If you don’t find the thing you’re looking for and you have to make or adjust it yourself, that is a part of airsoft that I really like. I needed a chestrig for my AK mags so it was time for some DIY
Something for my AK’s
I already had a chestrig for my M4 mags that I’m very happy with but before I used the ICS CXP UK1 captain, I used the ICS AK74U and that thing uses AK74 mags. But the problem was that I didn’t had anything to put it in. So the search to something that fitted my needs could begin.
I started of by laying down on the floor everything that I wanted to carry in my chestrig. This was something that I would use in combo with a small pack on my waist.
So I needed room for some mags, my communication, some snacks and a pouch for small stuff. After that I started searching the internet for cool pictures with AK chestrigs and suddenly I found this picture (SHOW PICTURE). This was perfect it checked a lot of the boxes and it was cool.
- Fit AK mags
- Cool looking
- Adjustable
- Place radio
When I use my AK and use the chestrig it should fit most outfits, it would have to fit on my M81 but also when we play as a rebel force. So the combo of old and new, that was something that was awesome.
Old meets New
The base of the chestrig is a 60s Chicom that you can find everywhere. You have a few different models, this one is the one with 3 mag pouches in the front and 2 grenade pouches on the side. By removing the grenade pouches it gave room to attach molle straps to it. With the molle straps it was possible to change the configuration in what I wanted.
So the 60s/moderns chicom was ready to be born.
I ordered a Chicom from china and ordered some fabric to make the molle loops on the side and went to work, well. I gave it to Lisa so she could create it.
After some time it was done and I couldn’t be more happy.
When I got back the chestrig she didn’t only added the molle but she also added plastic buckles to make it easier to put it on and take it of. By adding the clips, that was the finishing touch of customize the gear to what you want. She added 2 buckles at the front and one at the rear. It was basicly the thing that modern chestrig used today. If it works it works.
I also added some fabric in the pouch so the magazines sit a little bit higher so it’s easier to take them out. The flaps to cover the mags is always in the back to make it easier to get them out.
Need more mags
The only thing that could be better is that the chestrig can only hold 3 magzines, so when I use it I have to carry extra mags in a pouch on my belt. I usually carry 5 to 7 mags depending on the belt pouch. I also carry some extra mags in my backpack for longer missions.
I have been using the chestrig on many events in Belgium but also on big milsims like Berget and Bellum.
With the use of the ICS CXP ARK, this will be my chestrig for the next events and I look forward to use it again. It’s a cool piece of kit in my collection and I love to take it for a spin. There is a special vibe around a piece of kit if you adjusted yourself and that you made it your own.
Don’t be afraid to make something your own. Adjust something if you don’t like it. Try it out and adjust it again, if needed. By doing that, you will create a gear that is perfect for you.