Off of the beaten path of the SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range was a small booth exhibiting a handy series of unique AR-15 magazine holders. MagStorage Solutions is a relatively new company, but I was really intrigued by their product for organizing and storing AR-15 magazines. The MagStorage MagHolder presents a lot of possibilities for department armories, Bearcats, lockers and the average gun owner’s safe.
In this MagStorage AR-15 Mag Holder review, I will take a look at how well this works. I’ll also evaluate some of the other options the company offers including storage solutions for pistol and AK magazines.
Made from 1.5 pounds. of injection molded ABS, the basic format of the MagHolder is a mountable polymer bracket containing 6-slots for the storage of AR-15 magazines. Those 6-magazine sections can be combined in many different options to meet the individual officer’s and department’s needs. Mounting is accomplished through separate rare earth magnets for metal surfaces or screws for walls or certain cabinets.
The MagHolder is adaptable to the following mounting methods, and more:
- Mounting inside a gun safe
- Mounting outside a gun safe
- Cabinet mounting
- Wall mounting
- Vehicle mounting – MagSafe-3 and MagSafe-6 (steel framing – see below).
The MagHolder uses a dual bracketing polymer tension arms to hold magazines in place. Those brackets allow a slight give, so a gentle push against the brackets with the magazine during insertion is all that is necessary to properly seat each magazine.
A short base plate provides additional support to prevent a magazine from falling downward. When the user wants to retrieve a magazine they simply need to slightly twist the magazine and pull outward. The same slight give allows the magazine to become free of the tension brackets.
MagStorage MagHolder Specifications
- Height – 9.5″
- Width – 11.25″
- Depth – 4.0″
- Weight – 1.5 lbs. (unloaded)
- Capacity – (6) AR-15 magazines
- Material – Injection molded ABS polymer
- MSRP – $35.95
- 2-pack MagHolder on Amazon – $59.95 + Free Shipping.
To mount the MagStorage MagHolder on a safe does not require drilling or permanent marking of the safe walls. By using a separate Neodymium Magnet Kit, the MagStorage bracket will securely attach itself to the metal safe walls with the use of four rare earth magnets. The MagStorage can be removed or re-positioned with a stiff pull. The magnet is powerful enough to hold the six fully loaded 30-round magazines in place, yet capable of being removed by hand.
Other mounting options would include using nails, screws or bolts, depending upon the mounting surface material.
If the user has 5, 10, or 20-round magazines, the MagStorage can still be used by simply securing the magazine to the lower clasp. The MagStorage system is advertised to be compatible with 60 different brands of .223/5.56mm AR-15 magazines, but also several in 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel and even the significant curve of the AK-style magazines for the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
MagStorage MagSafe Vehicle Mount
Called the MagStorage MagSafe, the officer or department can choose a 3-mag or 6-mag version. The MagSafe has a steel frame to protect against the jostling of unpredictable roads, and the potential for other gear sliding into or falling onto the mag carrier. The dual tension retention arms are still the ABS polymer design.
The steel version has a carry-handle on the top of the MagSafe, and the addition of two double-stitched Velcro straps to additionally secure the magazines. The top strap keeps the magazines from sliding upward during bumpy driving, while the front strap prevents jostling from allowing the magazines to fall out forward. With the top strap still in place, the officer can un-strap the front strap, and quickly retrieve magazines just like the original MagHolder review.
For patrol officers, having additional rifle magazines available is prudent in an age of terrorism and spree killers. Make sure you take a look at our Active Shooter Kit article for additional information on having the right gear for such incidents.