Understanding the Basis: The Essence of the Chicom Chest Rig
At its core, the Chicom chest rig is a remarkably easy design. Usually crafted from sturdy canvas or nylon, it incorporates a sequence of pouches designed to accommodate AK-47 magazines – a testomony to its origins. Nonetheless, its easy design can also be its limitation. The bottom configuration would possibly show considerably restrictive for customers with specialised wants, completely different weapons programs, or just a need for added consolation and flexibility.
The essential development contains a number of key elements:
Journal Pouches: These pouches, normally three or 4, are the center of the rig. They safe the magazines, conserving them readily accessible for fast reloads.
Shoulder Straps: These straps, vital for distributing the load, are sometimes constituted of the identical materials because the physique of the rig. The unique straps, although useful, can turn out to be uncomfortable throughout prolonged put on.
Again Straps: These straps assist safe the rig and forestall it from shifting throughout motion. Typically the design could require modification for a extra good match.
Flap Closures: The unique design used button closures to safe the journal pouches. These can typically be improved upon.
The inherent limitations of the usual Chicom chest rig turn out to be obvious throughout use. The shortage of modularity is usually a main downside. There’s little alternative so as to add equipment like IFAKs (Particular person First Support Kits), further pouches for different tools, or holsters. The unique shoulder and again straps would possibly lack the adjustability wanted for an ideal match, which might result in discomfort, chafing, and fatigue. Moreover, the closure mechanisms, whereas reliable, may be gradual to function, particularly below strain. For the trendy operator, a extra versatile and comfy system is usually needed. That is the place Chicom chest rig mods come into play, providing a pathway to customization.
Widespread Paths to Enchancment: Exploring Chicom Chest Rig Mods
The fantastic thing about the Chicom chest rig lies in its simplicity and the benefit with which it may be tailored. Quite a few Chicom chest rig mods may be carried out to deal with the rig’s limitations and enhance 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: Think about changing the unique shoulder straps with extra substantial, adjustable options. Wider straps will distribute the load extra evenly, lessening the strain in your shoulders. Padded straps supply further consolation, significantly when carrying a heavy load. You would possibly discover choices like H-harness programs, which offer a steady and comfy match whereas additionally facilitating simple changes. Supplies like Cordura nylon are sturdy, and supply nice outcomes for modding.
Again Strap Optimization: The again straps of the unique design typically want work to offer an optimum match. Adjusting their size to match your body is important for a snug and safe match. Modifying them, typically 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 gives sensible enhancements, rising accessibility and safety.
Closure Refinements: The unique button closures, whereas useful, may be time-consuming and probably noisy to function. Switching to hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures is a well-liked choice. This enables for sooner entry to magazines whereas additionally lowering noise, which may be essential in sure conditions.
Retention Enhancements: Improve the retention of the magazines by implementing elastic bands or shock wire. 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’ll be able to sew, glue, or use aftermarket panels to connect MOLLE webbing to the rig. This lets you mount further pouches in your particular wants.
Integrating with Your Belt: Many customers discover that integrating the chest rig with a tactical belt offers added stability. Choices embody utilizing belt loops or using attachment programs that work along side your current belt. These modifications could make a giant distinction in lowering undesirable motion throughout bodily actions.
Prioritizing Consolation: Enhancing the Total 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 strain factors and enhance the consolation of the rig. Think about including padding to the shoulder straps, the chest space, and the again panel. Equally, incorporating breathable supplies or including air flow can assist to handle warmth and moisture.
Customized Builds: Discover choices the place you possibly can design your very personal chest rig from scratch. Utilizing supplies like Cordura, you possibly can 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 particular modifications you plan to implement.
Fundamental Instruments: You may probably want scissors, a seam ripper, a needle and thread (or a stitching machine), a sizzling glue gun, and probably a lighter for sealing the ends of nylon webbing or paracord.
Important Supplies: Refill on nylon webbing, buckles, hook-and-loop (Velcro), elastic bands, paracord, foam padding, and MOLLE webbing.
Sourcing Provides: On-line retailers focusing on tactical gear and stitching provides are glorious sources. {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 needed 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 Current Closure: Use the seam ripper to fastidiously take away the stitching that secures the button and the buttonhole flap. Watch out to not harm the encompassing cloth.
Measure and Reduce Hook-and-Loop: Measure the world the place the buttonhole flap beforehand closed. Reduce two items of hook-and-loop tape to match this dimension.
Connect the Hook-and-Loop: Connect the hook facet of the Velcro to the chest rig itself, within the location the earlier button would have snapped into. You’ll be able to sew this in place or use a powerful adhesive. Guarantee correct alignment for safe closure.
Connect the Loop Facet: Connect the loop facet of the Velcro to the inside of the flap. This will also be carried out by stitching it in or utilizing robust adhesive.
Check the Closure: Check the brand new Velcro closure to make sure it’s safe and offers quick access to your magazines. Trim off any extra hook-and-loop tape as needed.
Security First: Making certain Protected Practices
Security ought to be your main concern when enterprise any Chicom chest rig mods.
Eye Safety: All the time put on eye safety when slicing, stitching, or working with any instruments that would probably trigger harm.
Check and Consider: Earlier than counting on any modification in a real-world setting, completely check it to make sure it’s secure and dependable.
Cautious Dealing with: Be cautious when utilizing sharp instruments. Work in a well-lit space, take your time, and keep away from dashing.
The Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Customization
There are clear benefits when enterprise Chicom chest rig mods, nevertheless it’s vital 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.
Value-Effectiveness: Modifying a Chicom chest rig is usually a budget-friendly different to buying a dearer, 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 training of some new abilities.
Potential for Errors: Errors can happen, probably main to wreck to the rig.
Sturdiness Concerns: Whereas the unique rig is rugged, some DIY modifications may not be as sturdy as factory-made options.
In Conclusion: Embracing the Potential of Chicom Chest Rig Mods
Customizing a Chicom chest rig is a incredible technique to unlock its full potential. By implementing numerous Chicom chest rig mods, you possibly can elevate the rig’s performance, consolation, and total efficiency. The chances are huge, from easy strap replacements to extra advanced MOLLE integration.
If you’re prepared to begin modifying your gear, listed here 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 may have essentially the most influence.
Collect your instruments and supplies.
Begin modding and benefit from the outcomes.
By understanding the core rules, gathering the best instruments, and approaching every modification with care, you possibly can remodel 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 individual experiences.
