38super

Neck protection is one of the things I'm working on. Any tips? That's definitely neater. Did you cut the original strap to fix it like that? I'm still deciding if I want fix the goggles there or the mask. I like the idea of keeping the mask separate from the goggles and using the rail clips to fix the mask so that the mask can be unclipped on one side and swung out of the way. Attaching the mask and goggles together and just a single strap to the rail like yours is so much neater though. I'm a bit reluctant to cut the goggle strap until I'm sure. It looks like I should be able to change the strap loops on the goggles to replace the strap but I haven't seen that yet.

Still a work in progress but it's coming along.

Let's assume that I'm not in a position to spend more on my trousers than I spent on my RIF. They do look like good kit though. This look like an idea worth pursuing though. Unless they have moveable knee pads the leg length will be wrong for me (28" inside leg) I like this idea. Similar to what I had in mind using velcro but simpler.

Since I've already got the pocket inserts looks like it's time to brush up on my sewing skills. If that fails I'll try the Altaflex.

Most people recommend knee pads but I've never had much success with them myself. Always found them more trouble than they were worth. For the odd occasion when I've needed them they have usually slipped down to my ankles or I'm constantly pulling them up. Either too loose to stay put or tight enough to cut off the circulation in my legs. I've tried some trousers with the built in knee pad pockets but as I'm vertically challenged the pockets are at shin level. I'm thinking maybe adding custom pockets to my trousers which could be tricky or using velcro patches to try to keep the pads in place. Does any one have any fool proof tips or ideas for knee pro?

That's a whole other problem as I'm right handed for rifles and left handed for pistols. I've decided to leave the sidearm problem until I've got some experience. The only things I'm sure of there is that it has to be a 1911 of some sort and I hate thigh/leg holsters.

That's the plan. I figure that if I get into a fire fight that uses more than 300 rounds I probably brought the wrong gun. I tried doubling up the mag pouches but didn't really like the bulky feel of them so thought I'd try it this way first. The first one on the right is fairy easy to reach anyway.

The black belt and pouches are kit I already had. I'm trying really hard not to buy lots of stuff which I think might be useful until I've had a chance to try it out but there is so much temptation out there.😁 The belt is less than half the weight of what it used to be when loaded up with 12g mags.

Here's my first attempt at a loadout ready for April kickoff. Just went for the belt rig in the end. 5 mid-caps (room for 8), spare pouch for empty mags, pouch for drink bottle (or radio?), pouch for spare battery/tools?/snacks? Feel free to suggest improvements.

That pin is out of the tube left side of frame between the safety lever and the slide stop lever. It's the slide catch detent pin. It's shaped like that to stop it coming out of the front of the tube when you remove the catch for strip down.

Finally joined the club. Not quite the MP5 I was looking for for but I couldn't resist. Now shopping for everything else.

I can't find these in the UK. I'm not likely to be getting a big enough order together to get them from Taiwangun. Are there any other recommendations for mid caps for the M904G? Can someone also please point me towards a suitable battery (or 2) since I don't have any to try out?

Taiwangun appear to be in Poland. To get orders under £135 they will need to become UK VAT registered. Probably not worth the effort. Orders over £135 should be fine just make sure they don't charge you the VAT. Problems with logistics due to Brexit/Covid are a whole different game. I'm no expert though. Just reading the rules. EDIT: Looking at their website they don't appear to offer international shipping so they might well be unable to ship to countries outside the EU completely. When I try to buy from a Double Alpha in the Netherlands they require a minimum order value of £135 but they definitely ship worldwide.

The new UK import rules from the 1st of January are (as I understand them) :- Up to £135 - vendor charges UK VAT and pays the VAT to UK govt. - Many vendors are saying it's too much trouble (they have to become UK VAT registered) and won't touch consignments under £135 both EU and worldwide. I think it's duty free under £135 but I'm not sure about that. I'll have to check. Confirmed Hong Kong companies already have an agreement to pay UK VAT so may still handle consignments under the £135 limit. Hold-ups from there are due to Covid and flight availability. I've read that e-Express services to the UK resumed this week. Over £135 - No VAT charged by vendor. VAT and Duty paid by the carrier in the UK (Post Office, etc) who sends you a bill + handling charge. When you've paid them then they'll deliver. Over £900 - VAT registration, import licences etc. Details are here:- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users This makes interesting reading if your keen. Dated 22/12/2020. Not sure if it's been superseded. If I'm reading it correctly for consignments up to £135 (in P&P) no duty is payable :- For consignments over £135 VAT (20%?) + Duty (2%?) + £8 Post Office handling charge is payable to the Post Office when they send you the bill. I don't know why or how this has changed.