhang can stop you from drawing the magazine. So mounting gear on your plate carrier or other tactical vest is best done through MOLLE/PALS webbing.  These holsters are almost entirely nylon, Cordura, or Ultracomp, although Kydex options exist.Best Glock Magazine Holders
1. Crossbreed Hybrid
The Crossbreed Hybrid series is an IWB holster that utilizes both polymer and leather to create a very comfortable option for everyday carry of a spare magazine. Â
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2. HSGI TACO
So our first suggestion is the High-Speed Gear Taco MOLLE mag pouches. Â High-Speed gear makes excellent tactical gear, at a premium price. Â
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3. Safariland
A great belt mounted option for tactical shooters would be the Safariland Triple Magazine Pouch. Â These sit the magazines three in a row and are designed for medium framed Glocks. Â
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4. Blade Tech
Blade Tech is one of my favorite companies for just about everything, and they produce some extremely high-quality magazine holder options. Â The Blade Tech Revolution Dual Mag Holder gives you enough room between magazines to easily grip and remove the magazine. Â Perfect for competition.
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5. Glock
Also, Glock makes a series of very simple magazine pouches called the Glock Sports line if you are on a budget, they work pretty well, to be honest. Â Especially for 10 bucks.
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6. CAS IWB Glock Holster
Holster based Glock Mag Holders are out there, and growing in popularity. Â The CAS IWB system allows you to carry your Glock automatic pistol and a spare mag in an IWB holster. Â Designed to be appendix carried and presents the magazine at an easy angle for your non-dominant hand to retrieve it and reload.
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3 Leave a Reply
Yes, depending on the scenario I do carry extra mags while off duty- carry 3x mags on duty belt. But when off duty, where I’m going/what I’m doing affects A. What pistol I carry and B. Based on its capacity and said scenario above- I decide if I feel it’s needed. Obviously better prepared is always best, but not always practical... with a G19, I usually will have 1-2 mags around (in my bag or car) but not on my person. But with the G26, usually do carry one and either on weak side w/ kydex single pouch or (preferably) with horizontal single kydex carrier on left of center of belt buckle (right handed). Horizontal is a GREAT way to carry 1x spare easily, discrete, and comfortablely. And lastly when dressed up, forced to go single stack I always always carry a +2 mag (1x minimum)- like with the G43, AIWB holster w/ mag carrier, or various plain-clothes tactics with mag elsewhere.
I vary the pistol and caliber depending on location, environment and conditions. 1 mag inserted and minimum of 3 additional on person. Same with wheel guns ( yep, old school) only with speed strips or loaders. Extra when dealing with the 10 rd limit in the evil empire ( Ca).
A couple of suggestions to consider.
Recover Tactical has a Glock magazine baseplate with a clip that you can check out. I haven't tried them so can't offer any info. I use a Remora single mag holder for pocket/iwb that works well for me.