VZ 58 chest rig questions

[Brasky]

I recently acquired one of the VZ2008s that Aimsurplus had for sale.



While the mag pouch is neat, it tends to weigh too much to wear around a belt without shoulder supports. The belt loops are also to small to fit around the surplus belt I have with shoulder supports. My questions are:

-Does anyone here have or use a chest rig that fits AK mags?

-Has anyone tried a surplus AK chest rig with VZ mags? I am looking at finding an AK type 81 chest rig (style with 4 mag pouches and 2 small pouches)

If so, where did you buy it? I see a few of the type 81 chest rigs on ebay, but they mostly are from China. While shipping is reasonable, I have not purchased from China so have no experience in whether there will be customs fees, etc.

Any help is appreciated!

[ShortyBP]

I don't have a chest-rig per-say... but I did recently get a Condor "Kangaroo" double pouch made to hold two AK mags and two pistol mags.  I plan to utilize this on a MOLLE chest-rig I already have.  The VZ mags fit fine.

No experience with the Type-81 rigs, so I can't say how well the VZ mags would fit... but I will say that you would have nothing to worry about in regards to customs fees with an eBay purchase.  The price + shipping stated in the auction/listing will be the price you pay.  Shipment from China will obviously be longer than from a domestic source, so if anything, you will have to wait several weeks for it to arrive.

[andrewhyatt89]

From personal experience, I have fount that the vz-58 mags will fit the vast majority of ak mag pouches, excepting some very tight pouches. The Chi Com rig I saw at the AK operator course I took with the VZ appeared to be fairly loose in the pouch.

[Horse]

I hope they fit - another excuse to pick up another UW Gear chest rig!

[andrewhyatt89]

I am actually pretty sure that was verified in their forums.

[Brasky]

Well I found one review where someone claimed the three mag pouch model worked perfect for his vz mags, so I ordered the 4 mag pouch model. $15 shipped from China. I will let everyone know how it works when it comes in.

[JAPartridge]

I can verify that the vz.58 mags fit in the UW gear AK pouches with no problem, this has been confirmed from a number of sources, including my UW Swamp-Fox Mk.II  the UW Gear is absolutely awesome!  Only bad thing, is like all good things, you have to wait...    They are a small shop who value quality over quantity, which is great, just leads to long lead times. 

[vblue42]

I use the Condor Thigh Rig panel and the Condor Double AK Mag Pouch strapped to my left leg. Its is of good quality, very affordable and works great. If you have a MOLLI vest already I would recommend two double mag pouches. The double mag pouches allow you to double stack two mags per pouch so this will give you 4 to 8 mags respectively. And if you really want to get crazy you can get the triple mag pouch and go 6-12. Check it out.

http://www.condoroutdoor.com/ma1droplegplatform.aspx
http://www.condoroutdoor.com/ma6doublearakmagpouch.aspx
http://www.condoroutdoor.com/ma33triplearakmagpouch.aspx

[Brasky]

So my chest rig arrived ,only ten days from Beijing!
The mags fit well, they are a little snug but I am sure they will wear in. The small pouches are kind of useless, but do fit a box of ammo or a jar of baby food    I would use the pouches for my grenades if only I could find where I placed them...

[jwc007]

Congratulations on your Vz2008 and nice Chest Rig you have there.  I use a Romanian Side Pouch.

[WGolden]

That looks cool, kind of retro - definitely a different approach!

[Brasky]

That looks cool, kind of retro - definitely a different approach!

I wanted something that would work while on a budget. Military surplus accomplished both of those. This chest rig will most likely outlast any of the other $15 chest rigs

[WGolden]

I wanted something that would work while on a budget. Military surplus accomplished both of those. This chest rig will most likely outlast any of the other $15 chest rigs

I'd say you made a good choice!  I've always been a fan of those Chinese chest rigs. 

[ShortyBP]

hey Brasky,

What vendor did you use for the rig?  That thing looks a lot better than the $18 examples I'm seeing elsewhere.
I'd be interested in picking one up.  I think I could make it work for me, if I change out the wood-button/loop closures and work on the straps.  Those two smaller side pockets would be great for "tactical snacks".   

[Brasky]

hey Brasky,

What vendor did you use for the rig?  That thing looks a lot better than the $18 examples I'm seeing elsewhere.
I'd be interested in picking one up.  I think I could make it work for me, if I change out the wood-button/loop closures and work on the straps.  Those two smaller side pockets would be great for "tactical snacks".   

It is a military surplus type 81 chicom ak chest rig. I bought mine off of ebay for $15 shipped from China. I think one guy in the US has one on there but he wants $35 shipped for it. It only took 10 days for it to ship from China