AK-74 Mag Pouch prototype ~ Opinions from the AK crowd desired

[Rmplstlskn]

Not happy with the AK-74 mag pouch options I have seen so far, I decided to roll my own... AK shooters please share your opinions and ideas.

Here is what I wanted: Pouch that holds TWO mags with PAL on the back and a COVER. Most AK pouches are BAGGY due to the AK mag catch lip and they are just rectangle pouches so the cover fits an AK mag like crap... Also, the mag catch lip rips standard cordura up pretty quickly, so I also wanted a tough webbing that runs along the mag spine that the lip wouldn't tear up.

Below is my prototype. It is cut in a CURVE so that the mag cover rests on the AK slanted floorplate squarely and uses one of the best PAL systems in my opinion, a variant of the Paraclete MOLLE gear attachment system that tucks under the PAL panel on the bottom. I hate the Tactical Tailor plastic MALICE clips and the Paraclete system was just so darn slick, so I added that into the prototype. Also added 2" webbing to the spine.

Again, this is my first prototype so the stitching still needs to be fine tuned (thread tension) and seams taped better. The elastic is also too loose, and will fix that on Prototype 2.

I am still unsure how to best deal with the overhanging edges of the mag floor plate, need more thought, or...

Any opinions or ideas? Comment freely...

Rmpl

[Templar]

Looks pretty nice. A lot of the members here run AKs, so you would probably get some pretty good feedback if you spread some out. I don't have any problems with Malice clips, but it is nice to see an alternative. How much different are the lips between the 74s and 47s?

Once again, nice work!

Regards,
Templar

[protus]

looks good. like the old sds m4x2 pouch(off the flc)but differnt pals/molle straps.

im not a fan of elastic on my mag pouches. i run a 47' and hsgi ummps. if i cinch down the bungee(like your elastic) the mag catch will snag at times.(or slow down re inserting)
the inner "slick" webbing is a good idea ..but if to rigid will bunch/bind with the elastic i think.maybe run some 1 inch grosgrain ribbon ?may fray over time but its light and slick.
curve is nice..but is it needed on the cover ? shorten the top flap make the hoop/loop longer like a pull tab etc.
the top cover will wear over use. thats the only spot my ummps show wear..maybe a bit of loop to protect and allow you a double feature of folding the top cover back for open top use(if your running the elastic??

typing that out sucks lol ....if i lost you let me know lol

[protus]

and great job...better than me..i get add on projects like that lol ...


whats the d rating on the fabric 500..or 1000 ???
the ummps i run are the lighter 500 stuff it seems..the 1000 stuff gets thick and stiff and binds more when sewing etc.. but holds its shape well..reason i liked my bhi 3 cell..two mags per cell...compression dressing in the front cell(was to small for a 3rd ak mag per cell) and was stiff,,so it held shape which made re inserting a mag chesse vs these fancy ummps i run now lmao

[Hawkeye]

We went round and round with pouch designs for AK mags for almost a year (= LOTS of junked prototypes...). Short answer? There's no easy/simple solution. AK mags are just naturally a pain in the keester to design pouches for, due to their shape, size, and construction. Your solution looks as good as any. My only advice if you are thinking of selling any, is to check the pantent expirations on the molle attachment. Not sure when Paraclete's is up.

[Rmplstlskn]

Thanks everyone for the feedback...

Paraclete patent: This is just for my personal use. Takes too long to make with out a production line and add quality materials, I would have to charge $100 for them... LOL!

After some use, I agree Protus, the elastic is gone, caused mag to catch. Still need to figure out how to separate mags, as if you grab the lower mag, the lip of it pulls up on the second mag.

Yes, I agree, AK mags are a major PITA to design pouches for. Odd shape in every way, not conducive to simple tailoring.

Working on mods#2... Got the thread tension right for fabric and T-90 thread finally.

Rmpl

[creman]

looks pretty good. I'm a fan of the taco mag holster right now, although they are a bit hard to reholster in them. I'm thinking Kydex with a slit for the catch lip may be our best option all said and done.

[Rmplstlskn]

Revision B

Had the day off today and it was so beautiful out, I opened up the shop and worked on sewing nylon all day today... So I know have three mag pouches based on Revision B, my second attempt. I think they came out great. I took Protus' advice and removed the elastic, as well as took his feedback and added a 2" webbing on the lid where the bottom of the mags touch. These pouches really hold the AK mags well, yet they come out easily as well, with the spine sliding along another section of 2" webbing. The only thing I need to improve is my ability to sew a straight stitch when sewing together a thick sandwich of nylon. My stitch lines look a bit wobbly in places...

Enjoy the pics...



Rmpl

[protus]

cool. looks good. id double up where the pal/molle attaches on back.(your main tag ends that thread thru). seen some of the surplus stuff fail/rip right there. just stich a second or tack it just below into that edge tape line. . pic#5 for reference.
great job though.!!!1

[Rmplstlskn]

It is what you don't see that gives it the strength you mention... Under the tape edges is additional sewing and I have several passes over the PAL straps under there. I found that trying to pull together multiple layers of nylon and webbing ~AND~ keep a 1" edge tape centered on both sides is only possible with robotics... LOL! I sewed most of the seams and then taped it on the edges when finished with one single pass, which is what you saw and commented on.

Wish I had a bartacker machine... :-) I have my eye out for an affordable used one. I tried using a home machine for the zig-zag bartacks and it is just too much nylon and the thick needle needed to pull up the bottom stitch for a strong stitch exceeds the thread tension capabilities of a home machine... And the motor just hums most the time and I have to hand turn the crank...

But that Consew industrial straight-stitch machine, on the other hand, has some AMAZING sewing power!

Rmpl