Tactical bolt action web kits, what do you run?

boltgun71

Private
Minuteman
Mar 3, 2008
9
0
Upstate NY
This question is primarily for the military/LEO members here, but everyone is free to chime in. I'm currently re-configuring parts of my MOLLE kit that I wear for sniper operations and training, and after reading a thread on a different forum about something similar, it got me thinking what others might be using. Like what do you use to carry your gear and ammo for duty/field use? Kits for snipers and particuarly bolt gun users aren't very common to come by and find information on.

So if you dont mind posting, please post a pic of your current configuration and tell us why you chose what you have, what has worked(and what hasn't worked) for you, etc.

I know I have had alot of MOLLE kit trial and error over the years and have a whole collection of stuff. Some good, some worthless. I'm just curious to see what others have come up with and what they use.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

................
whistle.gif
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

I myself have found that when operating in an urban environment it's important to blend in perfectly.

Currently I have not been spotted when I glue broken glass onto a dark canvas, and hide on asphalt, in an abandoned parking lot.

I also apply the wrappers from my McDonald's hamburgers to add to my urban concealment suit.

Some people like shooting Dinty Moore cans at a mile, while I prefer bottles of Colt .45, but that really is user preference.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmaHeavy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I myself have found that when operating in an urban environment it's important to blend in perfectly.

Currently I have not been spotted when I glue <span style="font-weight: bold">broken glass onto a dark canvas, and hide on asphalt</span>, in an abandoned parking lot.

I also apply the <span style="font-weight: bold">wrappers from my McDonald's hamburgers </span> to add to my urban concealment suit.

Some people like shooting Dinty Moore cans at a mile, while I prefer <span style="font-weight: bold">bottles of Colt .45</span>, but that really is user preference. </div></div>

Damn, if it wasn't for the locale in your profile, I'd swear you worked in Richmond, CA where I do.
Although a few used dope syringes and used condoms would complete your concealment.
laugh.gif
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

Wow thats around 1500 rounds on your person. Think we need a group buy for that piece. Call it the "ultimate sniper" ammo vest.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elkhuntinguide</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Magazines... You can never have enough ammo...

This is my go to kit when the SHTF... Custom made by a 'Hide member...

megarig.jpg
</div></div>
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boltgun71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, got it. Nevermind. I thought I was asking a legit question. Guess not. </div></div>

Think it through. Would people honestly answer that on a public place?
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boltgun71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, got it. Nevermind. I thought I was asking a legit question. Guess not. </div></div>

Think it through. Would people honestly answer that on a public place? </div></div>

He asked about tactical kit that snipers use. You know, kit to carry their "stuff". a question that gets asked here everyday.

It is not secret squirrel super-coded info that will doom the free world if it gets out. It's about tactical kit.

Why hasn't one of you forum enforceres asked him if he is a military or LE sniper?
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

I think you would have had better luck if you had left out that whole sniper thing. Funny how so many people belong to a site called Snipers Hide but when someone uses the word sniper as an adjective they are ridiculed.

Anyways try to be more specific as to what you are looking for, i.e. what gear do you carry for your bolt gun or something like that. Maybe you could give an idea of what you are doing: law enforcement, long range competition, lone gunman, something like that.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

Now that right there is funny
grin.gif

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elkhuntinguide</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Magazines... You can never have enough ammo...

This is my go to kit when the SHTF... Custom made by a 'Hide member...

megarig.jpg
</div></div>
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

Ok, I modified my title to not say Sniper, and say Tactical instead.

I'm assuming I need to offer some background on myself, to be taken seriously. Just so you know, I am a currently serving sniper in the US Army.

Graduated US Army Sniper School in 2003.
Graduated US Training Center's Basic and Advanced Sniper Courses in 2009.
Competed in the US Army International Sniper Competition twice, 2005 and 2009.
Have served as a sniper in Iraq, 2004.
Served as a sniper team leader and section leader in Afghanistan, 2006-2007.

So there you have my background.

Now if someone wants to reply to my initial post it would be appreciatted, as I am just looking for updates to my current equipment, and wondered what others use.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

Not a "Sniper" but figure out what will suit you as you see fit and fire up the ole' Google Machine and have at er'. Or you might post up your "sniper kit" and see what all the other snipers think.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

I think a serious question deserves a serious answer but before I begin know that this topic is very “OPSECy” so to answer your first question, “OPSECy” is to… OPSEC like “dummy” is to …dumb, so yes… OPSECy is a real word and is subsequently your first lesson…FORGET everything you’ve ever learned.

This post will not be received well by most and I’m already seeing flashbacks to the day that Bruce Lee passed the secrets of Kung-Fu along to the western world. The reason for his downfall will become readily apparent.

Your sniper kit should focus on just a few things…if it doesn’t go bang, make a turd, hydrate, conceal, or carry any of the formerly mentioned, it’s just dead weight. While the poo and pee are a no-brainer here’s where the learnin’ comes in. We’ve all seen photos of the average sniper in his ghillie, but what’s recenty leaked (not by me) is this…

556-p8060001.jpg


It doesn’t matter how good your ghillie is. If the enemy finds you it will be easy to see you’re a sniper. That’s why we (secretly) carry these. As you can easily see, even if captured you’d have a tough time telling if I were a sniper or just some smart ass with a bag over his head. Best–case scenario most enemy combatants would immediately overlook my rifle, ghillie, King James Bible, and “Mom” tattoo and completely forget that I’ve been “sneaking around” in the 1st place.

While this is impressive by itself, imagine the effect if you try to “blend in” with the local population. Remember…this is about winning hearts and minds so never forget to “be the local”. A shemagh my save your life and make you look a lot less snipery…

557-p8060002.jpg


And don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit and get a little jiggy. Adapting to your climate and surroundings is key…

558-p8060004.jpg


Go ahead and laugh…but I learned all of this here simply by asking similar questions.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

I have to admit that's funny, but the question isn't really hard to answer.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BattleAxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


As you can easily see, even if captured you’d have a tough time telling if I were a sniper or just some smart ass with a bag over his head.

556-p8060001.jpg


</div></div>
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

What I am referring to is not ghillie suits or stuff for stalks, but your regular kit on standard missions and patrols. Nothing remotely OPSEC related, just what do you carry your shit like ammo, water, binos, IFAK, radio, etc. in. I'm just looking for possible new ideas for mine.

I originally used a issue FLC with a mix of pouches from Tactical Tailor and Eagle, but shortly after Afghanistan switched to a Blackhawk Strike LBE. The Strike LBE worked good for my purpose, but I recently found a Eagle MOLLE harness that is lighter and slimmer, that I believe will work better.

I typically carry my ammo for my bolt gun in a Tactical Tailor Multi-Purpose pouch, which perfectly hold 2 boxes of M118LR in the main compartment, and I kept two 5rd stripper clips in the front compartment, one with tracer, and one with AP.

Below is a pic of my FLC in Afghanistan.
Kit.jpg


This is a pic of when I first put my Strike LBE together. Another sniper friend of mine wanted to see a pic, therefore I posed for this one so he could see the layout. At the time I was carrying a M24 and a M4, therefore it is configured for both. I had just put the pouches on when this pic was taken so nothing is taped down or anything.
Kit2.jpg


 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

Is that the Gen 2 or 3 vest from Grand River? How do you like it? Are you mil/leo and actually used it to carry all your mission essential equipment? I have looked at that vest myself, but I just recently found out about GRT and never looked at their stuff till a few days ago.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

I'm not sure what version it is. Nick made it for me. I told him what I wanted and he made it. He knows me, though, and shoots matches with me, so I didn't have to say much.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boltgun71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What I am referring to is not ghillie suits or stuff for stalks, but your regular kit on standard missions and patrols. Nothing remotely OPSEC related, just what do you carry your shit like ammo, water, binos, IFAK, radio, etc. in. I'm just looking for possible new ideas for mine.

I originally used a issue FLC with a mix of pouches from Tactical Tailor and Eagle, but shortly after Afghanistan switched to a Blackhawk Strike LBE. The Strike LBE worked good for my purpose, but I recently found a Eagle MOLLE harness that is lighter and slimmer, that I believe will work better.

I typically carry my ammo for my bolt gun in a Tactical Tailor Multi-Purpose pouch, which perfectly hold 2 boxes of M118LR in the main compartment, and I kept two 5rd stripper clips in the front compartment, one with tracer, and one with AP.

Sorry I dont have a pic I can upload of my stuff right now.

</div></div>

I think I know what the problem here is. I had a similar experience a few years back when I asked guys what setups they were using to carry their SR25 or 308 similar mags in. I got very few responses. I thought to myself surely the fellas running up and down the mountains of Afghanistan have figured out a way to carry their M110 mags, and they have, but they also have better things to do than sit in front of their computers jacking off to gun porn.

The title of this website is very misleading. There are many many more recreational shooters here. Even though I earn a very nice salary to carry a gun, I do much more recreational shooting on my own than anything else. Sorry to say boltgun, but if your credentials are true then you are a minority here.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

DWood yeah, I know that the old title is what started the peanut gallery. I just think that it is so funny that guys will subscribe to a website called Snipers Hide, but if someone comes here using the word sniper to describe anything the bashing immediately begins.
 
Re: Sniper kits, what do you run?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jakhamr81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought to myself surely the fellas running up and down the mountains of Afghanistan... have better things to do than sit in front of their computers jacking off to gun porn.</div></div>This statement is correct only because you added the word 'gun'.
laugh.gif


In my 'AO', 'mission-essential' equipment is a Starbucks card and the phone number of the local Jimmy Johns.

Most LEO's need equipment that will successully get them from the trunk of their car to whatever FFP is at the inner perimeter.

And as you know, military gear is (or should be) mission specific.
 
Re: Tactical bolt action web kits, what do you run?

My needs are completely different as I only shoot competition but I really like the overall quality and comfort the SOTECH hybrid hydration harness gives. It is worth a look.
 
Re: Tactical bolt action web kits, what do you run?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BFMF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Boltgun, There must be experienced people in your unit and chain of command who have a good idea what kind of gear and kit configurations work..? </div></div>

We do have Hide members in 10th Mountian.

Boltgun. Take a look at Triad Tactical. Steve owns and operates that site, and he has been very good to members of the Hide.

Also just before I left I was using a SOTech SHH, with some Eagle M60 pouches(work well for carrying M16/M4 magazines in bulk). I was carrying a cut down SAW at the time.

I'd say your setup is good right now, but I'm nowhere close to being a fan of Blackhawk.

If you need any ideas, or have any questions that need answers shoot me a PM.
 
Re: Tactical bolt action web kits, what do you run?

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm definently considering the SOTech hydration vest.

As for the Blackhawk LBE, I'm not the greatest fan of it myself thats why I'm upgrading to a Eagle vest I just recently purchased. The Blackhawk worked OK, but was bulky and had shitty buckles.

I know plenty of snipers at 10th MTN, and elsewhere, I was just looking to see if anyone here had fresh ideas on kit that I havent seen or thought of yet. Specifically for carrying boltgun ammo and a data book. The kit I'm working on right now will be just for carrying a boltgun, so I dont have to worry about realestate for M4 mags.
 
Re: Tactical bolt action web kits, what do you run?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The title of this website is very misleading. There are many many more recreational shooters here. Even though I earn a very nice salary to carry a gun, I do much more recreational shooting on my own than anything else. Sorry to say boltgun, but if your credentials are true then you are a minority here. </div></div>

Amen