Magazine-Ammo Carriers

A magazine carrier keeps spare ammunition accessible and secure on your person — essential for duty use, competition shooting, and serious concealed carry. Whether you carry one spare mag IWB for concealed carry or a full duty belt with multiple pouches, having spare ammunition in a consistent, accessible location is as important as the holster itself. Impact Guns carries single and double magazine carriers for pistols and rifles in IWB, OWB, and duty configurations.

Read our full Magazine Carrier Buying Guide ↓

Magazine Carrier Buying Guide

IWB vs. OWB Magazine Carriers

IWB magazine carriers clip inside the waistband opposite the gun — typically at 9–10 o'clock for right-handed carriers. They provide complete concealment of the spare magazine and are the standard for plainclothes carry. The magazine rides against the body and requires a deliberate reach to access. OWB magazine carriers mount on the outside of the belt for faster access — the standard for duty use and competition. Duty OWB mag pouches often include retention devices to prevent the magazine from bouncing out during physical activity. For concealed carry, IWB is standard; for duty and competition, OWB is standard.

Single vs. Double Carriers

Single magazine carriers are the standard for everyday concealed carry — they add minimal bulk and carry one spare magazine, which is adequate for most defensive scenarios. Double carriers hold two spare magazines and are standard for law enforcement duty belts and competition where multiple reloads may be required. For concealed carry, a single spare magazine in a quality IWB carrier is the practical approach — most defensive incidents end without requiring a reload, and carrying two additional magazines adds significant bulk and weight for marginal additional benefit.

Kydex vs. Leather vs. Nylon Carriers

Kydex magazine carriers provide consistent, audible retention with a retention click on insertion — you know the magazine is fully seated. They are the choice for competition and duty use where consistent reload performance matters. Leather carriers are more comfortable against the body for IWB carry and provide a professional appearance. Nylon and polymer carriers are the most affordable and work adequately for casual and range use. For serious carry, Kydex is recommended for its consistency and positive retention feedback.

Rifle Magazine Carriers

For AR-15 and AK-pattern rifle users in competition or tactical applications, dedicated rifle magazine carriers mount on chest rigs, plate carriers, or competition belts. MOLLE-compatible nylon pouches are the standard for tactical use. Competition-specific carriers from Safariland and similar manufacturers are designed for fast, consistent single-hand reloads in 3-Gun and other competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a magazine carrier for concealed carry?
A spare magazine is strongly recommended for concealed carry — not primarily for capacity, but because magazine failures are the most common semi-auto pistol malfunction, and a spare magazine fixes them immediately. An IWB single magazine carrier adds minimal bulk and provides immediate access. Many experienced carriers consider a spare magazine as essential as the holster itself.

Where should I carry a spare magazine?
For right-handed IWB carry, carry the spare magazine on the left side (non-dominant) at approximately 9–10 o'clock for natural two-handed reload access. This mirrors law enforcement convention and allows the support hand to access the magazine while the dominant hand retains the pistol.

Does Impact Guns carry magazine carriers?
Yes. Impact Guns carries IWB, OWB, and duty magazine carriers at our Ogden and Boise stores and ships nationwide.