SPLAV Pioneer M23 Chest Harness

[Charlie]

Hey all. I've been looking around for a Pioneer-style chest rig, like this:

The only sites that I can find this on are either in the UK or have been shutdown. Does anyone 'round here have one of these? If not, I would like to make my own using a MOLLE chest rig as a base for the design. I would be greatful for any suggestions for a MOLLE rig if no one can find the M23.
Thanks for any help, guys.

[shakespeare]

I've never seen a vest like that before, but given my limited experience with nonmodular chest rigs, this comes as no surprise.

If you end up making a MOLLE rig, I recommend that you start with the Tactical Tailor 1 Piece MAV.

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/mavvestbody1piece.aspx

Granted, it is somewhat expensive for many airsofters, but it is made by a "real steel (real nylon?)" company. Their gear is used by many real military and law enforcement personnel. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, and is made of 1000d Cordura in the United States. I have had one for about 6 months and it doesn't even show any wear, just dirt.

[Charlie]

That complete set looks very nice (if I only had the money). I'm looking for something that atleast resembles, preferrably used (but in a generally good condition). I have enough money coming in, though it is going towards an AK-74u+mags. Is there a place I can find this cheaper?

[shakespeare]

You could look at this : http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... cts_id=994

It's not really the same vest, but it is a chest rig with good carrying capacity. I wore one for my first year of airsofting and it worked pretty well. For the price, it sure can't be beaten.

[Charlie]

I actually own one of those in Woodland, but plan on selling it to a friend. I'm not sure if it's just the way my body is or what, but it kept falling off in the middle of a firefight. I had the straps adjusted as tightly as I could, and that didn't do anything. Do you think I could take a AK Chest Rig and put some of those Plate Carrier sides on it (like the IBA ones on Tactical Tailor)?

EDIT: I was looking at the Blackhawk! Commando Chest Rigs, and they look the part, but, they do have a 100+ dollar price tag... I've also notived that some Russian Infantry will wear assault vests underneath their chest rigs. Why is that?

[shakespeare]

Hey, did you have the chest straps crossed over in back, or just going straight back like it came? I had the same problem, but I just crossed it over in the back (make an "X"), and it became a bit of a pain to take off, so it wouldn't come off ever.

I don't think that those IBA sides would work on a chest rig, they need MOLLE if I remember right. I'm not a big fan of Blackhawk, and that chest rig seems a bit pricey for what you get.

[Charlie]

I even made an X with the straps, but it continued to somehow find it's way off.

[shakespeare]

http://www.airsoftgi.com/images/comrig%20wood-D.jpg
An X like that?

[Charlie]

Yes.
EDIT: Just re-examined the rig, and it turns out that there is a few things wrong with the straps, which is probably why it was always managing to work it's way off me.

[shakespeare]

Yes, that would make sense. So what are your thoughts on what you want right now?

[Charlie]

Well, I just contact www.redsoldier.com via e-mail to see if they are somehow able to get their hands on the rig, as I have heard from many an airsoft forum that this is THE place to Russian gear. If that is not possible, It looks like I'll be buying an Eagle Chest Rig, like this one:
http://www.skdtac.com/Eagle_AK47_Chest_ ... ag.572.htm
and then adding grenade and utility pounches to the side.

[Nox]

There are several places you can get the splav stuff, Redsoldier is the best in my opinion and our team gets most of our gear there. My 2TL has a Splav vest that uses modular pouches that resembles the M23.
Lately, Redsoldier is carrying fewer and fewer items so we have been looking for other sites to buy from. If you specifically want Russian gear, you can check:
Russianarmysurplus.com
Sovietarmystuff.com
Redforces.com
Also, there are several stores on ebay that have very good customer service and high positive feedback:
Russian Camoflauge and Gear
USSR Online
Soviet Army Stuff

These are what I can come up with off the top of my head, with a little more searching I think I can come up with a few more.
Do you come out to the local games here in GP?

[danneskjold]

I had an M23 a few years ago, it was a good piece of kit for AK mags.

[Charlie]

I'm near Seattle, and I really don't get out of state, but that should change seeing that my team is slowly turning into a competition focused team. I'll definatly check out those sites, Nox. Thanks for the feed back! It's also good to hear that someone on this site has had a good experience with it!

[k3gn3123512]

How ironical i just saw that in an Army Store i was at.