Lots of really nice gear on the interwebs. A lot of it is really fucking expensive. While some if that is good, some if that leads new guys into buying expensive shit before realizing it doesn't work for them or buying cheap knock offs of expensive stuff. Especially now that nice IFAKs routinely cost 50+ bucks.

So I present the low budget operator.

If there is a military base nearby you can save a lot of money - specifically buying your First Aid Kit supplies from a surplus shop.



This currently holds two 30rd mags, a radio scanner on top of a battery caddy, and an IFAK.

The GI molle bandoleers cost around 10 dollars. Sometimes up to twenty if you're picky about camo colors. A back strap is created with a measured loop of 550 coord and a small carabiner, or if you want an adjustable option the strap from a GI 2Qt canteen pouch can be found for a dollar or two and is comfier with its wide back strap.

The FAK is 25 bucks from chinook, and fits inside a GI two mag pouch. You can buy it loaded with gear but it's expensive, or buy mil surp IFAKs from eBay or a surplus store.

http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/item/01236/MT-CON/-TMK-IFAK-Insert-%28Empty%29

This will also hold any radio or scanner that is roughly the size of two M4 mags. Or four mags and no radio.

Now if you wanted extra magazines, you could use it as a slick chest rig only (3 PMAGS or 6 GI mags) and for an extra 10 dollars buy a spare bandoleer and adjust it to be a side bag that could hold an IFAK, radio, and water bottle or scanner.

Lots of options that don't cost money.



Forgot to mention that they also snap into GI assault packs which can be cheap too

So Ranger

Good piece of gear, use to carry spare ammo in the overseas

They have almost tripled in price though

Check ebay. I got this yote one for 12 bucks. The others were issued. Lots of cheap deals and the ACU/DCU seem to consistently be 10-15

I don't think any of us are really operator status, but good idea and kit non the less. I would suggest a SOE micro ak/m4 chest rig too. 100 dollar price point and built like tanks

You could put together three of these for 100 bucks. And not support a felon and douche bag.

I have a handful, some modified.
Originally I've paid between $8-$20(multicam)

ETA good thread

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Interesting proposition.
Let's see how far we can go with this concept.
One bando, three lashing straps, five stitches and half an hour later...



Definitely a chest rig on the cheap. Could add some PALS up from for a pistol or grenade pouch. But that adds some complexity outside the scope of this project.

Whatcha guys think?

ETA- anybody want this? I threw it together for funsies- no real use for me so I figured I'd pay it forward. PM me if interested

I'll post up what I've got. Very similar
Throw some pals on the front

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You guys keep doing stuff like this, and I'm gonna have to break down and buy a sewing machine!

Seriously, it's amazing how often it comes in handy, knowing how to use a machine.
Even for the little things "I wish this pack had a better sternum strap" - boom, sew a new one up.

Stupid ETS movers destroyed mine.

Pfaff 1245

Yes he's a felon but everyone makes mistakes. However, that's not really the topic.

I want to kind of buy a few of these as mini kits for each rifle. So if someone had to use a rifle of mine, they have a rig of some sorry to carry stuff. Good idea none the less.

Will those bandoliers hold AK47 mags?

No
And they won't snap on 2 pmags

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I tried 1 e mag, one GI and no go either.

Though hey will hold a PMAG with ranger plate in each.

They will if you don't mind tucking the flaps in behind them, or cutting the flaps off altogether. You could install grommets on each pouch and run a length of bungee through them, over the top of the pouch, knotting it on each end to secure it. Add tabs made of 100 MPH tape and there ya go.

Incidentally, the 2-Quart canteen strap with the snap hooks on each end makes a great back strap for those bandoliers. Simply attach the hooks on the small loops on each bottom corner. Instant "no-sew" chest rig.

I just got done this morning making a double mag pouch. It was more or less a practice ran. First time ever sewing anything. Wife showed me some basics and I just got to it. Took some camo shorts that no long fit and put it together. Learned alot of things after grabbing patten I saw on here in another thread. Its not the prettiest thing in the world but I am going to run it til bust.

Those came out great!



 

Very cool.

Source for bandoleers:  http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/DCU-Bandoleer-Ammo-Pouch-8465014917517-p/271.htm

Just finished converting a couple of USGI MOLLE II Bandoliers into micro-chest rigs for another member.

Get your Tron off my rig!!!!  LOL  It looks some kind of awesome!  Thanks again!

Thanks, I'm pleased with how they turned out and I hope you will be, too. They'll be headed your way this week.

Lancelot, neither.  They are PKT, which I belive are the USMC bando's.  Really well made stuff, for not a lot.  I think I paid less than $20 shipped for them.  The seem little better that the BAE, SDS bando's.

Holy crap! Dude, you are the consummate geardo. That looks like some damn fine work. IM'ing you right now.

Sexiest bra I ever seen!

Great work, man!

I agree. Good idea if you can DIY this stuff but some people just don't have a way to do it. Here is an idea for those guys. I've gotten some stuff from him before and its high quality especially for the price. It also fits ak or fal/m14 mags as well. Little bit of molle on the side to add an IFAK or something else. However the concept showed on this thread is nice, I'm jealous of you people who can sew.

How much? no but seriously....

Cheap enough that we could all afford one....even the select, unfortunate few of us who aren't married to to supermodels, have paid-off mansions and luxury cars, and don't carry credit card balances month to month. Seriously, though, do yourself a favor and send TR0N a pm about it. He can't answer here because the mighty raf will nail his ass for advertising.

I just can't find a bandoleer in Coyote to send to Tron. If any of ya'll see one somewhere, let me know.

Jarhead,  check the Bay.  That's where I got mine.  Look for usmc bandoleers.

Roger....I was about to IM you tonight about that per TR0N.

Tag for noob interest.