Experimental LBV- Heavily Modified

I picked this vest up awhile back. Just getting around to posting it on the forum. This was in the bottom of a large box of LBV's. All the LBV's were the first models...not the newer enhanced versions. In the bottom was this neat modified 1988 dated EXPERIMENTAL LBV. The tag is washed out a bit, but it definitely says Experimental. The buckles are ITW-NEXUS and are also dated 1988.

What is so odd about this vest is that it has been heavily modified by the soldier removing the M-16 magazine pouches and adding a three cell mag pouch on the right side. The left side is all velcroed. Also, there has been a small black pouch sewn to the back side of it. Definitely seen some use.

Inside panels. Right side.




Left side.

Nice!

Mercenary25 wrote:Nice!

I'd say! I wonder what the velcro was for?
Andrew

AndrewA74 wrote:

Mercenary25 wrote:Nice!

I'd say! I wonder what the velcro was for?
Andrew

Another pouches with velcro. Sorta like SWAT gear or TARUMA vest.

I talked to CamoDeafie and RTS at length about this vest last night. They seem to believe the velcro is for an extra magazine pouch or for a shotgun shell panel. It is hard to tell, but I think they might be correct.
Arch

nkomo wrote:I talked to CamoDeafie and RTS at length about this vest last night. They seem to believe the velcro is for an extra magazine pouch or for a shotgun shell panel. It is hard to tell, but I think they might be correct.
Arch

... or a panel for 40mm grenades. It lends flexibility depending on mission posture - and is why many of today's webbing systems are completely modular.

filupe wrote:

nkomo wrote:I talked to CamoDeafie and RTS at length about this vest last night. They seem to believe the velcro is for an extra magazine pouch or for a shotgun shell panel. It is hard to tell, but I think they might be correct.
Arch

... or a panel for 40mm grenades. It lends flexibility depending on mission posture - and is why many of today's webbing systems are completely modular.

Could be.......but I'm not sure if the vest would support the weight of a 40 mm grenade panel. Other than the two top loops, there is not any way to secure the panel. I am at a loss.
Arch

I've seen some vests with velcro and snaps so they could hold weight of ammo.

However, I think it could hold pouches with medical supplies, which I'm sure they aren't that heavy.

Great! I love this kind of stuff.
Those mag pouches seems to be from Elevated Urban Operation brand. They remind me QRV pouches and also old ABA stuff.

Gorgeous piece Arch. You really are a lucky chap!