AR15 equipment recommendations for class help please

[mtenenhaus]

Hi, hoping to participate in*AR15 classes. Not sure what*supporting equipment i should get. Cost / value is of course a real consideration for me.

Any recommendations for equipment would sure be appreciated,*particularly magazine dump pouch and mag pouches for*223/5.56....*chest rig?

thanks

[tradecraft]

Do you plan on running plates? If so, there's your decision right there.

[VolvoWrench]

You need a sling for sure...

https://www.magpul.com/products/firearms-accessories/slings-and-sling-mounts

I recommend rigid style mag pouches.

http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php?cPath=38_121&osCsid=ne1rpkvp4i8on14hcf6t22uju0#.WUYSMMmQyHo

[mtenenhaus]

i've got an old padded sling.

I won't be wearing plates, too old and my back would never carry the weight unfortunately.

Just trying to learn something new, keep a bit active and do the best i can.

i'll need a couple of rigid mag pouches for sure.

Thanks for the links, they really help.

[technique]

This will be dictated by the class/instructor.

Generally there is a list of required gear for the class(s) you will be taking.

You'll for sure need a sling, magazine pouches will be dictated by the class you will be taking- some require you have more mags on you than others, you'll likely need pistol and rifle pouches. If you're planning on running a dump pouch I'd suggest something that isn't a lightweight option- get something large and rigid.

For most general classes I run everything off of a belt. Rifle/Pistol mags, Dump pouch, IFAK, and Holster all go on the belt. If I need more than what I can get on the belt then I run a carrier or chest rig.

Since you mentioned your age:
Get yourself some shooting gloves. I use PIG gloves from SKD. You may also consider some knee pads and or elbow pads.

Hat, sunglasses, notebook/pen, sunblock, water, snacks, etc are also good to have.

I run HSGI TACO pouches, HSGI makes them for standard belts or MOLLE type belts, they're made for both rifle and pistol.

[technique]

If you don't have electronic ear-pro, get some.

[Full Clip]

I pre-load my ammo on stripper clips. Keep plenty of loose rounds in you pocket to top off, but really makes it fast to stay fully loaded while everyone else is jamming mags.

Yes, electronic ear pro is essential.

[Calico1404]

Less is more during courses, drills, classes. Keep it simple.

Sling
Optic

Belt with holster (if running a pistol as well)
A tourniquet is a must
Dump pouches are abundant from $14 all the way up
Mag pouch for your AR and pistol if you are running one
Chest rig is preference, if you prefer to carry mags high or on your belt.
Slim ear pro, electronic or simple plugs, you do not want stuff getting in the way of you getting into pocket.

Stay safe, have fun and report back with your experience and what you would have done differently equipment wise.

[mtenenhaus]

Thanks....slowly collecting requisite stuff.
Got electronic muffs, gloves, hat and a belt. Looking for a good sale on dump pouch and chest rig

[Scratch705]

i have blue force gear for most of my rifle gear

ten speed chest rig with built in 4 rifle mag pouches w/ small molle panel on the sides, and a big pocket behind the rifle mags. i added 3 single pistol pouches and a dump pouch to complete it.

i also use the sling from them too.

simple and light setup for classes and if need be an emergency situation. i am over the full on vest style since i'm not going to war, and this setup is much more compact and concealable if need be.

the one thing is that the ten-speed uses elastic pouches, not rigid. so putting mags back in the pouches may take two hands unless you add a personal touch like adding something to the top lips of the pouches to keep them apart so you can slide the mags back in easily 1 handed. i haven't done that yet, since in all the classes i've taken, the instructors teach to drop the mag on the floor or dump pouch.

they also sell more traditional chest rig setup, in case you don't want to deal with elastics.

[Casual_Shooter]

As mentioned, check with the specific class requirements, but as general information, when I took a rifle/ pistol class, there was a mixture of everything.

Some people came in with tactical pants, shirts, chest rigs and thigh holsters. Others came in jeans and t-shirts and put mags in their pockets.

Most likely, all you'll need is a sling and good holster (and belt) for your pistol if it's also a pistol class, and a few mags for each gun. Mag holders are great because you won't need to dig mags out of your pockets, but you probably won't be looking for speed anyway. Take your time and get the fundamentals down first.

[ScottyXbones]

Where's the class?

[mtenenhaus]

sorry about that....ASDS. they're offer really great classes. very nice people, very professional

here's there link if you're interested:

http://asdschool.com

[Matt P]

Be weary of buying any chest set up. This is pure silliness and impractical for most. Don't fall for the train in the gear that you would fight in. After all, for most this is undies and a wife beater since you won't have time to do much else once rousted out of bed.
Have a solid sling like a VTAC. Watch the youtubes videos to familiarize yourself with the piticulars of whatever sling you choose. Don't discount this. Most instructors do not instruct students for individual sling use. I always shoot students a list of suggestions well before class start.
Keep your rifle as simple as possible and don't hang crap off it. It tires you and is needless.
Have a sight enhancement beyond open sights to make achieving accuracy through consistency easier. Its night and day easier.
Pockets are fine for rifle mags. Easy to put one in the front and two in the back. Plus you can always tuck into the belt line. Otherwise buy belt holder style. Maybe 2 to stay comfortable.
Hydrate the day before. Hydrate the day before. Drink enough water to be urinating clear. I can not overstate this. You will stay fresh and have more energy if you do this the day before. Obviously drink during the day of. Force yourself if need be during breaks.
Talk to other students about their gear choices in between breaks. You will see if it's a hot day how quickly gear starts to get taken off as the day progresses.
I suggest no gloves. They can easily impede simple operation of the rifle. Why struggle with this if you don't need to.
Never feel rushed to perform drills. Take your time and focus on your execution. Are you replicating the actions similar to the instruction.
Worse mistakes are just going through the motions and losing focus on developing fundamentals.
You will no doubt see the gear queers. Don't be intimidated. Be the guy with the least amount of crap hanging off your body and rifle and no one will expect much from you. No pressure on you to perform.
This opinion comes from hundreds of hours of instruction to include years of instructing others with rifles.

[Matt P]

Looks like a good solid choice of instructors.
I offer this more on the competition background over other. Competition is all about simplicity and economy of motion. No crazy over the top empty mag flipping or rolling and shooting.
Plus these guys should be pretty safety conscious also due to competition. I see less of that with just straight military guys.
For practicality and the formation of fundamentals these guys should have a strong grasp.
Fair price too.
If your come away is mostly on how to be safe with a rifle on the range with others and maybe some info on developing your own training sessions than you're golden.