Where We Began...

In 1983, the first well-known modern chest rig was made somewhere most people wouldn't expect — South Africa. Developed during a time of canvas and metal fittings the SADF's "Pattern 83" brought new materials like Cordura, Velcro, nylon webbing, and plastic buckles to the forefront of military kit. It went on to inspire chest rig designs for generations to come... Including our own.

In 2021, we saw the writing on the wall — military surplus isn't forever. Supply would run dry one day, and before it did, we took it upon ourselves to breathe new life into the rig that frankly needed very little fixing.

Read More Pattern 83 History

KSGI encompasses our mission to do this with many other pieces of timeless kit. learn more here.

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Mag Compatibability Guide

If you're using a popular, semi-automatic magazine-fed rifle, odds are P83 fits at least 6 of your mags. Want to know for sure? We've tested dozens of different platforms and detailed our results below.

You can help expand this 'verified compatible' list by submitting your results to help@kommandostore.com

Rifle Platforms

"short" 7.62x51 battle rifle magazines and STANAG 5.56 magazines may need the assistance of the ejector strap, ranger plate, or mag assist to compensate for the rig's deep pockets, as they were originally designed in 1983 for South Africa's R4 (Galil) 35 round magazines.

In general, Magazines for the 7.62 SCAR, HK G3/HK 91, 7.62 AR 10 PMAGs, 7.62 FAL, and Metallic STANAG Magazines all fit without issue.

longer magazines such as those found on AK platforms work without need of the ejector strap.

Pistol Caliber Carbines/SMGs

Magazines such as those found in HK MP5s, B&T GHM/APC/TP Platforms, CZ Scorpions, Grand Power Stribogs, UZIs, Colt AR-9s, and Glock 'stick' type mags will fit, but with a catch: They must be placed side by side in order to maintain retention.

The best way to run PCC magazines for maximum retention is to place 4 in each main mag cell.

Results may vary with magazine extensions and different types of base plates. Compact pistol magazines, such as those used by the Glock 19, are too short to use effectively in P83's main pouches but will fit in the second smallest GP pouch if you want to carry them on your rig.

Using the Ejector Straps

P83's unique feature to accommodate shorter magazines is an assist that's easy to set up, and can be removed if you don't wish to use it.

Prepare the Strap

Prepare the strap by making a closed loop and fastening the strap's Velcro to the inside of the pouch. The loop should be entirely contained by the pouch with room for a magazine to sit inside of it.

Cradle A Mag

Insert a magazine into the loop so that it's cradled by the bottom of the strap and insert it into the pouch. Leave the top of the loop accessible to pull on during extraction. 7.62 mags will likely have a snugger fit.

Ready To Reload

Extract the magazine by pulling upwards on the strap (you can choose to undo the Velcro and pull the whole strap or simply pull up on the loop). The smoothness of the action will depend on the magazine type.

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Watch it on our channel

If It Ain't Broke..?

The process of "modernizing" a chest rig like this is a balancing act. Change too little and there’s no benefit to the end user. Change too much and you might ruin what made the original good.


In our view, almost everything about the P83 rig was done right the first time. The philosophy of the SADF is clear, and we agree with their conclusions. We decided our big design changes should be saved for a whole new rig, but also offer an option to get the classic factory fresh.

Click the "+" icons for more information

Quality Counts

Near-Infrared Fabrics & Dyes

average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 140 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    127 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    11 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    2 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
99% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Performance
Rated 4 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
140 Reviews
Reviewed by Emile H., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
5' 9"
Weight
140-150
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AK47/74
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Fits snug, good use of space, not field tested

I'm 150lb lean 5 9 tall and i adjusted to where it fits me perfectly, I mean comfort and secure. Can only fit 3 AK mags, but could fit 6 metal ar15 mags. other pockets are a good size too. have not had for long enough to comment on its true durability, but feels well built.

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Performance
Rated 4 out of 5
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Reviewed by Jackson R., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
6' 2"
Weight
210-240
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AK47/74
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted

Very comfy

I’m 6,2 and 240lbs, it’s very comfy, I run it on top of a smaller plate carrier and it fits just right, doubt it could fit over some chunkier armor though, if someone from the kommandostore team sees this I would like to say that some more adjustment space would be great for people who want to run this with larger armor, or a flak vest

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Performance
Rated 4 out of 5
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Reviewed by Matthew B., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
5' 10"
Weight
190-210
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AR-15/STANAG-Compatible
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

It's a vibe

It's a P83 in Ranger Green. It's a total vibe. The vibiest of vibes. Each mag cell has a sewn in divider so re-insertion is easy. It's comfortable too.

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Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by John A., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
6' 2"
Weight
190-210
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AK47/74
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Multi Mag type carrier Done Right.

Yes. this Rig/ Kit does it right. Fits my AKM mags ( steel ) without much issue. Has pull tabs for .308/ Heavier cartridge magazines ( shorter, wider). I would rather test my kit out before I write this review. Hopefully I can update as time goes on.

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Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Monroe W., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Height
6' 2"
Weight
210-240
How It FIts
Perfect Fit
What Platform Do You Use With This Rig?
  • AK47/74
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

goated with the sauce white boy style

fucking amazing

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Performance
Rated 5 out of 5
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