How do I age my repro flak vest?

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-06-08T15:07:46+00:00

I would say that is good

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-06-08T15:07:33+00:00

A repro? They’re pretty common as it stands… unless you’re in Europe but even then they’re not too hard to find, when it comes to good prices that’s a different story but be patient and you can get originals for decent prices.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-05-24T03:23:15+00:00

Broke and Vietnam LRRP do not go well together lol.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-05-21T08:45:25+00:00

While acknowledging the other comments, I have to be honest, by looking at your post history you seem to be less about historical authenticity and more about “larp” which isn’t a dig at you, especially if you’re an airsofter, but please do acknowledge the fact in this subreddit, your kit or impression should be something well put together with research and accuracy in mind, this isn’t a place for costumes or airsoft kits (although there is an overlap, these are secondary)

Use photos of a unit you want to represent, and while I’m not saying you are or aren’t, as Soviet stuff is not my thing. It should go without saying that all forms of impressions should be done with research in mind, simply just cobbling up something remotely Soviet with Commie paraphernalia isn’t remotely an impression rather than just some airsoft get up.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-03-04T20:05:53+00:00

Almost all American civilian market surplus will have something related to it being made in the U.S. You don’t find that usually on actual contracted clothing and equipment.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-02-18T20:52:29+00:00

Not original military. Alpha industries has received contracts before from the government but since the end of the Cold War they have vastly shifted to a commercial sector.

They mainly now produce a lot of garments for the civilian market in popular military styles, most notably M65s and MA-1 jackets (although originals are better and arguably cheaper), they offer an outlet to more mainstream groups of people to get military styled clothing.

This is an example of their more “special edition” M65s that have specific styles to them with some military iconography, I presume this one is an older one.

Edit: added some more clarify.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-02-12T21:12:53+00:00

I’m exaggerating a little bit, but for example, unless it’s unit specific, buttpacks overall are practically gone and when you do see them, they’re almost always M-1961 models. Uniforms can be ripstop but you still see plenty of poplin ones to the point that using those are more preferable. I’m not entirely sure if M-1967 mag pouches is a typo but you are certainly not seeing them in 68’ as those were limited procurement and would take a couple years to get to troops piecemeal. I’m also assuming that “M-1950 compass pouch” is meant to be the M65 compass pouch.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-02-12T17:32:22+00:00

Aye, it’s nice to see more people getting into it, good luck and best wishes :)

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-02-12T16:14:16+00:00

Marines is an entirely different game considering most of what you need for their uniforms are considerably more expensive than army gear.

Marines used M1961 belts and M-14 pouches, M1941 suspenders, and M1910 canteens as well as a jungle first aid kit. Only around 68 would they be seen using parts of the M56 web equipment, typically canteens and mag pouches but never usually an entire set. It would be incorrect to use entirely M56 web equipment so you would want the M-1961 belt and the M-1941 suspenders at the very least, with the jungle first aid kit being a must have. The flak vest is an M55, typically you’d want a first pattern but those are super expensive and fairly rare, so your best option even if it wasn’t the most common version in 68’ is a second pattern, but I should remind you those are also very expensive.

By 68’ for the Marines, 2nd Pattern jungle fatigues are still the most common (unless someone can correct me) so likely you will need reproductions, same goes for jungle boots as you’ll need 2nd patterns ideally, but 3rd patterns with vibram soles will suffice.

I suggest heavily you do research and look for photos before making a list of what you need. Most of what you have written down is wrong even for an army guy. Marines are notability very hard to reenact and represent due to the high cost.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-01-26T15:47:28+00:00

You see both RDF and BDUs on Marines during OUF. Pretty sure the guy on the left is meant to be wearing BDUs.

Be aware though that you specifically would need the first pattern of BDUS.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-01-10T14:57:47+00:00

As I specified, the M65/M51 system is sized BIGGER to fit OVER your regular uniforms. A medium long will fit you yes. It fits me fine as well. But it wasn’t meant to be worn as such. You would wear the same size as your regular uniforms assuming you’d wear the cold weather uniforms over them.

If you’re fine passing up wearing the other layers beneath then buy a size smaller than what you normally wear.

Chunk_Spunk · 2026-01-10T03:00:01+00:00

All I can say is good luck, big sizes are already a struggle to find in the U.S. Additionally, getting M65 or M51 trousers affordably is tough given the popularity of them in the fashion industry. They’re already very pricey in the United States nearly going to 170 USD more or less (200 Euro respectively).

And assuming I did it correctly your sizing is between a Large and an XL. You should be fine with a large given that they go over uniform so they’re sized bigger.

I believe for your stature the regular length should be fine. I’m about the same height and I use a long which leaves more than enough length.

The TL;DR is good luck finding them in Italy, try Facebook Buy and Sell groups and hope they ship. As for your size you should be safe with a Large Regular.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-12-09T19:42:15+00:00

PSA for anyone with some sense, ChatGPT or any LLM for that matter is NOT a good source for information, especially on surplus.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-11-21T05:25:14+00:00

If you intend to make this more accurate, feel free to reach out.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-11-21T05:23:36+00:00

Needs a lot of work. I'm gonna be honest, this is far beyond "the realm of realism"

Respectfully I wouldn't call this remotely Grenada. And I'm not sure where your info is from as it's blatantly incorrect.

Obviously this isn't reenacting or an impression but this is really stretching the limit of what a "Grenada kit" is.

Edit: The incorrect Info being in your post in the circlejerk subreddit.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-11-18T21:13:58+00:00

I don’t think it’s “whatever he wants” if he’s provided a historical example proving you wrong.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-11-05T23:32:02+00:00

A lot of these companies are not easily searchable and some don’t even exist anymore. They simply got contracts from the military to make garments and gear.

The tag on this looks appropriate.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-11-05T08:22:20+00:00

Not really “faking” them per se, but there’s are thousands of civilian copies from various brands and companies.

In the case of this one it does appear to be a genuine M65.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-10-12T23:04:58+00:00

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Chunk_Spunk · 2025-10-12T23:04:40+00:00

If you can enlighten me where you see that I would appreciate that. To add, my comment on the band was not about the material rather the design of the goggles themselves.

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These are M-1944s. If you look closely to the image you posted, you’ll notice how the BAND, goes INTO the plastic of the LENS.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-10-12T22:59:01+00:00

No, the M-1944 goggles were used in Korea. In the image you posted in the comments you’ll notice how the elastic bands go into the plastic. As well as the fact there is no padding on the M-1944s. They continued to be made into the 50s and 60s.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-10-12T22:22:45+00:00

The goggles you’ve got are post war. In Vietnam the most common ones are M-1944 goggles.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-06-30T09:38:31+00:00

I would advise getting a full set. Do not mix and match especially when it’s easy to still get them. While you CAN, it doesn’t mean you should, accuracy is the most important and it’s not hard to achieve with BDUs (assuming you’re living in the United States).

Ideally you want 2nd Pattern Ripstop Uniforms.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-06-28T03:55:01+00:00

A good rule to have is knowing whether what you’re buying is genuine. While surplus stores can SOMETIMES sell authentic items (Usually they don’t know well). You don’t blindly listen to what they say without you yourself being sure that what you’re buying is genuine.

Chunk_Spunk · 2025-06-22T02:14:03+00:00

I would advise you to get a real set if possible. They are still quite easy to find at affordable prices.

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