You may find yourself pocket carrying more and more. After all, it’s convenient, pocket holsters conceal well, and your gun is both secure and accessible. However, pocket pistols have a limited amount of ammunition they hold. Usually, 6 or 7 rounds. Carrying an extra magazine, in it’s own holster, is a great idea.
Just throwing a magazine in your pocket may not be the best way to carry an extra one. If something is loose in your pocket, you have to do a lot of fishing around to find it. To fill this need, some manufacturers have made extra magazine pouches for your pocket.
You may be asking yourself, “What is the best magazine holster for concealed carry?” I’ve done some research and I would like to share my findings with you. My favorite pocket magazine holster is the Pocket Mag Pouch, by Elite Survival Systems.
This pouch is made from a padded, non slip material with a soft nylon inner lining. It keeps your extra ammo handy and accessible and can be used in either your left or right pocket.
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Advantages Of Pocket Mag Holster
Using a magazine pouch keeps your extra magazine in the same spot. Think of it the same as using a pocket holster to carry your pocket pistol. You want good access to your extra magazine. Pocket magazine holsters keep your magazine in the same spot, secure and free from any pocket lint.
Maybe you carry on your hip. You can still use a pocket magazine holster for your extra magazine. Sometimes a hip holster with an extra magazine pouch becomes too bulky to carry concealed. A pocket magazine holster works great in this situation too.
Concealed Carry Guidelines
No matter which way you choose to carry, if you want your gun hidden, there are certain guidelines you want to follow.
Keep Learning
Some states require you to take a handgun safety class in order to qualify for a concealed carry permit. If your state does not require a course, or if the requirement is just a basic course, it’s always good to further your training. Look for instructors who really want to help you feel comfortable and confident before you leave their class.
After class time is over, spend time at the range. Often. Practice drawing from your holster, practice shooting, practice re-holstering. Get your muscle memory working for you. If you are ever in a serious situation, muscle memory will be a great advantage for you.
Get A Quality Holster
The holster you choose is the second most important choice you make when putting together your self defense arsenal.
Research the different materials that holsters are made of. Find out the pros and cons of each one. Leather, kydex, and nylon are the most popular choices out there.
There’s a reason why experienced gun users have a drawer full of holsters. It takes some time to figure out what you like best. Do you want OWB, IWB, SOB? There are multiple ways to carry your handgun and choosing which one is best is a personal decision, based on your needs and comfort.
Wear The Right Clothes
You don’t have to wear baggy pants and a huge sweatshirt in order to conceal a handgun. Depending on what type of holster you choose, you can wear many different types of clothing. You can also have different holsters to go with different types of dress. Shorts and a tank top need a different type of holster than jeans and a long shirt. You want to pick clothes that keep your handgun hidden from sight yet give you easy access to it.
Watch For Printing
Most people who carry concealed like the fact that their gun is hidden. I, along with others, like privacy and I don’t feel like it’s anyone’s business if I am carrying a firearm or not. Some states are not open carry and you can cause some problems if your gun shows under your clothes.
No matter the reason, if you carry concealed, you will want to check yourself for printing. Look in the mirror to see if you can see the shape of your gun under your clothes. Bend and twist into different positions to see if it causes your gun to peek through.
There are some common positions to check, depending on the type of holster you use.
- OWB/IWB – You will want to check that your shirt or jacket covers the holster and lifting your arms, bending over, and sitting still keeps your gun covered.
- Shoulder Holster -You need a light jacket or sports jacket to cover a shoulder holster. Check to make sure the jacket doesn’t fly open in wind or different positions.
- Ankle Holster – Check yourself walking to see if it changes your gait. Watch for your pant leg lifting up while sitting.
- Pocket Holster – Check yourself in the mirror while standing and sitting.
Always Carry
If you have taken the time and effort to get your concealed carry permit, carry all the time. Situations can arise if you are out for the day or if you just need to make a quick run to the convenience store. It pays to always be prepared.
Know Your Local Gun Laws
Every state has different gun laws. It’s your responsibility to know your local laws. Is your state a stand your ground state or a duty to retreat state? Do you know where you can and can not carry within your state? Google is full of information.
Be Responsible
Most people who carry concealed are responsible people and they know the weight of what lies in their holster. It is best to be the person who minds their own business as you go about your daily life. You can have confidence knowing that you are prepared to protect yourself or others, if the need arises.
Getting your concealed carry permit is just the first step in a life long journey. You are exercising your constitutional right to protect yourself and others. This also opens you up to ridicule. You become a part of a group of people that many do not agree with nor do they understand.
Top Pocket Magazine Holsters for Concealed Carry
Let’s get back to the top picks for pocket magazine holsters.
1. Elite Survival Systems Pocket Mag Pouch
This mag pouch works great for single stack magazines. Hiding an extra magazine, on the hip, can be difficult. This pocket pouch is a great way to conceal an extra magazine.
Features
- Ambidextrous
- Non-slip outside material
- Heavy duty material
- Fits most single stack magazines
Pros
- Discrete
- Can be worn in back pocket
- Stays in pocket
- Doesn’t slip around
- Well made
Cons
- If the magazine has snags on it, it won’t work well
- Break in may be needed, if your nag is large
- Best to have a different pouch for different size mags
2. DeSantis Mag Pack Single Stack
This mag pouch works great for discreetly carrying an extra magazine. It has a nice slant to it so it feels natural grabbing the magazine from your pocket.
Features
- Weighs 2 oz
- Made in the USA
- Single stack mag pouch
- Stays in pocket
- Smooth interior material
Pros
- Nice slant for natural feel
- Naturally conforms to shape of pocket
- Conceals well
- Comfortable
- Stays put while removing the mag
Cons
- You need multiple pouches for different sized mags
- Break in time needed
- Seems big for small pockets
- Slant feels awkward to some
3. Sticky Holsters Super Mag Pouch
This handy mag pouch is super useful to carry extra magazines, or even a flashlight or pocket knife. It works IWB, OWB, or in the pocket. Sticky material to keep it in place while inside your pocket.
Features
- Low profile
- Concealable
- Carries mags or accessories
- Pocket, IWB or OWB
Pros
- Stays put
- No printing
- Versatile
- Good grip on the outside
- Well made
- affordable
Cons
- Bulky
- Awkward in pocket
- Break in time needed
Final Thoughts
Carrying a pocket magazine holster works, no matter how you are carrying your handgun. Having an extra magazine in your pocket reduces bulk on your hip and is easy and convenient.
This mag pouch works great for single stack magazines. Hiding an extra magazine, on the hip, can be difficult. This pocket pouch is a great way to conceal an extra magazine.
Check PriceAfter researching the different pocket magazine holsters available, I feel the Pocket Mag Pouch by Elite Survival Systems is the best one around. It is discrete and heavy duty. It works great for single stack magazines for most pistols. It is not slanted, but I found that the slant that other brands have, is a little awkward. You won’t be disappointed in this pocket mag pouch.
I have been using the ExtraCarry Mag Pouch for a few years now. I have one for my 1911, XDS-45, Beretta Pico, Ruger LCP and my S&W Bodyguard. Great products, very reliable, it locks in place in your pants pocket and protects your magazine and ammo from other stuff in your pocket.
Here is their website: http://www.extracarry.com
There are some discount codes out there as well. Here is one I found: 10OFFGEAR
They offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Give it a try.
Jim