Understanding the Basis: The Essence of the Chicom Chest Rig
At its core, the Chicom chest rig is a remarkably simple design. Usually crafted from sturdy canvas or nylon, it encompasses a sequence of pouches designed to accommodate AK-47 magazines – a testomony to its origins. Nonetheless, its simple design can also be its limitation. The bottom configuration may show considerably restrictive for customers with specialised wants, totally different weapons methods, or just a want for added consolation and flexibility.
The essential development contains a number of key parts:
Journal Pouches: These pouches, normally three or 4, are the center of the rig. They safe the magazines, retaining them readily accessible for fast reloads.
Shoulder Straps: These straps, vital for distributing the load, are sometimes comprised of the identical materials because the physique of the rig. The unique straps, although useful, can develop into uncomfortable throughout prolonged put on.
Again Straps: These straps assist safe the rig and stop it from shifting throughout motion. Usually the design might require modification for a extra excellent match.
Flap Closures: The unique design used button closures to safe the journal pouches. These can usually be improved upon.
The inherent limitations of the usual Chicom chest rig develop into obvious throughout use. The shortage of modularity could be a main downside. There’s little alternative so as to add equipment like IFAKs (Particular person First Assist Kits), further pouches for different tools, or holsters. The unique shoulder and again straps may lack the adjustability wanted for an ideal match, which may result in discomfort, chafing, and fatigue. Moreover, the closure mechanisms, whereas reliable, might be gradual to function, particularly underneath stress. For the fashionable operator, a extra versatile and cozy system is usually mandatory. That is the place Chicom chest rig mods come into play, providing a pathway to customization.
Frequent Paths to Enchancment: Exploring Chicom Chest Rig Mods
The fantastic thing about the Chicom chest rig lies in its simplicity and the convenience with which it may be tailored. Quite a few Chicom chest rig mods might be applied to deal with the rig’s limitations and increase efficiency. These modifications span a variety of complexities, from easy changes to extra concerned modifications.
Elevating Consolation: Suspension Upgrades
One of the important enhancements you can also make focuses on the rig’s suspension system. Changing or modifying the shoulder and again straps can dramatically improve consolation and cut back pressure.
Shoulder Strap Transformation: Contemplate changing the unique shoulder straps with extra substantial, adjustable options. Wider straps will distribute the load extra evenly, lessening the stress in your shoulders. Padded straps supply extra consolation, significantly when carrying a heavy load. You may discover choices like H-harness methods, which give a secure and cozy match whereas additionally facilitating straightforward changes. Supplies like Cordura nylon are sturdy, and supply nice outcomes for modding.
Again Strap Optimization: The again straps of the unique design generally want work to offer an optimum match. Adjusting their size to match your body is important for a cushty and safe match. Modifying them, usually by means of lengthening or making them extra simply adjustable, can drastically enhance the match and performance of your rig.
Journal Pouch Changes: Enhancing Accessibility and Safety
Modifying the journal pouches provides sensible enhancements, rising accessibility and safety.
Closure Refinements: The unique button closures, whereas useful, might be time-consuming and probably noisy to function. Switching to hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures is a well-liked possibility. This enables for quicker entry to magazines whereas additionally lowering noise, which might be essential in sure conditions.
Retention Enhancements: Improve the retention of the magazines by implementing elastic bands or shock twine. This may safe the magazines much more successfully and make them keep agency whenever you’re in a difficult setting.
Including Versatility: Accent Attachments
One of the important areas to discover when contemplating Chicom chest rig mods is the addition of accent attachment capabilities.
Introducing MOLLE: MOLLE (Modular Light-weight Load-carrying Tools) is the usual for attaching pouches and equipment to tactical gear. Including MOLLE webbing to your Chicom chest rig opens up a world of prospects. You may sew, glue, or use aftermarket panels to connect MOLLE webbing to the rig. This lets you mount extra pouches to your particular wants.
Integrating with Your Belt: Many customers discover that integrating the chest rig with a tactical belt supplies added stability. Choices embody utilizing belt loops or using attachment methods that work at the side of your current belt. These modifications could make a giant distinction in lowering undesirable motion throughout bodily actions.
Prioritizing Consolation: Enhancing the General Expertise
Consolation is essential, particularly throughout prolonged use. A number of Chicom chest rig mods can considerably enhance the general consolation of the rig.
Padding and Air flow: Strategic padding can alleviate stress factors and enhance the consolation of the rig. Contemplate including padding to the shoulder straps, the chest space, and the again panel. Equally, incorporating breathable supplies or including air flow will help to handle warmth and moisture.
Customized Builds: Discover choices the place you may design your very personal chest rig from scratch. Utilizing supplies like Cordura, you may create a personalized chest rig tailor-made exactly to your necessities.
Important Instruments and Supplies: Gathering What You Want
Earlier than starting any Chicom chest rig mods, gathering the proper instruments and supplies is significant. The required gadgets will fluctuate relying on the precise modifications you propose to implement.
Fundamental Instruments: You may probably want scissors, a seam ripper, a needle and thread (or a stitching machine), a scorching glue gun, and probably a lighter for sealing the ends of nylon webbing or paracord.
Important Supplies: Top off on nylon webbing, buckles, hook-and-loop (Velcro), elastic bands, paracord, foam padding, and MOLLE webbing.
Sourcing Provides: On-line retailers specializing in tactical gear and stitching provides are glorious assets. {Hardware} shops and craft shops can even present supplies for a lot of modifications.
A Sensible Information: Modifying a Journal Pouch Closure
Let’s delve right into a step-by-step information for a comparatively easy but impactful Chicom chest rig mod: changing a button closure to a hook-and-loop (Velcro) closure.
Put together Your Workspace: Collect all mandatory instruments and supplies. This contains the Chicom chest rig, a seam ripper, scissors, hook-and-loop tape (Velcro), needle and thread (or a stitching machine), and a ruler or measuring tape.
Take away the Present Closure: Use the seam ripper to rigorously take away the stitching that secures the button and the buttonhole flap. Watch out to not harm the encompassing material.
Measure and Lower Hook-and-Loop: Measure the world the place the buttonhole flap beforehand closed. Lower two items of hook-and-loop tape to match this measurement.
Connect the Hook-and-Loop: Connect the hook aspect of the Velcro to the chest rig itself, within the location the earlier button would have snapped into. You may sew this in place or use a powerful adhesive. Guarantee correct alignment for safe closure.
Connect the Loop Aspect: Connect the loop aspect of the Velcro to the inside of the flap. This may also be carried out by stitching it in or utilizing robust adhesive.
Take a look at the Closure: Take a look at the brand new Velcro closure to make sure it’s safe and supplies quick access to your magazines. Trim off any extra hook-and-loop tape as mandatory.
Security First: Guaranteeing Protected Practices
Security must be your major concern when enterprise any Chicom chest rig mods.
Eye Safety: At all times put on eye safety when reducing, stitching, or working with any instruments that would probably trigger damage.
Take a look at and Consider: Earlier than counting on any modification in a real-world setting, completely check it to make sure it’s protected and dependable.
Cautious Dealing with: Be cautious when utilizing sharp instruments. Work in a well-lit space, take your time, and keep away from speeding.
The Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Customization
There are clear benefits when enterprise Chicom chest rig mods, but it surely’s necessary to acknowledge the potential drawbacks.
The Advantages:
Enhanced Customization: Tailor the rig to your particular wants, loadout, and preferences.
Improved Consolation: Improve the rig’s consolation by means of extra ergonomic options.
Price-Effectiveness: Modifying a Chicom chest rig could be a budget-friendly different to buying a costlier, pre-made tactical setup.
The Satisfaction of DIY: The enjoyment of constructing or altering your gear, customizing it to suit your particular necessities.
The Drawbacks:
Time Dedication: Requires time, effort, and the educational of some new abilities.
Potential for Errors: Errors can happen, probably main to wreck to the rig.
Sturdiness Issues: Whereas the unique rig is rugged, some DIY modifications won’t be as sturdy as factory-made options.
In Conclusion: Embracing the Potential of Chicom Chest Rig Mods
Customizing a Chicom chest rig is a improbable method to unlock its full potential. By implementing varied Chicom chest rig mods, you may elevate the rig’s performance, consolation, and general efficiency. The probabilities are huge, from easy strap replacements to extra complicated MOLLE integration.
In case you are prepared to begin modifying your gear, listed below are some key issues to contemplate:
Assess your wants: What duties will you carry out whereas utilizing the chest rig?
Set targets: What enhancements do you wish to make?
Select your mods: Decide the modifications that can have probably the most impression.
Collect your instruments and supplies.
Begin modding and benefit from the outcomes.
By understanding the core rules, gathering the precise instruments, and approaching every modification with care, you may rework a easy Chicom chest rig into a customized piece of apparatus that meets your exact necessities. Discover on-line boards, watch movies, and share your personal experiences.
