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Post by Hawkeye on Jan 4, 2012 8:21:27 GMT -5
I wanted to have one thread where folks could post pictures of how they have their rigs set up. Sometimes folks like to see how others are running theirs, when trying to decide how to set up their own rig. So post away.
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Post by Patriotic Sheepdog on Jan 8, 2012 12:55:15 GMT -5
AK UW Gear Minuteman with a Tactical Tailor Removable Operator Pack. K-Bar TDI and a Maxpedition Rolly Poly on one side and a HSGI Bleeder pouch on the other.
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4track
Junior Member
Posts: 276
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Post by 4track on Apr 7, 2012 11:34:25 GMT -5
Here is my Minuteman Chest Rig in Crye Multicam Pattern: I use the original, four magazine wide version, which fits nicely across my Eagle LVAC and Velocity Systems BALCS panels. I use US Palm magazines and Wolf ammunition, which I insert into the Minuteman Chest Rig with the magazine feed lips facing UP. I prefer this style of magazine placement because I find that a "beer can" grip on the magazine allows me to reload AK magazines much faster. The pockets on the UW Gear chest rigs are deeper than other brands of AK rigs that I have used in the past. This, of course is part of the trade-off of greater security versus faster extraction. Because of this, I had to re-train myself to extract magazines from the UW Gear rig as fast as I could with the other systems. After a good bit of training, however, I now feel confident in my ability to reload and be back on target nearly as fast as before, and I really prefer the utility and security that the UW Gear flap retention system provides. On the left side PALS loops of the Minuteman Chest Rig, I have attached a Spec-Ops Brand pouch full of kit to keep my gun running: Cyalume chem-lights, front sight adjusting tool, Aimpoint T1 tool, AR stock wrench, folding hex wrench set, longer hex wrench (for inside of pistol grip), thread locking fluid, CR123 batteries for my weapon lights, small sections of Magpul rail covers, .30 cal and .45 cal Boresnakes, Slip 2000 EWL, tooth brush, and cotton shirt/rag. On the right side PALS loops of my Minuteman Chest Rig, I have attached a Spec-Ops Brand pouch full of kit to treat a gunshot wound: Cyalume chem-light, Israeli bandage, QuickClot hemostatic clotting sponge, CAT tourniquet, Milspec Monkey blode type patch. Overall, I am very pleased with the rig, however, I NOT a fan of the H-Type straps, as I prefer X-type straps that criss cross. Sometimes, during dynamic movement, the straps painfully cut into my underarms. This is especially true when I am wearing my armor. Because of their solid intersection point, I cannot seem to get the H-Type straps to adjust as comfortably as I can with my X-type strapped rigs. The X-type straps are more fluid, and they tend to self-adjust as my body moves, or as my under layering increases. If the straps continue to bother me, in the future, I might have to modify the straps to an X-type configuration. It would be nice if UW Gear could make the strap systems modular, using side release buckles all around, so that users could choose between X and H-type straps. I see that some of the other minor things that I do not like about the rig are being addressed in the newer versions. Overall, I find that the Minuteman Chest Rig was money well invested, and it fits my needs very well. I would like to thank you guys for making this fine kit available, and I hope to see more innovative gear from you all in the near future.
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4track
Junior Member
Posts: 276
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Post by 4track on Apr 7, 2012 13:31:12 GMT -5
Here is my "truck gun" gear, featuring the UW Gear Bandolier. This is not my main line, home defense fighting gear. Rather, this gear is the minimal essentials needed if I were away from home, and a sudden dire situation necessitated that I fight and/or retreat to a safer location. To transport my weapon without drawing too much unwanted attention, I use a LWRC discreet rifle case (made by Blue Force Gear) to carry my AK in my vehicle. It is a soft, padded, guitar shaped rifle case with carry handles, a shoulder strap and a zippered exterior pocket. Originally, on the lower corner of the exterior pocket, there was a goofy rubber patch with an image of a hybrid rifle/guitar LWRC logo on it. I removed this patch, and then I sewed some loop material onto the pocket, allowing me to attach any hook backed patch of my choice onto the case. Choosing an appropriately themed patch can aid in the illusion of masking the case's true contents. The exterior pocket on the case seems to have been custom made to house my UW Gear Bandolier. The three magazine bandolier nestles perfectly inside of the pocket, concealing the ammunition, yet allowing it to be instantly accessed. After unzipping the pocket, simply pulling the loose end of the bandolier's shoulder strap extracts it from the rifle case, and the bandolier can then easily be donned. I added a woven para-cord strap to the zipper pull on the case's main compartment, which allows me to open the case in one swift movement with one hand. I can then remove the rifle from the case with my other hand. The interior of the case is lined with loop material, and there is a strap system that can be used to secure the weapon, however, I do not use the straps. Rather than fully unzipping the case to remove there rifle, I prefer to utilize the case more like a scabbard; only unzipping the bottom portion of the the case, and then sliding the rifle in and out. For my "truck gun" needs, the UW Gear Bandolier is perfect. It is light weight, low bulk, and holds just enough ammunition to get the job done. It is vey well constructed, and it is extremely comfortable to wear. When combined with the Blue Force Gear case, I have a discrete way to transport and feed my weapon at all times.
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ace
New Member
Posts: 25
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Post by ace on Apr 7, 2012 14:38:19 GMT -5
wow, this is getting interesting. Great Ideas.
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Post by Patriotic Sheepdog on Apr 7, 2012 21:43:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the pics. I've been looking for something like that Blue Force guitar case. I'll go in search of it.
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4track
Junior Member
Posts: 276
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Post by 4track on Apr 8, 2012 6:02:19 GMT -5
Thanks for the pics. I've been looking for something like that Blue Force guitar case. I'll go in search of it. I don't think that Blue Force Gear sells the guitar case on their website. I got my Coyote colored case directly from LWRC, and I think Brownell's also sells the same case in a Black color.
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Post by Diz on Apr 8, 2012 8:22:12 GMT -5
4Track:
Nice set-ups. It's obvious you've put some thought and practice into this. Here is what I found when I was developing this. The standard "X" straps did just the opposite for me, they were the ones sliding and cutting into my sides, while the "H" harness sat neatly on top of my armor. I think the problem is you are a fairly good-sized fella and the harness might be a tad small for you. The front 1 1/2" tri-glides need to be adjusted out, until the "H" crossbar in back sits roughly 17" above your beltline. From the pics it looks like it is way above that point and causing problems for you. If you can drop the crossbar lower and then adjust the diagonals accordingly it will fit. If not, let us know and we will either modify your existing harness to adjust more , or make you a pair of "X" straps if that really is the best choice for you.
You are right, in that the "X" straps "float" and adjust as you move, and they are a little easier to get in and out of. But I found the "H" harness was much more comfortable when worn for extended periods, and worked much better with my armor. I guess the difference is my armor is much more cut down. I use a plate carrier, usually without cumberbund, to balance pro against mobility.
We appreciate the feedback and may incorporate that in the future. These rigs are designed to fit the 90 percentile out there, but in your case may be out of the profile!
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4track
Junior Member
Posts: 276
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Post by 4track on Apr 8, 2012 12:59:06 GMT -5
Thanks, Diz. Yes, the fitting problems that I have are directly related to my "non-standard" body type, coupled with my particular way of wearing the chest rig. Like I said, I am more accustomed to the X-type straps, so the Minuteman's suspension system is taking some time to grow on me. I will tray making some more adjustments to find a happy medium with the way the rig rides with, and without, under layers. Thanks for your follow up support on the gear!
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hwi
New Member
Posts: 127
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Post by hwi on May 8, 2012 19:13:40 GMT -5
AK UW Gear Minuteman with a Tactical Tailor Removable Operator Pack. K-Bar TDI and a Maxpedition Rolly Poly on one side and a HSGI Bleeder pouch on the other. That is an awesome set up. Does that Tactical Tailor bag clip right up to the Minuteman, or does it require some rigging?
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Post by Patriotic Sheepdog on May 8, 2012 19:33:26 GMT -5
Clips right to the UW Gear Minuteman Chest Rig. No mods needed. I like this set-up.
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hwi
New Member
Posts: 127
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Post by hwi on May 8, 2012 20:10:24 GMT -5
Clips right to the UW Gear Minuteman Chest Rig. No mods needed. I like this set-up. Damn, that is sweet. I think I am going to have to copy you. ;D
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Post by grendal1989 on May 8, 2012 21:55:43 GMT -5
AK UW Gear Minuteman with a Tactical Tailor Removable Operator Pack. K-Bar TDI and a Maxpedition Rolly Poly on one side and a HSGI Bleeder pouch on the other. How well does that Maxpedition Rolly Poly retain mags while moving and about how many empty mags can you fit in it? I wish UW Gear still made the four pouch Minuteman, four mags fill up my chest/belly a little better than three.
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Post by Patriotic Sheepdog on May 10, 2012 21:32:36 GMT -5
Clips right to the UW Gear Minuteman Chest Rig. No mods needed. I like this set-up. Damn, that is sweet. I think I am going to have to copy you. ;D Thanks, it works for me.
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Post by Patriotic Sheepdog on May 12, 2012 16:10:09 GMT -5
I pull the bungee a little on the top to make the top more of a "hole" to put the AK mags into when empty. It will accept three easy this way. They retain well, but I haven't done somersaults or flips with it. Just some running and standing-to-prone and back up again. It will hold probably five but with the top pulled together some to help retention it makes it harder to insert the mags beyond three. It can be done, but takes longer. I have 4 in the rig and 1 in the weapon, so 1 in the weapon, 3 in the rolly poly and one in the admin pouch on the rear of the chest rig. If I have gone through 150 rounds, I'm in real trouble
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