Sandbox C9 Gunner Impression

[punk_newbie]

So I am trying to put together a current deployed C9 gunner impression. I've gotten the basics down so far, but I am hung up on what rig to get. It is my understanding there is a fair amount of commercial kit used, but narrowing down what is used by C9 gunners has been a bit of a challenge.

From what I've read the most popular commercial rig for C9 use is the CPGear MoFOCR. I can't quite justify spending almost $400 on a rig for airsoft and the inevitable zombie apocalypse. So this isn't high on my list to get.

The next choice I've found is the TT MAV in Coyote with X-Harness. I really like this set up and would like to get the MAV w/ pouches included out of ease and cost savings. The one question I have with this set up is would having Coyote pouches be acceptable or would I need to simply get the MAV and buy separate AR pouches?

The one I was looking at originally was the CPGear KISS rig w/ Gunner setup. It is basically a MAV, but available in Cadpat AR and easier ability to replace buckles. I don't think I would mind spending the extra money for this setup, except I have seen no mention of its use in my search.

I would greatly appreciate what ever insight you guys can provide and pictures would be great. I haven't been able to find many pictures of C9 gunners with a non issue vest, the ones I have found it has been pretty unclear what the rig in use was.

[Kingly]

any Infantry soldiers that I know, who have gone overseas, and are delegated the use of the C9 just use their issued vest.

[Midma]

Originally Posted by Kingly

any Infantry soldiers that I know, who have gone overseas, and are delegated the use of the C9 just use their issued vest.

It is correct.

Look at this:



Midma

[warbird]

That is supposedly a JTF 2 member.

[Kokanee]

With the relaxation on the use of "non issue rigs" over the past few years overseas, there really is no wrong choice here. Some of the most popular rigs I saw were made by TT, there was some CP gear but not much.

A CF member choosing to purchase their own gear would stick w/ CADPAT, or if it came to a solid colour green/tan. Stick to that and you'll be fine.

[Midma]

Not verified, and I'm not sure is one.

Probably, but he have a very low profile set-up.

Midma

[Midma]

Others pictures to help you:







Midma

[Point_Man]

A pic of my buddy getting ready for a convoy. The rig is a Tan HSGI Woosatch with 4 C9 Box pouches across the front, 2 frag grenade pouches and a small utility pouch on the front. He also has a first aid pouch not seen in this picture.

Given the amount of ammo you have to carry issue tac vests are hardly, if ever seen on gunners.

[punk_newbie]

Thank you all very much. I've decided to go with the TT MAV.

[Mordarski J.A.]

Originally Posted by Midma

Thank God I saw a BFA on the end of that LMG, I was just about to ask if that guy knew how useless he'd be using a mag with a C9. For those that don't know (though if you're reading these forums, you probably do know), the C9 is famous for jams using magazines. Though the weapon was designed to use a magazine, it is more effective when belt-fed (200rd C9 box). In addition to that, also true in airsoft, a magazine is entirely short-lived when used in an LMG.

Doing a proper C9 gunner is a great idea, and I can't wait to see some photos out of it. But please, for the love of all that is holy, leave the damned mag at home LOL!

[ThunderCactus]

Funny you should mention that, they ended up developing a version of the M249 specifically for special forces use. They lightened the LMG by 1kg by scrapping the mag loading port, and made it belt feed only.

[Yeoman]

fyi; i did not once even see anybody wear a mav over there
four of the c9 gunners in my platoon had tag plate carriers
or british vests they scored off the paras

[punk_newbie]

I've been looking over the gear and pictures and the TT MAV is starting to look smaller and smaller. Carrying 3 box mag pouches, IFAK, radio, plus future gear bits as I nail down the impression is looking next to impossible to fit on the set up. I like the HSGI Woosatch and it looks like it has the space for a good setup. Now just to find pouches that don't feel like bending me over.

Also, I'm sure standard carry varies from person to person, but for a basic foot patrol what would be a basic list of essential gear?

[marac]

well if you want currently deployed look, you can go either with issue tac vest or a tactical tailor chest rig. most of the guys in my platoon currently use their issued tac vest 'cause they're forbidden to use their own rigs/vests simply because it doesn't have tactical tailor label on it.

[Yeoman]

simple for a c9 gunner;
ifak, ammo, frags, water, prr, knife, somewhere to put the NOD's
again some of the guys in my platoon managed to score the 100 round nutsacks from friendly yanks/ppcliers. but they all carried four boxes on em
repeat