Custom Gear Report

762Tactical is a custom gear company started in 2002 and went full time on 2006. The foundation of the company was built around the need for gear to use with weapon systems other than the M16/M4 series of weapons.

Colin, the owner of 762tTactical, identified the gap for weapons such as AK’s, FAL’s, G3′s, M14′s and more recently SR25/M110 SASS’s. While some of these weapons have pretty much been in continuous use in more specialized units, we have seen a resurgence even in conventional line units especially the M14 and the new M110 and to a certain extent the AK which has been widely used by civilian contractors. Of course there is always the civilian market where larger caliber semi-auto rifles have remained popular. To further cater to the civilian market 762 can also build solutions for M1 Garands, m1 carbines, 3030 Winchesters and other sporting rifles.

762′s product offerings are not limited to this however, they also make an assortment of other conventional load carrying rigs of which we have included some photos.

762Tactical’s customers range from Army and USMC snipers, SF, Civilian Contractors, 3 gun competitors, your average prepared citizen and everyone in between.

They currently have a showcase website www.762tactical.com but will be launching their online store and improved website in the next month or so. We’ll be sure to post an update when they go live. in the mean time you can contact them through the email address on their site.

Some photos of 762Tactical gear after the break.

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I’ve always been a fan of small gadgets and tools along with the whole EDC concept and being prepared for life’s daily hiccups. I carry a couple things in my pockets that I use on a daily basis to accomplish little tasks, might be a good article at a later date. As a hobby home shop metal worker I also appreciate quality design and craftsmanship.

About a year and a half ago I discovered the work of Peter Atwood of Atwood Knife and Tool. Peter designs and produces some pretty cool small pocket tools and blades. Over this time I’ve purchased 5 of his creations and have to say I am pretty happy with them. I carry two tools on my keychain. The “Atwrench with Tiki Grinds” and the “Nibble” and use them daily for opening boxes, prying, opening beer bottles etc. I also have a titanium “Bug out Bar”, “Keyton” and a titanium “Bermuda Triangle” I’ll save the details on these for a future review video.

In Peter’s own words:

I specialize in small pocket tools and key ring knives although I have made many folding knives and even a few larger fixed blades over the years. But my main love is for the small stuff. I’m constantly working on new designs for gadgets, prybars, small edged tools and unique hand tools.

Atwood has formed what I would call somewhat of a cult following. He produces his tools in batches then posts them on Planet Pocket Tool which is his blog. After that it is first come first served and things usually sell out within in minutes. Because of the limited supply and the high demand, his stuff is highly collectible.

The items are not exactly cheap, and some have remarked that they are overpriced for what they are, but when you consider the labor involved in grinding, deburring, heat treating and finishing each tool it’s pretty labor intensive. Add to that the supply and demand issue mentioned above and you can understand the price tag. As someone who does a little bit of hobby metal working, I certainly understand.

If you get a chance head on over to his websites and take a look at his work. I think you’ll be impressed.

Videos of Peter working in his shop and more photos after the read more.

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Zulu Nylon Gear is an up and coming custom gear company. Initially specializing in admin/organizational and EDC equipment. They have a range of products in development and you can track the development of these items on their blog.

Currently their “Mega Admin Pouch” is in production and available for Purchase in Coyote Brown with other colors to follow. We will have more info on this pouch in a future post.

Zulu prides themselves on using quality products made in the US with US Made materials. Keep an eye on this company I think they’re going places and this isn’t going to be the last you hear of them on the CGR.

Go Gear Tactical is a small and growing custom gear company based out of Washington state and owned and operated by Paul Green. Looking at Paul’s gear it is obvious he has a unique design style.

Paul has been sewing gear for 4 years and dove in professionally last year. He draws his unique design experience from years working as a metal and composites fabricator as well as hot rod builder. This background can be seen in his sewing by looking at the attention to detail, very clean stitch lines and curves.

While Paul enjoys making custom pieces and he builds everything from mag pouches to armor carriers, I would say his signature item is his padded “Boss” belt.

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Down Range Gear has just brought their new website online. Down Range Gear is owned by Chris Conner an Infantry Marine with over 11 years of service and 2 tours in Iraq along with time spent as a contract instructor, for Marine Transition Teams. Experience that give Chris first hand experience and the knowledge to know what’s needed in the field.

After 4 years of sewing gear on a part time basis Chris launched his company with a focus on bringing field gear solutions for the Grunt.

Taking a quick look at the new site you can see that Chris’ initial focus is on accessories for an often neglected piece of equipment, the helmet. He’s come up with a pretty unique goggle cover a ingenious yet simple retention system for helmet mounted Night Observation Devices as well as a strap keeper.

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U/W Gear is owned and operated by Mike Dismuke aka Diz. Mike is a long time member of the DIY Tactical Forum and good friend.

A former Marine, Mike’s custom gear building experience goes back over 22 years. Along with his time spent in the Marine Corps he draws knowledge from his background as a certified parachute rigger, gunsmith, machinist, and tactical trainer. Mike’s knowledge is unparalleled and he’s certainly generous with it as demonstrated by the many tutorials he’s contributed to help younger gear makers learn the tips and tricks of the trade. There are a couple gear makers in the field that have gotten their start under Mike’s tutelage.

Mike’s dedication to quality is top notch and his designs are some of the best I have seen. He draw inspiration from many disciplines withing the sewing industry. This can be seen in the ergonomic cut of a lot of his gear or the constant design revisions as new materials and techniques become available. Mike specializes in making custom chest rigs, armor carriers and rucksacks as well as more common items like ammo and general purpose pouches.

Mike has done work for members of all branches of the military’s conventional and special operations communities, His equipment has seen combat in Afghanistan, Iraq and other fine hot spots around the world. He’s also does work for law enforcement, contractors and prepared civilians. You cannot go wrong with custom equipment from U/W Gear.

If you’d like to contact Mike he can be reached at mdismuke[at]caroliana.rr.com or through the DIY Tactical Forums under the name Diz.

Here are some examples of Mike’s work.

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