Stretching Mag Pouches
 

I have a triple magazine pouch which - supposedly - was supposed to be able to carry two M4 magazines in each [pouch]. Technically speaking, it does, but it's an extremely tight fit; too tight to be of practical use.

I've read of a few methods to stretch out mag pouches in order to give them a bit more room. These usually include packing the pouches tightly with something, and then soaking them in hot water or heating them something (hairdryer, heat gun, etc.). Some said just leaving the pouches filled for a while is sufficient to stretch them out given enough time.

I just thought I'd throw this topic out there to see if anyone has used or knows of a method that works (barring buying a new pouch)! I can't imagine I'm the only one who has run into a problem like this.

I just put the mags in my rig and then leave it. Seems to work fine.

^ This. The pouches will eventually stretch out and "relax" (rather like how snug jean will eventually relax). It may take several weeks, though, so just be patient.

FYI if your mag pouch is base of SDS Special Defense System or made by them you are NOT going to fit PMAGS or Thermold mags, They're design for GI mags thats it.
Stretching for that type won't help

+1 to that Kull. Have had two rigs. One was like that. One was not. Couldnt for the life of me figure out why they wouldnt stretch enough.

Also be aware of cheaper gear. They dont always stretch that well.

the front half of my condor m14 pouches were actually sewn too small. Condor doubles have a divider between the halves, so the back was pretty loose while the front was too tight. I pulled out the stitch seam and restitched it by hand so it was evened out a bit more. They were off by about 9-10mm, but with determination and both hands, you could get a mag to fit... but you had to either have the vest off, or nothing else to do for about 5 minutes. Now it's snug, but I don't need to work at it to get mags in and out.

If you are basically to the point of you'll toss the pouches/burn them in frustration, you can soak them in gasoline or kerosene and then shove your mag's in when it's still wet. This will damage the fibers/threads to some degree, so the whole thing will be less strong. (Of course, do in a well ventalated area, no open flames, be smart, common sense, etc.)

These 2 statements are at odds

Have you actually done this.. and had success?

or is this a " I heard from a guy who said a guy he knows heard this works"

you will never get the smell out of the gear.. ever

The best option with respect to gear that does not work is to junk it and buy stuff that does.

Buy real name brand quality gear and you don't have to deal with this sort of BS.. Buy quality, buy once.

ziplock bag + expanding foam.

just sayin'

Yes, I've heard PMAGS don't stack. I should have clarified earlier - I'm using regular M4 mags.

Old skool method for stretching boots that are a little tight is to put a plastic bag in the show and fill with water, seal it then freeze it.
Water Expands when it freezes, only a few percent, not 700% like foam.

Yup, I have with Gas; like I said, only do if you're ready to burn your pouches in frustration. I'm -told- kerosene smell comes out easier than gas, hence the comment, but I have not done this myself. This technique was demonstrated to me by a .mil guy, when you're deployed you get creative to deal with issues because you're not just a drive away from getting new nylon.

I do agree, buy real gear that is quality, only in my first season did I purchase 'airsoft' gear.... then I found that real nylon gear is almost always cheaper than Airsoft grade if you know where to look. Generally the better way of doing things.

the fumes afterwards are nasty. I had a pair of mechanics gloves drop into a bin of gear oil and they still stink after probably 20 washes and soaking for hours at a time in hot water and dishsoap. Even wearing them for half an hour my hands will smell like gear oil for half a day.

If they're the type that has a divider in them, you can cut the stitch and move it to a more even position that makes both halves the same tightness... or if you aren't confident in doing it, try taking the pouch to a place that hems pants or does shoe repair, they will have a machine that can resew it.

I didn't have to redo the whole length seam on the divider, I just looped it through maybe half a cm on top and bottom and passed the thread through maybe 20 times, it's strong enough to hold it there. It's easy enough to do by hand.

if your pouches are made of Nylon or Codura, stuff your pouches with mags as many as you can, just stuff them and leave no space left, and then heat it up with a hair dryer. thats how I enlarged my pouches.