The Chicom Chest Rig, or Chicom for short, is a chest rig of Chinese origin.
Overview[]
The Chicom chest rig was created for the People's Liberation Army during the 1950s. It's name is derived from the words "Chinese Communist," however, Chicom is also used to refer to other gear from the People's Republic of China. [4] [5] The Chicom is an evolution of traditional belt-mounted magazine pouches. Placing the magazines directly on the chest, it allows for faster reloads and easier movement. Many variants of the Chicom exist with different pouch configurations and for different weapons. They are manufactured in various shades of green, brown, and tan. All versions of the Chicom feature adjustable shoulder and waist straps.
History[]
The first major appearance of the Chicom was during the Vietnam War, utilized by the Viet Cong and People's Army of Vietnam. US special operators then copied the design to better blend in or to use enemy small arms. [6]
During the Soviet–Afghan War, many Soviet soldiers utilized the Chicom chest rig. This caused the Soviet Union to develop and manufacture its own version, known as the First Pattern Lifchik.[7] [2] [5]
The Chicom chest rig also went on to inspire designs from other countries such as South Africa and Rhodesia.[1] [4]
Manufacturers in China currently produce reproductions of the various Chicom chest rigs, which are readily found on online shopping websites. American companies such as Parashooter Gear and AWS Inc. sell chest rigs based on the Chicom.
Variants[]
Type 53 Mosin Chest Rig[]
The type 53 includes 10 pockets for storing the stripper clips of 7.62x54R for the Type 53 Mosin Nagant. It was produced with ties or wooden toggles. [8]
Type 56 AK Chest Rig[]
This is the most commonly found variant. the Type 56 chest rig includes three magazine pockets in the center with two sets of smaller pouches on either side. One of the smaller pouches would be rubberized for containing an oiler bottle. It was introduced alongside the Type 56 assault rifle.[1]
Type 56 SKS Chest Rig[]
The Type 56 contains 10 pockets for Type 56 SKS stripper clips.
Type 63 Chest Rig[]
The Type 63 chest rig incorporates 5 large pockets for Type 63 magazines and two smaller pouches on either side. It was meant for the Type 63 assault rifle.
Type 79 SMG Chest Rig[]
The Type 79 contains 4 central pockets for magazines and two pockets on ethier side for grenades, cleanining kit, ect. Made for the Type 79 SMG. The center pockets measure 12,5 x 4 x 3 cm / 5” x 1.6” x 1.2”. [9]
Type 81 AK Chest Rig[]
The Type 81 has 4 large pockets for magazines and two smaller pockets on either side. Made for the Type 81 AK.
Common Modifications[]
It is very common for combatants to modify the Chicom in a variety of ways.
Writing/ graffiti: Unit numbers, names, or symbols are often drawn or painted on, especially in the Middle East, where painted on circles containing unit numbers are seen.
Retention: Toggles are often replaced with more easily used buckles, buttons or Velcro. Elastic straps or elastic cords can be wrapped around magazine pouches to increase retention when carrying magazines without using the chest rig's flaps. Kydex inserts or elastic cord tabs have also been used for this purpose.
Draining: Holes are sometimes made in the bottom of the pockets to allow grommets/ eyelets to drain pouches.
Waterproofing: Wax or waterproofing spray can be applied to the surface to repel moisture.
Stretching: A common Soviet modification of the Chicom was to soak and stretch the main pouches to fit two AK-74 magazines, instead of the usual one AKM magazine.
Waist straps: D rings or buckles are occasionally added to the rear straps in order to make closing easier.
Shoulder straps: Shoulder pads can be added to increase comfort over the original thin shoulder straps.
Dyeing/painting: The chest rig is often dyed or painted to better match one's surroundings.
Extra pouches: Existing auxiliary pouches can be removed to accommodate sewn on Molle webbing or paracord, which allows the user to attach Molle compatible pouches. Pouches can also be directly sewn to the chest rig.
Modularity: Velcro can be sewn on the back, and buckles added to the shoulder straps in order to be compatible with certain plate carriers.
Gallery[]
In popular culture[]
|
Media |
Notes |
Date |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | Type 56 AK chest rig, worn by the Iranian terrorists, Antonov's Guardian skin | 2020 |
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://phillosoph.blogspot.com/2017/01/vietnam-chest-rigs.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.quora.com/Recognizing-the-long-history-of-Chinese-creativity-and-technical-prowess-can-you-describe-any-modern-invention-that-originated-in-China
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie-uCUtMWbU
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://soldiersystems.net/2016/10/19/rhodesians-didnt-invent-the-chest-rig/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://blog.gruppa-l.com/review-chicom/
- ↑ https://www.everydaymarksman.co/equipment/chest-rig/
- ↑ https://www.red-alliance.net/forum/index.php?topic=2743.0
- ↑ http://www.red-alliance.net/forum/index.php?topic=25175.0
- ↑ https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/chicom-type-79-chestrig-surplus/64870