Looking for some feedback from you guys on what your using and what you think works best.Looking for SHTF gear for carrying extra AR mags and sidearm/mags.There's so much stuff out there I'm getting a migraine..[Dunno] Thanks for the feedback.
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Looking for some feedback from you guys on what your using and what you think works best.Looking for SHTF gear for carrying extra AR mags and sidearm/mags.There's so much stuff out there I'm getting a migraine..[Dunno] Thanks for the feedback.
I got mine from centerfire systems, I was worried because of the price that it would be junk, but it has held up well, and I use it at least once or twice a week.
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/ind...OD&ProdID=1559
Thanks-the only problem is there's something on the left shoulder where I'd shoulder my AR. Everything else would work fine since I only shoot my long guns from the left side.
I almost picked up a Molle vest at the Tanner show today, but I was looking like 5 minutes before the show closed so nobody was there to give me a price...
These are made decent for the price.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE305-19884-1572.html
Just add what you want.
Those are the ones I saw at the show...I saw black, desert and ACU...
Well, if we're lucky KellyTT will pipe in, he's most likely one of our best resident gear guru/*****s :)
What exactly are you thinking you'll want to carry and how much do you want to spend? If it's just AR mags, then I'd recommend some sort of RAC, if you think you're going to add armor, then a Plate Carrier with cumberbun. With either go MOLLE and add the pouches you think you'll need. Going with the fixed positioned pouches you'll see on a lot of the "tacticool" vest is for most a complete waste of money.
Don't make the rookie mistake of thinking you can tote 20 AR mags and a ton of other gear. It might help if you do so research and get an understanding of 1st, 2nd and 3rd line gear layouts.
I was at the show yesterday looking at vests: prices ranged from $40 for the bare vest w/out pouches (like the cheaperdirt advert), $45- $49 with various pouches, then up to $65 and $85 with full kit. They looked ok, seem durable enough for us average joes, I like the colors but hate black. I just wish that crazy redhaired lady would get some vests with a multicam pattern.
I would try as many as you can before you get your own. I've used the LBE, LBV, chest ridgs, and vests. They all have good and bad points, and you don't want to spend the money on something that doesn't work for you. I have a bunch of the stuff you can try, and I'm sure others will let you try theirs. PM me if I can help.
FWIW Galati has at least one vest roughly that style available in southpaw. Note there are some other options at the bottom of that page.Quote:
Originally Posted by StagLefty
Happy hunting, let us know what you get!
Thanks Guys-Looks like the best way is to buy a bare M.O.L.L.E. vest and customize it to my specs.[Beer]
Ok, well, I have a book on this very subject in the works but not til next year sometime.
Generally speaking, I dislike any gear thats not from a reputable maker. Tactical Tailor, Eagle, SpecOps Brand, Spectre, etc.
Condor, that shit you see at Tanner and Crossroads, etc, is junk, and if you're really serious about SHTF and possibly relying on this gear to save your life are you certain that you trust that 40.00 vest to hold up? Someone said above that their vest has 'held up' for range sessions once or twice a week and been ok and thats fine until we get a Katrina/LA Riots situation and under stress that 40.00 vest craps the bed.
A good example is the Tactical Tailor modular tac vest. Yes its over double the price (110.00) but is from a reputable vendor, American made and warrantied for life.
http://tacticaltailor.com/ProductIma...nt_350x350.jpg
For the record, I especially hate those vests with the crossdraw holsters mounted permanently. They're no configurable and laid out in a pattern that worked in the 80's if you were carrying an MP5. But, if you're not going to wear armor and plates, then a vest that you can customize is probably the best solution (which you seem to be contemplating anyhow).
If you want armor, then there are some good options, for custom gear, I've been using Coyote Tactical in Arizona with good luck. If you need more info, just PM or email me.
wow-esp Kelly-I just got through looking at a Mini-Mav by Tactical Tailor. Good pricing and looks like a nice lightweight way to go and still have some options to add on.Easy off and on and can throw a camel back on if wanted. Looks like it's at least a good starter for now.
The MAV's are excellent starter rigs. Its hard to beat TT's MAV for the price. I'd suggest the rear X-harness to go along with it. It'll make it a lot more configurable/comfortable.
What are your thoughts on Blackhawk vests?Quote:
Originally Posted by KellyTTE
Depends on the model. By and large I'm not a fan of their vests and current generation of plate carriers and most of their vests aren't customizable, with the exception of the STRIKE Elite or Omega Vest (very pricey for what you get at 150 - 170.00) and I'd still choose a TT or HSGI one instead. The commando recon was one of my first plate carriers and I hated it in not so many terms. Their new generation of plate carriers will be US made and is MUCH improved design-wise and I should have a review on those in May or possibly Jun.Quote:
Originally Posted by Driftwood
See I knew Kelly would pop in and offer his sage advice. He's a bigger gear snob than I am :)
LOL filter gotcha!! Was that the musing of a Govt. worker bee? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by BadShot
http://www.bayonet.net/clip_art/images/lbe.gif
There ya go :) can pick it up at any Army surplus store
Not even an Air Force guy would fall for that...
Have a look at this one.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=55CR00&C=C1261
It's the "Low Profile Chest Rig" from Blackhawk. I think it would work the best for what you are asking about.
Very state of the art. In the 1950's. Offer the man a pilum or heck, upgrade to a musket.Quote:
Originally Posted by DocMedic
Just because its cheap and available doesn't mean its a good idea. ;)
Couple of problems with that rig. The pistol mags are on the wrong side for him, since he's left handed. The rifle mags are ok on what will be his weak side, but theres not an area for a dedicated I-F-A-K/Medical kit. And since it's all sewn in place, it can't be reconfigured without some difficulty.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tora
Ok, stupid *** question, why does the filter bust a gasket over F-A-K (without the dashes)? All it stands for is First Aid Kit.
Kelly-found the TT modular tac-vest for $90 atTexas Tactical-looks like a good deal-Thanks to everyone for the feedback-Didn't realize this would be almost the can of worms of deciding which AR to buy !!![Bang]
Your right, my bad.Quote:
Originally Posted by KellyTTE
Try this one.
http://www.spectergear.com/mk2_chest_rig.htm
Thanks Tora-that's another good option. [Beer]
For what you have stated as your needed ueses, I like this kind. I'ts low profile (easy to hide under say a windbraker) and you can drive with it on. It's not alot of ammo, but you should't need that much, and you can have other things that may be needed; IE cell phone, camera...
I know this has been beaten to death already, but I will pipe in anyway.
I am a fan of the older Blackhawk stuff and I have not seen any one their new generation, so I won't comment on it.
I did just pick up an Eagle chest rig from SKDtac. It seems well made and will carry just enough so you are not overloaded for daily type work. This is not a field peice however as there are no provisions for carrying a lot of stuff, so you need to be close to your support or carry a bag with you. I bought the thumbreak option so I can carry 6 mags and a pistol with a light on it. The front pouches appear to be able to hold pistol mags or a flashlight, but I have not tried that as of yet. I think for the price, it is a good option.
http://www.skdtac.com/index.asp?Page...PROD&ProdID=36
If it's of any interest, there's also Russian made chest rigs. They seem just as versatile as the more expensive American made ones, but at much less cost.
Here's a couple of sites:
http://www.redsoldier.com/All-Produc...4Pa38Ta38Ta3r0
http://www.russiancombatgear.com/
The second site seems to be having some display problems, just click the "View All Products" tab on the bottom left to sift through their inventory.
So far, here are a handful of ones I've been contemplating:
http://www.russiancombatgear.com/product_details/Pioneer_M23_(Splav).php
http://www.russiancombatgear.com/product_details/Tarzan_M32_(Splav).php
Those two are made for AK mags, but here's one for AR mags, however, it's a bit more expensive since it's American made:
http://www.redsoldier.com/T-A-G-Rifl...2&category=454
Thanks Westy-this is the same one I've been leaning to.Quote:
Originally Posted by westy1970
I played with mine a little more today. Don't bother with the thumb break thingy for holding a pistol. My 1911 flopped around and my Glock bit little better, so it's not worth the money for the "upgrade". For the front pockets, you could hold 4 double stack mags or 8 1911 mags plus 8 M4 mags. I tried my flashlight but it didn't fit, but a shorter one would. The only thing I would do different is a better back strap, like on the BH commando chest rigs. Still, well worth the money.
Good info on the thumb break because I would have ordered that-Thanks
If you want to try it, let me know and I will send it to you. If you like it, you can pay me for it, if not send it back.
Well there is enough MOLLE there for you to add a holster if you wanted, but I'd classify this as second line gear and because of that if it were my preferred rig, I'd run a belt with holster and other first line gear on that in conjunction with something like this panel.Quote:
Originally Posted by westy1970
For the back strap, and I'm just kinda reaching here, I'm wondering if the Tactical Tailor X-Harness would work in place of the current straps.
I will call this morning and find out. That looks like it would work very well.
The only thing I don't think it'll cover is the waist strap.. I know that thing is designed for the MAV harness. Which looks to be my next attempt at a manageable non-armored platform! Let us know how it works out..
I talked to Andy at TT yesterday and sent him some pictures. The X-Harness replaces the shoulder straps and not the back strap. Back when I was selling Blackhawk stuff the Commando Chest Rig had a wide strap with some MOLLE attachments. It never occured to me but if one were to use them it would pull down on the vest wothout much support. As for wanting stuff on or near my back, I will figure something else out. Really, the only stumble is where to put a first aide kit.
In looking further at their site, I think this may do the trick for me;
http://tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?...PROD&ProdID=11
Badshot-I'm considering the idea you gave jetsiphon about a war belt and going from there for a nice light weight rig for bare essentials-mags,holster,and small utility pouches. Looks like a great idea !! + We're giving our local guy-Bower's Tactical some business. Thanks
Some good info here guys.
Lets see if you can point me in the right direction:
I'm looking for essentially a good rig to hold mags, maybe modular so other things could be added.
This would be something i would want to use for training classes, at the range, and just while out shooting. I don't want to look tacticool, or mall ninja. I don't know a lot about gear, but i know i don't want a full chest setup. Just something that goes over the shoulders, and holds a decent amount of mags around the waist area.
Suggestions?
Sounds just to me like you are looking for a bandolier...
you want a solid riggers belt (stiff!!! like a Wilderness 5 stitch) and the ATS warbelt that goes over it... That's what Stag was talking about. I'm ordering mine today.
As for the RAC.. I'm stumped right now, but a little but of lightfighter.net reading should help..