Magazine pouches from Recon Company: Mag Pouch and TACO for service weapons, training and operations

In an emergency, a magazine pouch determines how quickly a magazine change can be carried out and whether the magazine stays where it belongs. For over 30 years, Recon Company has been equipping the German Armed Forces, the police and government agencies, applying the same standards to magazine pouches as it does to its own development projects for service units. Only products that withstand real-world stress in terms of retention, material wear and attachment to the carrying system make it into the range. Whether it’s a flexible Mag Pouch, an open TACO Pouch or a fixed chamber solution: what matters is how well it fits the weapon system, not the catalogue price.

Magazine pouches by weapon system: pistol, AR15 and G36

The choice begins with the calibre and the magazine body. A magazine pouch for a handgun is slimmer and is usually worn on the belt or at the front of the wearer, whilst a model for a long gun requires more volume and a taller compartment. For pistol magazine pouches, there are elasticated options such as the HSG EP-R or the Spiritus Systems Pistol Mag Pouch, as well as the dimensionally stable Pistol TACO. Anyone carrying a longer or stacked pistol magazine should opt for the extended version with a deeper chamber; otherwise, the magazine will protrude and interfere with the shooting stance.

For long guns, an AR15 magazine pouch also fits the HK416, M4 and other 5.56 calibre systems, as the magazine well and curvature are similar. The Bundeswehr’s service rifle requires a bespoke fit: a G36 magazine pouch is designed to accommodate the wider magazine body, as found in Lindnerhof’s horizontal and vertical chambers. For the HK417 in 7.62 calibre, different dimensions apply. A magazine pouch that is too loose will cause the magazine to rattle when moving; if it is too tight, the magazine catch will jam under stress.

As well as individual pouches, there are panels with multiple compartments, such as triple-compartment models for 5.56, which consolidate the front area into a compact unit. Multi-calibre pouches accommodate different magazine types in the same compartment and are an option when switching between carrying a handgun and a long gun. Individual magazine pouches, on the other hand, allow greater freedom in terms of placement. Both approaches serve a purpose; the decisive factor remains how often and in what order reloading takes place.

Understanding retention: elastic hold versus fixed chamber

Retention refers to the grip with which a magazine pouch secures the magazine. Elastic systems use stretch fabric that wraps around the magazine body and holds it in place through friction. This saves weight and allows for a quick, quiet draw, but loses some of its tension over the years. A TACO Pouch combines a rigid outer shell with a shock cord and a Velcro tab, allowing the retention to be readjusted so that magazines of different lengths can be carried in the same slot.

For training and at the shooting range, an open, elasticated solution is usually sufficient, as speed takes precedence over fall protection. In dynamic operational situations, when exiting a vehicle or at night, a higher level of retention pays off. Before using the magazine pouch for the first time, adjust it to fit the magazine you’ll actually be using and practise drawing it several times without a magazine. If in doubt, check for yourself that the magazine stays in the pouch even when held upside down before relying on it whilst on duty.

Material, wear and tear, and common mistakes when buying

The fabric bears the load. Sturdy Cordura fabric, sewn rather than merely glued edges, and corrosion-resistant fittings determine how long a magazine pouch retains its shape. Elastic inserts are wear parts: they gradually wear out due to moisture, sand and frequent changes, which can be compensated for in dimensionally stable systems via the Velcro flap. Anyone who works a lot in the field should also look out for drainage holes at the base, so that water and fine sand do not remain trapped in the magazine well.

Two mistakes crop up time and again when buying. Firstly, the wrong compartment size: a 5.56 mag pouch won’t hold a G36 magazine securely, whilst a pistol compartment won’t accommodate a rifle magazine. Secondly, neglecting retention. A magazine pouch that feels secure in the shop may give way after months of use without you noticing, until the magazine is missing at the crucial moment. That is why every new MOLLE magazine pouch should be tested with your own magazine, not with the demonstration model.

Securely attaching a MOLLE magazine pouch to the carrying system

Almost every MOLLE magazine pouch is attached to a vest, belt or rig via the webbing system. It is important to weave the webbing correctly through several rows rather than simply hooking it in; otherwise, the pouch will shift under load. A magazine pouch should be positioned where the non-dominant hand can reach it without looking, usually on the non-dominant side of the body. On a plate carrier, the front panel is suitable; on a chest rig, the middle row.

If you combine several magazine pouches, keep handguns and long guns clearly separate and maintain the same arrangement across all operations. Under stress, muscle memory will reach precisely where the pouch was last positioned. A drop pouch on the rear belt complements the system if you want to ensure empty magazines are not lost. This keeps the front clear for quick access and maintains a consistent reloading routine.

Magazine pouches for the Bundeswehr, police and other law enforcement agencies

In a law enforcement context, consistency and material standards are paramount. A Bundeswehr magazine pouch must be compatible with the issued weapon system, comply with the required camouflage pattern and maintain the same feel over the years. For the G36 and HK417, Lindnerhof offers horizontal and vertical compartments; for handguns, there are service-grade models with high retention. These requirements are not optional extras for a magazine pouch in service, but fundamental prerequisites.

The police, customs and other law enforcement agencies frequently opt for a pistol magazine pouch, supplemented by a compact MOLLE magazine pouch on the belt. Brands such as 5.11 Tactical, High Speed Gear, Spiritus Systems and Templars Gear cover the spectrum from affordable training solutions to operational pouches. No single model is suitable for every purpose: a lightweight elasticated pouch is no substitute for a rigid system designed for rapid draw, and conversely, a heavy TACO pouch only slows you down at the shooting range. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a specialist in advance to ensure the pouch is compatible with your own weapon system.

Recon Company supplies government agencies and individual customers from its warehouse in Salzgitter. The same terms and conditions apply to the purchase of magazine pouches as to the entire product range:

• Government departments, members of the BOS and active emergency services personnel receive a government discount, which is activated following verification of their status, ensuring that official procurement remains predictable.
• Ordered equipment is also delivered to overseas operational areas via field post and arrives reliably.
• Anyone needing advice can contact our experts by telephone, email or in person at the Salzgitter store, where they will receive honest guidance rather than sales pressure.
• ISO 9001-certified processes in purchasing and order processing, demonstrating verified and repeatable quality processes.