Today I’d like to start a couple of articles/videos about simple modifications to USGI surplus that can help you get into building out your kit with quality gear for less cash. We’ll start with the easiest – the USGI Triple Magazine Pouch.
The USGI triple magazine pouch is easy to find (especially in UCP) and is inexpensive – typically $12-18 depending on pattern. We sell the OCP (Scorpion 2) version here for $16.99. As you can see below, it’s a pretty standard triple mag pouch, albeit with a little bit dated (but extremely solid) mounting method.
The biggest downfall of this pouch is the fact that it isn’t sized for polymer mags. Yep, you read that right, the retention flaps will only close on USGI metal mags, not PMags. I find this ridiculous given the prevalence of PMags, but it is what it is. On the positive side, it’s very easy to convert this pouch to fit PMags by removing the flaps and replacing them with bungee.
First, use a sharp knife/razor or a heat knife to cut the flaps off as close to the base as possible. You don’t want any of the leftover flap protruding and interfering with the magazine insertion or extraction. If you use a razor instead of a heat knife, make sure you go back and hit the cut ends with a flame so that they don’t begin fraying over time.
Next, procure yourself some bungee cord and pull tabs. I used S&S Precision tabs and bungee from 8492 Nylon Works. I’ve bought multiple items from them and I’ve always been satisfied with the products and service. The tabs were $8.25 and 3 feet of 1/8″ bungee was $1.55. You don’t have to buy from 8492 – there are options available from HSGI, Spiritus, Forge Concepts, Unobtainium Gear, and Haley Strategic.
Finally, loop the bungee through the PALS webbing on the front, run it over the mag pouch, and secure the ends with an overhand knot behind the attachment straps on the back.
The end result should look something like the below:
And there you have it – one ready to go triple magazine pouch for 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of a new one from a reputable manufacturer.
Conclusion
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