Armory Sponsor
Posted: 1/13/2015 12:51:07 AM EDT
|
While I've never personally tried any gear on my leg, it's always been a thought in my head. For those that absolutely refuse to do so, have you tried it with a quality rig? In my mind, holsters would require a lot of contact on the leg to remain somewhat stationary when mobile. However, a decent magazine rig seems as though it would be more stable from a design perspective. I would like to believe they have their place (no, not the trash), perhaps in just competition or range training. Has anyone tried HSGIs offerings? I'm very tempted.
HSGI Leg Rig V1 |
|
My experience is it sucks and is a waste of money. I used a HSGI drop leg holster for one deployment as a contractor in iraq. It sucked big time an it was just a holster cant even imagine using a ammo rig. Wearing those things for any length of time and it gets heavy fast. I am sure they have a limited purpose in some tactical and competition situations but that is it in my opinion. But they do have a high CDI factor(chics dig it).
Lost count of guys who showed up in the sand box with all this drop leg stuff. Didnt take but a few days an it was stuck back in their suitcases. But then again there were a few complete ass clowns that wore the stuff everyday. One guy I remember had the drop leg panels that had the IIIa armor inserts he had every pals row filled with pouches, a chest rig full, and 3 kinives and he wore that shit religiously for the entire 90 day deployment. And he never left the green zone! It was embarrassing to be seen with him. LOL Oh yea he was decked out head to toe in 511 attire too. The company didn't bring him back for a second deployment. But go ahead and try it for yourself but do yourself a favor and purchase a cheap airsoft version at least you want be out a lot of money. Most likely you wear it once or twice then you will see what a pain in the ass it is. |
| I've been using it on and off. I wear it up high, so it sits right under the belt. It takes very little to get accustomed to if you normally carry handgun mags on the belt. The rifle magazines are fairly easy to grab, because they stick out. The only issue I had was trying to reload my handgun when I had an AK on a 2 point sling hanging in the way of the leg rig. In that situation, I just need to guide the gun out of the way when going for the backup. |
|
Quoted:
I've been using it on and off. I wear it up high, so it sits right under the belt. It takes very little to get accustomed to if you normally carry handgun mags on the belt. The rifle magazines are fairly easy to grab, because they stick out. The only issue I had was trying to reload my handgun when I had an AK on a 2 point sling hanging in the way of the leg rig. In that situation, I just need to guide the gun out of the way when going for the backup. That was a concern of mine as well. Hoss, I appreciate your experience as well, but I think magazines and the like would be a bit more comfortable since they are closer to your leg and more conforming versus a holster. Obviously the big issue would be mobility: running, rapid transition to prone, crawling, etc. that they would really impede already uncomfortable positions. Let's be honest, wearing a full rig isn't comfortable no matter how it's dispersed. I agree with the above post in its ease of reloads. It's probably one of the most natural hand motions for doing so. |
|
Most people who've tried them come to dislike them. The overall consensus is that the smaller the better, and the higher up the leg the better, as well.
Keep in mind that all considerations of gear placement and access aside, one must move one's legs to walk or run. Any weight on one's legs is magnified by the need to move it (up and down, back and forth), not to mention just to carry it. That is a big part of the reason why folks are constantly trying to reduce the weight of boots and so forth. At the end of the day, an ounce in the boot translates to a pound on the back. |
|
Quoted:
My experience is it sucks and is a waste of money. I used a HSGI drop leg holster for one deployment as a contractor in iraq. It sucked big time an it was just a holster cant even imagine using a ammo rig. Wearing those things for any length of time and it gets heavy fast. I am sure they have a limited purpose in some tactical and competition situations but that is it in my opinion. But they do have a high CDI factor(chics dig it). Lost count of guys who showed up in the sand box with all this drop leg stuff. Didnt take but a few days an it was stuck back in their suitcases. But then again there were a few complete ass clowns that wore the stuff everyday. One guy I remember had the drop leg panels that had the IIIa armor inserts he had every pals row filled with pouches, a chest rig full, and 3 kinives and he wore that shit religiously for the entire 90 day deployment. And he never left the green zone! It was embarrassing to be seen with him. LOL Oh yea he was decked out head to toe in 511 attire too. The company didn't bring him back for a second deployment. But go ahead and try it for yourself but do yourself a favor and purchase a cheap airsoft version at least you want be out a lot of money. Most likely you wear it once or twice then you will see what a pain in the ass it is. funny post!  made me laugh the description of your fellow operator. Thanks for your service
|
|
I carry a couple AR mags on a drop leg panel for 2-gun competition, it's on for 3-4 hours but I'm only moving fast for less than 10 minutes total, walking and mostly standing around the rest of the time.
For that short time I barely notice it, it moves, but very little if everything is quite snug, if every adjustment isn't snug it's going to move a lot, the biggest irritation is snugged up high enough it can limit your front pocket, second is when it's hot it makes a big sweaty spot. It was a cheap way to have something to carry reloads in that I can remove without undoing my belt when the match is over. Reloads from there are easy, even at a run, contrary to some of what I've read online. Realize, I am not singing the praises of it. It works, short term, I have no idea what it would be like with a bunch of other gear or patrolling all day/week/month. As is I am slowly transitioning to belt mounted stuff. |
|
I wear a drop leg holster every day. I wear it fairly high and pretty tight. I run, crawl, jump, climb, basically anything physically you can do, I do with it on. I don't even notice it and I prefer it a lot over on the belt holsters. I use the 6004 with 2 straps. I tried the smaller shroud with 1 strap but I moved too much on my draw.
Everybody is different though. |
|
Quoted:
I wear a drop leg holster every day. I wear it fairly high and pretty tight. I run, crawl, jump, climb, basically anything physically you can do, I do with it on. I don't even notice it and I prefer it a lot over on the belt holsters. I use the 6004 with 2 straps. I tried the smaller shroud with 1 strap but I moved too much on my draw. Everybody is different though. Thanks for sharing. I too think higher is key, having the belt support the bulk of the weight. I know plenty of things just plain suck when they are newly introduced. First impressions are not always accurate. I'll test it out and attempt to make adjustments before tossing the idea. |
|
Quoted:
Safariland holsters are the only thing decent in drop leg configuration. I very respectfully disagree. Safariland holsters are indeed the cream of the crop, but their drop leg configurations with the shroud are just hell on Earth in the heat. While I am firmly in the "holster on the belt" camp, I recognize there are times when a mid-ride drop-leg rig is preferable, so I do have the Specter Gear versions - one for a 1911 and the universal model that is for handguns with a light attached. I do believe they are possibly the best drop-leg rig out there....but I have not tried the SKD version of the HSGI UDHP. Edited to add: WTF is going on with this forum? This is possibly the tamest, most humane discussion we've ever had on drop-leg rigs. Normally, people that use or recommend them have their patriotism challenged, since they are only good for twinkle-toed, communist cock-suckers.  Can you imagine what would happen on here if SOE still made a drop-leg rig? This entire subforum might explode like a beans/no beans chili thread....
|
|
Out of sheer necessity, I found a leg rig that works well. As an LE park ranger, I often need to walk multi-day patrols both and off trail. Occasionally we'll also run extended SAR missions that require an LE component (man hunts, etc). For these operations I have to gear up with a mid-sized pack with a good weight bearing hipbelt (Mystery Ranch Snapdragon or SATL depending on weather, mission etc). After years and years of trying everything under the sun, including chest rig holsters, MOLLE, fanny packs and pancake holsters under the hip belt I'm sold on the leg rig. I've found the Safariland single strap platform with the super high ride, thin D ring belt attachment is stable and comfortable. It's low profile enough to not get snagged everywhere. I had one of those quick detach things on it, but it added about a half inch so I just found a matching holster on the EE. One advantage, since I use the 6280 holster on both my backcountry leg rig and polished frontcountry duty gear, there's no retraining or separate qualifications. The holster only sits about 2.5 inches lower. All that being said, if I didn't need to clear a pack hip belt, I wouldn't use a leg rig. My duty holster easily clears my plate carrier. cheers, |
|
I just completed day 3 of wearing a thigh rig for a full 12+ hour shift and even without strenuous activity i find myself not enjoying it as much as a drop and offset waist holster.
Im using a bladetech WRS with a G19 + tlr1 and i love the way it rides with the offset drop on my waist. Thigh rig is not pleasant. Yes I look like a fucking badass but its not as comfortable. |
|
Quoted:
I just completed day 3 of wearing a thigh rig for a full 12+ hour shift and even without strenuous activity i find myself not enjoying it as much as a drop and offset waist holster. Im using a bladetech WRS with a G19 + tlr1 and i love the way it rides with the offset drop on my waist. Thigh rig is not pleasant. Yes I look like a fucking badass but its not as comfortable. Beauty is pain my friend 
|
|
Quoted:
When I was doing swat in the 90's I used an eagle drop leg. took a bit to get used to it. Once I got used to it no issues and it worked. I run an eagle as well. Removed the top strap. Run a single and I run it high.. Just a no body but it hasn't given me issues.bits a mk 1 or 2 I can't recall. I run a multitool in the mag pouch...holds my g17. I've debated going full belt holster on my belt but with some packs a belt holster wont work for me. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
I was trying to avoid a war belt and went with a drop leg panel to hold two extra mags and a med kit and I hated it. Now pistol, I run a drop leg, sitting kind of high. They are comfortable for me when wearing a chest rig and sitting down.
I always say test it yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks if it works for you run it, if it doesn't ditch it. |
|
I use a company issued Safariland drop leg for work. Also, a company issued Blackhawk Strike drop down rifle mag pouch.
It's a lot better than having to wear that stuff at the waist on the duty belts. Jackets come on and off all day long, so just a lot easier to use drop rigs on the stuff we need to be able to access. It was harder to get used to drawing from the thigh, but just took training. |
|
Waste of time outside really specific criteria, i.e. ability to scale - can snap in a bunch of extra rounds when hopping in and out of a vehicle.
Better off hanging it from the belt on the support side. Or, mounting a mag or two to a safariland shroud. That would be a little more comfortable. |
|
Quoted:
Waste of time outside really specific criteria, i.e. ability to scale - can snap in a bunch of extra rounds when hopping in and out of a vehicle. Better off hanging it from the belt on the support side. Or, mounting a mag or two to a safariland shroud. That would be a little more comfortable. Sorry, but can you expand a bit? |
|
Shoot...I plumb forgot I had OSOE modify one of his panels for a mid-ride height, similar to that Costa rig. I promptly added 3 combo rifle/pistol mags to it, threw it on my belt, and promptly took it right off and put it in the kit bag full of other gear I don't or won't use. It was obnoxiously heavy and bulky. The workmanship of the gear was awesome...my idea to have him modify it for me, not so much. I know alot of guys run their rigs this way successfully, but it was super uncomfortable for me.
I still standby my recommendations on the Specter Gear thigh holsters. Top-notch kit and handy to have around even if you don't use as a primary. |
| Here's a thought on gear setups. We're all accustomed to wearing some sort of vest, backpack, belt, etc. Mostly everything we try is a variation of what we're used to. A thigh rig is to most, a completely new feeling all the way around- awkward, potentially unbalanced, uncomfortable, unsecured feeling, etc. I'm going to commit to at least 10 hours with it before making any judgments. |
|
Quoted:
The trick to thigh anything is a good stiff belt and wearing it high along with keeping the load light. I'm not a huge fan of thigh loads but it's possible. However for those long multiday treks up mountains I had nothing in my leg pockets and no subloads. This is what I have found as well if I wear a thigh holster. I've found an offset drop holster works best for me if I have armor, or a backpack, etc. I use the G Code RTI mount. |
|
Quoted:
For those who often transition between a pack waist belt, and a war belt, is there some sort of interface, worn on both belts, to which thigh rigs can be attached? Not exactly sure what your asking but I use the safariland QLS to move the holster from the thigh platform to a UBL on another belt. I also use the drop straps that have a large fastex buckle to swap the platform between a regular belt and war belt. The portion of it that attaches to the belt is very cheap so it's easy to throw a few here and there and not screw around with a bunch of platforms. |
|
Quoted:
Here's a thought on gear setups. We're all accustomed to wearing some sort of vest, backpack, belt, etc. Mostly everything we try is a variation of what we're used to. A thigh rig is to most, a completely new feeling all the way around- awkward, potentially unbalanced, uncomfortable, unsecured feeling, etc. I'm going to commit to at least 10 hours with it before making any judgments. In my experience it's usually been the opposite way - it's not the initial "newness" that turns people off to thigh rigs - most of the time, people respond favorably at first to them - they feel comfortable when you first put them on, and it seems so convenient and easy to use. It's not until they've used them for a prolonged and sustained period that most people realize that they absolutely hate them - far more than ten hours most of the time - and depending on what you do during those ten hours - it thigh rigs can get real old real quick. ~Augee |
|
Quoted:
In my experience it's usually been the opposite way - it's not the initial "newness" that turns people off to thigh rigs - most of the time, people respond favorably at first to them - they feel comfortable when you first put them on, and it seems so convenient and easy to use. It's not until they've used them for a prolonged and sustained period that most people realize that they absolutely hate them - far more than ten hours most of the time - and depending on what you do during those ten hours - it thigh rigs can get real old real quick. ~Augee Quoted:
Quoted:
Here's a thought on gear setups. We're all accustomed to wearing some sort of vest, backpack, belt, etc. Mostly everything we try is a variation of what we're used to. A thigh rig is to most, a completely new feeling all the way around- awkward, potentially unbalanced, uncomfortable, unsecured feeling, etc. I'm going to commit to at least 10 hours with it before making any judgments. In my experience it's usually been the opposite way - it's not the initial "newness" that turns people off to thigh rigs - most of the time, people respond favorably at first to them - they feel comfortable when you first put them on, and it seems so convenient and easy to use. It's not until they've used them for a prolonged and sustained period that most people realize that they absolutely hate them - far more than ten hours most of the time - and depending on what you do during those ten hours - it thigh rigs can get real old real quick. ~Augee I don't know. I'm not sure what people do that can take their time changing and adjusting gear do, but there are guys at my work that have been there 10+ years who have settled on a drop leg holster. That's with changing their stuff up several times until they were finally happy over years and years. So there must be something to it. Though one guy I talked with about it at length had moved his rifle mags from a drop down up to his waste. I might try that soon. |
|
Quoted:
I don't know. I'm not sure what people do that can take their time changing and adjusting gear do, but there are guys at my work that have been there 10+ years who have settled on a drop leg holster. That's with changing their stuff up several times until they were finally happy over years and years. So there must be something to it. Though one guy I talked with about it at length had moved his rifle mags from a drop down up to his waste. I might try that soon. ::shrug:: If it works for them - then who am I to tell them to stop? I was more referring to the poster to whom I responded's implication that people didn't like drop-leg rigs because they weren't used to the feeling, and "newness" of the sensation because they were more used to packs, belts, and vests. I was merely pointing out that in my experience, it has been the opposite way - people that end up disliking them often like them initially, despite not being something that they were used to, and that it was after sustained use, that most people get turned off to them. ~Augee |
|
Quoted:
For those who often transition between a pack waist belt, and a war belt, is there some sort of interface, worn on both belts, to which thigh rigs can be attached? If you are talking about being able to quickly switch holsters and mag pouches between your molle war belt, and molle waist belt on your pack, there is always the G-Code RTI wheel, and GRM Kydex Double Magazine Molle Adapter. It can get expensive though as you would have to also purchase RTI wheels separately for the GRM adapters. RTI battle belt molle adapter 
GRM Kydex Double Magazine Molle Adapter 
|
|
Quoted:
::shrug:: If it works for them - then who am I to tell them to stop? I was more referring to the poster to whom I responded's implication that people didn't like drop-leg rigs because they weren't used to the feeling, and "newness" of the sensation because they were more used to packs, belts, and vests. I was merely pointing out that in my experience, it has been the opposite way - people that end up disliking them often like them initially, despite not being something that they were used to, and that it was after sustained use, that most people get turned off to them. ~Augee Quoted:
Quoted:
I don't know. I'm not sure what people do that can take their time changing and adjusting gear do, but there are guys at my work that have been there 10+ years who have settled on a drop leg holster. That's with changing their stuff up several times until they were finally happy over years and years. So there must be something to it. Though one guy I talked with about it at length had moved his rifle mags from a drop down up to his waste. I might try that soon. ::shrug:: If it works for them - then who am I to tell them to stop? I was more referring to the poster to whom I responded's implication that people didn't like drop-leg rigs because they weren't used to the feeling, and "newness" of the sensation because they were more used to packs, belts, and vests. I was merely pointing out that in my experience, it has been the opposite way - people that end up disliking them often like them initially, despite not being something that they were used to, and that it was after sustained use, that most people get turned off to them. ~Augee Gotchya, the only point I had was when people not only have the option, but lots of time using each and bouncing back and forth; there are quite a few who settle on drop leg. Of course there's no right or wrong. I'd love to see you tell them to stop though. 
|
I slapped this together one afternoon.
My wife wanted a dropleg for horseback riding. I ordered two cheap platforms off Ebay as a starting point. This is mine. I don't use it much, maybe once a month while riding my ATV. It's not the best, but it's not bad, an cheap too since I build my own kydex holsters. |
Armory Sponsor