For CQB matches I only ever need 5 rifle mags total and 2 pistol mags total. I run the Shellback Banshee PC. I've tried vests, i've tried chest rigs like the TT MAV, but i've come to love plate carriers more than anything for the simple fact that it conforms to my body a lot better than a chest rig ever did for me. It doesn't twist around my body or ride up like a chest rig did. This is what works for me personally, i'm sure other people feel more comfortable with a chest rig, but I like my PC.
I run it light with 3 mags across my chest. If I ever felt like running more on my PC, I would replace the current pouches with double decker tacos to increase my mag carriage by 3 mags. I don't like using bungee retained mag pouches because the bungee's get in the way and I hate having excess #### hangin' around my "workspace". I purchased a PC because I have the option to run plates later on when I can A) afford them and B) feel the need to run them and not have to don extra kit. Just keepin' it simple. On hot days i'm considering taking the cummerbund off completely and running my PC with just an elastic cummerbund.
On my belt rig, I carry 3 rifle mags, 4 pistol mags, my pistol, my multi tool, a flashlight, my blowout kit and my grenade pouch holds a surefire battery container for extra batteries. I usally keep a couple extra batteries for my Vortex on my rifle in the pistol grip and in the foregrip.
For my matches, I load my pistol with the furthest mag on my left side and I load my rifle with the furthest right mag on my PC. As i'm reloading, the mag changes get easier as I am not reaching across my body. The 4 FDE mags are loaded with 5 rounds and the black PMAG is loaded with 4 rounds. The different colors help me indicate that I am infact grabbing the right magazine. The magazine on my belt that is right behind my pistol is just a reaction/extra mag in case I fumble during a reload or a mag fails. This kit setup is strictly for competition only. Depending on the course of fire, my load out will change. This is what works for me. Since I started shooting, i've also gone through 3 different types of holsters. Started off with those cheezy nylon "one size fits all" pieces of junk. Then moved onto a SERPA, decent holster but when it jammed up on me one day, I got rid of it and moved onto a Safariland. I didn't like the Safariland because no matter how much I used it at home or on the range, I could never get used to the hood and the ALS system. I wanted something simple that has retention like the SERPA, but would also bare a flashlight like my Safariland did, so I just got one made for me. Now, my pistol doesn't come out of it's holster unless I want it out, I can run a flashlight if I want and I don't have to strap it to my leg....i've always hated drop leg rigs.
In the CF, it's a whole different story unfortunately. I hate the new TacVest and will never like it. I prefer the old webbing. If I was still allowed to wear it, I would turn that POS Tacvest back into Supply and use my webbing.
