Does anyone have any leads as to where or how the flackvest for a smartgunner can be obtained/purchased. During my recent journey to America i searched hi and low through many surplus stores in order to find one but to no avail.
Thanks in advance

Many of them have been bought by re-enactors already.
eBay, militaria fairs and militaria dealers's websites are a useful source, but since they're getting scarce and people know what they're worth, you will likely pay top dollar.
A sometimes useful source is surplus shops in the nation(s) such things were used, in this case Vietnam. The American forces especially have been reknowned for dumping kit, leaving a litter trail as they traipse across somewhere, so you often find local peeps who picked their stuff up and are now selling it - More so with WW2 stuff, but worth a try.

I just saw one in New Hampshire at an Army Navy store for around $80. I have no idea what it would cost to ship it to Australia though...

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

There's a British clone also, it was used during 'the troubles' in NI and the Falklands. It has black pads on the shoulder area but they come off pretty well by removing the stitches.

Oh you can save on p&p by asking to remove the padding prior to shipping.

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AKA: Simon

If it still has the flak inserts....a lot! Those things are heavy.

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"Awww, someone tell me that's a boot!

It's a boot!"

III drops

I bought a British flak jacket shell for $ 20 usd. . You just have to keep looking on ebay

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Cpl Matthew Rendar. M56 smart gun operator. 2nd bat 7th colonial marines "Rendars Raiders "

Indeed it did have the flak inserts. I was going to offer to pick it up for Dark and Stormy but unless he'd want me to gut it first I'm afraid it wouldn't be very cost effective.

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

I have an extra Flak Vest shell... No guts.
It's not the real deal, but it looks identical to the screen used one. The color may be off a bit, but hey... It's honest!
All you have to do is fill it with your choice of materials and you are home free.

If you want it, I can sell it to you for what I paid... Not expensive. PM me if interested...

P.S. It's a large.

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Worker bees can leave. Even drones can fly away. The Queen is their slave.

Thanks for the input guys.
Pm inbound