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Posted: 8/28/2010 10:49:34 AM EDT
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I recently purchased a Chicom Chest Rig from 762Tactical for my AK-47 rifle and Draco (OD in color). I was looking for something simple and cheap. I wanted a Chicom, but couldn’t find OD green, just woodland. I found 762Tactical through a link on AR15.com. It was more than I wanted to pay, since the Chicoms were about $10.00 and the first rig from 762Tactical was $47.49 total. But I decided to get what I wanted and I did not want woodland. I liked the rig so much I purchased another one for my Krink (Desert in color). Since the 545 and 223/556 are close in magazine size I ran the Krink rig at a carbine school with my AR and loved it. I loved it so much I asked Colin, owner of 762Tactical, if he had something like that for the 223/556. Colin said he did and sent it to me (Black in color).
You can refer to my full review of the AK and Krink rig at: 762Tactical I received my rig the other day and as soon as I opened the package I saw the rig was designed exactly as the Chicoms I had purchased for the 47 family, which was exactly what I asked for. The rig is simple and easy to use and keeps more to a KISS concept, but does allow for some customization. First off, the pouches on the AR rig are slightly different from the AK rig as they have elastic bands across the pouch to help hold the mags in place, better. Since AR mags have a smoother outside surface than AK mags, this is probably a good thing. The mag pouches are tight and secure. They have a flap over the top of the pouch the flaps can be removed all together or adjusted by way of Velcro to accommodate different mag sizes. With the elastic across the pouches you can easily run this rig without the flaps. The Velcro on the pouch itself has a raised section that allows for further adjustability in height. There is a small riveted eyelet at the bottom of each pouch to allow debris or water to drain. I checked the pouches for fit with 3 to 6 standard GI mags, P-Mags and then with GI mags that have the looped floor plate. The tops of the pouches are low enough to get a good purchase on either type of mag. I personally preferred the 3 with loops and 3 without just to get alittle stagger to the mags. Adjustment of the rig is easy with the robust polymer clips and sliders. Adjustment was even easier for me since the other 2 rigs are identical I used one of those as a comparison and now all 3 are adjusted exactly the same. I really like continuity. For me, the range is about 30 minutes away. Sometimes trips are spontaneous, so I like to have a rig ready to go. Magazines are loaded and in the rig. I walk into the garage with a rifle; grab whichever rig goes with that rifle and my range bag. I’m on the road and have everything I need. The panel that holds the pouches is nice. The panel has a slant cut where the panel goes under the arm. I prefer this to the straight panels of some rigs. The taper just seems to fit better when against the body. On either side of the magazine pouches are molle straps for more gear. This is the beauty of this rig. While it mimics the Chicom in design it allows the user to attach what they want to the rig instead of trying to make grenade pouches work for what they need. On my other 2 rigs I have gone with pistol mag pouches on the left and a med pac on the right. I believe this is all I need. Ammo for primary and secondary weapon along with med supplies. I usually run a drop leg holster and my fixed blade is mounted there as well. The panel is not thickly padded. When I got my first rig I thought this might be a problem, but have found the rig to be comfortable. The rig is not bulky. During the 12-hour carbine course it stayed in place and was never binding. Durability? Well, I can attest to the durability of the rig. My green rig has seen many trips to the range and doesn’t show any signs of wear. I live in Texas and it has been hot on our range days and sweat and dirt has not affected it. The Krink rig was worn during the carbine course and it rained the last 6 hours of the course. The range was a mixture of concrete and asphalt. The rig stood up to the test and, again, showed no signs of wear. Everything got wet, but everything dried well and did not loose its shape or shrink up. Application? I’m telling you this rig is simple and that is what I needed. Our range is just far enough from the vehicles I was just tired of loading down my pockets with mags and we rarely stand still to shoot. So, my idea was a simple rig to carry mags and that’s it; just to save trips to the Jeep. The rigs have taken on a life of their own and begged for the pistol mags and med pac. I figured what the heck. If you are so high speed, low drag and need every new tactical gadget on a rig, then this one is probably not it. But, Colin does make other rigs. If you need something to carry ammo and be functional when doing mag changes, then this is it. During the carbine course we did the El Presidente. I won the comp and it had a lot to do with having my mags on my chest at the ready cause I don’t claim to be anything special with the AR. For the price I don’t think you can beat it. It is hand made by Colin in the U.S.A.; it is adjustable, simple and durable. You can affix other things to it and it works. Customizing? Colin says he can customize rigs for your application. He makes several models and types of rigs so check his web site out at 762Tactical.com. Colin is still a small business so he is the owner, seamstress, secretary and shipper. His web site is still in the making so don’t expect a whole lot of bells and whistles. He will answer your emails and he is prompt. I am really excited about this rig and liked it so much I wanted to share with you what I found. I don’t work for Colin, but after numerous email conversations I truly believe he offers what many of us look for in our shooting equipment; good old American handmade quality all for less than 50 bucks. Oh and did I mention Colin is a member of AR15.com? Contact Colin at 762Tactical I have included pictures, below, but my camera phone does not show the detail of Colin's craftsmanship. This is my Krink rig with mag and med pouches to give you an idea of how the AR rig will finally look. 
762Tactical AR15 Chicom Rig 
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Tell me about it. Funny thing was that one guy posted on needing a rig when this post was like 2 slots down and everyone suggested much more expensive rigs that were nearly the same. I guess some people like paying more for their stuff.
Did you, at least, like the review? |
| Looks pretty nice. I've been looking for something like this. You said it holds 3 to 6 mags. Any trouble removing one of the 2 mags when the pockets are loaded with 2? What about once there is one mag in there, does it get loose in the pocket? Any worries about it falling out or something? I may have to shoot this guy an email and see about getting me one in the near future. |
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No problems with retention. This rig has an elastic strap on the outside of the pouch which retains the mags. I have had no issue running 1 or 2 mags per pouch. I feel comfortable running it with pouches closed, pouches tucked behind or removed all together.
I seriously just don't think you can beat this rig by price or durability. Give Colin a shout. Be the second on the block to have this great rig LOL. |
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