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Post by Nightcrawler on Feb 27, 2006 22:50:33 GMT -5
Made some purchases at my local military surplus outlet today. I decided to turn my OD BDUs into a Vietnam them. When I got home, this is how it turned out. The setup includes: An OD tee-shirt OD Trousers and Blouse (close enough to legit) Period belt, harness, holster, and buttback. 2 Canteens in pouches P38 can opener 'round my neck (I got a million of 'em ) M1 Steel Pot helmet (forgive the crooked band) I've got another P38 and some rolled up socks in the band too. My most interesting prize of the day was not even purchased. Phil at the Perimeter gave it to me as a gift. It's a pack of Salem cigarettes from 1967 that were issued in C-Rations during the war. The 4 cigs are still in the box and so are a bunch of dead bugs. Still working on getting a bandoleer or two, maybe a flak jacket, compass and pouch, bug juice, a couple ammo pouches, an OD cover for my helmet and the jungle boots. I plan to paint up my holster with some trench art something like this: www.thevietnam-database.co.uk/Graphics/Holsterart.jpgI also have a few plans for helmet graffiti. Enjoy and Huzzah!
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Post by Matt (Achilles) on Feb 27, 2006 23:06:23 GMT -5
Lookin good nighty, The only thing I have to say is, you should get some mud/sctratches going on on some of that stuff, and the canteen covers are a little shiney.
Over all its pretty nice.
I'm sure Enkindu has some advise for you
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Post by Jacko on Feb 27, 2006 23:49:36 GMT -5
Wow, thank Phil a ton because I don't even know where you'd find ciagrettes like those that aren't expensive reproductions. Your setup looks pretty good so far. Flak jackets go for about $100 on eBay and weigh around 16lbs., I think, but I'd put that off. What sort of weapon are you going to use? Ammo pouches are dirt cheap from Omaha's and you can find aplethora of other stuff on there if eBay fails you. How much did all this run you?
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Post by Nightcrawler on Feb 28, 2006 7:11:24 GMT -5
The only thing I have to say is, you should get some mud/sctratches going on on some of that stuff, and the canteen covers are a little shiney. I wish I had been able to get older ones. I'll break em in soon enough. Jacko, trust me I told Phil I couldn't thank him enough and he said "you just did". He's an infinitely nice guy. I think I'm gonna repay him by painting a little banner on my holster that says "Phil Rules". I've never seen cigs alone, only in a rare complete c-ration once in a while. The flak jacket certainly isn't my highest priority. Phil is keeping his eye out for a deal. The BDUs were about 55 bucks (I had bought them previously) and yesterday, my total purchase ran at 110 bucks. Thanks for the input fellas. Edit: forgot to add that I intend on filling my holster with a kjw 1911a1 single stack and I plan to get an m14. It'll be a while, seeing as completing my ensemble will put a hefty dent in my wallet. Edit again: I started the trench art on my holster as I have planned. I put card suits on the front-facing edge; a skull, my signature and the 'Phil Rules' banner on the flap; and pocket aces on the body. I also colored the US emblem. I'm no artist, but I'm pretty proud. Notice the empty space on the body. I'd like input from the MiA community on what to put there. The 'Phil Rules' banner is mostly to thank him for the cigs he gave me. I told him of my plan and his modesty made him sound embarassed. I think he'll be pleased nevertheless. I used acryllic paint at the suggestion of my school's art teacher. The paint is flexible enough to stay as long as I'm not too rough. I was inspired by this pic I saw online: www.thevietnam-database.co.uk/Graphics/Holsterart.jpgHere's mine: Enjoy.
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Post by Livonia on Mar 2, 2006 15:23:25 GMT -5
wow, thats an impressive paintjob on the holster... looks amaizing.
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Post by King on Mar 2, 2006 15:37:39 GMT -5
Maybe instead of an M14, you should go with an M16VN, it seems like everyone who wants a Vietnam loadout has an M14, seeing an M16 would be a nice change of pace.
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Post by O'Dwah on Mar 2, 2006 15:43:29 GMT -5
That's exactly the opposite of what I think King, everytime I see a Vietnam movie, they all have M16s. And I'm like WTF;This movie is based before the M16 was used in service.
But it's all Nightys decision.
And for my suggestion for the holster, I would put maybe the MIA logo. Or I would put the 1st infantry patch.
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Post by King on Mar 2, 2006 16:54:00 GMT -5
The M16 actually replaced the M14 starting in 1966, so, unless the movie takes place before 66-68, most everyone should be toting M16s.
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Post by O'Dwah on Mar 2, 2006 17:15:55 GMT -5
That was my point, I was watching this movie based around 1965, and they were all carrying M16s. I saw a couple of M14s, but this is getting off topic.
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Post by King on Mar 2, 2006 17:30:00 GMT -5
Oh, got it. I thought you thought that M14s were widely used throughout most of the war, my mistake. Back on topic. Lookin' good Nighty, I'd like to know what you think of the KJ 1911 Single Stack once you get it, I've always been tempted to buy one.
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Post by Nightcrawler on Mar 2, 2006 21:47:11 GMT -5
Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of m16 variants *enters defensive stance*. That's the main reason I picked the m14 over the m16.
Echo, the MiA logo is a great suggestion. I'll certainly keep it in mind.
King, I have a few connections. It shouldn't be too long (funds permitting) until I get my 1911. I'll compose a brief review for you.
Today I bought a pouch from the era to carry 2 m14 mags; some more socks; and dogtags that have my name, nickname, and 'MI Airsoft' on them. I also put a dual pistol mag pouch and my bayonet on my belt. I started wearing down the canteen pouces with sand paper. They don't shine anymore and are looking more legit. I also put a p38, matches, toilet paper, and my cigs in my helmet. Just ordered my 75% deet bug juice too. Updated pics soon too come (whenever I get my lazy ass up and into that garb).
Thanks for all the positive feedback guys. Much appreciated.
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Post by O'Dwah on Mar 2, 2006 21:51:53 GMT -5
I can't wait to see some more pics, and be careful with that bug juice it'll bleach your cloths.
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Post by Matt (Achilles) on Mar 2, 2006 22:47:09 GMT -5
I also recommend painting some Peace signs on your steel and "GOING HOME! printed on there with a marker. Also, you should look for a Vietnam camo Helmet cover, it would complete the look.
Its too bad you don't live near Pontiac, Joe's military Surplus has so much Vietnam era pouches and stuff, i got a Vietnam belt rig with a Y harness for $10, I also still have some of my dads stuff from when he was in Nam' I just realized i have enough to make a couple Vietnam loadouts, damn. Hey if your Coming to Op: Redout, or you know someone who is, i could give you a few bandoleer chest pouches, they are Vietnam used, and completes the hole look, you can have a couple if you would like, I got them for a bout $1.50 a piece.
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Post by Jacko on Mar 2, 2006 23:20:22 GMT -5
Joe's is an awesome store. I got more than a few things from there and i try to visist whenever I'm looking for weird/hard to find items. It is kind of a hike from Ann Arbor though. enkidu seemed to have a problems finding a Mitchell camo cover for his helmet but there's a few on eBay for ~$25 right now.
The art on the holster is pretty neat but I'd run some real fine grain sandpaper over it to wear it some unless you wanna brave rolling around in the snow/ice with it on. No one would keep a holster looking that good unless they're a worthless, green lieutenant. ;D
Also, about the M14's, King is right; M16's started getting issued in 1966. Some units traded their new M16's for used M14's when the jamming issues arose. Some Marine units were using M14's up until '69 so whatever floats yer boat. WGC has some really rocking good deals on G&P M16's though and I might just pick one up though I've already got a gorgeous wood M14.
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Post by O'Dwah on Mar 3, 2006 15:10:03 GMT -5
The movie by the way, was "We Were Soldiers", based in 1965. All of the soldiers were carrying M16s.
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