EchoMirage 137 Posted November 19, 2010 I'm actually totally sold on running a "battle belt" now that I've put one together. I haven't run it with a rifle yet, but I think it would be a far more natural than running it with a pistol. Mine is set up for two pistol mags, two rifle mags, a holster, dump pouch, and admin pouch... a good amount of weight, but there is no shifting around as long as I make it snug. And the most surprising part is that even though I'm easily wearing 8-10+ pounds on my waist, I hardly feel it. Even with just five pounds on my chest, I can feel the stress on my shoulders, back, and neck. It also easily comes on/off, and looks a lot more low-key then a chest rig or PC. If need be though, I run a PC that carries 6+ rifle mags, and some more pouches-- to include a hydration carrier. Both systems are optimized to run with each other; the belt being first line, and the carrier being second. just remember, my words to live by are 'rifle first, last, and always.' dont ask a pistol to do a rifles job. playing the game, lets say TSHTF. you are not going to want just a pistol; and your primary weapon should not be a pistol with a rifle as backup. its easier/cheaper to use and train with a pistol, but thats just because we live in a police state (look at whats happening with AKs right now). if zombies attack, youll want a rifle. if society falls and we live in a 'patriots' world, you want a rifle. if an EMP happens (a la 'one second after), youll want a rifle, with pistol backup. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbk 188 Posted November 19, 2010 Of course, but that's the reason why the belt is a first line, and the PC is a second line. As for my personal training, I'm use to the application of a chest-based system as opposed to a belt system-- which is the reason why it took so long to getting around to a belt. For range sessions, or a class, or even a home defense situation-- the belt is far better because its easy on/off, comfortable, and holds everything needed (my rifle also can hold an extra magazine as I run a Redi-Mag). But if things got really messy, and, hypothetically SHTF, yes, I would add my PC to supplement the belt. I'm a rifle-guy-first as well, and I understand having something that caters to a long arm primarily. But what use is something for mere hypothetical as opposed to applicable "every day use" (like the belt)? I don't think one is any better than the other-- I just think its a matter of application. If someone wants a piece of nylon for specifically a lot of rifle mags, then a vest is a good idea. If someone is considering implementing other aspects, a belt is not a bad idea. This also doesn't factor in the fact that both can be run simultaneously, something I hope to do in the upcoming weeks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shane45 807 Posted November 19, 2010 I expect to see all your asses at the match at USANA tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted November 19, 2010 just practice more. you lost quite a bit of time on reloads on the proving grounds training my friend, training slow is smooth, smooth is fast Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted March 21, 2011 Bump, and please no airsoft. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 21, 2011 ironically.. vest is ordered.. certainly no airsoft.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papercutninja 24 Posted March 21, 2011 Slick plate carrier i made, using 500D Multicam Cordura, and printed Multicam webbing. I've got small SAPIs inside. This is more of a design exercise/collection piece than anything else; i have no illusions of being in a situation where i "need" body armour. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MedicYeti 96 Posted March 22, 2011 check out www.vestbuilder.com you choose your vest, choose accessories, arrange it the way you want and get a complete shopping list. It's fun too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gunnyr 17 Posted March 22, 2011 If I'm wearing a vest it's because I need the ceramic plate armor. If I need plate armor....things must be very, very, very bad. Otherwise, my Maxpedition Thermite gets the job done. Can hold two pistol mags, and/or several shotgun/rifle mags. I swear by Maxpedition products. They are built like AK's. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted March 31, 2011 S.O.E. Micro chest rig for 12gauge shotgun 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papercutninja 24 Posted March 31, 2011 Very nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tosser 61 Posted March 31, 2011 SOE micro rig is the tits If I actually felt the shotgun as a viable tool I'd have one of those. (no offense intended- just my thoughts on the suck involved in reloading) I love my osoe micro rig for the m4. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cylinder Head 22 Posted March 31, 2011 Nice kit Ray Ray. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted March 31, 2011 SOE micro rig is the tits If I actually felt the shotgun as a viable tool I'd have one of those. (no offense intended- just my thoughts on the suck involved in reloading) I love my osoe micro rig for the m4. viable tool? please explain how you feel a shotgun is NOT a viable tool. I can't think of a better firearm than a pump or semi auto shotgun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cylinder Head 22 Posted March 31, 2011 viable tool? please explain how you feel a shotgun is NOT a viable tool. I can't think of a better firearm than a pump or semi auto shotgun. I think he's trying to get at a couple of things. First of all, shotguns take TIME to reload, and if your fine muscle control is out the window as a result of you being in a bad situation this does not help. Second of all, a pump shotgun takes time to cycle. Third, the "cone of death" that most perceive shotguns as creating is much smaller than many think, creating a bad situation if you miss. Saiga's tend to alleviate many of these problems, but it's difficult to get a good one and impossible to take full advantage of them in NJ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ronhonda 86 Posted March 31, 2011 here is mine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
axeman_g 128 Posted March 31, 2011 I cant wait for the KSG.... No need to reload because if 14+1 dont take care of the issue... I should have brought a light machine gun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tosser 61 Posted March 31, 2011 viable tool? please explain how you feel a shotgun is NOT a viable tool. I can't think of a better firearm than a pump or semi auto shotgun. Using a shotgun to the point of having to reload and have a specific rig isn't viable in my opinion. Reloading is slow and cumbersome. I sleep with an 870 next to my bed but after the 6+1 in it I consider it a impact weapon. The fine motor and differing muscle movement make reloads under stress very challenging in a kinetic environment. The act of the reload is completely different than that on a box fed rifle or auto pistol and I don't have the time to train up on being uber fast on a reload... For me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbk 188 Posted March 31, 2011 Trust me when I say Ray knows that the shotgun is cumbersome when it comes to reloading in a stress situation... so, don't act surprised at this info, Ray! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted April 1, 2011 Yes, its difficult to reload. Yes, firepower is limited to about 9 rounds (Mossberg 590A1) Yes, it's not as fast as a semi auto rifle. But there are factors that make a 12 gauge EQUAL to any other battle rifle. First is the fact that a hit with a 12 gauge, either in buckshot or slug, is pretty devastating. Not many will get up after a single hit with either. Second, it's cheap to train with. Birdshot is 5 bucks a box when on sale and you can find it cheaper. Third, is kinda directed towards me but I've learned to shoot on a wingmaster so I'll argue that I can run a pump gun about as fast as someone with a semi. Being a course fire, not talking about a magazine dump. All the firearms we use in "tactical" applications have there ups and downs. But never count out a 12 gauge, it'll be around alot longer than an most semi's. It's simple, reliable, robust and rugged. Just my opinion, although I'm usually right about everything I say on here anyway. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcerillo70 16 Posted April 2, 2011 I been looking for the vest the black water guys use with the knife holder on the left front above your heart. (best i can describe it.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted April 2, 2011 www.tacticalresponsegear.com www.skdtactical.com there are others as well Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted April 28, 2011 Eagle LE Active Shooter Chest Rig Maxpedition Rollypoly dump pouch Yeah baby! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites