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

Do you have piles of old plate carriers and nylon sitting around? Numerous AR builds that never get used? Here are some of the mistakes we made early on by not having an end goal in mind for our gear, and wasting energy on equipment acquisition instead of training. And, how you can avoid it or get out of it.
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00:00 Mistakes Were Made
03:02 Josh's Loadout
06:41 Drew's Loadout
12:39 Nick's Loadout
15:24 Priority List & Next Steps

[@_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.

[@elimanator911]

@@robertomoreno5820ah yes the redit gun professional makes his appearance

[@robertomoreno5820]

@@elimanator911 cope, im right youre wrong plus youre probably black

[@echoactual1776]

@@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.

[@jungckh]

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

[@pin_high]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@Harry_JJ]

If you're new to this stuff, LISTEN TO THIS MAN! Thousands of dollars wasted over a period of 10 years.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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. 💪🏾✅💪🏾✅

[@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.

[@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

[@justinschw]

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

[@user-bx7hf3lp8n]

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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@fuswatenetke8295]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@JasonB84]

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

[@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

[@jth_printed_designs]

This is why I end up researching gear for a few weeks before pulling the trigger on anything. I end up finding what's going to work best for me without having to spend a bunch of money buying more and more items. Spend weeks now and it wont cost you years later.

[@aesthetic8780]

​@@jth_printed_designsThis is the way.

[@rotadyma]

Great video and great points! Now you got me thinking and evaluating my gear and guns. Awesome video! Subscribed.

[@rebel_scum_]

It's funny you guys made this video now. I'm currently in the process of selling all the nylon that didn't work out for me on tacswap 😂. It's so nice to have my gear room slowly become less cluttered.

[@GG-tw1qw]

Awesome video man ! Keep up the great work.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@MidwestGirl-gy1bv]

Great content! Keep up the great work!

[@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

[@Rb889]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@europeanmedics7324]

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

[@brettgomsrud3719]

Really enjoying the content thank u guys🤙

[@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.

[@PeterV]

Yalls content just keeps getting better! Keep it up!

[@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!

[@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.

[@Matthew-bu5pq]

This channel is a dream come true from my perspective

[@cannonsmith7429]

Good info, enjoyed this video

[@silentronin117]

Couldn't agree more. Love the content guys.

[@resolute123]

Awesome video!

[@Drixels269]

Thank You for the helpful video. Be Safe👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@BurtHurtz]

Good advice. Many thanks for the video.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mattsterpiecenjmaflva9956]

This is great, thx for the ideas!

[@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?

[@guysavard5090]

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

[@user-pe3mp6nx5e]

Great video. Helps us save money.

[@Gothic1Actual]

Outstanding video gents!

[@b_rad556]

Great video I just found your channel and I really like it !

[@larrylewis9132]

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

[@KishaMiles1]

Thank you for sound advice

[@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.

[@Barrett619]

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

[@jwaltower5836]

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

[@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

[@Fer-De-Lance]

Thanks for the words of wisdom.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FrankCastle694]

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

[@boejiden1942]

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

[@jacobivy2854]

Me: *looking a safes full of DDs, BCMs, Colts, HKs, Tavors, and Sako bolt guns and realizing my mistakes.* Definitely build out one go-to setup first. Have it totally squared away before you start a new project. My Daniel Defense PDW300 is a great PDW for home defense, hunting, and a truck gun. Why did I buy a SP5K and KP-9 Vityaz to fill a similar home defense role? I have no idea. My go to service gun is a Glock 45 and my CC gun is a P365XL. Did I need every other pistol on the market? Nope…but I purchased most of them. I’d have been better off savings literally tens of thousands of dollars and only having 5 guns.

[@boejiden1942]

You poor soul. If you need I can help unburden you and your safes. Lol

[@jacobivy2854]

@@boejiden1942 lol It’s very much an addiction at this point. I do wish I’d have skipped some of those purchases though to sink more money into NVGs and thermal optics.

[@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

[@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.

[@WithinandThroughout]

Finally one of these types of videos.

[@MattK_lovesYah]

Excellent perspective

[@Smalltown-1776]

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.

[@bobjeffrey8863]

THANK you for all your info,,

[@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!

[@formam1022]

The one thing I want is an a1 stock. My rifle has the a2 and I love it, it fits right, but just a little too long to clear a house, fraction of an inch too long.

[@paulsonerholm6280]

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

[@dinospumoni8860]

I like the shell back tactical plate carriers.

[@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.

[@iamcondescending]

Streamlight is good, but if you're on a budget Fenix has the same quality, at a much more affordable price. Honestly I think it's the single most slept-on brand out there.

[@mitchellgaston2043]

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

[@jonathanwelter]

Thanks guys.

[@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.

[@ferebeefamily]

Thank you for the video.

[@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

[@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.

[@Klaus293]

Solid advice. 👍