Chinese Chicom Type 56 SKS Chest Rig
Good used condition. Fully functional and field-ready, with light wear and typical service markings.
Genuine Issue Surplus
KEY FEATURES
The Chinese Chicom Type 56 SKS Chest Rig is a genuine military surplus ammunition carrier.
Cold War Military Heritage
Originally issued to the People's Liberation Army in 1956, this Chinese Chicom Type 56 SKS Chest Rig is a legendary piece of load-bearing gear. Known colloquially as the SKS bandolier, it was designed specifically to distribute ammunition weight. This Grade 1 military surplus piece served as a combat staple throughout the Vietnam War, representing an iconic era of infantry design.
Rugged Field Architecture
This chest rig features ten individual pouches. Each cell carries up to two 10-round 7.62x39mm stripper clips, holding 200 rounds in total. Built from heavy-duty cotton canvas, the fabric naturally swells when wet to resist light rain. The closures use traditional wooden toggles with loop fasteners, providing quiet, reliable security that outlasts plastic buckles.
Versatile Outdoor Application
For modern outdoor enthusiasts, this simple rig excels in bushcraft, hiking, or airsoft. The flat profile sits comfortably under a rucksack, while the adjustable X-back harness distributes load evenly. The pockets are perfect for small tools, fire-starting kits, or compasses. It offers a lightweight, high-durability alternative to modern tactical nylon webbing.
Add this rugged, historical ammunition carrier to your outdoor kit or military collection.
This item was used by the Chinese Army during the Late Cold War (1961–1991) and is in Grade 1 condition. It is in very good condition with plenty of life left. We recommend giving it a wash before wearing.
| Product Code | SUPA115G1 |
| Department | Equipment |
| Condition/Grade | Grade 1 |
| Era | Late Cold War (1961–1991) |
| Issuing Country | Chinese |
| Service | Army |
| Model | Type 56 SKS Chest Rig (Chicom) |
| Capacity | 20 stripper clips (200 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition) |
| Material | 100% heavy cotton canvas with wooden toggle buttons |
| Closure Type | Traditional toggle and cord loop fasteners |
| Colour / Pattern | Green |
| Key Features | Heavy Duty Canvas, Multiple Pockets, Adjustable Fit, Lightweight |
| Activities | Historical Reenactment, Camping & Bushcraft, Airsoft & Paintball, Fishing & Hunting, Security & Tactical, Emergency Preparedness |
Grade 1 represents solid, fully functional military surplus that has been deployed or issued but remains in great usable condition with plenty of life left.
- Functionality: 100% field-ready. All main zippers, press studs, drawstrings, and buckles work as intended with no critical faults.
- Fabric & Wear: Structurally sound with light cosmetic wear, minor abrasion, or subtle fading from normal military use and laundering.
- Markings & Personalisation: May feature soldier names, unit numbers, service markings, or light depot stamps written on tags or fabric.
- Repairs: May include neat, professional military-standard stitches or minor reinforcement patches that do not compromise gear integrity.
- Storage & Cleanliness: Gear is serviceable straight out of the box, though a standard initial wash or airing is recommended to clear typical military surplus storage scent and minor handling dust.
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Same-Day Dispatch: Orders placed before 1:00 PM (Monday–Friday) dispatch the same day from our Aberystwyth warehouse with full online tracking.
UK Delivery: Free standard UK delivery on orders over £50. Royal Mail Tracked 24, Tracked 48, and Next Day courier options available.
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Worldwide Shipping: We ship overseas daily via Tracked Airmail and DHL Express (delivering in ~2 days to the US and 2–5 days to Europe).
60-Day Hassle-Free Returns: Take your time to inspect your gear. Return any item in its original condition within 60 days of delivery.
Free UK Sizing Exchanges: Need a different size? We will exchange it free of charge for UK customers.
Prompt Refunds: Returns are inspected and processed within 5 working days of reaching our Aberystwyth warehouse depot.
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