Ive heard the bungee retention on the BCM 03 MSF Chest Harness have issues. Falling off, breaking, ect. Alot of people tape them, ive even seen staples.
Since ive seen the BCM 03 MSF ive wondered if the Esstac kydex or wedge:p inserts would work. Seems like if they do it would be a great accessory to have if you dont like the stock set up.
I message MM if he could shed light but he hasnt go back to me. I know USMC 03 had alot of input on this design and manufacturing. Can you tell me if this would work or if not, why?
I’ve used KYWIs to put passive retention into ATS/TT magazine shingles by cutting them narrower and somewhat shorter, and had it work very well.
The lips of the pouches on those have a taped edge. I cut the KYWIs just short enough so that the edge butted underneath that stitched-in tape, to keep them from pulling out with the mag. Secured it in place with Shoe Goo to make certain. I cut the KYWIs narrower in general, and made one side narrower still; can’t remember if I oriented that narrow side to the front or back of the pouch…fairly sure it was the front.
Difference that pops into my head between what I’ve done and applying it to the 03 harness pouches is that I mounted those shingles to another surface…an armor carrier or similar…duh, right?..so the back side of the KYWI was pushing up against something. I don’t see that as making them nonfunctional in terms of retention, but the back of the KYWI may push into and be felt by the wearer of an 03 rig, perhaps uncomfortably so.
I don’t own an 03 harness, and can’t tell from pictures as to whether or not its back panel is thick enough to eliminate that as a concern. I know that it’s 500D cloth, but if the back panel is folded/dual-layer, it may be good to go.
I use the bcm chest harness with the esstac inserts.
Works very well. Good fit etc. you will be gtg.
I cant see not having them after using them for that
Set up.Also for the bungees I use a water knot and they
Have never come undone.
When I initially got my BCM chest rig, I had to retie the bungees as they were all coming loose. I have not had any issues since. I also have not seen any issues with the bungees getting cut as they are pretty robust.
Mind you I am operating mostly with PMAGs and Troy Mags which do not have any sharp edges.