Does anyone know if these are the same chest rigs? I would have thought so, but it appears as if the Larue comes with an extra two pouches, one on each side, right?
Do the extra two pouches remove from the MOLLE webbing, or are they permanently attached?
I’m just trying to determine which rig to buy, and IF these are the EXACT same rigs, with the exception of the two extra pouches on the Larue item.
Thanks for any help here.
The SKD version is an exclusive. LaRue and everyone else sells the original version of the Paul Howe Universal Rig. The only difference is that the SKD version lacks the twin side pouches and has MOLLE webbing there. The pouches on the original are non-removeable, and while they can be adapted for other things they are kind of specific in design (MBITR radios) and don’t really lend themselves too well to other uses. The SKD version allows greater flexibility because you can attach whatever pouches you want on the sides, or simply leave those areas bare if you choose.
I have the SKD version. It’s a nice piece of gear, well made and comfortable. I think the padded straps are somewhat overkill, but then I’ve never worn it stuffed to max capacity for ten or fifteen hours straight. If I did I might start to appreciate the padding! I tend to use it with only one AR mag in each pouch; and either four G19 mags up front or two G19 mags, a flashlight and a multitool. I have an Eagle M4 FB rig that I like better and use more often, but I have no real complaints with the SKD Universal.
If you want to learn more about Paul Howe, read Blackhawk Down. He is a highly regarded instructor now.
In my experience, with one USGI mag in each pouch there is some “wobble” but it was not excessive. With PMAGs there is less because they fit much more snugly into the pouches. If you look closely at the rig you will see that the two outer mag pouches have a velcro strap over the top for added retention and the two inner pouches do not; but despite the small amount of “wobble” I never had a mag fall out of any of them. I personally would not be overly worried about it happening unless I was hanging upside down or fast-roping out of a Little Bird.
Thanks tigerseven,
I went ahead and ordered this rig, and also some straps from sjauch, which will really be nice.
I just hope this rig will hold 30rd Bulgy Waffle mags, but I suppose if it won’t, I’ll still use this for my M4 setup.
I see this rig talked about on the AK forums sometimes, so I’m hoping it will hold Bulgy waffle mags without being too tight.
I dont think 2 bulgy waffles will fit, I asked somone this same question who had the SKD rig and he tried to fit two 5.56 bulgy waffles in it and it was a no go, but YMMV.
Hey Tim,
I just sent you an email. I had NO idea that there were other dealers selling this rig! I’m stoked to hear that man!
Now, the million dollar question: Do you have MULTICAM in stock? I will buy one immediately if you do. I almost bought a MC one from SKD the other day, but then I waited a couple days, and the MC is out of stock now. I did not realize they would be gone that quickly. I have no idea how fast they come back into stock at SKD, but IF YOU have a MC colored one in stock, I will buy it immediately.
Let me know. I sent you a PM also.
I don’t think that TWO Bulgy Waffle mags will fit either. ??? Are you sure about this mos2111??? Two Waffle mags are THICK my friend. Have you actually TRIED this, and confirmed it for yourself???
BTW guys,
I would like to ask all of you guys if you are using any type of “mag dump pouch” on your rigs??? I’ve always thought it might be nice to have one handy, but not sure if they are cumbersome during a training class or not?
Anyone using a Dump Pouch for their mags? If not, then what other pouches are you guys running on your SKD Universal rigs? Perhaps a small, misc gear pouch or something? Or, are you guys just sticking with the included 4 mag pouches, and not adding any other pouches?
How about Eagle brand Multicam pistol mag pouches. Anyone know if they are available anywhere, or are they near impossible to get? I’ll check with Eagle, but I was wondering if anyone knew of other dealers who had them???
Thanks guys.
I use two different dump pouches for different purposes. When running pistol-only, or light rifle use (meaning one or two rifle magazines), I like the Eagle Industries Duty Evidence Pouch. It packs down nice and small when not in use, is easily deployed, and is very lightweight. It will hold several pistol magazines and/or about two rifle magazines before becoming overloaded.
The other dump pouch I use is the CSM Gear Drop Pouch which I use when I’m going to be running a higher round-count class with more magazines. This pouch will hold at least 4 AR magazines and is a heavier-duty option than the Eagle above. It also has a bungie drawstring inside the main opening which makes it easy to get magazines stowed in it but makes it harder to accidentally lose them when running or going to prone.
I have an Eagle Medical Pouch that I sometimes use on mine, attached to the weakside. It has basic FAK stuff in it.
Eagle makes the FB pistol mag pouches (which are great) in Multicam, but they only make them to fit certain types of mags. What kind of pistol are you using?
Well,
I’m looking for Eagle multicam pistol mag pouches for standard 1911/.45ACP single stack mags, and then definitely some to fit S&W M&P45 mags.
Finally, I might even need some for a .45ACP Glock, but at this point, I’m not even sure if the .45ACP Glock would be single or double stack?
I’m a 1911 guy, and I’ve never owned a polymer/striker fired gun in my life. I’m for sure about to purchase an M&P45 here real soon, to use as a beater gun during a training class or two. Might also use it for an under the pillow night time backup piece/etc. The Glock will come a little later down the road.
Anyhow, I would definitely need the Eagle MC pistol mag pouches for single stack 1911/.45ACP, as well as for a M&P45 (either 4" midsize or 5" fullsize M&P45). Those are the DEFINITE necessities at this point.
Can said pistol mag pouches be had in Eagle Multicam from any dealer at this point? Why won’t Eagle just start making all their products available in MC?
I know they are busy, but usually what they DO offer is in every color BUT MC.
Eagle makes the FB pouches to fit 1911 mags. I have a set for my G19, and I really like the design. SKD has the single mag pouches in stock in Multicam.
I tend to use it with only one AR mag in each pouch; and either four G19 mags up front or two G19 mags, a flashlight and a multitool. I have an Eagle M4 FB rig that I like better and use more often, but I have no real complaints with the SKD Universal.