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SILV E R SCRE E N F R O M T H E S I L V E R S C

AMERICAN SNIPER

AMERICAN SNIPER, CLINT EASTWOOD’S BIOGRAPHICAL DRAMA STARRING BRADLEY COOPER HIT CINEMAS IN LATE 2014
AND WENT ON TO BECOME THE HIGHEST GROSSING FILM OF THE YEAR AND ALSO THE HIGHEST GROSSING WAR FILM OF
ALL TIME. THE STORY TOLD IS THAT OF THE LATE CHRIS KYLE, US NAVY SEAL SNIPER AND HIS ROLE IN THE WAR IN IRAQ.

While the screenplay works through many tense action and combat sequences, the real story is of the emotional affect that the role of a sniper has on
Kyle and how this influences his life outside of deployment. Many high-profile critics accused the film of glorifying war and elevating what they viewed as
cold blooded killing but, the story does completely the opposite, showing how even a celebrated soldier can bear unseen mental and physical scars.
Despite American Sniper being deeper than your average war flick, there’s still plenty of interesting gear and kit to inspire airsoft players through-out.
Some of that equipment is fairly easy to source, especially with the relative modern-ness of the film, with Chris Kyle serving two tours of Iraq between
2003 and 2009, however other pieces are a little harder to come across, especially when looking towards the comms systems used during the Iraq War.
We’ve tried our best to keep the outlay for this load-out as cheap as possible, but we’re also aware that some of the items simply aren’t available on the
cheap. But with that said, we think with some patience and smart buying, you could likely put together this loadout for around £300; which may not be
super cheap, but you’ll have a range of equipment that lends itself well to other loadouts as well as being highly durable!

UNIFORM CHEST RIG
1 Cooper is seen here wearing a raid modified DCU (Desert 3 This is a Rhodesian Recon Vest, an interesting and versatile design
Combat Uniform). The timescale of the film places events of part chest rig and part plate carrier first produced by London
prior to the introduction of the Under Armour uniform design and Bridge Trading and Eagle Industries. The RRV here is configured as a chest
as such, the shirt is a simple “blouse” design. We've covered these rig but with the front “bib” section strapped in place to provide admin
“Raid” modifications many times in the pages of Airsoft International space. With the bib in place the rig actually has the capacity to hold a
and reported how these alteration require the relocation of the chest hard armour plate but it doesn’t appear that the costume designers have
pockets (or lower front pockets) up onto the biceps before adding velcro included one here. Interestingly, these rigs are reportedly produced by
loop fields. This originally became popular with troops in Vietnam who US company FirstSpear in a batch of 40 based on the inability of Eagle
found the utility of the lower pockets on the front of the uniform shirt Industries to supply them. The ones used in American Sniper were carried
was negated by the use of chest rigs and harnesses. over from the prior production of the preceding hit movie, Lone Survivor.
OUR SUGGESTION OUR SUGGESTION
While you can purchase ‘real’ Raid BDUs on You’ve got a few options here... Your first is
eBay, it can be expensive. Personally, we to scour eBay for the “real-steel” variant from
would look towards the Helikon BDU Shirt Eagle Industries – with a couple on eBay at the
and Trousers, which are available for a time of writing for IRO £70 but they are few
combined £53.80 from Military 1st. You will and far between. Alternatively, you could go
have to do a little DIY here, but keep an eye for the Flyye replica, available from Military 1st
on the AI Facebook page for a tutorial on how for £83.95. We have found this replica option to
to mod BDUs with the release of this issue! compliment the original very well indeed.

GLOVES HOLSTER
2 There are a few little extra bits and pieces that have gone 4 Cooper sports a Safariland 6004 SLS drop leg holster platform
into the load out used by Cooper to portray the role of Kyle to carry his .45 1911 sidearm that Kyle favoured. The holster is
and the unmistakable and iconic Mechanix’s Originals gloves make an black in colour and uses both leg straps. It was not uncommon to see
appearance here. Although, it's likely the ones used during filming were these platforms modified to allow the holster to ride higher on the hip
a newer model than the ones worn during the actual operation, but the and negate any movement around the thigh. It has also been reported
good thing is the Original model hasn’t changed too much. that many Navy SEALS from this era opted to only use one leg strap.
OUR SUGGESTION OUR SUGGESTION
With extras, it all depends on how much You can pick up 6004 replica holsters for
you want to perfect the look. Personally, pennies on many popular airsoft shops, but
we’d stick to a pair of Mechanix’s Orginals, honestly, while Safariland holsters were once
which can be picked up from a range of an expensive commodity, you can usually pick
retailers for around £20. If you really want one up for IRO £60 on eBay these days. The
to push the boat out, other accessories 6004 is a cracking piece of kit that not only
include the Wiley X Saint shooting glasses looks the part, but will also keep your sidearm
and a Casio G-Shock DW6600. protected and secure while doing so!

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