2022 Legion Memorial Run n Gun kit + Haley Strategic D3CRX Review

Tim

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TL/DR: stay tuned for a couple weeks after the next match, but first impression is the Amazon knock offs are pretty darn good values.

I “ran” and RO’d the Legion Memorial Run n Gun last night, got to bed around 5am ET. Hanging out for the 5k day match today and then RO’ing all the white light competitors tonight. I’m running on caffeine and stubbornness at this point!

I’ve been doing these Run n Guns for a couple years now with a mashup of gear. Recently picked up my first decent (read: expensive) chest rig with this run being the first match.

This “5K” that really was just shy of a “5 MILE” course. Terrain consisted of gravel roads, bushwhacking through woods, open fields, water crossings and slick single track trails. A LOT of the competitors were complaining about not being able to “go fast”, I loved it I ran white light, not NODS. Shooting stages were challenging, and as with all night matches the fog/wind/humidity wreaked havoc on a lot of rifle shots. Only 3 competitors finished every stage. I only DNF’d the final stage when I just couldn’t see the targets as the fog settled in. To me, these matches are a true test of equipment, preparation and “software” bottom line, tons of fun.

So, the chest rig. I have this one:

Came very highly recommended and I caught it at a decent sale. The material and workmanship are obviously top in class. No complaints at all. It holds the magazines securely, has a couple admin pouches (radio in one side, batteries and tools in the other) and “rode” well. Very comfortable.

The dangler pouch for my IFAK is removable. I’ll likely go to a belt mounted IFAK and either remove the dangler or repurpose the space depending on match needs. I knew we were going to get wet, so I dropped my IFAK into a dry bag and stuffed the whole thing in the dangler.

That said, the ~$60-75 knock off Condors (Amazon) that I’ve been running work just as well and and offer a tremendous value - if you’re ok with Chinese patent infringements, they’d be hard to knock.

The blue alpha belt w/suspenders I’ve been running for a while now and really like. Everything carries securely. As I’ve lost weight, the suspenders are handy when I’m between sizes. I’m hoping a smaller belt will be here in time for the next run in a couple weeks.

Dara holsters have become my favorite. Safariland seems to rule the market, but I like that Dara is an NC company and their retention system just works. HSGI tacos for belt mounted mags.

The rifle ran well with Omega can, surefire scout and Burris AR—332. I like the Burris because the BDC is spot on for me out to 500yds. That said, I’m going to swap it out for a Holosun AEMS and Davao i2 laser tonight to try out. Night matches rarely go past 150yds or so and the better field of view will help tremendously.

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This match is run by and for the Special Forces foundation, primarily 5th group guys. It raises a bunch of money for their relief efforts. This year every runner carried a dog tag with the details for a 5th Group soldier that has been lost. I ran with/for MSG Donald Stutzman, died 2012. Quite an honor.

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What level of aerobic fitness is required here, and what is a good total time for the event?
PLENTY of competitors, probably 25-30%, walk the entire course. If you can walk 3.5 miles carrying your rifle, pistol and ammo you’ll be good to go.

Total time depends on how you shoot, if there are bottlenecks (wait time) at stages, etc. 2 hours would be a long time, the walkers typically 90ish minutes.

The match last weekend, advertised as a “5k”, was really about 4.8 MILES. That’s an aberration.

I’ll say that the RnG crowd is what we’re all supposed to be. Supportive and encouraging. Doesn’t matter if you finish first or just finished, they’re on your side. By far my favorite people.
 
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Nice write-up. I appreciate the feedback about the dangler. I am not a fan of them myself; ironically, we had a discussion about them yesterday at Ft. Bragg. A lot of the 18Ds use danglers in their CQB kit for extra med.

Your blood type is actually O-. That's what you would actually get pre-hospital, where you'd get typed/cross.
 
Thanks for the write up. I've been looking at the same rig, but have been hesitant to drop the cash.
 
This is a great write up, thank you for sharing pictures of your gear and how it actually worked for you.

Dara holsters have become my favorite. Safariland seems to rule the market, but I like that Dara is an NC company and their retention system just works. HSGI tacos for belt mounted mags.
Did you ever have any gunk or crap get onto the emitter of the rds? Those daras look really nice and the price is right but I wasn't sure if safariland's big old hood was necessary. I have an m&p with a holosun I'm buying a holster to put on a belt and wasn't sure if the extra coin for a hood on a safariland is necessary.
 
This is a great write up, thank you for sharing pictures of your gear and how it actually worked for you.


Did you ever have any gunk or crap get onto the emitter of the rds? Those daras look really nice and the price is right but I wasn't sure if safariland's big old hood was necessary. I have an m&p with a holosun I'm buying a holster to put on a belt and wasn't sure if the extra coin for a hood on a safariland is necessary.
I’m fairly new to RDS on pistols but have not had a problem as of yet.

But, that’s certainly a legit concern…25CDE34C-A642-4A7B-A2A4-CD8DCD86B9B2.jpeg
 
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