The Mad Max Chest Rig

Posted on by The Tactical Hermit

 

 

 Several years ago, if you wanted a chest rig for an AK, you had to modify an AR rig; today that is not the case, manufacturers got the memo and are making chest rigs for 7.62×39 in every configuration imaginable. It is the authors opinion that a Rifleman’s Belt or a Chest Rig/Plate Carrier combined with a dump pouch are the best option for the Civilian Operator. There are several good makes and models out there, but let me say this up front: THINK MINIMALIST! Less is definitely more here. There is also the option of combining a plate carrier with elements of a chest rig. In a majority of these, they give you rifle and/or pistol mag pockets up front, some MOLLE webbing on side panels and rear and the ability to interface with a hydration unit.  We will discuss some of these, but you have to weigh the pros and cons, weight being the primary one.

 

  

The Civilian Operator needs to be light and mobile, (shoot and scoot philosophy) so don’t hang everything but the kitchen sink off of it. Remember: a Chest rig’s primary job is to feed your weapons,  period.  Over populated chest rigs limit mobility and fatigue you faster. Your spare food, meds, tools, etc. can go in a butt pack or whatever you choose. Having said that,  I have also always carry a multi-tool, flashlight, cell phone (and/or radio) and blowout kit (immediate trauma pack) within immediate reach on mine. Depending on what you already carry on your belt, these items may can be carried there. Try to balance your load, never become “top heavy” or load so much weight around your waist you cannot maneuver.  I always tell people to wear it for 12 hours and then tell me how it feels Humping 6 mags of 7.62 x39 or .308 is a heavy biatch! So think ahead of what your mission is and pack out accordingly. If you are working in a family or team dynamic, spread the load out evenly.   Always remember that by slinging a bandoleer,  you can easily double your ammo for those scenarios that require it, just give that extra thought to WEIGHT before you do, as it can be an ass kicker a mile or two into your hike.

 

Ok, so here are some examples of rigs currently out there, my reasoning for choosing these is either I have used them personally or know somebody who has and got honest assessments, all from real world operators. Do your own homework, but take these into consideration.

                                                        

 

Shihan Multi-Cam AK Chest Rig

The Shihan (Gen 1) features (4) Rifle Mag pouches with bungee loop cords and (4) Velcro Pistol Mag Pouches on the outside of the rifle pouches. There are MOLLE panels on each side, which take a Blowout Kit, Multi Tool and Light Pouch. There is a web pocket on the inside seam which will hold small items and documents. The Suspenders are X Style  with D loops with a buckle waist belt. Entire construction is 5ooD Cordura with bar stitching throughout. This is my current SHTF and Training rig. I have used this rig for 5+ years and it has held up strong.

I also use the following gear in conjunction with this rig:

·         Camelbak Ambush

·          Spec Ops Drop Leg Holster

·          Blackhawk Crucible Fixed Blade

·          Caleb single AK pouch on my belt

 

US Palm AK Attack Rack  V2

The V2 AK Attack Rack features (4) dedicated US PALM AK47 Magazine Pouches on the front with MOLLE attachment points on the side areas (3 x 3). There are (2) adjustable flap magazine/utility tool/mini smoke pouches as well. The large zippered main pouch can accommodate extra magazines or other larger pieces of gear. Side-top seams split for a holster, radio pouch, or knife carry. The bottom of the carrier allows access to the custom level IIIA soft armor panel (sold separately, MSRP of $199). MOLLE attachments for a groin protector or dump pouch are located on the rear of carrier. Additional accessories available. Colors include: Black, Multicam, OD, Ranger Green, Khaki & Coyote.

 

 

TAG Phalanx Type 4 Fury

Manufacturer: Shellback Tactical

Shellback Tactical’s PHALANX Type 4 chest rig is our first H- Harness type chest rig and includes two Molle Pouches. The Phalanx Type 4 is a light multi-use chest rig and is ideal for use as an advanced Active Shooter chest rig. Also has applications for operators in military/SOCOM/Law Enforcement operations. Accommodates weapon magazines from multiple weapon systems to allow for versatility. Made using 500 weight nylon.

The (4) center mounted pouches can hold any style/brand M4 magazine including SCAR light magazines, M14 magazines, 7.62 AK-47 magazines, .308 type magazines, and HK91 magazines. The bungee retention straps can be adjusted to fit your particular magazine. On the front of the rifle pouches are (4) Universal pistol magazines pouches with magnets that will hold up to 9mm (double stack), .40cal (double stack), 1911 type .45 and .45 (double stack) magazines using universal pistol pouches. These are also great for multi tools or folding knives. At each end of the chest rig is 3 rows of P.A.L.S. webbing.

There is also a center pouch behind the magazines that can be used as an admin area for extra handcuffs, multi tools, flashlights etc This pouch can also be used to hold a handgun with an adjustable thumb break included. There are slots inside the Fury for tying in gear and stowing chem. lights. Shoulder straps are padded and have multiple routing channels for comm cables, flex cuffs, or hydration tubing.

This rig includes two detachable molle pouches to be attached on the PALS webbing as shown in pictures.The pouches inlcuded are a MX5000 radio pouch and a medical/multi utlity pouch.

US Palm AK-47 Defender

No longer are you scrambling to find all the essentials to defend yourself and your family in the middle of the night. In under 5 seconds you have your firearm, spare magazines, flashlight, cell phone, etc. AND front ballistic protection from handgun threats! This product provides level IIIA soft armor protection in the front panel with pouches and pockets designed for your specific firearm. Five different models are available to suit your personal needs. A second soft armor panel for the rear panel is available as an accessory for additional protection. The Defender also functions as a plate carrier designed to hold rifle protection plates in both the front and rear if desired by the end user. The Defender provides exceptional utility in an all day comfortable package at an incredibly economic price. Defenders are made in the USA!

While the armor package in this kit has been certified to withstand up to and including .44 magnum, it is up to the customer to determine the suitability of this product for use in their particular application and customer assumes all risks associated with such determination. US PALM do not warrant this armor package for any particular purpose. Law Enforcement or Military only for CT Residents. Purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable local, state or Federal laws.

A buddy of mine uses the MOLLE version of this with two AK mag pouches for static point/fixed position defense (aka “Home Defense”) and he prefers the MOLLE version simply for the options it allows.

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