Mason Dixon TacticalHow many times do you talk to a buddy who is into Survivalism, or militia type activities, and he tells you he bought a new piece of gear, simply because “Fill In The Blank” (a tactical gear authority, don’t you know), said it was the shiznit of all shizum, when it comes to that type of accessory. When I hear this, I usually ask, “What was wrong with the setup you had?”, and I usually get a blank stare, indicating that it was an impulse buy, and not meant to fill a glaring gap in their gear setup.
Most of us that have been into Survivalism for any length of time, have gone through a number of equipment variations, especially when it comes to tactical gear. Mine started out when I was 13 yrs old, with an old WWII issue equipment belt, an LC2 M16 mag pouch,and canteen w/ cup and carrier. Over the next couple years, I added to that setup, and ended up with a complete LC-2 rig, which was exactly like the one I had issued to me in the military a year later.
While in the military, I learned that the equipment you carry and use, has to be directly related to what your job (duty position) and/or task at hand is (the military spells this out for each unit). Sometimes, depending on your duty position you’ll be required to carry more, sometimes less, but there’s always a minimum load/gear requirement (unit SOP) to get the job done, and sometimes, we could buy our own gear, as long as it filled the stated requirements (and the Sergeants Major doesn’t see it). There are some out there who will use military terminology, when the haven’t got a clue what it means. They use it to make themselves sound “In the know”, but when you read what they write about it, you will see they are clueless, and probably, not even well read. How you are organized (set up by others, or by yourself…you know…THE PLAN!), and what you are organized for (you have documented your needed “What” and “Why”, right?), whether as a Survivalist, part of the militia, or in the military, is what drives the acquisition and eventual use of the equipment.
We’ve all bought gear that appeared to be the answer to an apparent problem, only to be disappointed by poor quality, or just a complete lack of fulfilling the need. The purpose of this post is to review questions you might ask yourself before you acquire new gear, and hopefully, it might save you time and money in the long run. I will use a gear change I went through last year as the example.
Question #1. Do I have a need to enhance my gear, and for what reason?
My Answer: Yes. While shooting a video last year, I noticed my mag change time was slower than I liked. While studying the problem, I realized there was no way I could decrease my time, while still using a flapped mag pouch. My need was to find a mag pouch that was open topped, had good retention, but no retention strap (if available), and would accept mags for the three weapons I regularly use (M1A, AR, AK).
Question #2. What’s available, and what’s the manufacturers reputation?
My Answer: The only one I’ve found is from High Speed Gear (Taco Pouch). I was fortunate that after doing the research, and talking to people that I found out used them (Friends and students), I couldn’t find anyone who had an issue with them.
Question #3. What’s the price and in stock availability?
My Answer: Moderate but acceptable price and It was immediately shipped. I went through “Rifles Only”. Cost was $42 a piece, but it does everything (didn’t have to “make do”) I needed it to do, and was well made. By the way, Rifles Only was one of the best gear dealers I’ve dealt with, their customer service could not have been better. I bought two of the X2R double rifle carriers (for the assault vest), and two of the Double Decker single rifle. single pistol pouches (for the plate carrier).
Question #4. What is the minimum I need to accomplish the desired task?
Answer: Two pouches per vest/PC. Although I could have gone hog wild and bought four Taco’s for my assault vest and plate carrier, I actually only needed two. I placed these on my weak/right side (first mags used). If I need more than 4 “Immediate” speed reloads on a patrol (with the assault vest), I’m in way over my head, and have probably made a huge error in judgment, concerning my situational awareness. I should have time to adjust mags from the strongside flapped pouches during a brief respite in the chaos.
Old set up
New set up
Plate carrier for home use. Everything a person needs for immediate dealings with bad guys, and all in one convenient “grab and go” piece of gear.
Question #5. Does it meet the requirements, and is it worth the money?
My Answer: Yes, and then some! My rifle reload time was cut in half (kinda important), and the Double Decker’s on my plate carrier helped fix a “real estate” issue I was having. The PC is my “grab in the middle of the night” gear, and there just isn’t enough room on it for pistol mag pouches (2), rifle mag pouches (6), knife, and a holster, without putting the sides on it, and they are noisy (velcro) and make it hard to get on quickly.
As a quick aside on the plate carrier, check out Main Gun the home of Patriot Plates. Their plates have excellent workmanship, and as a Survivalist, these plates (steel) would be the long term answer to that type of tactical need (unless you’ve got a consistent resupply option for your ceramic plates, considering they are one time use items). I have ceramic plates also, but realize how fragile they are (there’s a reason they have to have an x-ray every year).
In conclusion, there are always good reasons for updating and changing out your gear. The post I did a year ago on my choice for load bearing gear hasn’t changed in eight years, except for the Taco pouches. I saw a need, and I rectified it. If you’re using and old LC-2 rig, and it covers what you need it to, knock yourself out (still a big fan BTW). Newer isn’t always better. Ask yourself the questions in this post, and they will help you answer some of the more important factors when you are buying tactical gear.
JCD,
American by BIRTH, Infidel by CHOICE
https://masondixontactical.wordpress.com/2015/04/04/questions-to-ask-when-upgrading-your-gear/
All this “gear” shit will be laying all over the place ,, on peoples backs that had no clue they were going to get their a$$es handed to them . fair game to borrow it when they no longer have a need
also how to you carry all that daily to and fro ? and it will be the day you dont . you’ll “need” it
anyone that can read the future , they got their work cut out for them
a typ military Marines pack weighs in at around 114#.. carry that every where , every day.. than lets talk about gear
im more on the less is best K.I.S.S keep it simple and travel as light as you can so you can move .. if you NEED something you dont have, learn to find it, or better yet learn to do with out it
@ Enemy of the State:
First point: True, many folks have way too much and don’t train or even know how to use their gear.
Second point: Firstly, as you could see in the post, Dodge has several set ups. He carries what he configures. Secondly, the point of the post was A: Determining the type/amount of gear you carry by what your believe you are going to be doing, and B: Replacing/adding to it only when you answer the questions so you get a net gain from doing so.
Third point: When it comes to carrying it before we have the standing to, “talk gear”, our typical LBE/LBV set up for extended NPT events will weigh in at about 30 pounds, our packs weigh in anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds, and personal defense carbines are about 10 to 12, depending on accessories, and level one gear (on our person) can weigh a few pounds, too. Max excess weight is about 125-135 pounds or so.
We train regularly (carrying it) with these weights walking long distances, up to 10 miles or so. As far as JC Dodge is concerned (and he can defend himself with no assist needed), his load is generally 150 pounds or more, and he calls it ‘practicing to carry a buddy out of a bad situation’ when he teaches with it on all day.
My point? Offer some constructive criticism, ie, things that will help folks possibly not as ‘expert’ as you are learn something.
Thanks for reading.
I would , but im not here to criticize , just to help some think
just injecting a little reality
The reason I post articles such as this one is to allow everyone
an opportunity to see what others are doing, concerning gear.
As well as other important topics which need to be considered.
When one says, “That they’ll take from the field, items they need.”
Well, that’s fine and dandy if one is able to do so.
The” mobile re-supply black two legged moose” won’t be as plentiful
as some might like. Also, others may beat you to it. And there’s this
to keep in mind…..they might not have what you need on them.
Then there’s this to think about, “Why not get as much of what you
might need while you have the opportunity to CHOOSE ?”
Rather than settling for what’s left, if anything.
Now back to the point of the posting …….There’s as many different
ways to pull together “gear” as there are folks who’ll use it.
To read about what others may be overcoming may save someone
else the “hassle” of going the wrong route to begin with. Not to
mention the saving of time, money, and grief.
The learning curve can be a steep or as gradual as one want’s to
make it …Myself, I prefer gradual. When it comes to learning from
others, I’ll never be ashamed to listen, watch, read and/or learn from
those who’re more experienced than I.
And that’s what this venue is all about …..information.