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Posted: 12/29/2008 6:44:01 AM EDT
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Retro guys... Give me your opinions. I'm in the process of patterning magazine vests for 30 and 20 round M-16 mags. These are adaptations of the AK vests, which were not really suitable for M-16 mags when used in VietNam. Here is a pic of the 30 rd mag vest. It will hold 8 magazines and is adjustable like the AK vest.
Do you think this is worth producing and putting on the EE? I will post a pic of the 20 round vest as soon as I get one completed. I think I will make it hold 12 20 round mags (6 pockets). What do you think??? 
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I think it looks good for someone who wants to gear up in a retro sort of way that doesn't include ALICE and a BAR belt...
To be honest, I'd be concerned about investing a lot if it was me, because the vast majority of guys who might buy gear are, IMO, more likely to buy whatever the latest high speed multicam thing... I think your idea is neat, and I might even consider a vest for myself, but I think it has limited marketability. |
| Personally I like the British web gear 'latches' the best, where you have a doubled over piece of narrow webbing stitched so it stays that way - (it's doubled back on itself) tucked into a metal or webbing loop. (The Chinese did this too but the loops are cheap and plastic.) It is very secure, but fast to release, and lasts forever. MUCH better than snaps IMPO. I'll see if I can find one and take a pic if you want. It's really genius, and very simple to make. |
Here is where the idea came from... I've been making these things for the FAL for about 2 years and sold enough to acquire parts for and build 15 FAL's. This was an adaptation of the commie web vests the Rhodesians encountered during the Bush War of the 60's and 70's.
You're right! There is no historical significance to adapting these for 5.56mm magazines as the Army didn't do it in VietNam. You are also right that most people would rather invest in the latest high speed low drag nylon and velcro multicam gear. You can see that by what is selling on eBay. This is definately a niche market. I just wanted to measure the interest, and it appears limited. Thx, 101 |
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The Brits were not the only ones who used the loop and slot fastener on their mag pouches. I think this is an M14 pouch. I got it as a gift when I was 11 or 12. http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/36172/2729108970041331668S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/42297/2715599240041331668S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/44173/2788899060041331668S600x600Q85.jpg That is exactly what I was talking about - best closure design ever IMO. Quiet, fast, secure. The OP's work looks very nice though - Remember when FAL G1 kits in good condition were $100? 
Geat pics BTW. |
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101... it looks like outstanding work. How is it adjustable? - I'm not familiar with how the old AK adjusts.
I think you should do what you enjoy doing, and if you do, then yes, put them up for sale and have fun with it. I would make just the one vest you showed for both 30s and 20s. When you sell it as a "20" include four, 2.5" tall wood blocks that guys can block the bottom of the pouch with and raise up the mags for grabbing. Or, just sew across the pouches at the 2.5" line to avoid the wood blocks. Other suggs: Add 2 double-stacked mag pouches on far left and right. Add a zippered pouch in the back to hold a collapsable cleaning rod, brushes, knife, small map, etc. Much Luck to you and your projects... |
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30's would be kind of cool. For 20rd mags you can just use an SKS chest rig worn low and the mags will fit. http://www.mooremilitaria.com/bongson%2014.jpg 30's fit in an AK chest pouch, but need spacers at the bottom IMO. Good to know abotu the SKS pouch & 20's. |
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30's would be kind of cool. For 20rd mags you can just use an SKS chest rig worn low and the mags will fit. http://www.mooremilitaria.com/bongson%2014.jpg Is that a period pic or one of a reenactor? Something doesn't look quite right... 101 |
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30's would be kind of cool. For 20rd mags you can just use an SKS chest rig worn low and the mags will fit. http://www.mooremilitaria.com/bongson%2014.jpg Is that a period pic or one of a reenactor? Something doesn't look quite right... 101 He is wearing the OG107 sateen uniform from 1965 before rip stop was issued starting in 1967, and I thought subdued insignia first came out in 1967, but what do I know? I have several sets of rip-stops from 1969 contracts but no OG107s. |
| It is a reenactor pic, but the only one I had readily available to show the SKS pouch. He is wearing a 1st model jungle jacket (note the exposed buttons and slant pockets) and what looks to be a pair of 2nd pattern jungle fatigue pants (looks like the leg tie is peeking out of the bottom of the left cargo pocket). |
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Henryknox, if you would like to see some comprehensive info on uniforms, styles, and dates of issue, I have a fairly complete reference section linked below that has info on boots, uniforms, insignia, etc.
Reference Section |
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If it's made to fit big guys too I'm in for at least 3 regarless of fasteners. Like others have said, the wood or plastic Chinese bead toggles would be cheap, fast, and easy to use. I'd also like to see a reproduction ak chestpouch because the real deals are rare.
Eta can you add plastic buckles to the apron straps so it stays nice and tight against the body? |
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If it's made to fit big guys too I'm in for at least 3 regarless of fasteners. Like others have said, the wood or plastic Chinese bead toggles would be cheap, fast, and easy to use. I'd also like to see a reproduction ak chestpouch because the real deals are rare. Eta can you add plastic buckles to the apron straps so it stays nice and tight against the body? For clarity, what do you mean by plastic buckles? 101 |
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Quoted:
If it's made to fit big guys too I'm in for at least 3 regarless of fasteners. Like others have said, the wood or plastic Chinese bead toggles would be cheap, fast, and easy to use. I'd also like to see a reproduction ak chestpouch because the real deals are rare. Eta can you add plastic buckles to the apron straps so it stays nice and tight against the body? For clarity, what do you mean by plastic buckles? 101 The snap buckles you see on backpacks and other things. I think they might be called fastex buckles. Sorry I'm on an iTouch so posting a pic is tough. It adds adjustability and easy on/off function. |
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I keep coming back hoping to see the 20 rd vest. OP wheres this project stand? Any chance of vests in tiger stripe?
Your probably right about this being a niche market but theres got to be a lot more ar style weapons out there than fals and that sounds like it worked out well for you. |
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Here's yours truly wearing the 30 round rig in Afghanistan this past March. I was out doing something, and when I came back a colleague started chuckling and asked if I was going on an old timey commando mission and asked if I wanted to trade my M4 for a Tommy Gun.
I upgraded the original with fastex buckles on the straps and added several layers of tape to the inside of the magazine flaps (I might replace this with cordura) as the heel of the magazines began to wear spots through the canvas fairly quickly. All in all, I am pleased and will take this with me again (it's my light, doing stuff close to home rig). |
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