Choosing a tactical vest?

[a1fabweld]

Hey all. Please don't beat me too badly for posting this here as I figured more guys would chime in here than any of the other sections. I am interested in a tactical style vest for the purpose of holding a 1911 size pistol, 6+ fullsize AR mags (10/30's of course), & a 6" fixed blade knife (blade length). I see there are dozens to choose from starting at $30 & up. I don't know if what I'm looking for is even offered or practical. I want something that is good quality & will last the long haul. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[aermotor]

I really like the crossdraw vests, although they only carry 3 AR mags. Really nice though, 4 pistol mag pouches and another aux pouch. Many people make them.

[KellyTTE]

I really like the crossdraw vests, although they only carry 3 AR mags. Really nice though, 4 pistol mag pouches and another aux pouch. Many people make them.

Feh.

Crossdraw vests usually use a generic nylon holster which is a great way to get bumble-farked up when doing weapon transitions. Plus it puts your mags on your strong side, instead of weak side where most modern manual of arms works from.

I'd say get something thats configurable, like a Tactical Tailor MAV and then play with it from there.

If I was going the 'vest' route, I'd use a SpecOps Brand 'Over Armor Vest'

http://specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=40

[THT]

Eagle makes fantastic plate carriers with MOLLE webbing for all those pouches and whatnot that you want to use. It's pricey but will last.

[a1fabweld]

What about this: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/59027-1.html. Is it cheesy as far as quality? They state that it holds a pistol, 6 AR mags, 4 pistol mags, & I could be creative with the knife.

[fourXfour]

Have you considered a chest rig? They are cheaper and are very modular. I have an eagle AK rig with six mags in the middle. Also it has quite a few rows of molle on the right and left side You can easily attach a holster on your strong side and mags on your support side. The blackhawk serpa holsters work pretty well with the molle attachment.

[a1fabweld]

Also, how does the Molle webbing work? Do the Molle accessories hook onto the loops? Does your gear flop around on the loops?

[THT]

Also, how does the Molle webbing work? Do the Molle accessories hook onto the loops? Does your gear flop around on the loops?

The pouches usually have snaps and loops that run through the MOLLE loops then snap to the back of the pouch. They don't flop around as long as you run the loops as far as possible and leave 0 slack to allow flopping.

[paco ramirez]

Tactical Tailor.

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

They have one for everything.

[a1fabweld]

So, let's say you want to attach Molle mag pouches to a Molle webbed vest/chest rig which has multiple rows of horizontal webbing, would the mag pouch strap run through 2 or 3 of the rows of horizontal loops on the vest or just one?

[THT]

So, let's say you want to attach Molle mag pouches to a Molle webbed vest/chest rig which has multiple rows of horizontal webbing, would the mag pouch strap run through 2 or 3 of the rows of horizontal loops on the vest or just one?

Depending on the length of the pouch, two or three. My AR pouches run through three.

[a1fabweld]

Great. The Molle thing makes sense to me now. If I choose the Molle vest/rig route & add my pistol & mag holders, what are some durable brands to consider?

[THT]

Great. The Molle thing makes sense to me now. If I choose the Molle vest/rig route & add my pistol & mag holders, what are some durable brands to consider?

Depends on how much you want to spend. Eagle Industries and Tactical Tailor would be on the upper end. I bought a Condor plate carrier which is a budget plate carrier but I've put it through some use (classes, outdoor training with real firearms and plates, etc.) and it's held up well.

[RolinThundr]

What about this: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/59027-1.html. Is it cheesy as far as quality? They state that it holds a pistol, 6 AR mags, 4 pistol mags, & I could be creative with the knife.

Be careful about stuff you order from CheaperThanDirt.com. I do order from them and they have great prices, but some of the stuff offered is just down right cheap.

Blackhawk makes some great gear, but they are pricey:

http://www.blackhawk.com/catalog/Chest-Rigs,2.htm

http://www.blackhawk.com/catalog/Vests,14.htm

Have fun shopping.

[a1fabweld]

Be careful about stuff you order from CheaperThanDirt.com. I do order from them and they have great prices, but some of the stuff offered is just down right cheap.

Blackhawk makes some great gear, but they are pricey:

http://www.blackhawk.com/catalog/Chest-Rigs,2.htm

http://www.blackhawk.com/catalog/Vests,14.htm

Have fun shopping.

The vest I linked looks to have just about all the features I'm looking for. Just unsure about the quality.