I’ve noticed a peculiarity on gun boards, albeit to a lesser degree on this one. Everyone talks about the weapon, ammo, and training, but few talk about the system of parts, tools, and accessories required to sustain operations with said weapon. To me, the rifle and the technology mounted on it are only a small part of the big picture of what’s needed for an AR-15.
Below is my list of what I consider my weapon “system,” in no particular order. My goal is that, should SHTF, everything needed to run and maintain my AR is ready to go in one location.
[ul]
[li]Hard Pelican case with custom-cut foam[/li][li]Soft rifle case (for short-term transportation)[/li][li]Cleaning supplies (Namely CLP, Eezox, SLiP 2000, trigger grease)[/li][li]A good cleaning rod, stored with AR in hard case[/li][li]Spare batteries for optics[/li][li]Torque wrenches (for both optics and minor weapon assembly, such as muzzle-device installation)[/li][li]Spare Pmags (6x 30 round magazines and 20 round magazines per AR - with cutouts for storage in the hard case, plus an additional 6 of each in reserve per AR)[/li][li]LuLa loaders (not required, but it saves a ton of time)[/li][li]A good sling (although I am currently slingless at the moment)[/li][li]A log book for each upper and lower receiver, citing round counts and maintenance[/li][li]Bipod (I prefer the Atlas)[/li][li]Weapon-mounted light[/li][li]Spare BCG/bolt, firing pins, receiver extension springs, buffer, and grips[/li][li]Leatherman/AR multi-tool[/li][/ul]
Does anyone else have a similar setup? What do you consider integral to your AR system?
I got the Pelican simply because it was a known quality and there were several examples of setups available I could use to form my own. It’s very easy to custom-cut the foam to store everything perfectly and keep it organized (as well as watertight in transit), whereas it’s much harder to do with a soft case.
What kind of case is that (specifically, besides being a “flight case”)?
It’s some Rhino somthing case. It was an equipment case for something unrelated that I made into my gear case. The foam in the lid holds a 1 pc DEWEY rod, and all the other crap is laid in there long rather than stacked so I can always get to crap without digging.
I notice you don’t have a way to carry all that stuff while actually in contact. Is it your intent to carry the pelican case with you while low crawling, firing and maneuvering etc?
This is what I consider my “go kit” actually the pic needs to be updated but am waiting on some new stuff
it all fits in here- I think all my “tactical gear” should be in one place and ready to go (this is stored next to my safe) preferably in something that doesn’t scream GUN very loudly
Custom cut pelican case foam is a liability more than useful. It looks cool and is functional when s doesn’t htf, but I’d rather not waste all that space for very specific items.
You’d be better off getting a soft case that perfectly fits into your pelican. Larue has such a system (storm case actually, but owned by pelican).
That’s actually what I’m currently working on. I’m still in the research mode, but I’m open to suggestions. I’m still debating between belt vs a vest-based system (leaning towards belt).
Any suggestions?
Although, it looks like you’ve got more of a bug-out-bag than a weapons loadout. I try to keep stuff not directly related to my weapon in a sling bag (I’m currently using a 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10). My goal is that any weapon I have has it’s own set of kit. That, coupled with my BOB bag, allows a bit of versatility between loadouts.
Not even for flight/travel. My issued m4 with optic and m9 sat in a pelican case with no cut outs, just sandwiched between two foam layers. I dragged that case through multiple airports, down and up gravel hills, palletized it a few times, and overall went through 5 different countries and 6 different types of aircraft.
Not a scratch (from baggage handling). Tons of scratches from every day use though.
The only use, imo, for custom cut foam at the individual level is to look cool.
The classic definition of “system” is the base platform (rifle/carbine) and attached/attachable devices needed for employment.
The definition of “kit” is what is needed to maintain and store the system for a specified period of time. This usually includes user-capable repair parts that does not require specialized tools. A “kit” may or may not include equipment such as magazine pouches, depending on buyer intent.
The armorer’s kit is what is needed to disassemble/assemble/repair all components at at a specific echelon of capability/responsibility.
So, my system is:
Carbine
Magazines
Day Optic
Night Optic
IR Laser
BUIS
Sling
Visible Light Device
My kit contains:
Hard Case (relatively unnecessary except for storage)
Soft Case
Cleaning Kit
Spare Bolt
Spare LPK
Batteries
Multitool
It does look pretty awesome. But I always wonder how they assemble a “sniper rifle” without tools and somehow it has amazing accuracy. I mean it’s not an AR upper and lower, the barrel and optics also come off from the receiver in those movies.
I also put my gear in “discreet” bags/cases as not to draw attention to myself or vehicle, but I would be wary of using that DeWalt bag. Short of people leaving leaving purses/wallets or electronics (iPhones/iPods) in plain view, tools are probably one of the more popular items taken from vehicles in our area. Back when I worked as a general contractor, we were strongly encouraged to carve (not Sharpie) our initials into our DeWalt tools and note SN’s so they’d be easier to find at the pawn shop later.
Depends on the use of the rifle. My H.D. setup is different from my 3 gun setup and I am about to build an SPR… so load outs would be way different for each.
Thant is my go-to weapons bag, range bag, pack for a three gun match bag etc. The only thing in it not weapons related is an MRE for when I forget lunch at the range. There is some stuff in there that would get taken out of I was BOing.
As far as belt -vs- chest rig. I think low profile chest rig or bandoleer is the way to go. You should already have mag pouches and holster for your pistol and a comfortable way to carry it discretely. The chest rig + rifle is for when you want to go less discrete. I think 3-4 mags, BOK and com gear are what need to be on a chest rig, maybe a multitool or knife (if you don’t already have that on your person). People will say it is quicker to put on a belt than a chest rig, but I find it’s so close as to be a wash and if you factor in changing out of CCW first the chest rig wins hands down. Also- it is possible to add a couple of things (discrete rifle mag or BOK) to a decent belt without going overboard.
note: I have spare batteries, some spare parts and a clearing rod ON my rifle to keep it in the fight. My bag has some more, a couple of tools, and cleaning kit in it.
