I would be interested in hearing what sort of loadout the competitors will be sporting this time around. Especially if any there are any changes as a result of your experience in the summer run n gun.
Also, what winter specific gear have you decided on, or intend to test out.
I am pretty set on on your standard mil issue cold weather gear. It hasnt let me down in the past, so I dont see a good reason to change now. Im assuming it will be cold enough for a base layer and between one and two insulating layers. I plan on having a shell available in case it is wet, in which case the one insul layer should suffice. It will probably be a good idea to have a couple or three hand warmers in various pockets. Gonna run, shuffle , walk in Lowa Zephyrs. They are the first boots I have found that did not cause issues with my arch or induce shin splints when running with weight.
On top of that I will be running a different plate carrier and pouch setup. Instead of hanging the Safariland 6004 off my trouser belt, I have switched over to an HSGI sure grip which also carries two FB pistol mag pouches, TQ and a standard IFAK. There is also a double taco rifle pouch on it for when I use it sans plate carrier, but it will probably be empty in favor of carrying rifle mags on the plate carrier.
As far as the plate carrier goes, I have gone back to the SKD PIG with a molle cummerbund. The Crye JPC I had before and used for the summer run n gun is a very capable unit, but the pig is much more stable and comfortable. On the back I have a 70oz Source bladder. On the left side molle a small TT multi purpose pouch with multi tool, lube and spare contacts for my crappy vision, ( saline in the belt IFAK). moving toward the right is a single TACO rifle pouch, then 3 Eagle double mag pouches. The Eagles have a single mag in them usually to reduce bulk but still give me the option of carrying more ammo if need be. Next to that is an HSGI bleeder kit. It may seem redundant to have two med kits, but I designed this layout so I could reach the necessaries with either hand, and I cant stand having the regular IFAK in the small of my back, and its too big to put anywhere else without interfering. The right side of the carrier is slick to allow a less convoluted pistol draw. I also have a TQ laced on the upper left in front of the carrier, high enough to not interfere with reloading from the mag carrier below it.
On the belt I have a TQ at 1 oclock, 6004 with sls hood at 3 , Standard IFAK at 8 , double TACO at 9, and the two Eagle pistol mag pouches in front of that at 11ish.
As far as weapons, they are the same as I ran in the summer run n gun with the exception of optics/sights. On the CQBR, the Elcan has been replaced with an Aimpoint Comp M4 and the Glock 17 is sporting a set of Defoor sights. I do not expect to be able to engage past 300 meters as well with my rifle optic choice, but it makes more sense considering the engagement envelope of a 10.3 in barrel. On the other hand, the Defoor sights are a superb replacement for the stock sights. They have made finding the front post and dropping it into the rear slot much faster. I have yet to decide whether I will go suppressed this time around. The rifle is a fair bit more accurate with the can on, but it is alot easier to move around without it.
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Also, what winter specific gear have you decided on, or intend to test out.
I am pretty set on on your standard mil issue cold weather gear. It hasnt let me down in the past, so I dont see a good reason to change now. Im assuming it will be cold enough for a base layer and between one and two insulating layers. I plan on having a shell available in case it is wet, in which case the one insul layer should suffice. It will probably be a good idea to have a couple or three hand warmers in various pockets. Gonna run, shuffle , walk in Lowa Zephyrs. They are the first boots I have found that did not cause issues with my arch or induce shin splints when running with weight.
On top of that I will be running a different plate carrier and pouch setup. Instead of hanging the Safariland 6004 off my trouser belt, I have switched over to an HSGI sure grip which also carries two FB pistol mag pouches, TQ and a standard IFAK. There is also a double taco rifle pouch on it for when I use it sans plate carrier, but it will probably be empty in favor of carrying rifle mags on the plate carrier.
As far as the plate carrier goes, I have gone back to the SKD PIG with a molle cummerbund. The Crye JPC I had before and used for the summer run n gun is a very capable unit, but the pig is much more stable and comfortable. On the back I have a 70oz Source bladder. On the left side molle a small TT multi purpose pouch with multi tool, lube and spare contacts for my crappy vision, ( saline in the belt IFAK). moving toward the right is a single TACO rifle pouch, then 3 Eagle double mag pouches. The Eagles have a single mag in them usually to reduce bulk but still give me the option of carrying more ammo if need be. Next to that is an HSGI bleeder kit. It may seem redundant to have two med kits, but I designed this layout so I could reach the necessaries with either hand, and I cant stand having the regular IFAK in the small of my back, and its too big to put anywhere else without interfering. The right side of the carrier is slick to allow a less convoluted pistol draw. I also have a TQ laced on the upper left in front of the carrier, high enough to not interfere with reloading from the mag carrier below it.
On the belt I have a TQ at 1 oclock, 6004 with sls hood at 3 , Standard IFAK at 8 , double TACO at 9, and the two Eagle pistol mag pouches in front of that at 11ish.
As far as weapons, they are the same as I ran in the summer run n gun with the exception of optics/sights. On the CQBR, the Elcan has been replaced with an Aimpoint Comp M4 and the Glock 17 is sporting a set of Defoor sights. I do not expect to be able to engage past 300 meters as well with my rifle optic choice, but it makes more sense considering the engagement envelope of a 10.3 in barrel. On the other hand, the Defoor sights are a superb replacement for the stock sights. They have made finding the front post and dropping it into the rear slot much faster. I have yet to decide whether I will go suppressed this time around. The rifle is a fair bit more accurate with the can on, but it is alot easier to move around without it.
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