Scorpion Hard Shell

Author with belt kit

A few months ago, we took an in-depth look at the G-Code Scorpion Soft Shell kit, one of the greatest finds of the past year. I remain impressed, and I don’t impress easy when it comes to tactical wizardry. I was so whiz banged by that particular set up that what was supposed to have been an overview of a bunch of products became focused on one exclusively. It is a pretty good problem to have when a company has so many good options that you have a hard time covering them all at once. Having seen some magic beans and an official Navy Seal Flashlight/decoder ring, I am sure you can agree with that statement. So hang onto your shoelaces, today we are here to finish the job with the G-Code holster suite and Scorpion Hard Shell Kit.

First up, the Scorpion Hard Shell Kit, a complementary product to the soft shell. Not everyone is okay with floppy mag holders, so G-Code made another option. Their hard shell kit is not quite as universal, but it does do a good job of covering multiple platforms with a single mag holder. The reason for that is the design difference. The hard shell’s basic structure is two pieces of Kydex, held together with a bungee cord pressing them into each other. Imagine if you took one of your normal magazine holders, and cut it in opposite corners. To keep them from slipping, there is an elaborate cut in the bottom that acts as a lock while allowing some sideways movement. The bungee cord is laced around them and pulls the pieces together, which also provides retention for your magazine. Like the soft shell models, there is a cord lock on the bottom, which allows you to set the retention level you like.

Softshell left, hard shell right

Hardshell left, soft shell right

Being Kydex instead of a soft material, the mag holder can only go so small. Hence, you need two different models depending on your sidearm. The double stack model did fine on every size mag I could find, from the Beretta 92 9mm up to the Glock 45 ACP. If you are running a single stack, you must use the single stack size, but it is universal across those. My XDS, Sig P210, and 10mm 1911 magazines all worked fine in the single stack.

Single stack mag in double stack holder. Retention is suboptimal.

The same holds true across rifle magazines with hard shell options for 5.56 and 7.62×51. Neither liked AK-47 magazines, so I would suggest you stick to soft shell if that is your jam.

Double stack mag forced into single stack holder. not ideal

All of the hard shell models are coated on the inside with G Code tactical fuzz, like a rhino liner for your mag pouches. It makes the Kydex a little quieter, and also helps with retention. It adds the tiniest bit of friction, like the suede liner we often see in holsters.

Tactical fuzz, inside mag holder

Speaking of holsters, that is another win from the G-Code line. I first knew of G-Code as friction only Kydex holsters, which honestly isn’t that special. Every town in America has a dude with a toaster oven and some Kydex sheeting making “custom holsters,” as well as the big boys like Blade-Tech. I was happily surprised to see how far G-Code has evolved on the holster front.

Option one is the XST, a fantastic retention holster. At first glance, I was prepared to not be impressed by this. It looks in pictures like a copy of the old Safariland hood system, and I have been over that system for a long time. It was cool back in ’93 when we were hose clamping Maglites to our rifles and all, but the world moved on. Fortunately for me, I got the XST in hand before I fully passed judgment.

Holster with XDM on board

The hood is spring-loaded, and that makes all the difference in the world. You can get fast manually moving the ball forward on the old system, no doubt. But it still requires extra motion, and that will always cost you some time. With the XST, no issues. As your gun hand drops, your thumb hits a button, and the bail rotates out of your way automatically. Draw your gun as you would normally. Having now used it, the XST system is great. Most days, if I am carrying OWB, I prefer some type of retention. Playing on the range, a friction holster is fine. But running around in the woods actually doing stuff, I like something besides hope holding my gun in place.

Spring loaded hood

In keeping with a theme of modularity, G-Code keeps your holsters modular too. To a degree. Let’s say, like me, you have a gaggle of different guns you use, which is why you want the universal mag pouches in the first place. How would you like to be able to quick-change your holster as well? Me too.

G-Code holster swap system

If you are running a dedicated gun belt, you know the royal pain in the ass it is to thread on a new holster. Gun belts are stiff, and holsters fit tight by design, so they stay in place. G-Code was actually an industry leader in correcting that issue and their original design is still among the best.

Plate sizes for any brand of holster

For whatever brand of holster you use, Safariland to Bladetech to G-Code themselves, the quick change works the same. A base plate goes on your belt, in the offset or belt position you like. G-Code then has an adaptor plate that mounts to the back of your holster. It has pegs that stick out and acts like an overgrown key mod system. Put the pegs in the holes, press down, and slide the lock through. Done and done. To swap holsters, reverse the process. It takes about 10 seconds, and over the years has proven incredibly durable.

G-Code adaptor plate

Locking tab open; locking tab closed.

Last but certainly not least, is the G-Code belt itself. G-Code opted for a 2-inch belt, which is excellent for a variety of purposes. It is slimline enough to fit under a jacket, which works for both low visibility work or generally hiding your level of firepower. It is stiff enough to hold up a combat load of bullets and train comfortably all day. I especially like that it comes with options. If you prefer an inner/ outer belt system, that is an option. The G-Code inner belt is excellent, with a tightening system I wish I had years ago. Not only is the inner/outer system very secure, but it also makes the belt system legal for games like USPSA. For normal range stuff, they also make a padded Velcro belt that overlays exactly the footprint of the inside of the belt. I find this more comfortable on a long day of walking. It is extremely nice to have one belt that is capable of both.

Optional inner belt system

Optional padded belt

G-Code is absolutely killing it in product development, and they have a magazine carrier for you, no matter what your needs. I highly recommend you check them out today.

They even make K-9 accessories. My tactical dog was off-duty during picture time.

Range bag and ammo buckets.

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