Thigh platforms

[JAG2955]

I'm thinking about picking up a MOLLE thigh platform for use in Iraq. I'm already carrying so much gear on my vest that I think that I need to move some down. I'll be acting in a special-operations-type mission, training Iraqi police and going on small (read: 3 vehicles total) convoys, so we're loaded for bear, with 10 M16 mags and 6 M9 mags, not to mention radios, IFAK, misc pouches, bayonet, and all the ninja toys that can fit on an M4.

I'd like to get some of the mags off my chest so I can maneuver better, so I'm debating about getting a thigh platform, but I'd like to see if anyone has any experience with them, or better yet, would have one that I could borrow for a few days/weeks until I decide if I should get one.

[FastRope71]

The ones I have used have a tendency to rotate around your leg when you are running. I would still use it if it made my life easier, but you might want to be aware of that possibility and maybe do some training with it (like you weren't going to before I said anything).

[Mud_Dog]

When I was issued the Molle Ruck, it came with an extra ammo pouches to clipping onto it. I got the bright idea to sew some buckles onto it(thankfully provided with the ruck) and wear it around my waist. That way I had 6 extra mags I could take off and put in the cab of whatever I was driving(5 ton usually) as I was the squad's "driver." That allowed me to have just 2 of the magazine pouches on the front/side and the canteen pouch opposite it for carrying my NVG and PEC-2. Worked out much better than having all that high-speed garbage on it for manueverablity.

With 4-10 mags in reserve, my night-op stuff, and a 3 liter camelbak, I had everything I needed right with me. Of course, I was Mechanized Infantry so I had a bunch of supplies(food, water, extra ammo) in either the truck or the back of the Bradley.

Just an idea, play with it all you want in training but make sure you have it right when you are in theater!

[workinwifdakids]

I'd go with this - a Blackhawk drop leg MOLLE platform, and now on sale, from $60 to $20.

I just bought mine, and am satisfied.

[Whirlibird]

A drop rig is one thing but an actual thigh mounted rig is an abomination.

Bangs against everything, rides too low to be retained in a bad situation and often is so sloppy that the gun slops around like a bb in a matchbox.

Find a low ride holster that places the grip right below the belt if you must.

[Combat Controller]

Ditto WB. Get a SAW pouch and hang it from your left for mags (assuming right handed), drop your M-9 down a touch using a low slung holster, or transition it to your vest. Hopefully you will never have to use it, but if you do, a cross draw on the chest will allow either hand to operate and clear it.

[JAG2955]

Yes, I guess it actually would be a drop-leg platform. It'll be on my left side, the right is already taken up by the M9. I'm hoping to put 4 M4 magazines, two M9 mags, and a bayonet there. The problem with mounting the M9 on my chest is that there's not enough room right now, and if I'm ever in the passenger seat of a HMMWV/MRAP, it'll be pointing right at the unlucky soul in the left seat.

[Combat Controller]

All that weight will suck ass flopping around on your leg. I recommend you find something you can relocate. BTW, is the bayo really needed?

[The Wizard]

i dont know what exactly you carry on your vest but when my LT starts bitching at me to put my mags back on my vest (i prefer them in a bandoleer) i have:
- IFAK - top of vest as far left as it will go
-Double Mag Pouch (M16) - to the right of that
-Double Mag Pouch (M16) - to the right of the first one
-Double Mag Pouch (M16) - on the left side SAPI plate as close to the stomach as possible
thats it. i still have a lot of room beside the mag pouch on my left to put stuff, all of my torso below my chest and my entire right side SAPI plate.

that said, Guntrucking is a whole other beast compared to your job. if you get in and out of trucks all the time then you will want as few things as possible to snag. i would suggest trimming gear to what you really need. i only carry 7 mags, a standard loadout, 6 on my vest or in a bandoleer and one on my weapon because i have a M2 or a M240 in front of me.

oh and do you have the OTV IBA or the IOTV IBA?

[Whirlibird]

Not knowing how much space you have available, here's something to consider:

Sneakybag

Much as I hate to spend that kind of cash on a bloody purse, okay a single purpose bag, I'm afraid I'm going to end up picking one up myself as a roll-out bag for work.
The biggest considerations over other products are the leg and belt attachments in addition to the shoulder strap.