Military Flap Holster Mag Reload?

[Panzerschwein]

Hey gang! I've been rocking my Makarov PM in the military flap holster that came with it. It's a good holster, not that fast into action but it protects the gun very well and it's what I have right now.

Included with these holsters is a built in pouch that holds a spare magazine:

Now being a righty, I've been practicing different ways of reloading from the spare magazine pouch. My technique so far is to reach over with my left hand while my right hand (which also is holding the gun) moves to the holster and tilts it forward, allowing my left hand to grab the magazine and withdraw it. Then I reload as normal with my support hand.

I am wondering, is this a good method? It's a little bit awkward but it works well enough. Originally the spare magazine compartment was very stiff on my holster so I worked a magazine in and out several hundred times and now it's acceptably loose.

So those of you that use or have used military style flap holders with built in magazine pouches, how do you go about reloading from said pouch?

Thanks!

 

[shafter]

That's kind of an unconventional setup you have there and I don't have first hand experience. It sounds like you're making it work but you might be better off carrying the spare mag in your off side pocket if you want the most efficient reload.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

If you're comfortable you could try cross draw at 10 o'clockish. Shouldn't slow down your initial draw much and the second mag is right there for your left hand.

 

[judgedelta]

Not only is the mag there by your left hand, the left can be holding up the flap while you're reaching over for your heater. Should be a little quicker.

 

[Mizar]

I would like to see an YouTube video of OP struggling to make the discussed reload on speed - it will be fun to watch...

 

[Coyote3855]

I carry a Makarov IJ 70 IWB as a primary self defense handgun, but not in the holster that came with the gun. The issue holster is adequate for woods walking or fly fishing, but I would not depend on it for social work. I have Allen's Gun Glove IWB holster for that use (about $40), and carry the spare mag in an old Leatherman belt pouch.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I would like to see an YouTube video of OP struggling to make the discussed reload on speed - it will be fun to watch...

My Makarov is from Bulgaria.

Do you have one there? Do people like them in Bulgaria? Thanks!

 

[Mizar]

Hello Cooldill. No, I don't own a Makarov pistol - I just don't like the design and ergonomics very much. And I'm a lefty so right hand only safety lever is a big minus for me. But it's widespread here - regular police and military forces still use it and many people have them as a CCW - they are cheap and reliable.

If you insist to carry that abomination called Military Flap Holster at least do it in the proper, Com-Bloc service style - pistol wrapped in oily rag, then wrapped in nylon bag and put in the holster (rust prevention that is), both magazines downloaded with 4 to 5 rounds (to keep the springs fresh). Oh, and you miss that leather safety lace, knotted in a neat little pendant - it prevents one to even fully extract the pistol from the holster, but it looks so pretty!

Best,
Boris

 

[BSA1]

So those of you that use or have used military style flap holders with built in magazine pouches, how do you go about reloading from said pouch?

Slowly.

I have a green cammy nylon full flap holster for my CZ-82 that that has the magazine pouch under the flap like your Mak. Not only is it great for storage and it is fun to wear on the range. However even with the advantage of the push button magazine release drawing the spare magazine is still slow. With Mak I will need a sundial to time my reload.

If you are looking for a spare magazine carrier on the cheap look for a black nylon pouch with a full flap for carrying a folding knife on the belt. I have one that I use to carry a spare mag for my SIG P239. I think it was originally made to hold a Mini-Mag flashlight. Check with your local Wally World.

For a inexpensive holster look at the De Santis Sof-Tuck iwb. It can be worn strong side, cross draw or on the small of the back. It is built from soft, no-slip suede and reinforced at the top with premium saddle leather to aid in re-holstering. MSRP is $ 31.99 but I brought one of half of that price.

Finding one is your excuse for going to gun shows.

 

[strambo]

I wouldn't bother with such a mess. I can't speak to why that exact one was designed that way...but have a solid theory based on all my Army deployments.

In the military while deployed, you have to have a weapon and a magazine with you at all times. However, on base, the weapon has to be clear. So, you see holsters like this (and butt stock mag pouches on M4s) for convenience. Soldier just has to grab/strap on one thing that holds the empty weapon and the mag handy. I image most militaries have lots of situations where soldiers have to have weapon and a loaded mag that can't be inserted.

I never did this, I always had a kydex double mag pouch on my belt on the left side (right side kydex belt holster) that I can load from fast. Every time I left the wire, I got a free training rep drawing and loading from the same place I always do.

 

[230RN]

I can't quite understand why you're trying to fast-draw this kind of rig. For myself, I wouldn't use that holster for EDC (Every Day Carry), where a fast draw might be needed. This, as opposed to the range, where the gun usually sits on the bench anyway. I'd even prefer a cheap nylon holster over that for EDC.

I also suspect there was no need for fast draws in a country where only cops and soldiers carried guns, and the general populace was totally unarmed.

And, as they say, the fastest "reload" is to have a second loaded gun ready-to-hand.

Terry

 

[GRIZ22]

Speed was not a consideration in designing these types of holsters. Convenient packaging with gun, one mag on gun and reload was the focus. These types of holsters were used by many countries.

Any speed technique that works for you is fine.

 

[Chuck R.]

Honestly as others said I wouldn't bother..........

A CCW holster is relatively cheap, training/practice time and ammo is not. Why bother learning a draw and reload technique that's different from the majority of holsters out there?

To my knowledge the cross draw isn't taught by a lot (any???) instructors and isn't legal for IDPA or IPSC. A majority of the defensive pistol classes I've taken (8) have specified strong side holster. So why choose a method of carry that you'll have limited opportunity to practice??? But, then again, you are the guy that wanted to use a 7.62 and a flintlock pistol for apartment defense though, right???

Chuck

 

[bannockburn]

Cooldill

I think for your purpose a cross draw holster position would probably serve you rather well. I have had several pistols with holsters similar to yours but typically the only time I ever used them was if I went to an outdoor range or on a friend's property out in the rural countryside. Then it was more a matter of convenience not having to carry another gun case.

 

[Sunray]

Slowly. Military issue handguns and their holsters are primarily status symbols that aren't built for speed, but to look good on parade. (RSM wants a word with you about your's. snicker. Bit of shoe polish will cover the scuffs.)
It's not really an unconventional setup. Fairly typical of European police and a lot of military holsters. CF had one for the Inglis that carried the mag inside on the front bend of the holster. Had 'en similar to that one too. So did the German Army with the Luger, as I recall.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

If you're going to carry a gun for self-defense, why use a military holster? Good concealment holsters designed for a quick presentation and reload are readily available, and not that expensive.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks for the help gang.

I was just wondering if anyone uses this style of holster and how they reload with them if they do. Apparently they are not popular in this country.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Apparently they are not popular in this country.

And there's a reason for that.

When I was in the Army (22+ years) I carried an M1911A1 in a flap holster when in uniform. But when I carry an M1911 for self defense, I carry it in an entirely different holster, one designed for both acessability and concealment.