Suggestions for minimalist AR15 chest rig

**DRB** · June 12th, 2023, 04:12 PM

I'm looking at buying a minimalist chest rig for an AR15 and would like suggestions to hopefully save me time and money. I would like to carry 2/3/4 magazines and possibly have room for a TQ or other small items.

Thank you for any advice.

**KPShooting** · June 13th, 2023, 09:42 AM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QK4GVJQ/

I haven't really had a chance to use it yet aside from LARPing around the house a bit, but this one is ready go go out of the box. It's not the most minimalist (I could do with less pistol mag slots) but for the money it seems like a good deal for what you get.

Esstac used to make one (the trimmed bush) that was pretty nice and low profile. Used kwyis for mag retention and had lots of molle space to tack on whatever extra pouches you wanted. They stopped making them however. Might be able to find one used somewhere.

Unobtanium gear makes a chest rig system, but after you get all the parts you're probably in for over $150. I don't really care for the whole placcard system, but going this route would make it so you could transfer said placcard to a plate carrier if that's your jam.

In the similar vein Haley Strategic also makes a chest rig system that all the cool internet people seem to favor. But like the above, once you get all the pieces for it you're into some big $$. Not worth it in my opnion.

There are others out there that I've looked at, but they escape me at the moment.

**Emptymag** · June 13th, 2023, 11:57 AM

If you want something that holds four or ten thousand magazines, take your pick - there are dozens to choose from.

I wanted something with THREE mag pouches and it's not an easy task unless you have money to blow.
I want three because I'm not a big guy and four across just feels like the ones on the ends are in my way.

I'm going to make my own using USGI bandoleers and adding straps.
I came up with the idea on my own, but stumbled on this while looking for something else.
http://defensiveconceptsnc.com/makin...lle-bandolier/

In my case, I don't want a plate carrier - I want a few mags - that's it.

**DRB** · June 13th, 2023, 03:57 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. The idea of three magazines appeals to me just because it would be less bulky. The search will continue for a bit until making a decision.

**Emptymag** · June 13th, 2023, 04:11 PM

Are you looking specifically for a chest rig, or is a "over the shoulder" bandolier a consideration as well?

Personally, I want both, and I have several bandoliers set up at the ready for quick "grab n go", but I also want a chest rig.

Here's a pretty good value for a bandolier that has a lot of options.
I was considering buying one of these and modding it for chest use, but I have a bunch of the USGI ones on hand already, Iso I'm just going to use those - if I ever get around to making it.

$25 (several colors)
Arms Unlimited

**Emptymag** · June 13th, 2023, 04:22 PM

Here's a thread I started a while back. Not really anything specific to "chest rigs", but may be of some use for ideas on mag pouches.
(I don't think either of teh Midway pouches are still available)
https://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=331625

**ExFlyinguy** · June 13th, 2023, 06:34 PM

I'm on my phone and not very savvy with pics & links so please forgive.

I like Blackhawk stuff.
3 mag kangaroo pouch here: $40
https://www.blackhawk.com/tactical-n.../P1628175.html

Buy the load bearing harness $55

Link for harness: https://www.blackhawk.com/tactical-n...-37FS10BK.html

**Emptymag** · June 13th, 2023, 06:53 PM

Blackhawk also made a bandolier - I think it was a bandolier - 3 mags.
Ugh. I had a tab open with it, but must have closed it. Gotta see if I bookmarked it.
Forget the name, but it's still avail from various vendors and wasn't too expensive.

**Emptymag** · June 13th, 2023, 06:55 PM

I missed out on these when they were 50% off. (reg $100)
May be worth signing up for emails.

https://tacticon.com/product/chest-r...ors=olive-drab

**Emptymag** · June 13th, 2023, 07:02 PM

Sorry. I'm going through my bookmarks and finding stuff I forgot about,

This is a bandolier that's got an extra strap to keep it secure - like a chest rig-bandolier hybrid.
I know that they company isn't taking orders, and they are pretty pricey, but I think it's a great design. (and I may be doing something similar with my USGI bandoliers)