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[MedicmanV2]

So yeah, I know where to get everything now besides the 3rd pattern jungle fatigues in my size (and the CA M16A1/VN) I need a S-R or M-R in coat, M-R in trousers. Should I get the repro ones from Moore Militaria? Or try to find originals? Please help me, I am confused.

[thejohnson98]

a CA M16 should be fine or a TM with a few external upgrades. Dont get a flak jacket, they are retardedly heavy and rattle alot, and pretty expensive if its real.

also i would get another mag pouch or two just for extra mags possibly, or w/e and if u really wanna go all out for a patrol type setting get an alice pack frame with pads and what not and put a poncho with liner and a small type alice pack or something that you would need on patrol, but for skirmishes i would ditch the idea.

[Crimson_Phoenix]

Didn't they walk out with their rucks and then ditch them at a rally point when engaging enemy forces?

[Sgt. Kinn]

also i would get another mag pouch or two just for extra mags possibly, or w/e and if u really wanna go all out for a patrol type setting get an alice pack frame with pads and what not and put a poncho with liner and a small type alice pack or something that you would need on patrol, but for skirmishes i would ditch the idea.

They didnt have ALICE packs in Vietnam. They had Lightweight and Tropical rucksacks.

[MedicmanV2]

So I just took a trip down to my local surplus shop to see if they had any Vietnam stuff, I noticed a sexy Vietnam era M1 Helmet w/ Mitchell cover and scrim band on the shelf. It had a chin strap and a nape strap, and was in good condition, so I purchased it for $60. Well, only later did I realize that I think this is an M1C helmet (the paratrooper version). Would that be inaccurate for an Infantry impression? I really hope I didn't waste my money.

[the roob]

We were in country until '75, yes, but from what I understood, drawdowns began under Nixon earlier than that and most major fighting ceased before '75. I'm going by memory here, and not quoting any historical source.

sounds about right to me.

[charlie_nin-er]

Hi MedicmanV2, $60 isn't to bad at all really. I'm not to familiar with airborne liners, but as far as I know the only big difference are the A straps. You could always get a regular liner and use that instead. As far as an infantry impression, I don't recall (correct me if I'm wrong) seeing any photos of regular infantry types with airborne liners.  

On flack jackets, I'm pretty much restating whats been said, but don't get one. In a lot of original photo's and from a vet that I talked too, most guys didn't wear them off base anyways, because, as stated, they were heavy, bulky, and hot.

For a good vietnam loadout, resist the urge to collect and wear every piece of kit you can get your hands on.  the more veteran you were in nam, the less crap you would be carrying around with you from your issued gear. lots of stuff you don't need on patrols and ambushes.  your list looks good to go, like CP said, I would add some canteens and a combat knife, K-bars were sought after, but the issue bayonet would be legit for army loadout.

Can't stress this enough. Humping around every piece of issue equipment the field manual tells you to carry tends to be a definite sign that you just got in country. It sounds like you already have a good understanding of 'Nam gear, so I'm sure you should be well off.

~edit-Here's a good link if you haven't seen it already:
http://hardscrabblefarm.com/vn/index.html
 

[Chuckles91]

I'm with you Medicman. I've been searching high and low for a Classic Army XM177 E2 for a Vietnam loadout. Anyone have any ideas?

[MedicmanV2]

I found a website that stocks a ton of original Vietnam era uniforms. Is it safe to order from?

http://www.vintagetrends.com/

Anyone have any testimonials from this site? I heard a couple bad reviews online, only about 3 though, 2 of which say they received the wrong item.

[MG42Madness]

Just order from Moore Militaria.  He has the reproductions in store.  I believe he makes his own reproductions in-house (at least my sateens were done in this fashion).  He doesn't sell shady stuff.

If you have questions, give him a ring or e-mail.  He will answer.

[MedicmanV2]

Just order from Moore Militaria.  He has the reproductions in store.  I believe he makes his own reproductions in-house (at least my sateens were done in this fashion).  He doesn't sell shady stuff.

If you have questions, give him a ring or e-mail.  He will answer.

Are they accurate reproductions (as in color, features, etc)? I would order them but they're kinda pricey and I'm low on cash at the moment

[MG42Madness]

Are they accurate reproductions (as in color, features, etc)? I would order them but they're kinda pricey and I'm low on cash at the moment

CALL AND ASK.  LIKE I RECOMMENDED.

[MedicmanV2]

CALL AND ASK.  LIKE I RECOMMENDED.

Okay, no need to yell (or type in large, bold capital letters) . I'm just asking a lot of questions because I want to get my impression right, and not have it look like crap.

[MG42Madness]

I already told you that I've never bought the 3rd pattern.  I've only ever bought the old sateens.  They are good quality.  I can not vouch for actual quality of what you wanted. 

So call him.

(979) 774-9200

[Atilla]

I already told you that I've never bought the 3rd pattern.  I've only ever bought the old sateens.  They are good quality.  I can not vouch for actual quality of what you wanted. 

So call him.

(979) 774-9200

dearest MG42madness,

i was reading your post and i was wondering if you could tell me about your experience purchasing 3rd pattern fatigues. i was reading the posts above and saw that you have purchased some. could you let me know ASAP.

sincerely,

atilla "rad" mccool, esq.

[kornkob]

MG42,

I hear you are a total expert on the 3rd Pattern fatigues sold at Moore Militaria.  I'm concerned that their reproduction isn't true to life and they've 'fixed' the inseam such that it no longer chafes like a cheese grater in the slightest heat.   Can attest to the presence of this painful but authentic chafing?

Your bud,

Kob

[Booligan]

MG,

Think you might be able to sell me your 3rd Pattern fatigues that you bought from Moore Militaria? I could use a set, and I know you had good experiences with your set. Shoot me a PM for your price with shipping.

Thanks,

Booligan

[MedicmanV2]

Got my M1 helmet from a surplus store and 3rd pattern fatigues from eBay. Gotta get my OD jungle boots and web gear, then some other misc stuff like M18 smoke grenades, inert frags, OD towel, c-rat smokes and bug juice... all that good stuff.

Also, pretty sure my helmet is the M1C, the paratrooper's version. Do I need to replace it? I'd really rather not. Is the shape of the liner on the airborne helmet different from the regular infantry version?

[MG42Madness]

You go through all this flak to make sure your 3rd pattern fatigues are "legit", and then go and possibly buy an incorrect helmet?

I'll assume you didn't call.

[MedicmanV2]

You go through all this flak to make sure your 3rd pattern fatigues are "legit", and then go and possibly buy an incorrect helmet?

I'll assume you didn't call.

The reproductions on Moore Militaria were too expensive for me at the moment, so I did some eBay hunting and found some original 3rd pattern jungle fatigues in my size for cheaper than the repros. Doesn't make sense to buy a reproduction which is more expensive than the original.

Also, were 3rd Pattern jungle fatigues ever made in ripstop poplin?

[charlie_nin-er]

Do I need to replace it? I'd really rather not. Is the shape of the liner on the airborne helmet different from the regular infantry version?

Just use it if you don't want to replace it (or until you replace it) since it's only airsoft. A minor detail like that can be okay, and looks a lot less conspicuous than trying to pull off the 'Nam look with woodland BDU's or MOLLE equipment for example. Also, in regards to the helmet cover, hold yourself back from drawing anything on it. Writing/drawing things on helmet covers wasn't as widely done as most people think.

As far as using repro uniforms, most people wear them so as not to "destroy" originals uniforms by using them in the field. This makes more sense with WW2 airsofters and reenactors, since finding original uniforms can be hard on its own, as well as the fact that you'd be rolling around in 60-70 year old wool.  With Vietnam however (in this case the 3rd pat's,) since the uniform stayed virtually the same up until the 80's, there's really no problem in finding original and post war production stuff and not feeling bad about using and abusing them.

I don't have my uniform on hand at the moment, so I'm not sure on the ripstop poplin. I've never really payed attention the fabric at all.

On jungle boots, don't use those $20 Chinese made ones they sell at surplus stores and come in black and OD. They're okay for the first time, but they fall apart when you need them most. Not to mention the color and quality looks nothing like real jungle boots.

Here's some photos I've picked up. Looking at original photo's is one of the best ways to see how guys wore their uniform and equipment. It's mostly SOG and MACV guys (with the occasional WW2 photo I was to lazy to organize), but theres some grunt pics in there.
http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/retrohead01/ww2/Vietnam%20War/

I'll post more links when I find them. I can't remember very many ever since the vietnamairsoft forum went kaput.

[MedicmanV2]

Yeah, I think I'm just gonna keep the helmet. It's identical to the standard infantry helmet if you tuck the a-straps in, no one would ever know. As for the uniform, you wouldn't really think original 3rd pattern fatigues are rare, but I had trouble finding them, had to do some eBay digging. Also, I didn't plan on buying those Chinese jungles, I had a pair before and they fell apart in a month. They suck.

Still on the hunt for a CA M16 VN X Series.

[charlie_nin-er]

This may be of interest to you:
http://www.vietnam-airsoft.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=15

http://www.vietnam-airsoft.com/phpBB3/index.php

No one ever told me where the party was after the first Vietnamairsoft forum closed

[Crimson_Phoenix]

As far as using repro uniforms, most people wear them so as not to "destroy" originals uniforms by using them in the field. This makes more sense with WW2 airsofters and reenactors, since finding original uniforms can be hard on its own, as well as the fact that you'd be rolling around in 60-70 year old wool.  With Vietnam however (in this case the 3rd pat's,) since the uniform stayed virtually the same up until the 80's, there's really no problem in finding original and post war production stuff and not feeling bad about using and abusing them.

I don't have my uniform on hand at the moment, so I'm not sure on the ripstop poplin. I've never really payed attention the fabric at all.

On jungle boots, don't use those $20 Chinese made ones they sell at surplus stores and come in black and OD. They're okay for the first time, but they fall apart when you need them most. Not to mention the color and quality looks nothing like real jungle boots.

I agree on the bit about not wanting to rough up original period uniforms for play. But as a side note, OG-107 fatigues were used stateside and Europe up until the '80s and I have no clue how widely used the jungle fatigues were used outside of Southeast Asia. My dad still has tons of 70s era uniforms from when he was in the Army and later the Air National Guard and all are the straight pocket, plain utility uniforms in olive drab. They pretty much look like olive drab denim work pants and shirt with the flat plastic military buttons and patches.

As to boots, I'd highly recommend Altama boots who still make Panama sole jungle boots in black and green similar to late war boots. Wellco and Belleville are also good brands. Real boots will cost you some money, but they will last you years when you take good care of them. I'll tell you right now that cleaning and polishing your boots regularly will extend their life and keep them water-resistant longer. Don't worry about them looking too shiny or whatnot for being a real soldier, you'll dirty them up right away. Good fitting, well maintained boots are an investment and they'll take good care of your feet more than any cheap knock-off will. Look at it that way.

An example here

[hyperrifleman]

Medic,

For everyone's info, the CA M15A1 is a dead on accurate VN M16A1.  I not only play airsoft with mine but use it at living histories and it has fooled more than a few people.  The M16 as designed by Eugene Stoner had bakelite handguards and a light barrel.  The A1 version added the forward assist due to fouling of the chamber thanks to the powder that the government required.  There were other internal changes but for our purposes those aren't that important.  The A2 version which is still in use, added the shell deflector and changed the handguards.

For your VN loadout, you won't need a ruck.  A lightwieght rucksack runs something like 300 dollars or more.  A tropical ruck is somewhere around 100 dollars or more.   Your webgear is dead on M56 was the most common webgear in VN.  When you put yours together make sure to add at least 2 1 quart canteens.  This is most common that I have seen in photographs.  Ditch the flashlight, get a bandoleer with 20 round style mags, and ditch the shovel cover.  Have at least two first aid pouches. 

As for reproductions, Moore Militaria makes good stuff, his prices are fair and his selection is pretty complete. For boots I went with Altama, yes they are a bit pricey, but they will last, you will only have to buy them once maybe twice depends on how much you abuse them.  I have heard some not so good things about Moore's boots.  His uniforms are spot on though.