so, i'm 19. not yet a re-enactor, but am planning to be in the next 10 years or so. I'm already trying to collect items for my pistol belt, but can't decide what to buy next. currently i have for my pistol belt: - a replica m4 bayonet - a canteen (but out of 1985 or so, need to buy a ww2 replica later) - a shovel (but again, no idea out of which year. seems 1980 or so ) these are the things i'm hesitating between: option 1: m1911 pouch (WW2 M1923 Colt 45 magazine pouch.) and 2x m1911 rubber magazine (M1911 Colt 45 Rubber Magazine) option 2: m1 garand ammunition belt (seeing as my current belt is a pistol belt, and so not capable of carrying any ammo and thus beeing unrealistic) (Garand ammunition belt khaki) option 3: airborne demolition bag (as a alternative to put ammo in, instead of the m1 garand belt. (Airborne demolition bag) i'm a sucker for the m1911, and want to buy a m1911 1:1 toy gun, paint it realistically black (with orange tip), and insert it in a holster i still need to buy. in this case, the rubber mags would be more realistic with the complete outfit. but i'd also like the ammo belt seeing as my current pistol belt is not carrying any ammo, and i would otherwise need to buy multiple pouches to put m1 garand clips into. or do you know something else i should buy instead for my belt? my budget is currently 45 euro (i'm a student, i don't have alot :-/ )
You can finish your pistol belt first by getting some carbine pouches also. Then do a rifle belt with all the to go withs. Try to get all original items. They are not getting any cheaper or more available. Rich A. in Pa.
If you're 19 & interested in reenactment - join a group! You'll meet bods that will be interested, help you out, and point you towards real/deact weapons (Sprayed plastic should be frowned upon). Many WW2 mobs will bite your hand off as squaddies who are the right age are the way forward. They'll quite possibly kit you out at the beginning and you'll connect to better sources of what's needed and who are good suppliers.