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Gillie suits


kammo-man
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Hi all

As you may or may not know when a young sniper is training part of the class is to construct his own Gillie suit .

The name Gillie comes from the old Scottish lairds gamekeeper who stalked his masters grounds for poachers and prey .

A suit will be seasonal .

Because of this there is a vast amount of different suits made .

No one is the same .

There is always a couple of main points the young sniper must follow .

Arm pads , knee pads , chest protection to name a few .

I wanted to share a set in my collection with you and ask if anyone also has examples to share ?

owen

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Here is the front of a jacket .

The basis is a 3 color 50-50 cotton -nylon DBU jacket

This jacket is hard wearing and has had all pockets removed .

Notice the different shades of green to the front ?

This is nylon Kit bag cut up sewn and glued with rubber bathrom type sealer to provide protection during a stalk from thorns and other ground debris .

post-2009-1245716954.jpg

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This jacket has a large internal pouch for a camelback water system .

Pretty clever considering a sniper will be prone for hours at a time .

post-2009-1245717467.jpg

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Also inside is a unique pocket cut from the matching trousers .

It is the bellow pocket , and is swen into the left chest .

 

The buttons have been removed and velcro added for a easy seal .

post-2009-1245717593.jpg

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On the left arm is a pair of pockets .

They have velcro which is covered with rubber .

1 pocket holds cammo cream .

1 pocket holds shooting info ect .

post-2009-1245717832.jpg

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and here is the back of the pants .This is a bold and very heavy burlap type camouflage .

There is at least 4 different types used in this set

post-2009-1245718502.jpg

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I have three in my personal collection and all have been used in the current conflicts in Asia (OIF and OEF). The first one came out of Ft. Campbell, KY area surplus shop about a year ago.

post_566_1218578514.jpg

post_566_1218578575.jpg

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The second set came from a Marine on the West Coast area (THANKS for the lead Fly USMC).

post_5056_1235289564.jpg

post_5056_1235289512.jpg

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Honestly, I am having trouble figuring out how to display these suits. Does anyone have any idea on a good way to display these? Also, both of these suits are very smelly and the body odor smell is fierce. Any good way to deodorize them?

Arch

p.s. Please don't take that last comment as a slam on the former owners. I am very happy to have these in my collection.

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Owen and Arch,

Top shelf stuff .Thanks for sharing.

 

I have missed out on two suits.Still lookin.A buddy has a nephew who is currently deployed Marine sniper.I put in a request for gear.Still crossing my fingers.

RD

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Arch,

 

The do it yourself carwash is your friend.

 

When I get a chance, I will post up some of the ghillie suit bases that I make.

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Every suit that I have had always smells !!!

 

That means they were used .

Which is fine by me .

The neck area is usually cammo creamed !!

 

To display them you can use a torso .

To get rid of the niffy pong I find FEBREZE can cut some of the rankness out .

A good soaking inside and out works .

But the burlap always holds the same smell the world over .

A good military smell that drives collectors crazy .

 

Nice sets Arch .

I thought you would have some !!!!

 

owen

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Here is the boonie that came with the above set posted by me .

This was in the inside pocket .

Unusually it is in Woodland scheme .

I have layed it out so you can see the full scrim .

There are elastic loops on the top just like the jacket has .

This is for fresh camouflage to be attached blending in with the upped section of the jacket .

post-2009-1245775808.jpg

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Thanks for the positive replies everyone. :thumbsup: I have hung them outside for several days and that did absolutely nothing for the smell. I will have to try the car wash and the Febreeze spray. I love these suits and am anxious to get them displayed.

 

From your guys experience, how rare is it to find the "real-deal" suits? Just wondering.

Arch

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