M23 Pioneer chest rig - ArniesAirsoft

Author

FuGaZi

Pixel King

Registered: April 2005
Posts: 591

Review Date: 19/12/05

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: �62.00 | Rating: 9

Positive aspects of the product (pros):	carries loads, durable, can be used in conjunction with other products
Cons:	not many minor quibbles on straps easily fix though, pricey for first buy?

After chatting with a new fellow AK user at a skirmish recently, I realised that some new players where having a little problem finding functional and practical gear for their magazines and other kit. So I thought I would review some of my AK kit

This review is on the Russian M23 pioneer made from Kodra 1000 material and 100% water proof the m23 is very durable. It comes in OD or Les which is similar to woodland. It comprises of 4 magazine pockets that take 2 AK47 or AK74 magazines each, 10 VOG-25 grenades (the type Russian grenade launchers fire) or 4 VOG grenades and 3 SVD mags, 3 hand grenades with hooks inside to attach safety pins, bayonet/knife, a flare or a torch, and the additional water proof pocket for documents/ maps. In airsoft terms it can carry the 8 magazines 4 ball grenades in the lower large pouches and 4 smokes in the upper smaller ones and another somke in the pouch on the left shoulder strap. I don�t have a grenade launcher so wont speculate what gas grenades it can carry.

The chest rig is adjustable and once fitted and tightened up is very comfortable and secure. The straps that tighten the vest are though quiet long and could come lose during the days play. A easy fix for this would be to cut down the straps or as I did gaffa tape them up. Wearing the rig with rifle in hand is no problem and having the rifle ready on your shoulder is comfortable, left handed users may find the pouch on the left shoulder gets in the way. The rig also has attachments for fixing a belt for use with the Russian sniper harness or snipers belt to carry more equipment, the latter needing a yoke of some sort to stop it from slipping around the back. It also attaches other combat type belts such as the Alice LC3 belt for example.

The general structure is well organised and very solid a minor problem people may find is the velcro on the pouches might give you away I have never found it a problem and think the idea of it doing so might be something of a myth. Another problem may be the lack of any larger pouch to dump spent mags in quickly and easily, this can be solved with a belt attached and a pouch of your choosing to that.

Overall I would strongly advise this rig for a AK user with lots to carry.

the M23 can be found at
http://www.rusmilitary.com/
http://www.russiancombatgear.com/
http://www.redsoldier.com/

Feel free to PM questions, I will try to answer quickly and post the questions and answers up here for further help.