Vest for carrying AR mags

[Balrog]

I am looking for a vest or other garment that will allow me to carry some extra AR mags. I am not sure what I am looking for, really just something to wear at the range so I have the mags with me at all times. What is a good system for this?

 

[kwelz]

I use a Tactical Tailor Mini Mav with a 3 Mag holder on the front. This leaves room for 2 pistol mag or flashlight holders.

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/minimav.aspx

Another good option is the Eagle industries M4 Chest rig.

http://www.skdtac.com/Eagle_M4_Chest_Rig_LE_3_Mag_p/eag.563.htm

Either will serve you well. I choose the Mini Mav for weight and side concerns. Although at times I wish I had a bit more room.

 

[Ronsch]

5.11 vests are a good all-around choice. The front lower right pockets left are sized for AR 30 rounders. I have two, a khaki and a black one. A lot of pockets!

http://www.lapolicegear.com/5tave1.html

Pretty good prices on all types of gear.

 

[taliv]

i use the one in azizza's 2nd link. i mostly use it in matches and classes. works great.

 

[Zerodefect]

Do the 5.11 mag carriers fit Magpul Pmags?

 

[essayons21]

A pricey option if you want to carry a ton of stuff is the TAG rifleman chest rig

http://www.tacticalassaultgearstore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=739

I have an older version, used it for a year overseas, it is literally bombproof.

 

[Gunfighter123]

Last summer I got a SUPER deal on a as new Blackhawk Omega Phalanx Homeland Security Vest ;
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Omega-Phalanx-Homeland-Security-Vest,264,85.htm

Do a search and they can be found for less then $135 and are a bargin at that price.

Mine holds 20 rds. of 12ga. in pocketed loops , 2-4 AR mags or 2 AK/M1a mags , 2 hi-cap pistol mags , and can hold {in velcro pockets} handcuffs , mag-lite , folding knife ,etc. etc. ---- plus you can add to it with the STRIKE Mollie system.

I found a LE site that has a review of the Homeland Security Vest and the reviewer showed in photos how he carried a 1911 handgun in place of mags in the first pocket on left ------- that is what I now have in mine , a Para-Ordnance P-14. It is very secure and really not that slow to draw from with a little practice.

So with a "grab & shrug" , I can leave my house with a loaded pistol {14 rds.} , two extra mags { 28 rds.} , 20 + rds. of 12ga. , and 30-60 rds. of rifle ammo in mags ,that is around 100 rds. of ammo for whatever firearm I also grab -- your choice what to pack , may be more then my load out --- plus any other "stuff" like a Leatherman knife/cell phone/flashlight etc. etc.

Here is the link to LE review;
http://newamericantruth.com/reviews/other/phalanx.htm

It is a really good , no BS review of what I think is a very good vest.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I have several models, including the Eagle chestrig and a 5.11 vest.

The Eagle rigs are terrific quality and a very good value at the prices sold by SKD Tactical (link that Azizza provided). I would highly recommend one of those. In particular the universal model which works great for up to 8 AR mags but can also carry 4 of many other types of mags. The Eagle rigs are sufficiently high quality for actual military or LE use, so you won't likely have a problem with them, but are still under $100 for most models.

http://www.skdtac.com/Eagle_Chest_Rig_Universal_SKD_p/eag.567.htm

5.11 stuff is fine but not IMHO quite as good as the Eagle. Also any MOLLE setup (technically PALS, but everyone calls it MOLLE) is more work to assemble the pouches and stuff onto it and will end up being heavier, stiffer and more expensive than a plain-jane chestrig made as one piece. MOLLE systems make more sense if you're going to be reconfiguring a lot, but that doesn't sound likely for your purposes.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Chest rig.

 

[Balrog]

Azziza,

I like the looks of the Minimav a lot... I am in a pretty hot climate, is it relatively cool in the summer? It looks smaller than some of the other chest rigs, so I am guess so...

Also, how do you have yours configured? I think three mag pouces would be about right, but I would like a couple of small pouches on it also for various odds and ends.

Also, on the Eagle system you linked to, how secure are the mags in the open top pouches?

 

[kwelz]

Balrog, I can't speak for hot enviroments since I just switched to this setup. Before I was using a much heavier full vest and I could not stand another year of it. I can see no way this will be a problem however. There just isn't enough there to make it hot LOL.

As you can see, mine are completely open topped. And trust me, those mags are not going anywhere. I have dual mag pouches I was originally going to use but they are to slow and I don't need 6 mags on my Vest. If I need more than the 3 on here and 2 on my belt then I am in a situation I should not be in.

Now as for the odds and ends, that is what you belt is for. I am reconfiguring my entire kit to be more efficient and streamlined. I used to carry everything in one big vest but have found that it is easier to spread it out over my belt and vest.

Here is my setup without the Pistol and light holder.

 

[Zach S]

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-03-MSF-Chest-Harness-s/124.htm

I've thought about one of these. Not a full vest so its less likely to cook ya during summer, holds four mags and a camel.

 

[highorder]

Do the 5.11 mag carriers fit Magpul Pmags?

Yes, with or without covers in place.

I have double and stacked double pouches on my GI issue FLC.