One size carrier for every magazine. From left to right- MPX 9mm, 1911 10mm, XDM 9, Kriss Vector/ Glock 45 ACP, SR-25, M1A
Hold onto your asses, friends. I made a find this week that you’ll want to check out. If you’re like me, you (shockingly) own several makes and models of both rifles and pistols. Big news on a site like this, I know. For me, that is further exacerbated by the fact that I review two new guns a week on average, which translates to a lot in a year. So when it comes to magazine holders, what is a man to do? Enter the G-Code Scorpion Soft Shell series, a true universal fit that is going to solve your problems. All of them.
Hear me out on this one. I know that “universal” is actually a French word, usually translated as “sucks at everything,” but if you have a whole gaggle of weapons you carry at different times, you are left with pretty limited options. Problem one is the expense: High-quality magazine holders are not cheap, and that stacks up quick, even talking about something like three pistol platforms and two rifles–like say, a 1911, an XDM 9mm, and a Glock 45. (To be clear, I’m talking about the caliber 45, not the “new” 19X in black that is model number Glock “45”). And on the rifle side, obviously an AR-15 occasionally swapped for either an M1A or an AR-10.
Rifle side profile
All of those items are extremely common, and all require completely different mag holders. In fact, most brands—an XDM 9mm, and a Glock 9mm—can’t even share a mag holder, at least not well. The XDM is small enough in diameter that it fits loose in a Glock pouch, so you can see the chaos that can ensue. But, even if you buy $200 in supporting equipment for each gun, what other problem do you have? Unless you also buy each one a unique belt, you have to take the time to swap pouches, which is a pain in the ass on the best of days.
MPX mag, side profile
Back to universal, yes, they usually suck. When I was still in the army, I really wanted a solution that would handle both my M-4 and an SR-25, as well as a Beretta 92 and Glock 19 on the pistol side. I stumbled upon the original “taco” pouch, made by a company that is not G-Code. It briefed well and lived up to the promise of holding anything. What it didn’t do was hold them securely. I slapped some on my kit, and as luck would have it, day one of testing was an urban assault course, involving all manner of climbing. My magazines were a yard sale by obstacle one and I never tested it again.
Patent Pending attachment system
Fast forward to just a few months ago when one of my buddies happened to buy the G-Code Scorpion Soft Shell kit and brought it to the range. I was intrigued and impressed by the build quality. Things had changed, that much was clear. I did some more digging, and finally, put an order in. And I cannot express to you how happy I am that I did.
Solid rubber front
As part of my job is extremely un-scientific testing, I wanted the whole experience. So I ordered basically one of everything they make. And I am really glad I did because it goes well beyond the reason I originally went to the site. G-Code, based roughly out the back gate of USMC base Camp Lejeune, has grown exponentially. I knew them back in the day only as a kydex company. They did that very well, but the options were limited when they started up. That has changed, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.
yes, they even stack
From a design perspective, this is brilliant. The front and back are a semi-pliable rubber, with just enough texture to grab a little, and enough support to stand up well while still being able to flex and move. The sides are a stiff polymer to force the mag holder to retain its shape. And woven through all of it is a high-quality bungee cord, with a retainer, that allows you to set the tension level of the mag holder.
attached to the G Code belt
Is it durable? While I am not that far into testing, I have beat the living hell out of my kit, just to make sure. It has more reps than any mag holder should for its age, as I used it last week on a 10,000 round/48-hour test, pistol only. There isn’t a scratch on it, and I would dare say you couldn’t hurt this thing unless you tried, using tools.
Does it work? Yes. It works exactly as advertised. I never thought I would see this day, but I actually now prefer it over any mag holder I’ve ever touched. While it isn’t my job to climb the side of apartment buildings and emplace window charges anymore, I will say the retention on this one is perfect. I just haven’t tested it in the specific environment mentioned. For everything else, including regular CQB problems, this thing is dynamite.
Is it actually universal? Also a yes. On the rifle side, it easily accommodates M1A, AR-10, AR-15, AK-47, Tikka T3, and AICS. Bonus round? You bet. It will actually hold a NEMO Omen 300 Win Mag magazine too, which is the ugliest thing I’ve seen short of a Barret 50. It’s ugly, and I thought about getting the Astroglide out, but it did go.
On the pistol side, the universal holds true as well. One single mag pouch easily sizes to fit my XDS-9, 1911, XDM 9, Kriss/Glock 45, MPX, XDM 45, and SIG P320. That pretty much covers the size spectrum. Oh, you want more? The pistol pouch also stretches to fit a multi-tool, flashlight, or tourniquet. Get extras.
Big boy hardware is used all around the system
There are also some hidden gems of design you have to appreciate. First off is the attachment system. They have MOLLE compatible clips if that is your preference. But they also have a patent pending belt mount, made specific for their belt. The really nice thing with that, a simple press/pull of the ingenious locking device lets you reconfigure in seconds. Not like using needle nosed pliers to weave in and out of MOLLE. It also allows you to stack pistol mags on the outside of your rifle mags, via a built-in attachment point. That in itself is absolutely brilliant.
300 Win Mag magazine, about as crazy as it gets
In a stroke of absolute brilliance, G Code also realized not everyone wears a bullet bouncer or tactical ninja belt every day. So they built remarkably comfortable tiny paddles, that also work across the system. Screw one of those on the back, and you can now slap a rifle or pistol mag onto your everyday leather belt. For under the Armani, this is absolutely perfect.
My favorite part applies to the pistol pouches only. They come in two heights, tall and short. Why, exactly, would they do that? Simple. Different tastes. Some people prefer speed over security, which means the short pouch. It has a little bit less retention, but it is a little faster to feed from. You also get more hand on the magazine, which usually translates to a faster reload. This would be the set up for either competitive shooting, or likely preferred on a plainclothes protection detail. The tall pouch covers more of the magazine, and therefore offers a little better security from the magazine falling out. This would be better suited to combat, and all the crawling over rocks etc that often entails.
I chose OD green, but available in all the colors of the tactical rainbow
The G-Code Scorpion Soft Shell kit is one of the best new products I have seen in years. Available in a wide variety of colors, every item is backed by a no BS lifetime warranty. This is one I highly recommend, and soon. Once the word gets out how awesome this system is, they are going to have a hard time keeping up.
MSRP on pistol mag pouches is just $19.95 and rifle is just $22.50.
Visit G-Code to learn more about the Scorpion Soft Shell Kit by clicking HERE.
This system looks great…what about long term storage issues, I’ve found that soft plastic and bungie type cords tend to deteriorate or become gummy after time. Any thoughts?
I certainly like the design.. The only concern I would have would be about the aging of elastic straps.. Every few years I wind up replacing various pieces of gear whose elastic has failed. Same for Velcro.. For you whippersnappers this will become a concern later in life.. LOL I would be fine if it were easy to obtain the material.. experience however has revealed that this becomes problematic.. It is quite discouraging to throw away otherwise perfectly good gear because the Elastic Straps of all types have become oxidized and lost their elasticity and Velcro has lost it’s “stick”.
These are excellent, I use mine in multi gun competitions and they are flawless. Would not say they are new, been around for a couple of years.