M83 Chest rig FAL compatible?

[JasonB]

I know the South African M83 vest will not accept FAL mags, but how does the M83 chest harness do with FAL mags?

Thanks,
Jason

[kfranz]

My M83 works with FAL mags. They are tight, but better snug than floppy in my mind. The chest harness fits side to side more easily, but it has deeper pockets requiring larger bottom lifters. Works great for metric 30's though....

[JasonB]

As always forgot to ask something:) Does the M83 carry 3 or 6 FAL mags total? I know it accepts 2 R4 mags per pouch, but not sure what that works out to in 7.62x51:

Thanks,
Jason

[kfranz]

It will take 2 per pouch. If you really want, the rt. side pouch (as worn) will also hold a 20, as will the lower left pouch. Magpuls have much the same effect as I described for the Type 63 LBE....

[JasonB]

Does anyone know of a source for the chest rig in decent condition?

Thank,
Jason

[pdt203]

I ordered mine off ebay, here is one just like it: black chest rig (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=588&item=2267722218&rd=1)



Fit's FAL, CETME, and mini-14 mags.

Johnny in Huntsville

[kfranz]

Originally posted by JasonB
Does anyone know of a source for the chest rig in decent condition?

Thank,
Jason

I've had good luck tracking down pattern 83 stuff at www.transworldsurplus.co.uk

They ship as fast as most domestic outfits, and the stuff I got was better than advertised. If it were my $, I'd shy away from the knock off market. I've gotten a few pieces just out of curiosity, and they have been of much poorer quality. They'll hold up just as well as issue stuff while stored in a box, but the stuff I've seen would not stand up to prolonged use.

http://members.fortunecity.com/swatshop/page15.htm

another possibility

[Sword of Laban]

The Ranger chest rig will not last two hours of shooting and scooting. They are made to disintegrate quickly, ask me how I know. The material is not bad they just use cheap connectors, 1” web and are not properly sewn. I used it at a Practical Rifle Match it lasted the first two stages and then just fell apart after that. I replaced the 1” waist webbing with 2” and Fastex connectors then restiched every seam. After fixing it I have had much better luck with it and it staying put, no connectors self disconnecting or seams tearing while runnin and gunnin.

[BroncoMafia]

Originally posted by JasonB
Does anyone know of a source for the chest rig in decent condition?

Thank,
Jason

I have one that I bought off a member here that I will sell.
PM me for details and I will take pics if you like.
it is the real macoy, not a chinese copy.

[l1a1man]

Just received my M83 vest. The pockets hold a total of 12, 20round mags. Cheaper than dirt advertises them as in stock for $69

[TimW]

Though this isn't about the chest right, a REAL South African P-83 assault vest is one of the best values out there for an assault vest if you can get it under $80.00 The one I have (purchased about 3 years ago) has held up very well, but I'll be replacing the velcro on it with new stuff, since the old has worn out.

In my vest, I cannot get 2 FAL mags into the pockets, and I did not want to cut the dividers. Also, the back pouches are not big enough for anything other than a 50oz Camelbak-type unit, and the deserts of Arizona require MUCH more than that. If you cut the bottom dividing the top and bottom pouches on the back, you can get a 70oz unit in there.

This was my first assault vest and I still have it. I purchased a Swedish version from a guy on another board, and it's sized big enough to carry 308 or 5.56 mags and a 3L Camelbak.

The South African P-83 vest was the basis for the design of the MESA Assault Vest. I liked the overall layout of the P-83 and the way it fit. My first designs of the MESA were fixed-pocket models, but after some consultation with "folks in the know", I decided to go modular to allow folks to customize it to their liking. My MESA mimics the P-83, but that's what I liked and that's how I set mine up.

I know some folks who've gone with SAW/M-60 pouches for their main ammo pockets, others who've set it up more as a super-burly hiking vest w/no ammo, but plenty of medical and other gear. That's the true advantage of modularity. Yes, all those pouches and stuff can result in a vest that costs more, but the good thing is you don't have to eat that sandwich all in one bite...you can take your time....

[Merkava]

I got my M-83 chest harness a year ago from World Militia (www.worldcamo.com) for $38. Like new.

[Enquiring Minds]

Originally posted by JasonB
As always forgot to ask something:) Does the M83 carry 3 or 6 FAL mags total? I know it accepts 2 R4 mags per pouch, but not sure what that works out to in 7.62x51

I don't have access to my M83 chest rig at the moment, but IIRC from fooling around with it 3 years ago, it would realistically fit 5 FAL mags, not 6, i.e. in one of the 3 pouches--preferably the center one--you had to go with just one mag, and let it ride a bit cock-eyed, or else the mags in the other 2 pouches would require a winch to get them out... if you ever shoehorned the 6th one in.

IIRC, the 3 other little peripheral/outboard pockets are sized for an FFD, a smoke grenade, and a compass, or accessories of that size and "cylindricality"--none big enough for a FAL mag. A cellphone, radio, or food-bars would work if you're short of grenades. A large flat mesh map pocket goes across the backside, against your chest. It is made to be worn with the M83 rucksack.

Got it from transworld, as part of a larger order, pretty cheap, and it was BRAND NEW, unissued. Shipping from UK a bit steep if just getting 1 or 2 small items.


PS: All the M-83/Pattern 83 SADF gear was sized for R4 (.223) mags, which are 35 round, and LESS curved than 30 round AR mags. So while they work with AR-30s, they work even better with 30rd Orlites, because they're less curved.

[FN74]

The SA 83 rig works well, but with the MESA being relativly affordable, why not go with it?

I used the 83 rig for the better part of 3 years, and have since switched to the MESA, and am very happy I did so! Thanks TIM W! ;)

http://www.fototime.com/1472A51F7A64C41/standard.jpg

I'll take and post pics of my MESA set up sometime soon.

Regards,
FN74

[l1a1man]

Cool photo. Not to highjack this thrread but how do those short 12ga rounds feed for you?

[Farmer from Hell]

74 you swapped out that "flash enhancer" yet? I never knew how much that thing added till I got rid of mine. There was a big increase in flash with it compared to a bare barrel. Got a short Styer on there now.

Jason do a seach under my handle in reviews I believe. I put up some pics of a chest rig I bought a little while ago. Id do it myself but Im getting the server is busy BS. Glad that was strightened out the other week.:rolleyes:

FfH

[FN74]

Originally posted by l1a1man
Cool photo. Not to highjack this thrread but how do those short 12ga rounds feed for you?

Short 12g rounds feed flawlessly from the winchester 1300.

[FN74]

Originally posted by Farmer from Hell
74 you swapped out that "flash enhancer" yet? I never knew how much that thing added till I got rid of mine. There was a big increase in flash with it compared to a bare barrel. Got a short Styer on there now.

Jason do a seach under my handle in reviews I believe. I put up some pics of a chest rig I bought a little while ago. Id do it myself but Im getting the server is busy BS. Glad that was strightened out the other week.:rolleyes:

FfH

FfH,
nope - it just would'nt be the same "FN74" without the brake....lol.

Besides - because of the brake that I beat 16 AR15s back in Feb with EMD at the Aiken, SC low country boil shoot.....

;)

I was fond of the 74 brake even before the ban. - damn good design.

[l1a1man]

I tried them in my 590 and they spun so fast on the feed pawl they would end up sideways or backwards in the receiver. bummer.:( :(

[JasonB]

The short rounds will normally only feed well in Winchester 1200/1300's(and I assume FN's.) I had a 1200 that ran them well for awhile(that was one of the few things it did do well.) I seem to recall an article mentioning Mossbergs and Remingtons could be modified to feed them, but have yet to see the details. Very fun ammo to shoot I might add:)
Jason

[l1a1man]

And you can put more shsells in the tube. I traded the 590 for a 870. I'll have to look into the mods for them.

[FN74]

Has to do with the shell feed elevator design mostly. My 1300 will hold 11 of the mini shells, and they are good quality.

I think brownells has a replacement piece for the rem and mossberg sg elevator so it will feed the minis more reliable.

As in the pic, my SG with speedfeed stock and sidesaddle holds 21 shells.

[Sword of Laban]

OK so the M83 vest – not chest rig- with a little convincing can be made to fit two FAL mags per pouch if the dividers are cut out? I am looking at picking up a M83 if I can make it work with my FAL mags. Otherwise I am probably going to piece together a molle vest.

[TimW]

Originally posted by Sword of Laban
OK so the M83 vest – not chest rig- with a little convincing can be made to fit two FAL mags per pouch if the dividers are cut out? I am looking at picking up a M83 if I can make it work with my FAL mags. Otherwise I am probably going to piece together a molle vest.

A qualified "yes". FN74 got his to work. I could only get 1 FAL mag in each pocket and cutting the divider wouldn't have helped. Thus, I kept the dividers and use it for my AR.

My suggestion is to take FAL mags with you if you have the opportunity to try-before-you-buy.

[Sword of Laban]

Thanks Tim, I was going the cheaper than dirt gamble way. I have a 23" neck so most of the MOLLE vests are hard on it. I really liked your Strike vest and could slowly build up the pouches I need but looking at it I can tell the vest is cut for people with normal necks. My goal, though it may be insane is to hook up with the Oregon National Guard's medical evacuation squadron doing my old crew chief thing. Damn trumpets. Hoping to have better than issue LBE when I do so. This is more of a dry run to see what works for me and every MBR needs its own set of webgear.

[kfranz]

Originally posted by TimW


My suggestion is to take FAL mags with you if you have the opportunity to try-before-you-buy.

That is excellent advice, as both of the Pat. 83 vests that I have had fit two mags with the divider still intact. The mags were tight, and didn't rattle in the least, but they fit....

[FN74]

A few pics of mine after the conversion:

Top pouches hold two, bottom ones hold three fal mags for me.
http://www.fototime.com/07C2186489C27F4/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/57127778188542F/standard.jpg

Same pouch as above, flap closed.
http://www.fototime.com/C174750C1D6B580/standard.jpg


Bottom front right (as you're wearing it) pouches - two singles, divider cut and flap sewn together will hold 3 fal mags.
http://www.fototime.com/7BBD3AD4D219FF3/standard.jpg


Full loadout:
http://www.fototime.com/91C7BD0D12F8F77/standard.jpg

Back of the same:
http://www.fototime.com/90EC1AF69CBF178/standard.jpg


In use in the swamp:
http://www.fototime.com/33A4FECB269B4D6/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/F13210B9C45F79C/standard.jpg

Hope this helps!

[Sword of Laban]

FN74, thanks it looks exactly right. A ten FAL mag vest, cant go wrong with that and plenty of additional pouches for additional gear.