Opinions on chest rig & mag pouches?

[Bunker Hill]

I want to get some feedback from some of you guys about the “range rig” I’m putting together for my Uzi. My folks have a large tract of property where I go to shoot, and up until now I’ve been toting mags around loosely in various types of pouches (big P.I.T.A.). I figure it’s time to put together a dedicated rig for carrying magazines on my person.

I’ve narrowed my choices down to two different rigs that I think suit my purposes best. The first is the BlackHawk S.T.R.I.K.E. – Elite Vest. On the plus side, this vest can be accessorized with a backpack for carrying extra supplies or hydration gear. The downside is that it looks like the wearer could get pretty hot being zipped up inside this thing. Would love to hear from anyone who has actually worn one of these.

S.T.R.I.K.E. Vest

The second option is the BlackHawk Recon Chest Harness. It appears to be less restrictive than the Elite Vest, but doesn’t have a back panel for carrying hydration or other “counterweight” add-ons. It looks like it would be far easier to get on and take off versus the vest.

BlackHawk Recon Chest Harness

Last but not least, I’ve been looking for some decent Uzi mag pouches for MOLLE-type vests and harnesses like these, but they are few and far between. There are a multitude of various MP-5 mag pouches to be had, and I’m wondering if the specs between MP-5 and Uzi mags are close enough that these MP-5 pouches can be used with no problems. A couple of good examples are pictured below. Is anyone else using MP-5 pouches for their Uzi mags, and if so, are the dimensions virtually the same?

MP-5 pouches

I’d love to hear any feedback or opinions to help me make my choice. Thanks!

 

[skycop]

I have a Blackhawk Strike DOAV vest. It's compatible with MOLLE as well as their own Strike stuff. It's made of a heavy mesh so it lets air flow through, although the more stuff you hang off it, the more the airflow is blocked.
I got it to keep all my stuff in when in a helicopter. My only complaint is that the shoulders have plastic buckles right on top that interfere with the seat belts and make the buckles dig into my shoulders. It also causes chafing on my neck when I turn my head to look around. The shoulders are also just a little too stiff and wide I think for my purpose. But for your purpose those things probably wont be an issue. The vest seems comfortable when just walking around on the ground.
It also has a built in pocket for a hydration bladder in the back. While I can't use that feature while sitting in the helicopter, it would be a great feature for what you are doing.

 

[Ed]

Just speaking from a previous life....You want to carry the wieght around your wasit, not your neck and shoulders. Unless you are going to ride in a vechile and trying to reduce bulk, still it will cause you some back strain. A fatigued or tired trooper is one that will make mistakes....save yourself some grief. Both rigs look good, just keep the wieght on your hips and you'll do fine ether way. (think: Ammo & Water).

 

[GreenMtnTac]

Only problem with Blackhawk gear is that it's made in Vietnam. I refuse to give that company any of my money.

Have you looked at U.S. made products from Eagle or Tactical Tailor?

 

[Ed]

Ditto about Blackhawk being made out of the US....here are some US companies..
Spec Ops Brand www.specopsbrand.com (they give discounts to LEO/military/etc.)
Specter Gear www.spectergear.com

3 gun gear www.3gungear.com

Tactical Taylor- havent done business with them but there gear looks to be first rate also.

I have done buisness with Specialty Defense Systems....but some of there stuff is made outside the US and the company will screw you on shipping charges.

As far as pouches go any magazine pouch designed to take the USGI 30rd mag with hold the IMI 25rd magazine, 2 for 1. (if it will hold 2 M16 mags it will take 4 Uzi mags). You can use thick cardboard (like from a MRE box) covered in OD 90mph tape as dividers.

If you are looking to carry a lot of mag's you might try the US SAW gunners pouch....runs about $10-$15 and holds 10 25rd Uzi mags. (Carrying two of these pouches on your waist is about all the wieght you'll want to hump!...20 mags!!)

Most MP-5 pouches should work for the Uzi...if you have a little too much room you can always place a battle dressing/triangular bandage in the bottom of the pouch to get your mags to stand up in the pouch...and increase your first aid capability. Or add a Mag-Pul for quick removal.
Hope this helps...I have a foot locker full of stuff that didnt.

 

[cookie]

Only problem with Blackhawk gear is that it's made in Vietnam. I refuse to give that company any of my money.

Have you looked at U.S. made products from Eagle or Tactical Tailor?

I concur.

GreenMtnTac is an Eagle dealer and gives UZI Talk members great prices.

 

[tu]

I like the one from cheaper than dirt......19.95 holds 10-ar15mags 2 smoke gernades plus one big in front to carry what else you want, scanner pouch, and padded shoulder straps....... All pouches have velco and belt clips..........

 

[CIB]

How about something like this?
http://www.afmo.com/product_page.asp?pid=5810

Blackhawk's shit is too high, look around, I bet you can find something close to, if not exactly like Blackhawk's products at a much more reasonable cost.

 

[Mario_FAMOInc]

Bunker Hill,
I wear a vest and a gunbelt every day for a living. I have found that the vest chafes my neck and the gunbelt grinds on my Sciatic nerve in my hip.

I've been washing the vest in the washing machine to make it more pliable and that has helped. The gunbelt thing... I am working on.

I like the vest over the chest harness because the harness bounces around when you run while the vest hugs your body better. I have own both Blackhawk and Eagle vests and see no obvious difference in quality of materials or workmanship. I have no firsthand knowledge on the others mentioned.

If you get the standard Tac V1 or equivilent vest you can carry 9mm subgun, 5.56 M-16 or 7.62 G-3/FAL type mags without needing a modular vest system. The only mags that I have found that don't work are AK mags and some higher than normal capacity mags. They fit but the flaps don't close.

I carry my Camelback separately because I don't like the feel of it in the back pouch of the vest when I am in a vehicle. For hiking or a day at the range it isn't bad though. I carry my Camelback in the old "Motherload" carrier/daypack which will hold two 100-oz. bladders as well as a bunch of other things. I think that it has been re-named the "Hawg" since I bought mine.

I hope this helps.
Mario