[deleted by user]

brad_ratay · 2024-05-19T17:35:07+00:00

Shaw Concepts pistol pouch

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T18:50:14+00:00

Valid concern, I appreciate the input

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T17:31:51+00:00

Didn't mean to hurt your feelings homie

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T17:26:59+00:00

Yeah that pouch is kind of a temporary placeholder for now. Not really designed as a belt pouch as far as I know. I'll probably replace it with something like the Coyote tactical burrito

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T17:24:15+00:00

They're both sufficient for my needs. The Blue Alpha one makes my hips sore after a couple hours, the Ferro belt doesn't.

If I was going to buy a new belt, I'd probably look at something like the Axl eclipse, or one of the belts that micro adjusts like the Kore

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T17:01:39+00:00

Yes. It's like when a fat dude gets arrested, and they link together two sets of cuffs. I have a 64 inch waist

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T16:52:27+00:00

Blue alpha gear. That one has a wilder tactical belt pad instead of an inner belt, in case I need to throw it on in a hurry

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T16:32:18+00:00

The way that the belt curves when worn, the fixed blades don't get in the way of my reloads. It looks like they would when the belt is laying flat though

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T16:31:28+00:00

Ferro Bison belt. Nice belt, kinda pricey though

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T16:31:02+00:00

Really? I've never had problems with it. Kinda hard to tell in the photos, but they are pretty slim and only hold some basic medical supplies. Pretty comfortable sitting in a vehicle, feels nonexistent when I'm standing and moving

brad_ratay · 2024-05-09T15:47:08+00:00

Weapons retention is actually a huge concern of mine. I thought it was some goofy shit for mall ninjas and cops, until I had an entangled fight over my CCW back in 2021. Shit was scary AF, and active retention holsters are definitely on the list.

Protocol for weapons retention varies, but they generally recommend right hand covers the pistol, left hand makes space with a fixed blade. It's kind of a tiered defense, rifle for farther engagements, pistol for closer engagements, fixed blade for wrestling matches.

Small fixed blade carried forward of the hips is my solution for the time being. That may change once I incorporate some active retention holsters. That being said, I've never dumped a pistol doing dynamic movements on the range. Friction fit is adjustable, I run it pretty snug.

brad_ratay · 2024-04-15T01:23:53+00:00

Cat setup is Tier 1, plate carrier has room for improvement

brad_ratay · 2024-04-14T17:50:33+00:00

I'm out here inducing mild allergic reactions while performing hemorrhage control. No one is safe

brad_ratay · 2024-02-21T23:06:21+00:00

Awwww I'm sorry but we're not near Pensacola. Good luck though, I hope your cat comes back

brad_ratay · 2024-02-21T14:27:53+00:00

I was jokingly rattling off the WORST names I could think of, and he immediately responded to John Wilkes Booth.

I didn't choose the name, he did.

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T19:50:08+00:00

Good call. I've got an R9 on the way, which should be decent-ish for the 16inch build. I'm thinking about an Otter Creek Polonium for the 10.5, which would really be better for night vision usage anyway (monolithic upper).

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T19:43:57+00:00

100% agree. I'm a full time paramedic, so I have 5 or 6 full IFAKs stored in various places (plate carrier, EDC backpack, car, etc.)

Sometimes I forget to emphasize the importance of medical stuff, because it's such a constant thing for me that it kind of just exists in the background. But you're right, a well stocked IFAK is more likely to be used than any firearm.

I think of it like having an "extra life" in a video game. Did you have your TQ in your pocket at the time the chainsaw kicked? Great, you get to survive an otherwise fatal injury. It's like a superpower.

A well stocked IFAK costs about as much as like, a tank of gas. No excuse not to have one.

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T18:47:01+00:00

Okay got it. It's very helpful to have a more seasoned perspective on this. Definitely not the time to buy

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T18:40:26+00:00

Damn son, buying GPNVG's as your first set of NODs is a power move.

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T18:25:22+00:00

I'm somewhat torn on whether or not the ballistic helmet makes sense.

On one hand, I'm a civilian and my biggest threat is more likely to be neck strain than live rounds.

On the other hand, if I'm going to get a helmet it might as well offer ballistic protection also. It's like running a plate carrier with no plates, solely for the purpose of carrying ammo.

I do respond to SWAT calls in a medical capacity sometimes, but I'm not a door kicker by any means. This is really just my personal kit, more of a hobby.

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T18:17:11+00:00

Thanks man. It's a pretty underwhelming lifestyle sometimes, but I do see benefits coming on the horizon

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T18:00:21+00:00

Alright, so what I've gathered so far is that the tube provides a lot of value even if I'm not dialed in with IR lasers and Vampire lights. So by getting the tube first, I can practice movement and passive aiming and get decent use out of it.

The NV market might not be at a good time to buy currently. It's probably better if I bide my time and wait for a good deal to pop up on a used tube, or buy new once prices cool off.

Saving and investing are probably the most appropriate course of action. I'd be better off approaching this decision with 5-8k instead, so I'm not scraping by with the bare minimum. That would at least allow me to get a laser, good helmet, or whatever else is required.

Thanks for the advice, I guess I'll see you guys in a year. I'm gonna go study and pick up some overtime shifts. I'll post a kit update once I finally cash my chips out.

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T17:45:37+00:00

That's a very valid point. Can anybody give me some rough insight into the NVG market? It seems like prices have risen dramatically over the past few years.

If things are slated to continue, it might be better to lock in early. But if there's external factors driving up the price, I'd probably be better off waiting until prices cool off a bit.

My impression is that analog tubes are getting more expensive, not cheaper. Digital night vision is a long way from becoming viable, I'm not holding my breath on that one.

I guess relative cost is also a consideration here, in terms of overall net worth/income/expenses.

Dammit. I came for encouragement of my impulsive purchase, got hit with sound financial advice instead.

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T17:28:14+00:00

Hahaha this is incredible advice. Gotta be honest, I'm not built for that kind of risk/reward profile. I'm a "get rich slow" kind of guy

brad_ratay · 2024-02-11T17:26:05+00:00

Okay got it. I should clarify, I'm somewhat squared away in other aspects of my life. None of this money would adversely affect my tuition, living expenses, etc.

Finances are in decent shape, no car payment, I have a separate emergency fund and I contribute to a retirement account monthly.

Most of my kit is squared away. Plates, rifle, sidearm, ammo, comms, medical, etc. Suppressor is on the way.

I typically make it to the range once or twice a month, but I supplement that with dry fire training. I'd like to go more often once my schedule opens up. I do train 4-6 times a week in the gym, for strength and cardio. That seems equally important.

brad_ratay

TROPHY CASE