what gear for pistol/carbine class

[Cserv]

I tried the search and didn't really get the answer I'm looking for. Guy's I need to onow what is an acceptable set up for basic pistol/carbine class. If able to get it together, I will be running a Mini-14 Ranch and a Glock22. I only have factory 20 rounders for my Mini, so this will probably limit my choices in pouches. Please don't blast me for what I have, I would just like some guidance in selecting a set up to get me through.
Thanks for the help. Oh yeah, I have zero tactical gear, this will be my first class of any kind since basic training in 1987.
Eric

 

[427Cobra]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

LULA Loaders, open mind, everything else is subjective.

 

[truth]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Really depends on the class. They should have a list of required gear. Anyone that gives you a hard time based on the gear you don't own is an idiot. Run what you've got and learn to use it to the best of your abilities. Most importantly, have fun.

 

[Cserv]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Guess I should be a bit more clear. I have nothing. No mag pouches, no belt, no panels, no vest. I do have, a Mini-14 with 5 20rd mags, a sling, and stock pack. A Glock 22 .40 with 5 15rd mags, a Blackhawk serpa holster, pants,boots,eyes&ears. And a desire to become more proficiant in the deployment of my tools.
When I was in we used L.B.E's and an ALICE pack. Things have come a long way since then.
I guess I'm looking for recommendations for some load bearing equipment that is up to date and effective.
Thanks,
Eric
Oh yeah, the class I'm looking at is the John McPhee 2 day class in Miami.

 

[sawman556]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

I really like The Wilderness titanium instructor belts(5 stitch). I have 2 and wear one everyday, even when I don't carry. I also like their mag pouches. Galati International has some decent mag pouches that are fairly cheap. Personally, I wouldn't buy much because you will probably be turned on to some good stuff at the course. A good belt is a must, IMO.

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=product&id=1585&parent=142

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Well, if it is a BASIC carbine/pistol class I would recommend along with what you already have mentioned; a sturdy belt, two belt mounted kydex rifle magazine holders and one (or two) belt mounted Kydex pistol magazine holders. I say kydex over leather, nylon, etc. as they are pretty much idiot proof for drills. Take as many magazines as you have (load them beforehand if you can) because even though you will be able to load between drills you won't want to be the one in the class holding things up. For a basic class, that's it (of course, eye-ear protection, hat with visor, sunscreen, lube, etc.) If you show up with armour or a tac/entry vest you'll just be marked as mall ninja although YMMV. Just make certain your guns run, unless you are drilling to do so you won't want to be clearing malfunctions all day long.

 

[Cserv]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Thanks, that's what I am looking for. And no worries on the mall ninja gear, don't own any, and ain't that tacticool.
The class recommends an optic but I don't know how far out we'll be going. I have 3-9 on my rifle that I hunt with, I just don't want too much if I don't really need it. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks
Eric

 

[JohnnyC]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Check out the Ready Tactical kydex mag pouches from SKD. 2 of those for the rifle mags, and 2 of those for your pistol mags will set you up nicely, inexpensively, and most importantly will not hold you back in the class while showing you what deficiencies are in your kit. It's the least expensive way to cover your requirements, and they also happen to be a bomber piece of kit. There have been a couple classes I've taken where I've shown up with the exact setup as described and wiped the floor with guys who showed up with full plate carriers in matching multicam looking tier 1 as feck. It's the Indian not the arrow, go with an open mind and the mos simple setup you can.

Also bring a notepad and pen. WRITE EVERY SOLID PIECE OF INFORMATION DOWN!

 

[truth]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cserv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guess I should be a bit more clear. I have nothing. No mag pouches, no belt, no panels, no vest. I do have, a Mini-14 with 5 20rd mags, a sling, and stock pack. A Glock 22 .40 with 5 15rd mags, a Blackhawk serpa holster, pants,boots,eyes&ears. And a desire to become more proficiant in the deployment of my tools.
When I was in we used L.B.E's and an ALICE pack. Things have come a long way since then.
I guess I'm looking for recommendations for some load bearing equipment that is up to date and effective.
Thanks,
Eric
Oh yeah, the class I'm looking at is the John McPhee 2 day class in Miami.</div></div>


It's all listed right here:

http://store.greygrouptraining.com/2-DAY-PISTOL-CARBINE-MARKSMAN-37886.html

 

[Cserv]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Truth,
Thanks, yeah I saw that but I was wanting some recommendations on some basic kit.
Appreciate all the help thus far. Now to get some stuff ordered and get familiar with it before the class.
Thanks
Eric

 

[WadeP]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Your Mini-14 will run well in class as long as your keep it lubed and use only factory magazines. Don't let the AR15 snobs look down their noses at you. Your Mini will be chugging along when some of them start to choke. Some Mini's do suffer for accuracy or begin to string shots when they get hot. If your's does, check out the Accu-strut.

As for gear, five mags should do. Check with the instructor because most "carbine" classes now are so AR15-centric that all the drills and sets are structured around 30rd mags. No problem using 20's, you'll just reload more.

As for gear. Buy quality and wring it out thoroughly beforehand so you're not adjusting it or fighting it during class. All these include a quality pistol holster (I'm not a serpa fan, btw) and a good rifle sling, either carry strap or three-point. I wouldn't run a single point at your first carbine class.

Some options:
1. Padded battle belt and combo rifle/pistol pouches.
Belt
http://www.hsgi.us/proddetail.php?prod=HSG-SGPB&cat=18

Pouches. I'd get two or three for the belt and pocket the spares.
http://www.hsgi.us/proddetail.php?prod=HSG-DDT&cat=34

Dump pouch for retaining mags. Either condor or maxpedition make good ones.


2. Lightweight chest rig.
http://www.hsgi.us/proddetail.php?prod=HSG-DDTCombo&cat=46

3. Sturdy belt and kydex mag pouches.
I like Blade-tech and Raven concealment, but I'm not sure they make pouches for the Mini-14 mags.

4. Shoulder bag for rifle mags. Pistol and pistol mags on the belt.
http://www.onesourcetactical.com/terroristinterdictionbagtib.aspx#.T6M7FsW6X4E

I've taken or instructed countless rifle classes using each of these methods so I'm confident in these recommendations. You just have to find what works for you.

Don't forget the other incidentals such as camera, water, snacks, sunscreen, ball-cap or brimmed hat, boo-boo kit for cuts, scrapes and burns, folding chair, spare eyeglasses if you wear them, backup eye and ear protection, more ammo than you think you'll need, bug repellent, notepad and pencil, spare clothes for sudden inclement weather, sturdy boots and change of socks, any medication you regularly take or might need to cope with allergies, aches, headache or a sudden cold.

Most important of all is an open mind, willingness to receive instruction and have fun!

 

[Cserv]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Wade,
Thanks for all the info. Yeah my mini is a workhorse. I did have a problem with stringing, so I put together my own strut. It act like a heat sink(sp), and stiffens the barrel to control whip.
The kit I'm looking at cosists of; HSGI small chest rig, 3 ATS m-4 short mag pouches, HSGI riggers belt, 2 SKD pistol mag or 2 HSGI P-TACO's.
Any other suggestions are welcome, and appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[B3dlam]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

As has been stated I would definitely contact the instructor. But that being said the other thing you should definitely look at is a decent optic for the rifle I would consider looking at something like the vortex pst 1-4 or an SWFA SS 1-4 or 1-6. You could also look at an EoTech but the best bet is to contact the instructor you are already paying this instructor good money for the class you might as well use his resources. It will be hard for people to give specifics without knowing the course.

 

[B3dlam]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

As has been stated I would definitely contact the instructor. But that being said the other thing you should definitely look at is a decent optic for the rifle I would consider looking at something like the vortex pst 1-4 or an SWFA SS 1-4 or 1-6. You could also look at an EoTech but the best bet is to contact the instructor you are already paying this instructor good money for the class you might as well use his resources. It will be hard for people to give specifics without knowing the course.

 

[Cserv]

Re: what gear for pistol/carbine class

Think I'm going all on the belt and ditching the chest rig idea. Seems much simpler and more natural to me. What say ye? Probably going with the HSGI TACO's on a rigger's belt.