A chest rig can be used to carry extra magazines and other gear apart from a plate carrier. The technology of firearms has advanced, and so did the methods of carrying spare ammunition. This included everything from carrying extra revolvers cylinders to wearing stripper clips-equipped bandoliers and stuffing magazines into belt pouches. It was discovered that strapping magazines across the chest was a more comfortable way to transport them than using belt pouches. They were also easier to access. The Chinese Type 56 rig is one of the earliest and most famous. It was a simple cotton bib with three magazine pockets sewn onto it. Although there are many more versatile, ergonomic and ergonomic chest rigs available, the Chinese Type 56 was one of the first to be widely used. The main benefit of a chest rig’s versatility is its ability to hold three 7.62 AK magazines. Many people attach spare mags to their plate carriers today, which is a common goal. This method has its advantages, but it can be slower to put on and take down. Also, one cannot wear the armor and mags separately. You can separate the armor and mag carrier into two pieces of kit. However, you cannot wear them both separately. While most people are looking for a way to carry spare mags for their rifle, others are looking to expand their personal storage. Compatibility with Body Armor
First, consider body armor compatibility. Do you plan to wear a chest rig over your plate carrier? If so, you need to consider how each model will interact with your existing body armor. There are many styles of spare magazines gear, and some will work better with plate carriers than others. There are many types of loadbearing vests, combat jackets, and combat harnesses available, but even traditional chest rigs can come in different styles. Most chest rigs have either “X” or “H” straps at the rear. Most people find the “X” style more comfortable when worn over armor. Consider which style would be most compatible with your plate carrier as you look through the chest rig options.
Next, consider the type of rifle magazines you intend to carry in your chest rig. For those who use 5.56 STANAG mags, the sky is the limit. However, users of more obscure platforms may need to pay attention. Your chest rig must be able to hold AK mags and.308 mags. It also needs to be modular enough to allow you to attach the appropriate pouches using MOLLE. Condor provides an example of a basic modular chest-rig design. The various styles of chest rigs are available. There are too many subtle differences in the way chest rigs are worn or configured to place them all in one category. Instead, we will break them down into three main styles based on their intended purpose. This is not a complete list of all chest-rig styles as different models and manufacturers may make. However, it will give you an idea of the main types. We will break them down into three categories based on their intended purpose. It’s safe to say that it’s either traditional or standard if it’s not a Micro Chest Rig. These chest rigs can be considered general-purpose because they are neither small enough to offer the benefits of a microrig nor large enough for true loadbearing equipment in a field. The more versatile models in this category will serve most civilians who are looking to add a chest-rig to their kit. High-speed operators carry their mags differently today, but this chest rig proves that not all functional equipment has to be complicated or expensive. This model was likely inspired from the early Chinese AK rigs, but it has been updated with a new layout and materials. It can be worn over body armor with the “X”-style harness system. It also has enough space in its pouches for at least eight mags and other gear. MSRP: $148.45
Haley Strategic D3CRXThis model is from Haley Strategic. It features a modern design. You can use it as a traditional chest-rig with the “X” harness, or attach it to the plate carrier using a clip. It can hold less rifle mags than the Blackhawk model, but the mags are easier to retrieve. It has more space for gear, other than rifle mags. This includes pistol mags and medical supplies. Modern chest rigs like this can be expanded by adding more pouches. This makes them more suitable for long periods of time in the field. MSRP: $199 at Haleystrategic.com
Micro Chest RigsMicro-chest rigs are back in fashion, but like many other trends in tactical gear, this too will pass. While micro chest rigs may be the best option for some people, many people believe that a micro rig will suffice. A micro chest rig, which is small and portable, is the best option if you are looking for a compact way to carry spare mags with your truck gun. If you plan on breaking out your loadout during the zombie apocalypse you will need more than three to four mags. Micro chest rigs are a good option for some applications, as they are very comfortable. These are two popular models:Spiritus Systems Bank RobberThis model is as “micro” as micro rigs get. This model was made small enough to conceal under a jacket or hoodie, as the name suggests. Although I doubt Spiritus Systems would endorse the use of their rig for any illegal activity, concealability is a concern for law-abiding citizens. Although the rig is small and lightweight, it has very limited space. MSRP: $96.85 (summ of three pieces required for assembly) at spiritussystems.com.
Haley Strategic D3CRM microThis model is very similar to the larger Haley Strategic, but smaller and has less room for gear. It can hold inserts for different magazines, and the placard can be attached to a plate carrier. Comfort is the main advantage of this model over a micro model like the Spiritus. The harness straps on the Haley Strategic model are wider. However, this micro chest rig is too bulky and difficult to conceal when loaded with gear, and it doesn’t fold up as compactly as other models. Haleystrategic.com MSRP: $175
Surplus Chest Rig OptionsMilsurp Gear can be a good choice too, especially for those with weirder rifles. It can be difficult to find compatible chest rigs that work with 7.62 AK mags. Combloc military surplus can be purchased online. This surplus military equipment is generally more heavy-duty and has more pockets and provisions to carry gear. Although they aren’t the most tactical or fast, surplus rigs can still be useful pieces of kit when used correctly. No matter what rifle you use or what role your chest rig plays, you should be capable of finding a compatible piece. These are two of the most popular pieces of surplus gear people still use: The American LBV EA is a solid, yet affordable piece of surplus equipment. This was made to be worn over body armor. It can carry at most six AR mags and other gear. You can attach a webbing belt to the waistband to carry a holster, canteen, or any other item you might need. These are still quite common and you can probably find one at your local surplus shop for as low as $50.
South African Pattern83 Chest RigSouth Africans have a strong affinity for full-power rifles, which has made their surplus gear very popular with Americans. The Pattern 83 rig is simple, rugged, and comfortable to carry spare mags and other supplies. They can hold up to six AR magazines and the earlier models had ejector straps that were compatible with smaller 20-round.308 magazines. They are still available online, but they are more collectible. South African troops in training with Pattern 83 chest rings. Photo by Wikipedia. Final ThoughtsChest rigs are no longer a staple of kit. This is due to the popularity of plate carriers and body armour among tactically-minded Americans. However, they are still very useful. A well-designed rig can make it easy to carry extra stuff around. It’s important to practice with the rig before you have to use it. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Get Free Targets
