A work in progress...

[Eagle5US]

Well...after much "Be-atch" name calling-my beloved took some photos in the back yard tonight. This is still a work in progress...there are still some items I am missing and I do not have all of my "pouch contents" yet. BUT-a little more research and opinion gathering leads to that gold nugget and keeps me from buying a box full of stuff that just won't do it for me.
Pay special attention to the tactical pager (Genuine Hospital Issue) and the Corvette key fob on the Levis Pockets:D

I chose shades of green for the majority of this gear-the exception on my 2nd line is my EMDOM BOMB medical kit. I purposely got this single pouch a "stand out" color (multicam).

1st Line-
ICE tactical Battle Belt with Tactical Tailor Riggers belt
EGL triple M4 shingle with integrated triple pistol pouch
EGL Medical leg panel (on detachable hanger)
HSGI Drop Holster with dual magazine pouch (on detachable hanger)
Retention Lanyard with quick release
HSGI Suspenders
still missing
dump pouch (Maxpedition / Roly / Spectre)
small GP pouch

I like my set-up so far. The addition of the dump pouch and a small GP pounc will round it out nicely. The ICE battlebelt is an outstanding piece of kit. I have found that wearing the HSGI Drop holster as high as ossible keeps it properly placed and makes for a decent presentation. The retention lanyard does get stretched almost to capacity though as my meat hangers appareantly are un-naturally gorilla like and longer than Grape Ape's:rolleyes:. I also like the placement of the shingle on the L over the med drop panel. It rides nicely with my second line with only the foremost magazine being overlapped by the pistol / flashlight shingle on the plate carrier. I am able to sit comfortably without the magazines digging / gouging and access to the magazines is easily accomplished. The M4 mags are secured by horizontal bungees and are easily extracted. The pistol mags slots are retained by overlength velcro which allows for easy finding of the end tab-even with my SW Motorsports friction fighter gloves on. Another nice feature of the pistol mag pouches are the "top tabs" which allow for "pulling open" the insertion port to more easily seat the magazine / knife / whatever you want to stick in there. The jury is still out on the HSGI Suspenders-unweighted, they tend to fall off my shoulders due to the muscule structure of my neck and shoulders...for someone without decent trapezious development (flat from neck to shoulder) they may do better. Not totally discounting them yet though.

2nd Line
Eagle Plate Carrier with Cumberbund
EGL Huff#3 admin pouch
EGL M4 Double Stack
EGL M4 triple Single with top bungee retention
EGL triple pistol shingle with flashlight pouch
EMDOM BOMB medical kit
Paraclete horizontal GP pouch
TAG Hydration carrier
EGL Large dump pouch
still missing
Upright GP pouch
Radio pouch
Shoulder pads

I am considerably pleased with the current set up and the feel of this kit while worn over the 1st line. My only issue to this point is some limited access to the horizontal GP pouch. I may move this and replace it with an upright. Not yet certain.
The plate carrier is outstanding. The only "oddity" I had to work around was the front flap needing to be lifted in order to don and doff the cumberbund. I think this is a poor design as you must centrally place a shingle in order to allow the entire panel to lift as a unit. I placed my double stanc here. The cumberbund itself has internal sleeves as well as internal pockets to take both soft armor and hard plates. Very nice touch. I replaced the 550 cord adjustment in the back (joining the two halves of the cumberbund) with shock cord giving a more snug, and comfy, fit. The only real resertvation so far are the flimsy shoulderpads. These will need to be beefed up once I apply significant load weight to the rig. I went to Tactical Tailor and they use a similar, "maxi thin" like pad. It's almost shameful that they chose this easy avenue to skimp.
The EGL gear is outstanding quality-in workmanship and materials. The Huff #3 has a myriad of pockets and hideaways in such a small package and I would recommend this versatile admin pouch to anyone who felt they needed one on their vest. I am thinking of actually purchasing a second one for the GP pouch on my first line. It has that many potential uses. I very much like the flashlight pouch on the end of the pistol shingle as well. It is tapered with an open bottom so my Surefire "button switches" won't get pushed as they are placed into the sleeve.
The EMDOM BOMB is the only bit that I have made outside the US-but it is a good piece of kit with a unique 550 drawstring that control the level of opening and well thoughtout retention placement inside for medical gear.

While wearing this rig over my first line, the foremost M4 magazine is overlapped by the pistol shingle...other than that-I have had no issues.

Photos up-

Eagle

[The Reaper]

Joe:

Nice get-up. Did you attract any attention in your rig?

Egg does good work does he not?

TR

[Warrior-Mentor]

Bet the neighbors were getting worried when they called 911 reporting...

"There's a guy dressed like a ninja in body armor
running around his back yard pointing a pistol at my dog." :eek:

[Eagle5US]

EGG does indeed make some NICE gear. I didn't want to do the face blocks with my photo program so I put on my Ninja hood:D.

As far as my neighbors...we have probably the best house on Fort Lewis...backed up to 3/4 mile of deep woods and eventually running into a small stream. We are going to HATE leaving it in three weeks:boohoo

Eagle

[Guy]

Take a "concealable" holster with you!;)

[Warrior-Mentor]

Eagle, Where you going next?

[Bill Harsey]

Eagle, Where you going next?
Just down to the local 7-11.

[SF18C]

Bill I thought you would tell him he needs more knives!

[The Reaper]

Just down to the local 7-11.

Gotta be careful.

You know that the 7-11 is involved in a jihad with the Quickie Mart.

TR

[Bill Harsey]

Bill I thought you would tell him he needs more knives!
I seriously thought about that. :D

[Eagle5US]

Warrior-Mentor-
Sir-going to Ft. Leonard Wood to work in their ER next. My PROFIS slot is an issue that I am wheeling and dealing with. I am involved with some true "Operator haters" but haven't yet given up hope.

My knife situation for the rig is lacking at this point. I am not taking my T-2 to the desert, nor my Yarborough. I do have a Benchmade folder on it that I plan to have as my backup and a Swiss Army in my pocket-but I haven't gotten a true Combat Folder or Fixed Blade for the rig...yet.
My current mantra..."One piece at a time, the RIGHT piece each time".

The "am/pm"'s here were more highly effected by the Illiegal Immigrant protest than any sort of jihadist activities. Perhaps they should have been called "mananas/tardes". In either case, I probably wouldn't frequent any of them without wearing the above kit if I wanted to feel fully prepared. I have remarked previously that there is a LOT of gun violence in the PacNW. We were truely surprised.

On a positive note-my CCW is good in Missouri:D

Eagle

[magician]

I think that you need more pieces of "flair" on the rig.

I know that you saw the movie Office Space.

:)

[Five-O]

Eagle5,
Not being a big fan of having a pistol in a rifle fight..I believe the only reason to carry a side arm is to fight your way to a rifle.....this question is more of a what if type. Having said that......

Great gear. I noticed the nice thigh rig for your secondary. Do you make any accomadations for a side arm holster during a mission that is more vehicle born?... in other words when it is MORE likely that you get to a side arm while seated in the vehicle?? I know the thigh rigs make that almost impossible during the crunch. I have seen rigs that allow a carry up on the chest. Wondering if you have any experience with them and if you see a value to them??

[eggroll]

Joe

I'm glad you got the gear on time and it fits the bill. Looking ready to take on the 'runway' :)

EGG

[Roguish Lawyer]

That pager looks HUGE! I thought it was a blackberry when I first saw it. Does it at least do more than beep? :munchin

[Eagle5US]

Five-O:
No arguement on the utilization of a secondary weapon as exactly that...a SECONDARY weapon. Hence the rifle magazines on my 1st line gear.
This plate carrier has an internal velcro pocket behind the double stack tier in the front where a handgun can be placed. I have stuck my wife's P229 there and it is quite huge...I would expect anything I was issued to be equally large. Depending on what I have in the admin pouch, it should be easily accessable. This set-up may require removal of some items from the admin pouches' interior. Time will tell. I like the easy detachability of this thigh rig as well.

RL:
The pager is ancient, held together with scotch tape at each battery change. It has a horribly dim light that dims to zero if in vibrate mode. If lost, I could easily find a replacement in the "pager box" at the local Goodwill.
Nothing but the best:D

Eagle

[NousDefionsDoc]

Looking good Brother. Egg does indeed do great work.

[Bill Harsey]

Eagle5US,
Take the T-2. It's just a knife. If it doesn't come back, we'll talk. I've got ya covered.
bill

[MtnGoat]

Warrior-Mentor-
Sir-going to Ft. Leonard Wood to work in their ER next. My PROFIS slot is an issue that I am wheeling and dealing with. I am involved with some true "Operator haters" but haven't yet given up hope.

On a positive note-my CCW is good in Missouri:D

Eagle
Eagle,

While your at wood check out the IED Courses there. DA open up some new course that EOD-TD was to run and control but with the Army's preal of wisdom they pass the SME off to the Engineer branch.
Anyways the center is called: Counter Explosive Hazards Center (CEHC) (http://www.wood.army.mil/cehc/Course%20POC.htm)
Something for the old tool belt :D

Hopefully you like to hunt; Deers and turkeys are great there and Lake of the Ozarks is some good times.

VG

[MtnGoat]

My knife situation for the rig is lacking at this point. I am not taking my T-2 to the desert, nor my Yarborough. I do have a Benchmade folder on it that I plan to have as my backup and a Swiss Army in my pocket-but I haven't gotten a true Combat Folder or Fixed Blade for the rig...yet.
Eagle
My next knife will be a Hide A Way, maybe two. Next deployment $$

[militarymoron]

nice writeup and pics, eagle. i get the same complaints from my wife when i ask her to snap pics for me.
on the HSGI suspenders, i don't have square shoulders, so i used to have the same issue. the triangle separator at the back is there because gene can't sew a fixed 'X' as everyone has different needs, but when you figure out where the best place for the 'X' is in the back (the highest you can slide the plastic triangle so that they don't slip off the shoulders), mark the place and angle that the straps cross, take off the plastic triangle, and sew the 'X' permanantly.
something else that will help is to put a few flat squiggles of shoe goo, silicone cement, etc under the straps where they go over your shoulders. i just put some wavy lines of hot glue, and they really make a difference in keeping them from slipping off.
cheers,
MM

[NousDefionsDoc]

I did exactly what MM is saying with mine, but I left the plastic thingy on there. So it only goes down to the sewn portion and stops. Works fine. Took the stitch bitch all of 30 seconds.

[NousDefionsDoc]

Eagle5US,
Take the T-2. It's just a knife. If it doesn't come back, we'll talk. I've got ya covered.
bill
"Just a knife"? LOL. Yeah right - Raquel Welch is "just" a woman. 754 was "just" an A-Team. Bob Howard is "just" a Green Hat. COME ON! This is serious!:)

But do take it Eagle Brother. That's the kind of place you want the best available.

[eggroll]

maybe I should tell you of the prototypes in work ;)

a simple diamond stitch is all it takes to secure the suspenders -

EGG

[NousDefionsDoc]

Tell! Tell! And get a hook up with AMEX!

[The Reaper]

"Just a knife"? LOL. Yeah right - Raquel Welch is "just" a woman. 754 was "just" an A-Team. Bob Howard is "just" a Green Hat. COME ON! This is serious!:)

But do take it Eagle Brother. That's the kind of place you want the best available.

I agree.

If it doesn't have a serial number, I wouldn't worry about it. In fact, if the budget allows, I would consider getting a civilian Green Beret knife to take with me.

TR

[eggroll]

Eagle5

On the next revision, that triple/triple ought to be a double double pouch. :D

Feel free to shoot back any feedback.

[Roguish Lawyer]

I have two questions:

1. Has there been further progress on this?

2. Is the pistol a USP or something else?

Thanks in advance. :)

[The Reaper]

I have two questions:

1. Has there been further progress on this?

2. Is the pistol a USP or something else?

Thanks in advance. :)

1. What, the pager, or an LA lawyer war rig?:D

2. If it is the one the US Army issues him, it is a Beretta.:munchin

TR

[Roguish Lawyer]

1. What, the pager, or an LA lawyer war rig?:D


His rig, which he said was a work in progress.

My rig is still in the design stage. ;)

[Roguish Lawyer]

2. If it is the one the US Army issues him, it is a Beretta.:munchin


Looks rather square to be a Beretta. Also does not appear to have an exposed barrel. Also, doesn't look like a 9mm to me, but what do I know? :munchin

[TF Kilo]

RL:
The pager is ancient, held together with scotch tape at each battery change. It has a horribly dim light that dims to zero if in vibrate mode. If lost, I could easily find a replacement in the "pager box" at the local Goodwill.
Nothing but the best:D

Eagle


That the motorola advisor?

I believe I still have one some unit let me clear with for some stupid reason.

If you think your commo guys can get it recrystaled to function for your purposes, it's yours. Functions perfectly, and I am a civvie with a blackberry in no need of a pager anymore.


My money is betting on POW for proof of concept, purpose designed for issued weapons system. Just an undereducated guess.

[hoepoe]

VERY nice!

Hoepoe

[The Reaper]

Looks rather square to be a Beretta. Also does not appear to have an exposed barrel. Also, doesn't look like a 9mm to me, but what do I know? :munchin

If he goes to war in his backyard wearing that rig, it will probably be with the P2000 pictured.

If you meant, as I originally thought, his weapon that he is currently carrying, I strongly suspect it is an M-9.

A rig with a stitched nylon holster for the M-9 (or a Glock 21) will accomodate almost any other pistol, due to its large size. An adjustable strap will help with retention.

While you may be able to get a POW into theater, you will probably not get one back out, and an HK is an expensive gift to leave behind. I have heard of people doing that wil Glocks though.:D

The .40 S&W and 9mm versions of the P2000, or most any other pistol, look virtually the same.

HTH.

TR

[x SF med]

Knife suggestion - a Harsey D2 - the auto action on that will snap your wrist back - best auto action knife I've ever owned. My 3 best knives right now are - GB, Sebenza, and D2. I will have to think about a second GB, the one I have was scratched up by some guy named Harsey, it kind of looks like a signature on the blade. So many knives, so little time to buy them.....

[Roguish Lawyer]

TR:

Can you tell it is a P2000 rather than a USP from the posted photo, or do you just know that's what he has?

Very interesting point about "personal" versus "issued" weapons. I had been under the impression that you guys often were getting better gear for yourselves at your own expense for use in the field. I did not realize there was a potential issue with getting such items back out of the field.

[Eagle5US]

The handgun in the earlier photos is my HK P2000 .40(daily carry)

The one I am using here is the issue M9

Well true to form....back in garrison, before coming here, everything I bought was JUST FINE so naturally I brought it into theater.

As SOON as I put my rig on (Green Eagle CIRAS-MAR included)...
:eek:
Them: Hey! That stuff isn't ACU! All of our stuff is ACU!
Me: But your Brigade SOP says green is fine-YOU told me green was fine before we left CONUS:mad:
Them: We don't go by the SOP-all your gear needs to be ACU
Me: Fine:rolleyes:

Now don't get me wrong...we went to CIF before leaving Carson....my "combat issue"
3 single magazine pouches
1 grenade pouch
1 first aid kit
Body Armor.
That was it.....I was quite pleased I had my own gear and would be well equipped for the environment. Of ocurse until I got here.

SO-
I basically bought new gear and am wearing the following:
ISSUE GEAR
-Point Blank OTV with Neck, Throat, and Groin protectors, flank armor and plates front back and both sides (ACU)
-ACH
-Goggles (because I have to have them on my helmet)

PURCHASED GEAR
-Tactical Tailor 2 piece MAV (sometimes with BHI hydration pack on the rear shoulder panel) (ACU)
-ALTA knee and elbow pads....the knee pads were especially comfortable with the "button and bolt" closure vs the velcro and elastic.
-Southwest Motorsports High forearm gloves...probably the best gloves for this type of use I have ever purchased. No complaints. NONE. And they are holding up beautifully regardless of what I do to them.
-And I must comment on my BATES M9 Desert Boots. They have also done me EXTREMELY WELL-lots of Oakly Boots ending up in the trash cans.

Right Side TTMAV-Flank to front
-EMDOM BOMB med kit w/ paraclete mounted grenade pouch (multi-cam)
-Paraclete smoke pouch (green)
-TT single layer 3 mag shingle with bungee tops (inside) (ACU)
-EGGROLL "FUGLY 3" mounted on the front of the shingles (outside) (green)
-TT Velcro "joiner" with PALS webbing bringing the center together
-Mounted on the joiner: a TT 3 mag deep shingle (ACU)


LEFT Side - Flank to front
-EGGROLL Large Rolly (green)
-TT single layer 3 mag shingle with bungee tops (inside) (ACU)
-EGGROLL 3 pistol mag / single flashlight pouch mounted on front (green)
-BHI nylon combat holster with thumb strap mounted on front and GEMTECH combat lanyard(ACU)-has since been replaced with BHI SERPA holster with MOLLE mount in same position with same GEMTECH lanyard.

(underneath OTV and TTMAV)
-HSGI Suspenders sewn as previously recommended (worked flawlessly)
-TT Riggers belt through an ICE tactical padded Combat belt
-R hip on riggers belt: Bill Harsey custom blade in kydex sheath
-Occasionally I had an MBITR on my R rear hip as well-this sucked

-L hip on riggers belt: Shingle with 3 each M16 / M9 mags
-quick disconnect for EGGROLL Dropleg medical bag (Left Leg)
-Maxpedition small rolly

On PANTS belt:
PS.com leatherman / R hip has quick connect for HSGI drop leg holster.
Of course there were flashlights and tourniquets, and pocket knives (redundantly) and a GPS and all the other goodies that every good boy scout should have in a combat zone.

For rounds I carry:
-12+1 M16 mags (all of which I put Ranger Mag Pulls on and LOVE THEM)
-the extra mag hangs off my IBA from a snaplink when necessary
-6+1 M9 mags with that extra stowed in the back admin panel of the FUGLY 3 when it is cleared
2 Smokes and 4 grenades

The rig rides incredibly well and have chased / fallen / dove / climbed / jumped onto and off of / without too much problem. Learned how to get in and out of vehicles without TOO much difficulty / Helo's with the complete seating package are a bit of a stretch thoughas my profile width feel HUGE in such a small space. I on initial contact I break the big rolly loose and my first 3 magazine changes come from the center panel. Then the bungee'd ones followed by the ones on the belt. This system worked very well for me. Once back inside the vehicle, I could reload mags going down the road and would re-stock my mag carriers in reverse order as time allowed.

The Dropleg Medical Bag has performed VERY VERY well in a combat environment. I have enough supplies to initiate stabilization measures on two folks for most DA type injuries and have utiilized it a number of times without negative issue. This allows me to leave my aidbag in the 1114 for most all occasions. Rolling up on IED hits I still initiate treatment with what I have on my body, and someone else brings my aidbag once I am into the patients. This system has worked multiple times now and I am quite pleased with it.
I am unable to wear my dropleg holster if I am riding in the vehicle. There just isn't room for something on both legs and to be able to close the door. Not to mention, once it is on-it is never coming out of it's holster in that space if you are wearing it on your leg.
In addition to the HSGI drop leg, I have also (on occassion) opted to wear an entirely seperate stiff "duty belt" with a Safariland 6004 drop leg holster for a couple of cordon / knock missions. This holster worked extremely well....but there were too many belts and layers and by gum my little muffin top got pinched one too many times. So-when I wear it, I adjust some of my other gear to accomodate.

Around the FOB I wear an Uncle Mikes Kydex Paddle with friction retention that I just LOVE. Little Money, Lotsa Quality, very comfy for what I need it.

I guess that about does it. Happy to answer if there are questions...this was the best pic I could come up with from a recent patrol.....
TR likes my codpiece :D

Eagle

[Smokin Joe]

Sir,

I'd shit can the BHI Serpa if I were you. If you get dirt in the rocker/locking mechanism it will freeze up on you. Resulting in you not being able to draw your pistol. If you want I can send you a video that clearly demonstrates this very real danger with that holster.

Just my .02 cents. YMMV

[The Reaper]

Eagle:

Glad that the stuff is working for you.

I agree with SJ, that holster will leave you with a gun stuck in the holster eventually, exactly when you really need it fast.

How do you get away with the mixed colors on the pouches, but the carrier must be ACU?

Counsel:

I can recognize a P2000 when I see it. I have one myself and I like it.

You can't even get decent mags from our supply system, much less a personal weapon.

TR

[JPH]

Sir,

I'd shit can the BHI Serpa if I were you. If you get dirt in the rocker/locking mechanism it will freeze up on you. Resulting in you not being able to draw your pistol. If you want I can send you a video that clearly demonstrates this very real danger with that holster.

Just my .02 cents. YMMV


This reminded me that I will be cleaning the computer system up that I edited that on soon…

Am I clear to delete it?

Also would you PM me and update on what if anything they said they would do

Thank-you,
JPH

[Surgicalcric]

...Me: But your Brigade SOP says green is fine-YOU told me green was fine before we left CONUS:mad:
Them: We don't go by the SOP-all your gear needs to be ACU
Me: Fine:rolleyes: ...

Eagle

So its OK for your command to decide which SOP's to follow and which not to? Thats a pretty dangerous precedent they are setting on one hand, on the other how is one to enforce SOP's that arent SOP's?

FYI, Tactical Applications Group in Jacksonville, NC will be offering the Spartan II in ACU in a couple months if you are looking to get out of that IBA carrier. The Spartan II is the commercially available model of the USMC's new carrier which is built by Eagle Ind... Its very similar in design to the Land CIRAS though it accepts IBA panels. It is however not releasable. And its a might bit cheaper than the CIRAS at $275.00. Just thought I'd mention it...

Stay safe out there Sir.

Crip

[Roguish Lawyer]

Counsel:

I can recognize a P2000 when I see it.

OK, so it's like porn? :munchin :D ;)

[CATAtonic426]

Am I crazy, or is that an inox/stainless finish beretta in that pic?

[The Reaper]

OK, so it's like porn? :munchin :D ;)

Perhaps it is a bit in that I clearly know it when I see it, and it does not appear that you do.:D

TR

[Surgicalcric]

Am I crazy...

I would say the bluing is worn off...

Crip

[The Reaper]

Am I crazy, or is that an inox/stainless finish beretta in that pic?

You need to get a new glasses prescription.

That worn out, raggedy Italian M-9 pimp gun, which is only 20% the age of the venerable 1911, is what our fine American elected representatives give our troops to do their jobs, along with some weak-assed magazines that will not feed rounds reliably.

I wish we treated our weapons more like our vehicles, with better feeding and scheduled maintenance.

TR

[Jack Moroney (RIP)]

I guess that about does it. Happy to answer if there are questions...this was the best pic I could come up with from a recent patrol.....
TR likes my codpiece :D

Eagle

Damn Doc, you have a lot of great gadgets-my patrols were a little lighter on the equipment.

[Roguish Lawyer]

Perhaps it is a bit in that I clearly know it when I see it, and it does not appear that you do.:D

TR

LOL

Sir, I did identify the manufacturer of the weapon. As I believe you would acknowledge, there is not a huge difference in the appearance of the USP and the P2000, especially when most of the weapon is concealed by Eagle's mammoth paws. :munchin

[The Reaper]

Damn Doc, you have a lot of great gadgets-my patrols were a little lighter on the equipment.

You know, Sir, that vest would look right at home in a Vermont duck blind.

No CAR-15s, though.

TR

[The Reaper]

LOL

Sir, I did identify the manufacturer of the weapon. As I believe you would acknowledge, there is not a huge difference in the appearance of the USP and the P2000, especially when most of the weapon is concealed by Eagle's mammoth paws. :munchin

So, I take it that you could not see it in the center of the first photo, which we would request be marked as People's Exhibit One?

TR

[Roguish Lawyer]

So, I take it that you could not see it in the center of the first photo, which we would request be marked as People's Exhibit One?

TR

{cough, cough} Well, actually, not being a recon man like yourself, no I didn't see it. And to be honest, I can't tell from that picture whether it is a USP or P2000. The one feature I remember the P2000 having is on the back of the grip, which I can't see so well on that photo.

What am I missing? :munchin

[Eagle5US]

Nice to see the thread back to life...a couple of returns to your well made points-

-SERPA button thing sucks...I agree. Saw the video-recommended to everyone here for the past 4 months to find another MOLLE mount, small profile holster. Doing so showed me how few of them that there are out there. The SERPA is a much better option than the nylon flappy thing that I had it in. I had originally tried to replace it with the friction retention kydex-but I had a buddy do a "struggle excercise" with me and it was too easily removed. I optioned getting a MOLLE mount for my 6004-but didn't want to takedown my drop leg rig. I may purchase a second 6004 with that platform later-haven't decided yet.

-The SOP thing: I quit argueing my points, and quit trying to figure out why (for some reason) they weren't valid. I set my (mixed) gear up on the ACU platform and everyone seemed happy. Control issue? Makeing sure I knew who was boss? Pointing out that the attached SF guy from another post / unit / background, etc... isn't "special"-and that's what they needed?
Roger Sir-Airborne. Please excuse me while I move out and draw fire.

-ACU Carriers: This unit accepts only 1-the issued one with all bells and whistles. The only reason I wasn't wearing the water wings (deltoid protectors) is because the door in the 1114 absolutely wouldn't close. I still heard about it.

-Bells and Whistles / Gear to Patrol: AWSOME PHOTO!!!Comparitively to others here-I am LIGHT on the gadgets / bells / and whistles. Some of these folks have their IBA loaded with stuff, then another rig overtop. I am considered a "minimalist" here if you can believe it. No doubt you moved much more quickly and quietly, probably fought longer, and could hide much more easily. The only real benefit of dressing like an armadillo is the fact we can take a few rounds and still be breathing out of our mouths instead of the holes in our chest.
Agruably it is a HUGE tradeoff-speed and mobility for protection. We try and counter those points with violence and firepower during engagements. Though I won't go into specific numbers-I will say that I have treated very very very few US soldiers for GSW's-and those coming in from IED's generally have their torso intact. Conversely, treating the IA (many of whom refuse to wear their boday armor) has been the opposite dynamic coming across my table.

-Elbow and Knee pads: I was wishy on these initially-previous "everyplace" has been in a dirt / jungle / "softer ground" environment. These pads are an absolute necessity with all the primary patrol sectors being concrete / rock / gravel / asphalt etc. My knees are old-these pads helped a LOT. The bottom strap is not elastic so they didn't seem to bunch up behind my knees every time I sat down in the vehicle-nor did they move around. The elbow pads were MOST useful when getting banged around in the vehicle. Best 20 bucks I have spent in awhile.

-Personal Weapons in Theater: Big no-no. However, there was one CSM who I saw out and about who had removed ALL f the blueing from his M9. Looked weird to be certian.

Soooooo... yes the SERPA sucks-but it's better than what I had.

Eagle

[stakk4]

However, there was one CSM who I saw out and about who had removed ALL f the blueing from his M9. Looked weird to be certian.

I just took over as unit armorer and a Soldier did this to his M-16's lower. Its all silver except for the grip and stock. Turns out this deadlines the weapon. I think someone said he used oven cleaner on it. :rolleyes:

[Cincinnatus]

Straying outside of my lane here, I know, but I've been hearing good things about Safarilands new system. I don't have a Safariland decoder ring, and you really need one with all their variations and model numbers :rolleyes: , but they're discussed at some length here;

http://www.totalprotectioninteractive.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2438

You need to be a member, I think, to access the thread, but it's a good board - worth joining. (Sneaky and Razor are members, but we don't let them post much :p )

If I understand the nomenclature correctly, the 6377 is the duty holster with a hood and a thumb release on a belt slide which rides a little lower to clear body armor and a little closer to the body than some of their other holsters.

Gomez, known to some here, has been T&Eing one and has had good things to say.

HTH

[The Reaper]

I just took over as unit armorer and a Soldier did this to his M-16's lower. Its all silver except for the grip and stock. Turns out this deadlines the weapon. I think someone said he used oven cleaner on it. :rolleyes:

Not only will oven cleaner remove the parkerizing, it will damage the aluminum that the receiver is made from.

He should probably be surveyed for it.

TR

[CATAtonic426]

I figured as much, Sir. M9s suck.

Soooooo... yes the SERPA sucks-but it's better than what I had.

Just wondering if you have checked out blade-tech, they have a molle holster in ACU. I have the tactical tailor molle holster... both use a snap over the back of the slide.

[eggroll]

Eagle

if you need any of the EggieGear replaced due to color, just say the word. :lifter

[Smokin Joe]

Eagle

if you need any of the EggieGear replaced due to color, just say the word. :lifter

That is F*cking rare and very cool Eggroll. You are a good man!

[Smokin Joe]

-SERPA button thing sucks...I agree. Saw the video-recommended to everyone here for the past 4 months to find another MOLLE mount, small profile holster. Doing so showed me how few of them that there are out there. The SERPA is a much better option than the nylon flappy thing that I had it in. I had originally tried to replace it with the friction retention kydex-but I had a buddy do a "struggle excercise" with me and it was too easily removed. I optioned getting a MOLLE mount for my 6004-but didn't want to takedown my drop leg rig. I may purchase a second 6004 with that platform later-haven't decided yet.


Sir,

I would check out this holster from Tactical Tailors (http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=46), as well as this 6004 conversion from Diamondback Tactical (http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/AW-6004-Holster-Adapter-P1969C200.aspx). I have no experience with this specific holster but I know Blade Tech makes good stuff so you might want to check this out (http://www.blade-tech.com/Tactical-Chest-Rig-pr-970.html#product_images).

Good luck finding a replacement. Also if you need a copy of that video to show your COC let me know (because I filmed the incident).