Before there was "tacti-cool", there were still those that needed CREATIVE ways to use Load Bearing gear. That meant what you could get your hands on, make or modify to serve for what you needed.There weren't hundreds of Tactical Vests out there like today's cool stuff.

What you are looking at is a very boring SKS bandoleer designed to carry 90 rounds SKS ammo in stripper clips and a cleaning kit. You can get them for cheap for $10 in either Chinese or Russian flavors at gun shows and many online outlets. This one came from KeepShooting.com

While is seems very dull compared to modern tactical vest, what you are looking at is a quietly effective pistol magazine carrier!

As a Pistol Primary Kit Support Carrier, this cheapo "vest" will carry up to 9 double stacked magazines OR 18 single stacked mags. That still leaves one space (the cleaning kit pouch) for additional gear if you want.

Mine has carried my .45acp Colt 1911, 12 magazines, first aid kit, small flashlight & small survival kit during driving duties giving me a good Scramble Bag if I needed to leave the vehicle in a hurry. It was also a much more accessible location for my pistol while seated.

For those of you wanting a simple and effective "tactical vest" for your Pistol Primary Kits - this ones a quiet "gem" for 10 bucks!

Breakdown:

Here's how I used it as an example.

I numbered mine 1-10 from right to left on my body. I even marked them on the outside of each flap with their numbers to make them easy to recognize.

The following load out is for a right handed shooter.


Pouches 1-3: Spare Magazines. These are too far away from your reloading hand to be effectively used for speed reloading, but they will carry extra ammo ready to go. You can move them over and replace these fresh mags with empties when you have the chance.

Pouch #4: First Aid Kit. [at the right vertical strap] carries my first aid kit. It's at the vertical strap so I can easily find it without looking or in the dark.

Pouches 5-6: Primary Reloads [Magazines]. I usually only carried 1 mag in each pouch to make reloading faster. They are located center chest, between the vertical straps and are the easiest pouches to access for reloading. They are in the "box" between the straps to make them easy to find without looking.

Pouch #7: Weapon Pouch. [at the left vertical strap] carried my .45 with the pouch top duct taped up for stability. Using a paracord to extend the tie-down over my pistol's grip and to the wooden "button". It's more secure than you think. However, your pistol must be able to slide completing the bottom of the pouch.

Glocks, Beretta 92's and other pistols with square trigger guards won't fit. In these cases, use this pouch for an additional Primary Reload Mag as it's at the left strap and easy to find.

Pouches 8-9: Secondary Reloads [Magazines]. These 2 pouches are accessible to your left hand if you need to get to them to reload.

Pouch #10: Miscellaneous Gear . This pouch was for the SKS cleaning kit and is a little larger than the others. I carry a small Pocket Survival Kit and usually a Mini-Mag flashlight. This Pouch can be used for anything your want that you feel you might need if you are cut off from returning to your vehicle.


Flash Forward for Today's Use:

Today, I usually carry a high capacity 9mm like the Beretta 92FS in the Scramble Bag of my vehicle. This little "vest" now carries EIGHT 15 round magazines (that's 120 rounds!), a first aid kit (#4), a small Survival Kit & 6v Flashlight (#10). That is a significant amount of ammo arranged in a light weight, usable platform.


Revolver Primary Kits:

Applies to Double Action Revolvers only.

No I didn't forget you wheel gun folks!

Using this bandoleer for revolvers takes a little more creativity and a lot more work, but it's doable. Up side is that there are very few revolver friendly tactical vests out there, so it's worth the work.

Here's how to do it:

First, you need Speedloaders! Lots of them! Shown is an HKS Speedloader, but there are others.

Second, you have to fill up the space on each pouch you use for your ammo about half way up with SOMETHING. That something can be ANYTHING. I've used match boxes, pill vials (my favorite), ammo trays & boxes (cut in half) and other objects. Whatever!

What you are trying to do is to "build a platform" to hold your speedloader at the top of the pouch so you can grasp it without digging down for it.

Now you can carry 8 reloads for your revolver. That's 40 (for 5 shooters) to 48 rounds (for 6 shooters) of ammo!

Breakdown:

Again, numbering the pouches from right side of my body to the left.

Pouch #1: First Aid Kit. Same as above, but now moved to the far right side to make room for Primary Reloads.

Pouches 2-3: Secondary Reloads. These are accessible if needed, but provide extra ammo.

Pouches 4-7: Primary Reloads. These Primary Reloads are center and at the vertical straps for easy identification and fast reloading.

Pouches 8-9: Secondary Reloads. Same as above.

Pouch #10: Miscellaneous Gear. Again, miscellaneous items you want with you.


One of the advantages of using this vest for a Revolver Primary Kit is that you have tons of extra space for survival gear UNDER your speedloaders.



It's only $10 for this Tactical Vest, but the uses are limitless and the cost is cheap.


Check it out!


Ironhand