Editor’s Note: In this ExtraCarry magazine pouch review, Ryan Domke examines the usefulness of the ammo carrier with the Springfield Armory Hellcat pistol. The ExtraCarry pouch was provided by the company for the evaluation.
I’d be lying if I said that I carry a spare magazine every single day. Take, for example, a day when I’m running out the door with my Hellcat Pro loaded with a 17-round extended magazine. I don’t find myself overly concerned about grabbing a spare mag (although I probably should).
Plus, from a readiness standpoint, a spare magazine isn’t just about having extra rounds. It’s also insurance against malfunctions or a damaged primary mag. If you’re serious about being prepared, your gear has to support that mindset without making daily carry uncomfortable.
That’s where this pouch from ExtraCarry seems to fit in nicely. The team at ExtraCarry was kind enough to send me a pouch specifically designed to carry a spare Hellcat .380 magazine, for the new pistol I’ve had here for a few weeks now.
After handling it in person and carrying it a dozen or so times, it’s clear this pouch has received a good amount of research and design.
First Impressions
Out of the package, the first thing that stood out was how light yet rigid it was. The carbon fiber-reinforced nylon construction is stiff enough to protect the magazine and maintain its shape, but it doesn’t add heft or make it feel overbuilt.
The simple black aesthetic and knife-like pocket clip pair nicely to remain inconspicuous, which is the whole point of concealed carrying! From a first impression, it was checking the boxes you’d look for in a mag carrier, but the real test is carrying it with a magazine, of course.
Real World Use
My first real-world outing with the pouch was an afternoon spent running errands. I spent the better part of four hours getting in and out of the car, doing returns and shopping, and even vacuuming out the SUV at the car wash. I’m happy to report that my 13-round magazine remained securely in my pocket, and generally in the same exact place.
Driving is usually where pocket carry setups start to frustrate me, and that’s something I paid close attention to. Sitting in the SUV for extended periods, the pouch stays comfortable and doesn’t dig into the leg or shift into an awkward position. It stays flat against the pocket and doesn’t tip forward or rotate. You’ll notice the edges are rounded, so just in case it does shift awkwardly, it should not cause much irritation.
Next up were dry-fire reloads, and the pouch performed exactly how I wanted it to. The magazine presents in a predictable orientation, which made finding it, extracting it from the pocket, and loading it smooth and repeatable. When you reach in and pull, the magazine comes out cleanly without feeling like you’re fighting the pouch
The main thing I appreciated in real-world use is how discreet it is. Even in lighter or tighter clothing, the pouch doesn’t scream “magazine.” It blends in well and doesn’t draw attention, making it easier to commit to carrying it daily rather than just selectively. The clip is similar to that of a pocket knife, but having the clip sit even lower would be the icing on the cake.
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While the fit is precise to the Hellcat 13-round magazine (and 11-round magazine), that’s both a strength and a limitation. Despite its lack of true “retention”, there is not enough wiggle room to utilize other magazines.
However, ExtraCarry does offer universal magazine pouches that offer significantly greater versatility…I suggest you strongly consider one if you aren’t sure which magazine(s) you’ll be carrying.
ExtraCarry Mag Pouch Features
Aside from the rigid build quality, there are a few features to take note of that help set the ExtraCarry pouch apart from the cheap eBay pouches you may have seen.
First, the pocket clip is not only discreet but can be rotated about 45 degrees either way to let you position the pouch exactly how you want it to sit in your pocket or bag. The clip is tight enough that it won’t unintentionally move with regular motion, but the ability to cant the positioning is a nice touch.
You’ll also find two small notches built into the pouch underneath the top portion of the clip. These notches help keep the pouch in place and “snag” on your pocket to avoid it from being pulled out while drawing.
All those same features can be found in the universal mag pouch, and it can fit most single- and double-stack magazines thanks to the adjustable screw system. Not only does the universal pouch fit a wide variety of magazines, but you can also adjust the retention. The added bulk found in the universal pouch is a very small price to pay for the versatility, in my opinion.
These less-than-noticeable features, paired with the concealability and reliability, prove that ExtraCarry has paid attention to even the smallest details.
Pros & Cons of the ExtraCarry Magazine Pouch
Pros
- Lightweight construction doesn’t weigh your pockets down
- Mag pouch stays secure through all-day activity and drawing
- Ambidextrous design appeals to all shooters
Cons
- Limited compatibility (ExtraCarry does offer a universal option, though)
- Would like to see a deep-concealment clip option
Final Thoughts
If you carry a Springfield Hellcat .380 and want a truly discreet way to keep a spare 13 or 11-round magazine on you, this made-in-the-USA ExtraCarry pouch is a solid option. Also, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. The price is $55.
At the end of the day, I would likely opt for the universal mag pouch, given the versatility and retention adjustability, but you can’t really go wrong with either. The end goal of conveniently and comfortably carrying a spare magazine will be reached, regardless!
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