AK folks; what chest rigs and other gear do you run/wear?

Status
Not open for further replies.

OleBuckshot

Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2021
Messages
24
Location
Middle TN
Question in thread title.

I’m looking for quality gear to use and wear when taking a rifle training course using an AK.

Any advice on this welcome.

Thanks!
 
I have circa 1994 Polish body armor. Has 3 2 mag pouches on the chest. Add a dump pouch & pistol belt, you've got it. There are better set ups, but it wasn't expensive (2017, 180$) & there are supposedly plates available for it. I just use a separate plate carrier.
 
Never bothered to do a class with one, but have had to carry an AK as OPFOR for field training plenty. I just went with "universal" mag pouches. Most don't call them that, but most 7.62 rifle pouches (M14, G3, SCAR...) will fit anything. Some, like the BFG TenSpeed, are elastic over their whole surface so specifically work great for any size mag you put in them.

Then you can stick pouches like this on anything you want. If already familiar with modern gear and you want to run your plate carrier or favorite chest rig: just put those pouches on or duplicate an "AK" rig.

There are a few that are less-universal but will do well also for your needs, and get you out of MOLLE if that bugs you. Random example, I don't even own one: the Haley Strategic D3CRX takes M4 and AK mags without modification. Also slightly too many pistol mags for me, a couple utility pouches and... for $200 you just buy it and put it on, no other thinking to be done.
 
I use an Eagle Industries Rhodesian chest rig with Molle webbing. You need to add your own pouches, but I find that it’s the most flexible setup. For pouches, a pouch that holds 2 AR mags will hold 1 AK mag, and a pouch that holds 3 AR mags will work for 2 AK mags.

I typically go with 3 single AK mags and a med kit across the front of my chest. I also have a double AK mag pouch on the far left (almost under my left arm). It is usually either empty or has some random stuff in there. I usually don’t carry mags in it unless I need extras.

In addition to the chest rig, I also use a Molle battle belt. I have 2 pouches, each able to hold 2 AK mags (among other stuff like medical, pistol, and other pouches). Even though I have the ability to carry a lot of mags on the belt, I usually only have one, mostly because of weight and balance. I find that the chest rig and battle belt setup is very flexible and can ramp up or down depending on what I need.

Figure out how many mags you need to be able to carry for your class. Remember that even if they say something like “bring 10 mags” that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to carry all of them at the same time (and on that note, the more mags you can bring the better).

Other things to think about - doubled up AK mags are thick (harder to get close to the ground in prone) and heavy. If you’re not used to carrying a gun and gear, it’s gonna get heavy, so sometimes less is more.
 
Thanks all! I went through a surgery and wasn’t able to get back to this thread as soon as I’d wanted.

This gives me some fantastic options. Much appreciated.

/cheers
 
I actually have a British map case that fits 7 AK mags and the stripper guide (spoon) perfectly. I also have a Swiss bread bag with at least that many in it, empty. Picked them up at Fleet Farm back when they still had a Surplus area.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top