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No. 4475
ID: 19d87b
Different Rigs:
Ok, so let's say were getting ready for our first Carbine class ever. Fun! Right? ...right?
Well, let's assume we've read my previous post. You've got your clothing, your guns, your ammo and your mentality all squared away. Then you realize something. "OH SHIIII....what am I going to carry all of this stuff in?"
Here we go. What rig are you going to use? Well, lets look into some factors first:
-How hot outside is it going to be? Include humidity, then add 10 degrees, because you'll be moving a lot, holding a hot weapon, standing next to other like minded individuals.
-What is the "operator speed" of the class? By this I mean: Is it a casual class or will you guys be running constantly? What I mean is: Will the instructor take 10 minutes to introduce a concept, demonstrate it, explain the reasoning behind doing it, have you run it dry, have you run it slow with a hot weapon, then full speed? Or will they go "This is a tac-reload", do the motion, then have you go full speed.
-What's your budget?
So, we have a few catagories for rigs: None, War Belt, LEO Shooter Rig, Tac Vest, Armor Rig.
Now, we have something else to consider. How much shit do you really need? Bare bones: 4 primary magazines, 3 secondary magazines, IFAK, dump pouch, holster. Bam. That's bare bones for school.
Now you have some other stuff, too: Hydration, repair kit, misc. kit
Now you also have some stuff that you won't need: 12 misc grenade/flash bang pouches that .mil guys wear daily for stuff that they use daily. I'm not knocking guys over seas, I'm just saying they're kind of living off of what they're wearing. They may need a candy bar pouch. You, in school, do not.
So, how are we going to outfit you? Well, by now you can start to narrow down what you need or not (brotip: You can get rid of the catagories "none" and "Armor rig"). Now you need to start thinking about personal taste: War belts sag if you don't have suspenders, but they keep your body the coolest. LEO Shooter rigs are basically a rectangle on your chest for mags/couple pouches, they criss-cross behind your back. I find them uncomfortable. Tac Vests are comfy, but they don't ventalate all too well (if that's a concern for you).
Now, different objectives and missions constitute different gear. Sometimes you don't need a whole lot, sometimes you do.
As a beginner, I'd recommend a tac vest. They can be had from places online for $50-$80. Then add your pouches as you see fit. Like I said in my other post, you will be changing the positions of your gear as you move and shoot. Usually the 1/2 day of class the students are fighting their gear more than the concepts.
Primary/Secondary mags up front, easy access.
Holster on drop leg or on belt (personal call)
Dump pouch at 5-6-7 o'clock (depending on if your right/left handed)
IFAK on 5-6-7 o'clock (and in that magical "out of the way but still easily accessed area)
Hydration on back or throw a water bottle in your back pocket.
Everything else goes to "fill the voids". You'll 86 the pouches or move them somewhere else.
As you get more advanced and go to more classes, you'll start experimenting with different rigs. You'll find stuff you like and don't. You'll probably buy another one or two.
I own 3 rigs: War Belt, Tac Vest, Armor Rig
I first got the Tac Vest, and it's my go-to for classes.
Then I got the War Belt. I use it for competitions and practice. My Armor Rig I got from a buddy. I did a shoot house and Armor was a requirement. He ended up getting a new rig, so I gave him his armor back and he let me keep the carrier.
Another thing that you may or may not want to include: I have a Write in the Rain notebook and pen. I carry one, well, all the time. But in class it's good to have for a whole slue of things: Contact info, name/type of gear somebody has that I like, write down what I screwed up and need to practice, write down new concepts, etc. They're small and can go in your back pocket.
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