Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

[Little Yoshi]

Hi! I'll be entering my first tactical competition in October. It's a rifle/pistol comp that requires the following (other than the rifle and pistol):
-60 rounds match quality ammunition
-holster capable of securely carrying side arm during vigorous movement
-50 rounds handgun ammunition
-Extra pistol magazines
-Eye and ear protection
-Binoculars
-Empty chamber indicator flag

Might carry a rear-bag but "all" equipment must be carried the entire match. So, just wondering what you would suggest? Maybe a combination of both. FYI: I am outta shape, so I want to stay light as possible.

Thanks!

 

[Breeze260]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

This would get more responses if it was posted here

S4 Sniper's Hide Equipment

And don't forget to fill out your profile

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

I shot a two gun match a couple weeks ago that had pretty much the same requirements (only a lot more ammo). I'm not really interested in looking NIJA when I shoot but I had to do something, I grabed a web belt (that I use as a tool belt for working around my little hobby farm) and two M16 mag pouches. One for the rifle mags, one for the pistol mags. Beats individual pistol pouches rapped around my body. I have a pretty nice holster someone made for me when I retired from APD that works perfectly for competition. The web belt was loose enough I could tuck it between the holster and my body, meaning it wasn't too tight and I didnt have to worry about it slipping down. I don't like tight belts.

In the old days when I first started High Power Shooting CMP (then DCM) required you, in EIC matches, to load from the body. We pretty much had to use mag pouches back then.

If your shoot is to the point where you have to carry water, cant beat the old army plastic canteens. I have a Artic Canteen that is made to keep water from freezing, it also keeps hot liquids hot. I take it to most of my matches just so I dont have to do without my coffee.

There is a lot of cheap surplus stuff out that that works and is comfortable if adjusted right. If you work at it, you can set it up so it dosn't look too Nija.

A lot of people that shoot CMP GSM Vintage rifle matches wear period web gear, (CMP enchourages but dosn't requre it). It's usely pretty practical for the matches you discribe.

 

[Little Yoshi]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

Breeze67: Will do. Do I just post another thread there or do I move it myself?

kraigWY: Thanks for the info. Did you use suspenders with your belt?

 

[Rob01]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

Used to wear a vest but find a belt much more comfortable, cooler and easier to work with. I use the SO Tech set up. I have enough gear on my belt to shoot any stages of fire or two stages but always carry a pack as well with gear I don't need to have weighing me down during a stage.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">kraigWY: Thanks for the info. Did you use suspenders with your belt?</div></div>

Sometimes, just depends on how long, how far, and how much I have to carry.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

Here's a pic of my belt set up. The LRF is only there if I will need it but it usually is in the pack. Also the rifle mag pouch all the way to the left is replaced with a pistol pouch if needed

What I carry from Rightt to Left is 3 10 round magazines in the mag pouches obviously, poly pellet sock fits in the horizontal rear pouch as well as s small rag and lens pen, extra ear plugs and anything else I think I might need. In the more vertical pouch with the plugs on it I carry my range cards attached with 550 cord so they aren't lost, mildot master, extra 5 round mag(s), pens, and pad to take down any important info. I also dump my fired brass in here when needed. To the left of that pouch is a Kestrel and then either another 5 round mag or pistol mags.

A few of pics of it on and in use

 

[DT1]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Used to wear a vest but find a belt much more comfortable, cooler and easier to work with. I use the SO Tech set up. I have enough gear on my belt to shoot any stages of fire or two stages but always carry a pack as well with gear I don't need to have weighing me down during a stage. </div></div>

+1 on the SOTech belt. I love mine for "sniper" and 2-gun matches. Very comfy and loads of molle for pouches as Rob's pictures indicate.

 

[Little Yoshi]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Used to wear a vest but find a belt much more comfortable, cooler and easier to work with. I use the SO Tech set up. I have enough gear on my belt to shoot any stages of fire or two stages but always carry a pack as well with gear I don't need to have weighing me down during a stage. </div></div>

+1 on the SOTech belt. I love mine for "sniper" and 2-gun matches. Very comfy and loads of molle for pouches as Rob's pictures indicate. </div></div>

I saw those. Are there any problems with not having suspenders with them?

 

[Rob01]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

Not for me. Never slipped down and I actually like be able to rotate the belt around myself to get at the more rear pouch. If you did want something to hold it up then they do make a harness system.

 

[ewoaf]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

here's what I got. Not shown is the hydration pouch and bladder for the back. I also have other mics pouches to conform this to more of a shotty or carbine platform/ etc. Everything I need and nothing I don't. Pistol/mags, rifle mags, and dump pouch.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Little Yoshi</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Used to wear a vest but find a belt much more comfortable, cooler and easier to work with. I use the SO Tech set up. I have enough gear on my belt to shoot any stages of fire or two stages but always carry a pack as well with gear I don't need to have weighing me down during a stage. </div></div>

+1 on the SOTech belt. I love mine for "sniper" and 2-gun matches. Very comfy and loads of molle for pouches as Rob's pictures indicate. </div></div>

I saw those. Are there any problems with not having suspenders with them? </div></div>

I use my stuff hunting and not in matches but I use the SOtech belt and suspenders. They call it the SHHH.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1233719
Very vesatile and enough attachment points for anything you want. I bought one of their mission go bags and installed it on the back and various pouches around the belt. It will carry all I need for a day of hiking/stalking/shooting. Solid and comfortable and no hinderance to prone shooting.

 

[Little Yoshi]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ewoaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">here's what I got. Not shown is the hydration pouch and bladder for the back. I also have other mics pouches to conform this to more of a shotty or carbine platform/ etc. Everything I need and nothing I don't. Pistol/mags, rifle mags, and dump pouch.

</div></div>

Is that the SO Tech? What holster system is that?

 

[Little Yoshi]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not for me. Never slipped down and I actually like be able to rotate the belt around myself to get at the more rear pouch. If you did want something to hold it up then they do make a harness system. </div></div>

Rob, is this the belt: http://specopstech.com/newwebsite/comerc...11b7ccb9c77d53f ?

 

[DP425]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

IMO, you'll be fine with a belt- that is a very minimal amount of stuff. Looking at two extra rifle mags, a small pouch for bino's, and assuming you run 15rd mags for your pistol, three spare mags.

Tactical tailor makes mag pouches without tops- they have a spring built into them that holds onto the mags very well- they come in single for AR's and 1, 2 and 3 mag versions for pistols (double stack mags). The mags WILL NOT fall out! I can assure you of that.

I think a vest or anything of that nature for the small amount you have to carry would be going VERY over-board.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

That's the belt Little.

And to answer your holster question, that's the Blackhawk Serpa. It's the same one I have as a leg rig in the pic above. Love the holster. No top strap. A push button that allows you to draw and holster securely with one hand.

 

[45.308]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

I have a Tactical Tailor modular belt, around $25. I carry, 1 three mag pistol pouch, 2 Triad 308 10 round pouches = 4 mags, Kestrel pouch, 1 Triad 20 round ammo pouch, TT bino pouch with 10x binos, TT pistol holster with another mag and easy loader pouch and still slots left for something else small. The idea to slide the belt around for access to rear pouches is great. It does slide down when loaded up with 66 rounds of 45 230gr and 60 rounds of 308 175gr plus the rest. Its not bad if I keep it tight but it does slide down some giving plumbers butt.

I picked up the Serpa from BackHawk with a molle adapter, I like this holster. Easier access than the TT but I lose one mag and easy loader molle onto the TT holster.

I never had issues prone with all the kit onto the TT belt; pistol mags and holster front. Kneeling is another issue.

Recently I picked up the Apollo from Red Tac, have not used it but around the house and this thing rocks so far. The open space in from is good for prone and kneeling but the Serpa does dig a little kneeling. Loaded with above kit it stays up and is very comfortable. But, access to anything in the rear is diminished with the harness. My plan is, I think, to use a drop leg for the pistol and place Triad 308 ammo pouch on my right side. I have replaced the Triad 308 mag pouches with single mag pouches with bunjee cord on top stacked to carry 4 mags that have easier access to the mags than the buckle. I want to pick up RedTac velcro pouches soon which will give me more room on the outside of the belt.

I also have the TT removable operator pack 1100ci that can be buckled onto the back panel of the Apollo with shoulder straps removed or carried on the shoulders like a backpack. I can also buckle it onto my Three Day pack pals/molle for more carry space.

 

[trigger time]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

One thing about that SOTech belt is, you will need suspenders if your waist is 30-31" or smaller. They aren't quite made for us thinner guys. Even tied back as far as you can get it, it will slide down and wear on you. I did like being able to spin it, but could not stand it falling down.
I went to a Red Tac Gear Apollo. The have diff belt sizes and build it to you. I love mine.
http://www.redtacgear.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=50

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

I suggest a really small pack to go along with a belt setup, why, so you don't load yourself down with useless equipment, TT above and me both use a Camelbak MULE, I might buy me Blue Force Gear MOLLE belt, Rob has a slick setup, I plan on copying him.

 

[tpowers]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

I personally am a fan of chest rigs. I don't like having things on my hips if I can help it. I feel like it weighs me down when running. I use a Tactical Taylor MAV 2 piece. I really like how it opens up and can be out of the way for when I'm laying prone for a long time. Another really good one in chest rigs is the TacReady system. Here is a good thread on it:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post1886702

 

[Rob01]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trigger time</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One thing about that SOTech belt is, you will need suspenders if your waist is 30-31" or smaller. </div></div>

Hmm last time I had a 31" or smaller waist I think I was in 6th grade LOL

As for chest rigs, I founds them hard to get mags and gear out when in the prone or leaning against anything. Just something to think about.

The Red Tac set up is pretty nice and lightweight too. Got to play with it at SHOT this year and it would work well also.

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

If you're doing something like ASC, where you want to cart around some water and lunch and rain gear as you hike around the mountain all day, I found Grand River Tactical's Gen III LBE/pack was a terrific hybrid of LBE and daypack.

For comps where you don't move more than a few hundred yards and/or can always run back to the car for gear if it starts raining, the SO Tech belt (especially with some lightweight suspenders and lumbar pack) is the most comfortable and flexible war belt that I've found.

 

[ewoaf]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

No, it's not SOTech, and I can't even tell you what it is.

 

[DT1]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trigger time</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One thing about that SOTech belt is, you will need suspenders if your waist is 30-31" or smaller. They aren't quite made for us thinner guys. Even tied back as far as you can get it, it will slide down and wear on you. I did like being able to spin it, but could not stand it falling down.
I went to a Red Tac Gear Apollo. The have diff belt sizes and build it to you. I love mine.
http://www.redtacgear.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=50</div></div>

I've got a 32" waist and mine works just fine w/o suspenders. It's been a couple of years since I bought mine, but I believe they asked me my waist size when I ordered it. I figured it was so they could make it the proper size. Anyway, mine works great as is and still has more adjustment if I happen to lose a few...

 

[Rob01]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

Rat the belt is only part of my system. I carry a pack with me as well with stuff that I don't need on my person. Before I got the SO Tech belt I have used my Camelback BFM alone at ASC many times and it worked well as ASC isn't the type of match where you have to grab quick for gear. You have time to get it out of the pack.

 

[Bugs Bunny]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

I used a cheap molle II vest last multigun, to me it was alot nicer than the belts I had tried, for running & all firing positions one may encounter.

Set up with nothing on the front & a drop leg holster, 3 M14 mags can be carried in single pouchs & ample pistol mags.

its a personal thing, I just don't like the way the belt systems bounce & move - drawback it was upper 80's sunny & hot.

My 16yr old used an old vietnam era belt / susp system which he said was fine but it was his first match, he was just glad to be able to "play"

 

[marc357]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

I know which match you are talking about, I usually shoot it.

I usually run a belt with just the basics: Pistol, pistol ammo, rifle ammo, LRF (not really needed) dump pouch to dump my empties in (pockets work just as well).

All the rest, ie; Rear bag, First Aid Kit, Water, Snacks, Rain Gear, etc- I keep in a small pack. Yeah, you have to keep all gear "on your person"- but that doesn't mean you can't ground your pack during waiting/ in between stages.... and most stages you can just take what you need to the line and shoot.....

However, once in a while they do throw in a stage where you have to have all your gear on you, so make sure you can move and shoot with all your stuff.... nothing too strenuous, they're not trying to kill any of us

Hope this helps, PM me if I can help further.

Marc

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Using a war-belt or vest for tactical comps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rat the belt is only part of my system. I carry a pack with me as well with stuff that I don't need on my person. Before I got the SO Tech belt I have used my Camelback BFM alone at ASC many times and it worked well as ASC isn't the type of match where you have to grab quick for gear. You have time to get it out of the pack.</div></div>

The thing I don't like about mixing a pack and a belt like the SO is the pack inevitably ends up interfering with/pushing down on the belt and it just doesn't fit all that well.

Certainly ASC isn't a run n gun match but I liked Nick's rig because:

1) The pack/vest was small, relatively thin, and light. Not too big to carry a bunch of worthless crap but plenty of room for rain gear or other weather gear for days when things were iffy or for when you started stripping layers off half way thru the day. Hugging the body close it wasn't a big deal to flop down and lean back against a tree for a few minutes without having to take a pack off.

2) I could flip it on and off much like a pack (to some extent even easier than a pack) so I wasn't tied up in it all day like some sort of plate carrier.

3) I personally like to stay at the head end of the group rather than lolly gag around and constantly be one of the last shooters to arrive at and then finish a stage. Easy on/easy off makes it quick to get moving when I'm finished and having the pouches at my sides lets me top off mags, record scores/DOPE, etc while I'm walking. That's something I couldn't really do if everything was tied up in a pack and I was constantly having to dig it out/pack it up.


For me the SO Tech belt is just a bit too small for ASC, and as I said I don't like combining it with a pack, and the eberlstock is just a bit too big and bulky. If I had 10 miles between engagements then I'd bring it in a heartbeat but for the constantly in/out pack/unpack Nick's rig worked great. Plus, maybe it's just me, but I find actually picking up and putting on a Eberlstock to be kind of a PITA with the scabbard sticking out the bottom like some kind of a backpack boner.