This past week I competed in the National Guard's 45th Annual Winston P Wilson Combat Shooting Match. This is my 8th Combat match, 3 at the state level, 3 at regional level (MAC 1), and my 2nd time at the WPW.

The basic concept of combat shooting is to engage targets using issued rifles (M16A2, M16A4, or M4) using irons or issued optics and an M9.  The shooting is from 25-500 yds for rifle and 15-30 yds for pistol; all scored on paper targets with mandated round counts, mag changes, and time limits. The rifle EIC portion is only shot with iron sights. The focus is primarily on accuracy with speed being important only to the extent you get all your rounds off within the time allotted. This year I finished in the top 1/3rd (122/384); there are some incredible marksmen that attend.

Equipment required is "issued" gear, but really is open up to any military style equivalent; I've seen everything from ALICE, PASGT, and M12 holsters to Crye PCs and Airframes. You need a "removable water source" (canteen, nalgene, or camelbak) and a "medical kit" (also pretty open ended, a USGI bandage is basically the minimum). In the past I've used my issued FLC, issued drop-leg safarilands, a Banshee with no plates, and an ATS warbelt with various pouch setups. Recently, I decided to overhaul my equipment (I also needed to turn in all my issue gear). I swapped my PC for a Haley D3CR chest rig, and the ATS belt for a Crye Modular RIggers Belt. I'm also using a personally owned Mid-cut ACH.


*Rifle and pistol are not issued and are for illustration*

The belt is a Crye MRB. It's about the most affordable major component they make and so far it's been worth every penny. It consists of 3 parts: the MOLLE sleeve with hook velcro, the inner belt, and a velcro pants belt. On the sleeve there is a slow on each side just big enough to fit a Safariland or GCode duty drop. The sleeve and innter belt are fairly flexible, while the inner belt is light and very rigid. This isn't designed as a heavy belt to carry as much stuff on it as you can.

My only concern with the belt is that it *sometimes* seems as if the outer belt is not rigid enough. My ACUs have gotten a bit big on me, and as I've lost weight it seems the belt sags slightly. I haven't had this issue with other pants, just my ACUs, but I'm looking at a stiff replacement inner belt.

When setting up this belt the goal was light, flat, and versatile. Versatility was mnost important with 2 pieces; the duty drop and pistol pouches.

Holster
I have multiple handguns and holster setups so a while back I chose the GCode RTI on  a duty drop. While I used to have a Safariland MLS setup which allowed me to swap safariland holsters, this system is compatible with holsters from all major companies (GCode, Safariland, Serpa, Bladetech) and is often an available option from custom makers like T-Rex and OTG. Using this I can set my belt up with literally any handgun setup I'll ever own.

As for my actual competition holster, at once competition I was issued the Safariland 3280. It's a great option for a 92/96 series Beretta with or without any mounted light or laser. I picked one used and the guy also sent me a Safariland 7TS ALS. Since my issued M9s don't have lights I found myself using the ALS. For combat competition you're required to use active retention and the safety on. With the ALS I can activate the button, draw the pistol, and flip the safety in one motion.

Pistol Pouches
The other problem was having "universal" open-top pistol pouches. I had been using a Tactical Tailor 3 mag pouch that uses removable flaps and plastic inserts. I really liked this pouch but I wanted to go to a 2-mag setup. While I looked at others including Esstac I kept seeing "for double stack magazines" and wanted to be able to use 1911 and .22 mags which has never been a problem. In the end, I bought anATS double mag pouch and scavenged the plastic inserts from my TT pouch, which was cheaper than the TT double pouch. These inserts are rock solid and I've never lost a mag while moving between stages or during the 300 meter sprints.

Rifle Mag Pouch
Finding the perfect rifle mag pouch was also important. I used to have a shingle and then a single TAG pouch, but none of these was a "good" option much less a great one. TACOs are a very popular choice both here and in Combat Shooting, but I didn't need the multi-mag capability or the excessive nylon. After looking around at variuous single pouch options (ESSTAC Kywi, Fastmags, Blade Tech, custom kydex, etc...) I opted for the S&S Precision SMR on a MOLLE GRT and DUST-E which ran ~$45 for all 3 parts.

I do all my reloads from my belt and I sort the complicated stage ammo loads by mag types (which is why I carry a combo of GI, Lancer, and PMags) so I needed the rifle pouch that will hold any AR mag possible. The SMR does this AND is solid enough that I'm not losing any mags on the 300 yard runs. While it may be "too stiff" if you're doing dry fire drills in sweatpants (to the point it's not coming out) I've never had an issue while actually loaded up training or competing.

Dump Pouch
The only other piece I have on my belt is a Maxpedition Rolly Polly Dump Pouch. I haven't really looked into too many others so I'm not entirely sure where to go. At this point, because I need a "removable water source" my dump pouch is stuffed with an empty Nalgene and velcroed closed. I'm evaluating a better way to do all this (I did see a 20 oz water bottle in a 2-mag pouch). Otherwise, using the dump pouch for it's intended purpose works fine when not holding a water bottle. I'm contemplating various low profile options right now, but haven't seen anything I really like that's any better than the Rolly Polly I have.

Med Kit
On my old belt setup I had an HSGI Bleeder Kit, but in the attempt to keep weight down and the belt flat it came off and never went on the new belt. I'm contemplating putting an LBT-9022B-T but I haven't needed one. My "first aid kit" for competition is an Israeli bandage and quick clot gauze shoved in the Haley rig.

Misc Equipment Musings
At the beginning of the competition I had a Safariland Ear-pro clip but I ended up keeping my Peltors on my ankle and the clip decided to catch on everything; so it came off. It's a great $2 piece of gear, I just don't use it.

I need to find a decent 12Ga carrier. Once match requires shooters to carry 3 12 Ga shells and shoot rifle, pistol, then pick up and load a Mossberg and fire 3 rounds under a time limit. It sucks trying to dig the shells out of your pocket or pouch, orient them, then load them. Ideally I'd like to get something that is easy to attach and detach so I am not carrying it during other matches.

Finally, I'd like to look into the S&S MOLLE adapter so I can swap out the rifle mag pouch with an additional 2-mag setup for pistol only stages or training.

TL:DR
Crye MRB- Awesome for a light loadout
G-Code RTI and Safariland holsters
ATS or TT pistol pouches with plastic wedge
S&S AR mag pouch

Great setup and very versatile. If anyone cares I can also share my thoughts on the Haley D3CR and my helmet setup.

Here's what I was looking for in versatility, so I can carry any gun I own on one belt.

Holsters from GCode and Safariland for M&P, M9 (with or without light), P229-DAK), and 1911.

For Competition I run the harness/stand-alone setup.

*I bought mine used hence the coyote mag pouch tab*

4 Mags in the mag pouches, 2 Pistol mags, a bandage and quik-clot in the right hand pouch. Typically I keep a tourniquet in the left side pocket, but for the competition it depends on the stage requirements: extra pistol mags, extra rifle ammo to be loaded between firing iterations, shotgun shells. The pistol pouches, like my belt can hold single or double stacks.

As for the stuff-it pouch, it's pretty handy. Typically that's where I shoved my eye-pro when I wasn't wearing it. On Rifle EIC where I needed more mags I'd keep another rifle mag there. On the Patton match (300m run to 3 17 rd pistol stages) I kept a pair of small binos there during the run so we could spot shots between firing iterations. The only thing I didn't like was having the shock cord dangle.

I saw a few other competitors there using them. One guy from VT was telling me how much he liked his, and a couple of Pre-Ranger instructors from Georgia told me they're trying to get them as a unit-wide purchase; I guess they can jump with them on and they're perfect for the recon and patrolling stuff they do/teach.

I really like the fact that I can use the Down Range Gear kit to clip the D3CR into my banshee. to use it either slick or loaded out.

What Volund belt did you choose specifically?

ETA: I think the inner belt tends to slip in it's adjustment.

Thanks! I'm gonna miss the Guard but it'll be worth it.

The one in the pic is UCP but they also make them in other patterns. I got my NH flags from Camo Tech.

I was thinking something more like this but I want one that can hold shells at reduced capacity. I'll probably hold off on one for a while, I'm not sure the next time I'll need it.