Rifle Magazine Carrier

[Charles S]

I am hoping someone with a little more experience than myself can help.

I have an upcoming rifle carbine class this fall and I am looking for a convenient method of carrying magazines.

A friend of mine has a light weight harnesses that held 3/6 (the pouches could expand to go 2 deep) magazines in the center of your chest. The straps went over your shoulders, were padded, and crossed in the back. It carried fairly high out of the way of your pistol belt. It did not interfere with arm movement or shouldering your weapon. That what I am looking for.

My Google fu is failing me.

What I am not looking for is a very large LB vest that holds 10-20 magazines, a pistol, pistol magazines, etc.... Everything I find is large and holds way more equipment than I want or need.:banghead:

I appreciate anyone's suggestions or advice.

If you have taken a carbine class and something other than my idea worked well for you, please let me know.

Thank you.

 

[1911 guy]

I still have not found a better solution than a web pistol belt and G.I. mag pouches.

They offer ease of access, six mags stowed, weight carried by both the hips and shoulders (use a cheap pair of ALICE suspenders) and if you shop around you can get the belt, two mag pouches and suspenders for less than you'd pay for a single "cool" mag pouch holding one magazine.

I've humped stuff like this on three continents, including here for training, taken some classes recently, and still have been satisfied with it's performance compared to newer stuff.

Additionally, I've seen guys try to shoot from prone with a half dozen mags strapped to their chest. Not a good position for my arthritic back.

 

[1911 guy]

https://www.mainemilitary.com/Produ...stol-Belt-with-Plastic-Clasp-3pk-250p4129.htm

https://www.mainemilitary.com/ProductCart/pc/USGI-Y-Harness-Nylon-Used-3PK-250p4125.htm

Belts and suspenders above, mag pouches below:

http://www.ohioprepsupply.com/magazine-pouch-three-30-round-m16-ar15-alice-od-green/

 

[Charles S]

1911 guy.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have several of the standard GI pouches and a belt that will work. I could add the suspenders easily enough. I may try that.

I had hoped to use a small chest system so I could stick with my regular belt and holster. I carry very regularly and am comfortable with my current system for concealed carry. I was hoping to find a chest system that would let me train with that and have access to rifle magazines also.

Your system, I am sure is better. I do not have any field experience and this will be my first formal training that focuses on the handgun with a rifle as a defensive weapon.

I have handgun training. I have rifle training, but not integrated pistol/rifle defensive training.

Additionally, I've seen guys try to shoot from prone with a half dozen mags strapped to their chest. Not a good position for my arthritic back.

I agree with that. That is why I liked the carrier that could hold 3 or six magazines. I only planned on carrying three so when I go prone I did not have the depth in from of me.

Thank you for your help. I appreciate your reply.

 

[1911 guy]

You can do that, too. If you already have mag pouches, simply put them on your belt and tie the ALICE clips closed with riser cord or similar.

The clips rely on friction against the belt to stay closed and may not with a regular thickness belt. Tie a small piece of cord through the loop at top of the clip and around the bottom where it comes out of the webbing of the pouch. Does not have to be tight, just enough to keep the clip from opening.

Thread your belt through it and you're golden.

 

[Charles S]

Thread your belt through it and you're golden.

Thank you. I may change from my regular double thickness leather belt to my instructors belt and do that.

Again, I appreciate the advice.

 

[taliv]

charles, what you're looking for is called a chest rig. i recommend the one from eagle, although there are many decent options now.

skd is a good place to get the trendy stuff http://www.skdtac.com/556-Chest-Rigs-s/16957.htm


this is the one i use, though it appears to be unavailable anymore

some of the "helium whisper" line seems promising if you're looking for low profile stuff but i haven't tried it personally

 

[Charles S]

taliv,

That looks exactly like what I had in mind. Low profile so I should be able to go prone. It wont interfere with my daily carry rig.

Thank you, I appreciate your help.