To LBE or not to LBE?

Love it Ghrit!

I love hearing from old guys.

 

Don't shoot!

 

hmm sticks and stones aside....very helpful.
As a former RO and firearms instructor I have never been a fan of thigh holsters period. But understand the necessity created by body armor.

I like the vest, putting a firearm in an accessible, defensible location. And certainly making it quicker to gear up. My concern regarding vest is I am not as trim as I once was, I'm afraid I could not tie my own shoes with a loaded vest

I do not invision myself bugging out family in tow looking like an operator. If I'm bugging out it will be by vehicle, quickly and discreetly. If roads are blocked or travel by vehicle is not an option, I would travel on foot looking like another refugee, AR broken down and stowed.

I'm thinking about a situation where I might require more than 1-2 30rnd mags stuffed into my jeans pocket.

For example you need to leave your location in search of resources, food fuel, water, medical aid..... or perhaps a security detail if their is some kind of community.

I don't know what scenario to anticipate but don't want to waste money on gear I don't really need.

I havent seen any "web gear is not practical" opines.

 

I think this a good point. IMHO, most situations, it's best to stick to the 2 mags in your back pockets. Getting in a firefight is a bad idea alone or with your family/ small group. I think just having a mean appearance will lead to the wrong assumptions. But, as you indicated, there isn't a whole lot of "no LBE" answers. I think the "what ifs" are so many that most would rather be able to carry a good amount of ammo usefully.

There are cheaper options that are still better than a duffel bag. You can find an old USGI LBV in the $30 price range. Worked for years between ALICE and MOLLE.

 

Hispeed.
I think the LBV is a good suggestion. After looking at them looks like the right amount of gear and the price is right.
complete rigs on ebay for $24.95 plus $15 shipping
Confused tho some say 6 mags some say 8 both are enhanced, are they the same?

http://vi.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI...henyoutlet&category=36284&bv=mozilla&caz.html

US Army Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest LBV w/Belt - eBay (item 390179489296 end time May-05-10 17:30:44 PDT)

 

Do we really have to do this?

I'm a Medically Retired Recon Marine.
(There's enough people around who have met me...)

Hit, Faluja, Ramadi etc... Been there too.

Now that we're past that...

You've heard from 2 people who have seen it.

If you want to risk it... It's your life.

You were told.

 

Read it all.

Picking up where WE were.

Don't need to prove it.

Recounted it, Gave you something to go search/read about.

What you do with the information provided is up to you.

And I'm not tough.
Make no claim on it.

 

Sherman,

Melbo is right on. The USGI ones are all 6 mag. The difference between the enhanced and the earlier version was that the earlier had vertical pouches and the enhanced had more slanted pouches (also was some mesh used instead of straight cordura in places). I prefer the enhanced USGI one. Either would work in a pinch depending on availability or price.

Stay away from the commercial ones.... they are junk.

ETA: I want to clarify. Both the links you provided are USGI. Both only hold 6 mags regardless of what the links say.
This one is the enhanced version:
http://vi.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI...henyoutlet&category=36284&bv=mozilla&caz.html

This one is the older one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...Category=36071&_trkparms=algo=LVI&its=I&otn=2

 

Ok as long as you guys want to hash this out.
I've started looking at molle gear, I really like the options it gives.
I think I can stay in budget, If I can get a reasonable holster.
So what are some inexpensive holster options for a molle rig. Possible just a molle belt.
I've looked at blackhawk omega (soft drop leg). blackhawk CQC level 1 $28 +molle adapter.

Doesn't have to be the best, just function and wont fall apart w/ occasional use. Is 5.11 stuff good enough?

 

I really like Tactical Tailor's molle holster. The options for mounting are quite numerous, especially if you get any horizontal, angle, or shoulder adapters.

TACTICAL TAILOR Quality Tactical Gear for Military and Law Enforcement - Holsters

5.11's stuff is okay, like most places is made outside this country. The quality is decent, but not excellent. Tactical Tailor's equipment is made here, in the good old US of A, and made a touch tougher than most places. The packs that I've seen were only surpassed (in ruggedness) by Kifaru.

 

I opted for 5.11 Active Shooter bag $45, my thinking is better to appear non threatening and not a combatant. I also like gear being compartmentalized so I can add or ditch kit as needed.
5.11 Tactical Active Shooter Bailout Bag IN STOCK and ready to ship!
it was a little cheaper than the maxpedition bag at $67.

I ordered a molle pistol holster and a mag pouches etc. to outfit it. LAPG also had a molle belt for $9 but only in 2x (hope it fits) otherwise its a bandoleer!

Ordered another streamlight pen w/ red LED ($13) and found a little Gerber folder for $19
Amazon.com: Gerber 30-000202 EVO Mid-Size Tanto Knife, Combo Edge: Home Improvement

 

For those looking for something completely modular, here is the Tactical Tailor MAV....



It is the two piece MAV with the adapter and X harness. You can see how far the regular chest harness has morphed.... it basically becomes a modern LBE. This is the second MAV I have owned. I had a woodland one piece back when we were still in BDUs. I prefer the single or double mag pouches for a lower profile... makes a huge difference when your butt isn't in the air. Also, it makes riding in tight M1151s (or your chosen vehicle) a cinch. I also like the hydration pouch on the back of the X-harness. The advantage there is that you can put whatever you want into the hydration pouch (more than just water.... extra ammo, food, spare batteries, commo antennas....I've carried damn near everything in there).