A little gear help please

[OHLAR]

At the medina, OH show last weekend I picked up a South African M83 vest in a trade. See link as I don't know how to post picture :

http://www.worldcamo.com/images/rsa-83v.jpg

Other than a few comments from people that it is a good rig, I don't know much about it. A google search didn't turn up much, just a few sites selling them, but no real "how to" info. It doesn't seem to hold Fal mags very well. My ignorance on the subject is showing. Anyone care to help fill in the blanks?

Thanks, Ohlar

[kfranz]

Well, I've got very limited knowledge, but I'll give you what I've got.

The Pattern 83 wasn't designed for FAL mags, rather for 35 rd. R4 5.56 mags. I've got one that works fairly well with FAL mags, provided I use a spacer in the bottom, and it also works passably with AR mags. The mag pouches are a bit tight for FAL mags, but not horribly so, and it does help minimize rattle.

The large side pockets are for a 2 litre water bottle which is difficult to find, but rubbermaid and nalgene both have bottles that will serve reasonably well and fit the pocket.

The front right single pouch, as worn, also makes a decent expedient holster for large frame auto's.

[milhol]

Okay. I'll give it my best shot and add to what kfranz said.
The pattern 83 is current issue SADF. It is designed to hold R4 mags. The two big pouches on the side are designed for the 2 litre SADF water bottles but will hold the US 2 litre bladders if you squeeze a bit out. They'll also hold a 100 round belt of 7.62 link or 200round belt of 5.56 or a 24hr Aussie Combat Rat Pack (Ham and Egg, bleah).
The rear bottom pouch is for whatever, the zip is a bit sensitive so watch the mud and crud.
The rear top pouch will only just hold a two litre camel bak, with a lot of swearing and emptying. the side straps on the rear top pouch are for RPGs or bedroll, take your pick, the bedroll will be a light summer weight.
The two little pouches on the side under your armpit will hold an M26 with room or a first aid dressing.
I always thought the little pouch on the right side was for a torch, but I could never find a torch that would fit, I see in the example they have a pen in there.
On the left side down the bottom there is a velcroed map pouch that makes a good survival stash, on the right side there is a similar space with no closure, you can stuff stuff in there but don't expect it to stay there for long.
You can squeeze 12 AR mags into it without a problem. FAL mags may fit but may be too tight to get out in a hurry.
You can put a lot of kit in there and still be comfortable, though you might not be able to stand up without assistance if you fall over, be careul not to overload.
All in all a very tough and versatile load bearing kit that will see you for a long while.
Talk to Peter Wells for more info. He da man.:biggrin:

[milhol]

Forgot to add, give me the word and I'll get some water bottles for you. Two for A$32 plus postage.
Or go here and cut out the middle man:) http://www.kitbag.com.au/category164_2.htm

[OHLAR]

kfranz & milhol,

Thanks to both of you for giving me the low down on the M83 vest. I am looking forward to trying it out soon. I'll also be taking a look at those water bottles at kitbag.com.

Thanks again, Ohlar

[EMDII]

re: gear help-
You must be a Contributor to 'attach' pics. You CAN use the IMG button to link to a host-accessible pic.

TED
1*

[capeboer]

O but do you have a mint M83 chest webbing rig to go with that M83 vest...?

capeboer can provide...

Cape Town
South Africa

[MacAleese]

You have any Niemoller gear for sale capeboer?

[kfranz]

Originally posted by capeboer
O but do you have a mint M83 chest webbing rig to go with that M83 vest...?

capeboer can provide...

Cape Town
South Africa

Why yes, yes I do. Another fine piece of equipment, and works with AK mags too...:)

[Farmer from Hell]

How about a Pat 83 Ruck? BTW CTD has them in their latest catalog.

I have a vest but its too tight for FAL mags and I cant bring myself to butcher it up to try to make them fit. Im saving it for AR duty.

FfH

[Peter Wells]

Not much to add Miles other than:

1) the bottles on that site appear black - maybe it's just the lighting but they should be OD.

2) depending on obvious other factors, the various pockets/pouches are used for radio/batteries, rats, pencil flare, smoke, 60mm HE/Smk, M26 or rifle grenades.

3) the M83 frame pack works best with just the chest webbing - the biggest problem is that you are seperated from your water when you dump/cache your pack (my 'Light Infantry' roots are showing - sorry) . If someone could design a camel-bakish thing to go under the pack that would be progress.