Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!
I've recently started putting together the bare basics of US WWII enlisted man's re-enacting impression. I just wanted to share my experience...
As of right now, I have service shoes, leggings, an enlisted man's wool shirt, wool trousers, HBT trousers, dog tags, and a helmet.
I still need to purchase an M41 field jacket and all of the field gear. As some of you know, I have a collection of WWII firearms... I'm not too sure what weapon to use (M1903A3, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine) along with the corresponding gear and ammo pouches to outfit myself in(Garand belt vs pistol belt with M1 carbine pouches, etc.).
I'm a big fellow... 6'5", 300lbs. This has been the root of my biggest problems in putting together my impression. I've encountered re-enactors who believe someone my size has no right to participate in this hobby (I've been told to put together a Sergeant Schultz impression instead).
I've also found it difficult to find gear in my size. My suit jacket is a size 52... It fits, but it's not something I'd ever feel comfortable running/ jumping/ crawling in. Most re-enactor supply companies have 52 as their largest size M41/ M43 jacket size. Do I take a chance on a size 52 or should I hold out and hope someone stocks a size 54 in the near future?
Unfortunately for me, smaller fellows can easily find new, old stock uniform and pieces of kit on sale for pennies on the dollar compared to the "plus size" reproduction gear I need.
Has anyone else experienced what I'm going through now? I'd appreciate any words of advice!
Thanks!
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