Dirty Civilian Loadouts | Wasting Time & Money on Gear & Upgrades

[@_RadioMadeEasy]

Your philosophy here absolutely checks out. Love what you guys are doing. Would be honored to assist with comms upgrades when you're ready.

[@TheOreo2008]

Would Love this!

[@robertomoreno5820]

Their setup sucks, it was a trend back in like 2019 but everyone knows by now these types of loadouts with minimal equipment are more of an active shooter scenario, but will fall short on anything else including what the 2nd amendment is about.

[@AngelOfDeath698]

@@robertomoreno5820ah yes the redit gun professional makes his appearance

[@robertomoreno5820]

@@AngelOfDeath698 cope, im right youre wrong plus youre probably black

[@k9prtr]

@@robertomoreno5820 What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever read. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this thread is now dumber for having read it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

[@BlackdogADV]

Good job you guys! I’m an aging defender. I served in Vietnam, 24 years in the military and I’m 74. I’m properly equipped but drew the line at plate carriers, night vision, etc. I’m good with LPVOs red dots and gear. I can’t run at all but I can hike perhaps 3-5 miles with gear. I’m now officially support only. It’s killing me to accept my limitations as I was always “first there”.

[@LionheartSJZ]

You did your part, in your time. You should not only accept but embrace your new role as support, and possibly a mentor? Passing on your skills, knowledge? There is always a need for people like you :)

[@jw5297]

The one enemy none of us, no amount of training or preparation can aid is in defeating..... Time

[@ferrisbueller3557]

You sound like my Uncle, he's 73. 22 years in. Y'all are still hard-core pipe hitters when necessary ;) you'll always be as bad you once were, ya already did it. Good bless

[@mattfleming86]

And you are still much more dangerous than the majority. Cool gear and cardio can help.. but KNOWLEDGE is worth 5x more. There are two types of people: those who ask "what things do I need to do a task" and those who ask "how can I do this task with what I have" The second is much more dangerous.

[@tnh723]

Filipino here. contrary to what you see in the news, we always wish you guys well and hope that the years have been good to you since your last trip to Subic Bay. cheers yo

[@Brix7-08]

“Buy once, cry once” is a lesson most of us have to learn the hard way. Lord knows I have. 😂

[@turnitdowntyler]

some of us have to EARN that wisdom 😂

[@petrimakela5978]

On the other hand now I have gear for my kids airsoft 😀

[@MadMaxWorld1776]

Buy once, crye once

[@BrendonWBrown]

@@MadMaxWorld1776 It was right there the whole time.

[@Recipe_For_Disaster_TV]

Buy twice cuz debts nice

[@dustins4921]

The last part about physical fitness is absolutely correct, I have spent since the beginning of this year getting in shape and have dropped over 60 pounds, you absolutely cannot buy physical fitness. The 60 pound heavier version of me would absolutely be dead running in this heat like I'm able to do now. If you're fat in an emergency situation it doesn't matter if you have a cheap build or an expensive build you are probably going to be dead.

[@alh961]

Great job man! I lost 30 pounds over the last couple months. Feel like a new person. Best part is I can comfortably appendix carry now 👍

[@zerohero6602]

Outstanding

[@ry3713]

@@alh961 Haha 30lb gang here too. LFG

[@dirtycivi5139]

Heck yeah guys. As a smaller guy I've been putting on weight and turning it to muscle all while working on cardio and endurance.. LFG!!!!

[@JoylessMonkey86]

Great work man. Im happy for you guys.

[@northernharvest9100]

You guys have gotten to the point where I like the video before I watch it because I support what you are doing. Well done!

[@dirty-civilian]

Thanks man. We try to make the content that we would want to watch.

[@IsaacGonzalez-fq1ep]

Literally what i did as soon a it loaded up too lol

[@FishHuntFreedom]

Thank you for mentioning the real important things like water, food, fitness, and training. So many guys think they will be running and gunning or doing CQB if SHTF but reality is they will not be able to handle the physical demands and will be first to die

[@jw5297]

Possibly, the reality is, those fat people you are shaming are more likely to outlive a fit person in SHTF, because they have more of a caloric gain than someone who does not have the fat stores, have you seen what happens to the human body when you don't ingest the minimum calories a day? Your organs will literally shut down, where as those overweight people, have the stores for the body to feast on. A hard mind is far more effective than a hard body, and no amount of pushups or pullups is going to make that harder. Never underestimate the will of another human being, that in SHTF will kill you faster than anything. Two that out of shape person is going to be more lethargic naturally than a fit person, thusly their body is already in a state of storing food. Given that lethargy they are going to move around less, and be less likely to be encountering others. Now this said, I am not discounting being in shape, but as a stance of looking at what everyone calls SHTF, food shortages, are going to be the number 2 commodity behind water, and the math of things is actually on the side of the obese person in this scenario based on the numbers of people who would starve. Where's my prepers out there from Katrina and Issac? How'd those food stores hold up the the flooding? Destroyed, washed away, filled with sand...... If SHTF happens, who survives is going to flat out come down to sheer circumstance, and what you make of it when it happens. Prepare, but don't underestimate anyone else, not overestimate yourself. Every dog has its day and you can only press life for what it gives until it's taken away. Death comes for us all no matter what kind of a mountain of a man you think yourself to be, death is but a whisper in a moment that silences all.

[@FishHuntFreedom]

@@jw5297 🤦‍♂️ please stop

[@jw5297]

@@FishHuntFreedom truth of how the body reacts brother. If you're a combatant, yep, being in shape is 110% a thing, don't believe me, watch the series alone, those "fit" people have been pulled due to malnutrition and danger of organs shutting down. I'm not making excuses for obesity, but as your claims of running and gunning, it's just as false a notion to think you're gonna go be in beast mode and run through swaths of people, starvation in SHTF is going to level that playing field after only few weeks. You can't do a damn thing if you're not putting food in your body. I served, I know what that's like, and what rigors your body starts experiencing after 3 days of no food, and I have fasted both as a 178 pound Sapper, and as a 325 pound man, and given what you intake is a direct correlation to your ability to output We can add sleep deprivation to this mix and I can talk on that point as well. For most of those on here, you have no clue what you truly are talking about in the true sense of SHTF. The human body depends on having certain things to survive, same rules apply to hibernating bears as humans and why they pack on so much weight before hibernating, their bodies are clearly different as they can slow their heart down and go into that state, humans cannot. These are facts. All the empirical data is there, even David Goggins after a week of no food is going to hit a wall, and that man trains and trains and trains, without caloric intake, the game of attrition is upon you. Tu Lamb just did a post, about training, and spoke about physical fitness, and it's importance, but also said, training with firearms is the great equalizer and being able to use a weapon properly, doesn't care what shape your in, how much BJJ you've done, how many miles you can ruck, if 450lb Bob in his little rascal gets the drop on you, you're just as dead if a 178lb ARMY Ranger dropped you. Again, I am only stating things in regards to your claims people can't survive SHTF because they aren't in shape, no food puts you at the same or less abilities as them, as they have the body mass = more blood= more oxygen= more organ protection then the guy with a fit BMI, just science brother

[@FishHuntFreedom]

@@jw5297update: since your last comment, I have gained 50 by eating fast food and not working out. Now I’m ready to crush SHTF. Thanks bro

[@jw5297]

@@FishHuntFreedom good on you

[@leaveyourego5961]

On surplus gear, you can use Rit Dyemore for synthetics to take the color down on nylon pouches/vests etc. Gray dye can take DCU down to something similar to multicam, and ACU to pretty close to ranger green.

[@chemistryofquestionablequa6252]

Apple or Kelly Green Rit dye for ucp/acu, makes it actually usable and only costs a few dollars

[@aamc7676]

Great info! Does rit dye affect IR visibility at all?

[@ytty5183]

​@@aamc7676 Yes ✅️. krylon better and also bonds with nylon.

[@SpartanONegative]

My dad was Special Operations Aviation Specialist for 30 years. He went private sector after. When he retired and moved back to Central America, he gave me all his military and diving gear. I have added greatly to my inherited stockpiles 😉

[@lrballistics]

I am beyond jealous lmao congrats dude

[@ultimatetrex1999]

Hey man I’m currently a Aviation operations specialist! Was he a 15p in special operations? That’s kinda what I want to do. I really would love to know man.

[@warblerblue]

Im sure he didnt give you "everything" especially with being in Central America.

[@videogazer801]

Marines and Seals are the tough guys, not aviation guys.

[@user-kv5lq9xm8c]

⁠​⁠@@videogazer801stfu dude. As a marine I’ve seen tough guys in various backgrounds, I’ve seen POGs absolutely demolish infantry courses. I’ve equally seen some marines be the absolute weakest people. In Vietnam, Dieter Dangler was a US pilot who escaped imprisonment after 6 months of torture and imprisonment until he was rescued after 23 days on the run. Don’t generalize just because all you know is what you’ve seen on call of duty

[@Daboulty95]

Thanks! Love the channel fellas! Coming from a guy 2 years out of prison who just wants to live a normal life while being prepared for anything in the process! Keep up the work guys

[@desert3agles]

I was just shown your channel from a friend as I am getting more and more serious about preparing. Too late, I know but better late than never. This video might have saved me a lot of time and money.

[@Daybyday07]

This is why I love watching y’all channel especially when you don’t have friends that’s into the same thing you are there is the school of KZbin & the dirty civilian channel. Thank you for the updates. Thank you for the videos. 💪🏾✅💪🏾✅

[@gansior4744]

Love how quickly this channel is growing. You found a good spot in a good time, and since you put out the amazing quality content, the growth is deserved

[@tnh723]

totally appreciate you guys and your message. I went straight to a JPC 1.0 4 years ago with the intention of buying once crying once. happy to say that my minimalist setup has withstood the test of time and more than a few bump & rolls at the range. prior to this I had a very basic 5.11 tac tec chest rig that held 6 magazines and the extra two pouches held medical and a radio. no frills but it worked for a few years until I got the JPC. I still have that rig if I don't want to use armor. keep up the good work DCs

[@paulmorang8340]

After watching the minimalists and Dave Ramsey, and adopting some of those values, my mindset has changed completely regarding all this gear. 2nd Line -A lot of people have a chest rig AND a plate carrier but they hold the same shit. Unless in the chaos and heat of the moment you want to take the time to switch all your gear from your chest rig to your plate carrier or vice versa, just use a chest rig like the mayflower that holds all of your loadout at all times and can be attached to a plate carrier, secured with side stabilizer straps. Your radio will fall in the same spot as a dedicated pouch on the carrier would, you’ve got all your mags, gps, maps, leatherman etc that you’d be buying different pouches for and having to either move all the equipment or buy duplicates of, which is a giant waste of money. This also builds muscle memory using the exact same kit setup, with the only variable being “do I want armor or not?” 3rd Line -I see a lot of people who started out watching channels like Sootch have 500 backpacks. “This is my EDC bag, this is my get home bag, this is my bug out bag, this is my RECCE ruck, this is my assault pack, this is my plate carrier back panel”, and it goes on. Then they get into “what I keep in my vehicle” and it’s the same shit, just loosely strewn about their vehicle. Most of those bags hold 90% of the exact same contents. Most people would be well served with one ruck kept in the trunk/truck toolbox for camping, hunting and tactical use. If it has a detachable lid day pack, there is your EDC bag, assault pack and day hike bag all in one. Med Kits -I’m a medic by trade. I was the guy with 5000 IFAKs everywhere. No more. Have ONE, that ALWAYS stays in your pack, in a fanny pack. Now it’s usable in all contexts from EDC, urban, rural, hunting, etc. and you only have one kit to keep track of its contents conditions and expiration dates. Kits attached to battle belts can be detached easily but not re-attached easily. Also, needing to ride in vehicles could be an issue. Kits attached to backs of plate carriers are inaccessible to the wearer. Kits that are just pouches in a bag can’t be worn independently on your body. So for these reasons the fanny pack is king. Be able to take it out, put it on, move it front/back easily, take it off easily to work out of, put back on, and hang on the headrest of a vehicle while you’re in the back if needed.

[@JerichoCasio]

I agree its better to know what you want and get good with it . Then buy once cry once. But to be honest about 90% of the guys I know are just chasing the dopamine of purchases. its the upgrades and changes that really keeps people interested in staying in the game. I've seen guys drop $5k on full setups and be totally happy. Then months later could just care less. And plenty of people for years upgrading their kits piece by piece spending way more but having so much fun showing it all off.

[@dustinglover9731]

Thank you bro. Dude is telling me to buy trash instead of saving for what I really want. You need bare bones gear and rifle to train past that save your money.

[@Brandon-cc5cj]

A phase we all go through is buying a bunch of stuff that ends up taking up space in the basement. We live and we learn and we lose money along the way

[@aesthetic8780]

​@@jth_printed_designsThis is the way.

[@AC-jh3pn]

This is absolute quality advice! I appreciate it. I have just got into training and survival tactics. I basically realized self rescue will be the only way!

[@adampugh2424]

I jumped from an Adams arms piston rifle in 2016. I knew I always wanted a piston. it was my great beater rifle. I upgraded to a PWS and haven’t looked back and my can goes great with either one.

[@O8WRx]

I always recommend getting a good base (ie a good carrier, and good rifle) to start. Train with them and then buy one or two things to start (mag pouch, red dot, etc). If you train with that kit for a while you will find it's short comings and go "man, I sure could use a _____". That can be your next step then. It also helps observing what others use, and maybe ask if you could try out a new pouch or whatever they have for a day. It helped save me a lot of money by not going over board right off the rip. For future/current military LEO- your command might have a minimal set up they require, so get that and train.

[@skrilbodankins8785]

Also you can build a high end rifle buying blemished parts. I’ve saved so much money buying blemished parts and waiting for sales.

[@jwilliams3170]

Watched this while on my breath catching breaks during my workout that was pretty heavy cardio-wise so thanks for validating my effort while I’m living the partial poor life. Getting my way there a little bit at a time trying to do things the way you described at the end.

[@eddiegarciajr6653]

I’m running the shit out of my original 16” Bushmaster XM-15 .. just put a vortex dot, b5 stock, replaced the upper with an Aero M4E1 upper, magpul trigger guard, MWI fsp rail system, and now saving for a SL HLX… slowly learning what the next complete upper build and optic will be. For sure, shorter. 12-14.5 would be best for me I feel. Can’t wait to keep learning, training, and saving to build that dream upper.

[@Bravo4sendit]

It’s funny you mention the old XM 15. I bought one of those 20 years ago when I came of age. Still have it. It has been upgraded with certain parts throughout the years, but it’s served as a solid base throughout the years

[@Carter_02]

​@Bravo4sendit i had one and sold it. I wish i didnt it was a solid ar, and i still regret it. I got it for 450 with a glock 22 ill never get such a deal ever again 😢

[@WorldwideBushcraftSurvival]

I've had very good luck with the two Olight's that I own. Then again, the only light that has died on me is a X300 that was run over while on duty. It was promptly replaced. One thing I have learned during the last 20 years of duty use, Gucci gear is great, but I have a lot of mid-range gear that is still going strong, especially with the tech advancements over the last 5 years or so. I changed my patrol rifle to a 16 inch with a Vortex Spark mounted on it after using an Aimpoint T1 Micro for a decade. I guess what I am trying to say is that high end gear is great, but the advantage is so minimal, I'm not sure if it is better to have spent the money on one great rifle setup or have two or three very good setups. Two is one and one is none.

[@zerohero6602]

Nothing like throwing down big money then having buyers remorse.

[@threat2demoracy5454]

Patrol Rifle! 😂 I truly hope you honor your Oath you took to The Constitution! If you are not willing to stop a fellow Officer that happens to be going against a pesky citizens God given rights, then you are a part of the Thin Blue Line GangGang and should rethink your job. I mean this sincerely and with all due respect. Stay safe out there!

[@RoninSkye24]

​@@threat2demoracy5454you seem unnecessarily upset for no reason. Touch grass kid.

[@joelerk6298]

From t1 all the way to the spark? Stick with the t1

[@countryrebel01]

I've have a lot of lights and the olights have never failed me once. One surefire and one inforce have though and they were replaced by the company and no problems since.

[@rangerjay7971]

I used to be a plate carrier snob, now that I'm older I'm not much into tactical turtle, Bent0331 mentions that plate carriers are nice but good web gear and chest rigs are the way to go... now that I'm older, I got a Eagle industries Rhodesian with a plate in the front. I like the maneuverability and comfort of the chest rig, I'm spoiled with this Rhodesian. I got out today and got some range time with it.

[@lrballistics]

My first rifle was a Zastava m70. Ran that for about three and a half years before lucking out and trading up to an SOLGW upper Aero lower ar15. Insanely solid, reliable rifle that allows me to focus on obtaining a WL and suppressor instead of maintaining and upgrading parts

[@Gojeto346]

Dudes everything you guys are saying just make so much sense. I’d have almost the same exact advice for my younger self and it’s what I do tell people who are looking to start. It’s so fucking refreshing hearing good advice straight up. No shilling, no hate, no jabs at prices, just real, good, solid advice.

[@CarlPapa88]

I'm figuring out that "Rat hole away any extra money after each check, long before you think you want to buy X" is good starting advice.

[@kevindoherty126]

I very much agree with this. When it comes to rifles, building your own with a budget and then slowly upgrading important parts is also a solid method. No need for 4 different full builds.

[@fuswatenetke8295]

The most sage advice I’ve in the past 10 years! Thank you🖖

[@crappy60]

Gosh I’ve already made a few mistakes. Trying to build out my rifle from the beginning but now I know it’s okay to get what works so I can start training asap.

[@Ozonehh]

Supremely made content. Great topics, solid information and lots of food for thought. This channel will be one of if not the leading firearms etc type channels on KZbin in the coming months/years. Seriously well done on everything you guys have built with Dirty Civilian. I love you guys!

[@CivilianOperatorsUnion]

This is something I have been doing for a little while now, I have been thinning the heard and focusing on more of a loadout more then stuff I cant or wont really use.

[@k5blaze84]

In a way the buy once cry once for the plate carrier is a good thinking but with the rifles starting with the more affordable options and training and learning with it and slowly upgrading is a good experience of learning what works.

[@Rocky-Stone]

Good advice. We have all done it bought what we new wasn't what we really wanted. Putting a good upper on top of your first rifle is very good advice as it saves you a good bit of money.

[@Leslie-m9p]

Frankly, I have migrated back to the 60’s and 70’s ALICE pack from my Marine Corps day along with the associated belt/suspender gear simply because chest carry gear becomes problematic to get to your gear if you are prone (unless one just assumes you will always be fighting while standing up😉). I firmly believe in the adage that “ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain!”. Read the book, “A Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of A Nation” and consider that your true advantage as a foot soldier is your mobility and training.

[@robeylemere]

I started off with an unissued IOTV plate carrier and dyed it black and was pretty happy with it for awhile. Obviously super bulky and heavy but it was fantastic for training and getting newer civ gear I felt like I could do anything! As far as rifles go, I don't regret having multiple budget minded rifles before building the rifle I wanted. It taught me what I truely wanted in a rifle and now I can arm multiple friends/family in a SHTF scenario. Prepping to be a warlord not a bugout larper to go die in the hills.

[@typhoonKaiz07]

My first AR15 was a 16” Aero Precision upper and an Anderson lower. Paid $500 for it then dropped about $2000 swapping out/upgrading parts, adding optics and free floating the barrel, etc. I was also the guy who was pretty confident that my poverty pony could give any high end AR15 rifle a run for its money. I was wrong but I also learned A LOT from building out that rifle. Great video, fellas. Keep up the good work!

[@Cgonz1982]

also PSA for future LMT owners, Quad = not having to remove your attachments. Mlok= you have to take them off, UNLESS you own the Shovelnose which is made for piston but can be used with DI barrels.

[@RyanG-ij8xq]

What you talking about?

[@Cgonz1982]

@@RyanG-ij8xq I’m talking about swapping barrels on the LMT MRP uppers.

[@dinospumoni8860]

I like the shell back tactical plate carriers.

[@jacklewis3444]

I bought a Ferro sklickster initially bc I felt goofy buying a full assault carrier when I was just starting out. Very soon after I wanted to upgrade to the FCPC.

[@Matthew-bu5pq]

This channel is a dream come true from my perspective

[@Barrett619]

I’m still rockin an 11 year old shellback banshee. It’s served me pretty well for not jumping out of planes haha.

[@therogueflieger]

Love the content. I too made these mistakes. It can be rectified with good research and applying new skills. It took me 7 years, but I finally have all my equipment and am training a lot. SHOOT COMPETITIONS! Super educational.

[@isaaclozier8286]

Love this channel. I was having this conversation with my friends being the guy that has done this and most of them being new

[@greenghost5009]

I been watching you since day 1 bruh, It’s not a waste it’s all called experience and development that’s all, keep on grinding

[@Antler_addict]

Appreciate the honesty & Not just giving a positive review because you guys got free gear. That is a very respectable quality in people that is not common these days. I am looking to get a kit that supports all of us, not just me.

[@badcompany72]

One thing I would add is if you plan on using a backpack make sure that it works with whatever plate carrier or chest rig you use.

[@shramj]

Agree, I personally don't have a zipper back-panel because I can't access the stuff without taking off the carrier. I run a Camelbak HAWG with my Crye SPC. I can easily take the pack off when I need to access stuff and I can take it off in a vehicle. The zipper panels are extremely limited in my eyes.

[@limasierraone7107]

​@@shramjI agree. But if you are working with a team it does make sense. I guess there is a time and a place for everything.

[@TALIZ0RAH]

Zipper panels are only useful if your team is performing a very specific mission set. @@limasierraone7107

[@JBRwocky]

What backpack was that in the video? @dirtycivilian

[@adamhall7227]

If you want some good comms info, Radio Made Easy will be at the Self Reliance Festival (with a bunch of other great speakers) at the SOE shop in Camden TN this October. They have all been really informative

[@MyPointofPew]

Buy the right items at the right time. Yes. Keep searching and keep a list. I am a spreadsheet guy and it helps immensely to keep me on track. What do you need/want. How much does it cost? How Bad do you want/need it? and then list them out and rank them. As you budget or come across money and sell stuff, get the most impactful things.

[@PreparednessNerd]

I would concur with many of the comments. I wish I would have genuinely seen this video before I started down the path of building out kit(s) and rifles (approx 7 years ago). I ended up with a bunch of poverty ponies that I've spent little time training with and iterations of kit piled up in the corner. Nicely done, guys!

[@maddmoxx6414]

lol, Had the same problem with reloading equipment. Started with a single press, bought 2 more to speed up the process and ended up buying a Dillion multistage press... hindsight wasted tons of money on all the single stage equipment.

[@ArizonaTengu]

Funny, I simply jumped right into the LMT CQB16 as my first AR15. Still have the rifle for over a decade. Back when the “patent pending” was still being stamped on it. Modular systems are the future. As for tactical gear. I really only like have a grab and go pouch. Eight mags on the ready and it’s less than $100.

[@jtcustomknives]

I was looking at lights and didn’t want to spend what I needed to. But in the end I got what I wanted which was the cloud defensive OWL. I love that it’s a complete package with a pressure pad and zero cables. But once

[@jwaltower5836]

As a American & our endless consumerism, this video is Awesome 🇺🇸 💪🏽

[@freneticfanatic]

This mimics what I've learned and teach to new guys- get something basic and train with it a lot! This is far better than buying something nice and not being able to afford ammo and training. After you get some experience a nicer rifle and gear mean more to you because you understand more of the capability and how ultimately it's the Indian and not the arrow.

[@YooperDanKulka]

Your so right because I've spent a lot of time in the winter -30 F trying out military gear from services from countrys from all over the world. Cheap way of doing things but when your poor something is better than nothing. I test! Found better than anything else on the market.

[@stacy3065]

My loadout consists of a Haley Strategic Thorax plate carrier with a D3CR chest rig and FlatPak. Because of weight issues, I went with IIIA soft panels. I added the cummerbund side panels to it, and shoulder pads. It’s comfortable, functional, and best of all, fairly lightweight. The BEST part is that it was reasonably priced. My other loadout is based on a CamelBak Delta V vest, which I modified with numerous accessories. The only downside is that I can’t insert plates into it. BUT, I can wear concealable body armor under it. The upside to this is that if I need to remove the vest, I still have armor on.

[@larrylewis9132]

I have two RTD build's I love em both they work great and will run anything you put in em.

[@tacticalfrost]

love you guys! your videos have helped me make smart decisions both finically and when it comes to gear and training. Thank you for the videos. keep up the good work

[@JM-gp2vh]

Thank you for saying it! Find something that works and refine from there. Just don’t spend all your time and money on the next best thing!😊 In my humble opinion of course. You do what you can afford.

[@battlespectermedia]

Solid advice. I did eight years in the Marines, and I love screwing with gear. I should have just bought the setup I had in 2007- alas, I haven't. Perhaps I should.

[@paul7754]

Good advice. I ONLY run mil-surp gear. I make it work for my needs and I hold no reverence to trends. Gear that has been used effectively by the military is more than good enough for me. Testing/using is the key. I'm not going to a fashion show - just getting the job done.

[@jtoole5639]

I went straight from a rothco with steel plates to a DA Spitfire MK II with L210s. I’ve probably watched 500+ hrs of videos during breaks on fine tuning exactly what I want.

[@PreparedOverlander]

I bought the Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier, it works for what I wanted. I bought a S&W M&P 15 in the early 2000s, I am on my 3rd upper. This one is a FN barrel, Geissel13" MK14 M-LOK UPPER, with a Geissel gas block, a PSA upper, a Rise Armament nickel boron BCG. This was about 700 bucks to add to my lower I have already frankengunned out.

[@teaganwindago3132]

You are dead Nuts correct. It's better to (Buy once , Cry once) But you better know what your getting. I'm an instructor and happy to see the younger guys get into my world. I'm almost 51 years old so I can say that. Holsters are another thing that will stack up on you. Blue Force Gear slings I have fond to be the best. Streamlight TLR-1HD is on everything. Pressure pads I hate more than my X-Wife. Other than that. Good work. Keep it going!

[@marklower007]

I got a andro corp bravo 16. It's a 500 dollar budget ar15. It came with a ballistic advantage 4150 cmv barrel and 15 inch mlok rail. 7075 forged receiver . I swapped out the bcg with a bcm one and swapped the trigger for a geissele ssp flatbow, changed the stock to a magpul ctr and changed the charging handle to a radian raptor. Now it's a pretty decent gun

[@briancallahan3588]

I’ve bought a bunch of trex arms gear over the years and I love it. But I think it’s really well built and well priced kit to get the people outfitted with some capable gear while they figure out what they like or don’t like about chest rigs and plate carriers and make a good decisions about upgrading gear depending on finances

[@operator001]

Wearing an IOTV for my deployments, I knew what I was looking for as a civilian. I bought a Crye CPC. While not perfect, it's comfortable and well made. I wear soft armor and plates on all sides.

[@mup8661]

Not gonna lie. I did this with AirSoft and knock off gear 🤣 and once something felt so right I bought the real steel of everything. The only thing that I bought real off get go was my Agilite vest. I knew it was the right one for me. Then I did the multiple upper deal. I appreciate y'all helping us out brotha

[@MrKakemann1]

The more skills the less gear is needed. BTW make sure to check the IR signature under NOD's if you paint your gear. The wrong paint and you light up!

[@ECTT1776]

Idk who has the $$$ to go through tht many plate carriers to find the perfect one but I bought one & that’s it. If it cuts into my shoulders a little bit then it is what it is. I pray to never have to put it on for fear of my life or any of my family members lives honestly. As far as firearms goes I definitely didn’t have the $$$ to throw around. That’s why I went from a Walther PK380 for jic, to a G19, G45, S&W Shield+, Ruger AR-15. I bought the side arms bc I know they have an amazing track record, except for the Shield+ but it’s S&W so I knew it would be a solid. I bought a SF X300 light & Trijicon night sights for the G19 & that’s it. The G45 is completely stock, as is the Shiled+. I put the most into the AR as far as upgrades. I slowly changed out the furniture to MagPul, BSSV4 rifle light, Romeo5 RD with Vortex 3X magnifier & Timney AR drop in trigger with bout a 3-3.5lb pull. All these things I bought bc of track record or taking a period of years to build up & upgrade. If one has $$$ to throw around on 20 plate carriers…well idk that I can even relate to that, as an average civilian who sees the road ahead as becoming very very bumpy. Buckle up & get ready bc unfortunately I do see thing’s getting worse by a lot.

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

The JPC 2.0 was actually my first plate carrier ironically enough. Still haven't felt the need to upgrade from it.

[@martyrobbinsismydad]

I can absolutely attest to this philosophy, as someone who bought PSA and radical firearms rifles as a beginner I kept buying cheap optics and lights and I slowly stepped my way up to aero then I got my first geissele part and now I have a decked out geissele with nice glass and a cloud rein and I love it. I just wish I didn’t have to go through all those steps in between and thousands of dollars haha

[@FrankCastle694]

Dakota Meyer’s head is exploding right now 😂😂😂😂

[@WearilyCorrect]

He just doesn't understand the Constitution. Celebrity opinions aren't worth the time it took them to spout them most of the time.

[@anonymoussurname]

Biggest thing I’m learning after having wasted A LOT of money is to train. Train. Train. You want to buy anything you need to put it on, get with a friend who has land you can really shoot on and go test it out. You’ll start buying less and getting working functioning loadouts as opposed to Gucci larp gear that you might be super uncomfortable in. I bought so much stuff I’m now trying to sell off guns and gear damn near giving stuff to people as I downsize.

[@513Headstrong]

This has been my entire battle getting new shooters into shooting. A) figuring out what you want and what accomplishes your goals (unfortunately, this is going to change and take trial and error anyway) but can be managed B) Don't buy a TON of cheap garbage that's going to break. Buy something that works (and/or is what you want from the get - some things are expensive) , use the crap out of it, and upgrade when you can.

[@SaItyStudios]

Those intro cuts and merges are what is really dirty oh my goodness your guys editing quality is top notch.

[@adrianjohnson3581]

I appreciate everything you said 3:02 i have this cheap radical 10.5 556 and i trust the lower the upper is questionable i do plan on upgrading to 11.5 or 12.5 and have that as all around system

[@jmmartin7766]

This is a great video with lots of good advice from a "regular guy." Thank you for making it

[@IsaacGonzalez-fq1ep]

The transitions are sick af so satisfying

[@bullish3584]

I agree with the majority of this. Do your research on your end goal and make steps to achieve it. I would add that if you are within a percentage range (whatever you are comfortable with) of your end goal kit, save that percentage, and buy that item. Don't waste money if possible.

[@DerekMichaelAnderson]

Love the sentiment here. Spot on and how I treat all my purchases in life. Buy once, cry once. Everything is an investment so why not make wise ones. Great content and reminded why I’m subscribed!

[@europeanmedics7324]

Awesome video. Would love to see another episode of "scenario based loadout". Really enjoyed that one⚡️

[@StriderCZ]

I started out with gear playing airsoft when I was in high school, started with a repro Eagle MBAV, which I got rid of for the LBX 6094, and ended up getting rid of that and got the Crye AVS made by ZShot, and really haven't looked back on the plate carrier front. Maybe I'll get a real AVS or make the move over to a First Spear Strandhogg one of these days. Building out the AVS is a different story. I've run the Haley D3 rig for quite a while, and just picked up their new Crye placard, which trimmed down my kit quite a bit, and eventually, I'm going to get rid of the Haley Flatpack in favor of the Crye AVS1000 pack for more versatile usage. I used training plates for years, and I'm about to get a set of Hesco 4601 plates. It's all an evolution, and using my gear in airsoft, or building a belt for duty usage really helped inform my purchases so that I'm getting exactly what I need, and nothing that I don't.

[@andy3157]

I wanted to comment and thank you guys tremendously for a tiny detail in this video. As a younger gear lover and gun builder, my budget isn't tens of thousands where i can try a lot of different things . I want to get the correct thing the first time and run the piss out of it so this video was perfect! As for the thank you part, someone mentioned Tacswap! I took a look and got sucked in immediately. I've never been able to find a good place to sell and find used gear or optics! THANK YOU

[@CarlPapa88]

Is Tacswap similar to the EE on arfcom?

[@brettcasto3356]

love love love my LMT! Glad they gifted you one! Hopefully I’ll be able to add another to my collection soon. Love it fellas. A lot of info good for newer guys!!! Me and the boys had to learn the hard way. Appreciate you guys! Buy once crye once!

[@tactical_goku]

I still have yet to see you guys talk about the necessity of understanding weapon retention and combatives. It's great to see that you guys are promoting the educational content that you are. I just hope to see you guys discuss what to do when your gun gets grabbed or what to do when you're pinned against the ground, etc. I'm a subject matter expert regarding edged weapons as well as firearms in a close-quarters striking range. Hopefully we can have some awesome educational discussion about it.

[@TKDgeehun]

This is really great advice. Buy once, cry once. I tell my friends and students to start with a Glock 19, Streamlight weapon light, night sights, a thumb activated handheld flashlight, a Trauma kit, a good pocket knife, and a quality Kydex holster. Then get a 13.7 pinned and welded AR with Aero Precision parts with a Vortex Optics red dot, at least 5 PMAGs, back up iron sights, and a Streamlight weapon light. Then right after they get a rifle, they should get a MOLLE range belt with High Speed Gear taco pouches (2 pistol, 1 AR mag, handheld flash light, and multi tool), a Safariland holster, and an IFAK with a TQ. Then I tell them to get a FLC or a TAPS chest rig from their local surplus store and be able to carry 4 extra mags, a utility pouch, water, etc. Super affordable way to introduce them to the world of chest rigs and fighting load carriers for whatever purpose they want them for (civil unrest, emergency preparedness, training, defending the homeland, etc.) Most of my friends and students stop here and that's all they want. Then I have friends who are LE or super serious about shooting, and gun fighting, and we talk about plate carriers, rucks, 24, 48, 72 hour bags, helmets, night vision, thermals, etc. So far, the above suggestions I've made are winning recipes that I haven't gotten complaints about. Sure they could go and buy Modlites, Cloud Defensive, Aimpoint, LMT, and all the name brand stuff, but in reality... they don't need to spend the money on those things. Spend your money on quality equipment that won't break the bank, and put more investment on ammunition and TRAINING. :)

[@guysavard5090]

Great video. I’m in the early stages of all the mistakes that I’m about to make. 😩

[@PeterV]

Yalls content just keeps getting better! Keep it up!

[@jeremyknop5378]

Very well put together guys. My state doesn't recognize freedom so the only long gun I'm running right now is a mossberg 590a1. But in terms of armor I too have tried many carriers and wasted a lot of money but I didn't know what I wanted til I finally found it. I run a Mayflower LPAC for my patrol vest and a Crye AVS MBAV plate carrier without the harness when I need something less bulky and lighter. I run hesco 3810lv plates which I find to be a good balance of light and thin. I'm still trying to figure out my belt situation but at least I've finally found my carrier and plate setup after trying spartan, chase, shellback, agilite, and the apc from velocity.

[@MOTO809]

This is all good advice. My caveat would be that you may not know your end goal until you have tried a plethora of options. I will agree that if you want a red dot, don't skimp on a Walmart POS. Anything under $140 is probably junk. If you decide you want an ACOG instead, spend the $1200 and get a Trijicon. If that doesn't do it and you want a variable magnified optic, good luck not pissing off the internet with what you buy. But now that you have purchased these items, you can continue to swap them around and know they will perform.

[@paulsonerholm6280]

Really nice kits! Something I’d recommend for the back is a hydration pouch.

[@justinschw]

You guys are awesome! Thank you for constantly giving us great quality videos!

[@MonsterChuck]

Sleeping on Holosun with Nick's comment..... I have used their HS515 models on rifles, 508T and 509T on pistols. All very solid.

[@CarlPapa88]

HS have any kind of warranty?

[@bignickenergy2042]

can u guys do a video on the garage setup?

[@theodorelabby4318]

I like watching eBay for used quality gear. Sometimes sellers have been sitting on something for a while and will let it go for a low offer, and other times newer sellers that don't have a lot of traffic have items that go for low bids.

[@silentronin117]

Couldn't agree more. Love the content guys.

[@lucasblanchard47]

I’m slowly working on building up a full kit and skill set when I can afford to do so. Head on a swivel. Much love from Texas, y’all!

[@Token_Black_Guy]

Black Friday is a god send

[@jaydubs6354]

As a massive lmt fan myself glad to see them getting the notoriety they deserve. Karl Lewis’s monolithic upper was a game changer and has adapted great over the years. For people who are interested in getting into a quality ar15/10 I tell them to get a mrp upper on whatever lower they like and buy a mws mars h. Kac is phenomenal I own plenty of them also but lmt offers something imo comparable in quality and performance but without the headache of having to use special tools or shop the gun to certified armorers for shop services like muzzle device swap or hand guard changes etc. lmt is very simple and as long as you can torque to spec you can have a variety of different barrels and gas systems at your disposal Personal favorite lmts: 14.5” mlr di gas 12.5” piston mrp 13.5” .308 di gas 20” 6.5 cm di gas Eventually would like to get one of their piston .308 or 6.5 offerings hopefully the 14.5” 6.5 becomes more available

[@Soucka74]

So if I have an LMT MARS H, I can put a piston barrel and carrier in it and go ?? Ballsy

[@jaydubs6354]

@@Soucka74 indeed. The challenge would be finding a 308 or 6.5 piston barrel and carrier. I have not seen many out there yet. But yes totally doable

[@Soucka74]

@@jaydubs6354 Could you buy them from LMT ? Be about $1200 right ?

[@jaydubs6354]

@@Soucka74 yeah they and their dealers will carry them but there are not many being sold rn. Kac and lmt are both largely contract manufacturers so it can take a while for the sought after new stuff to filter into civilian dealers. I saw maybe a dozen or so hit gun broker in 2022 and nothing since then. I would estimate 700 ish for the barrel and 3-400 for the piston carrier.

[@Rb889]

Glad I came across your channel, great info on here.