MKVII for hard use. Get a real one or get a repo?

ryan_289 · Post by **ryan_289** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 10:56 am

I was thinking about using an MKVII bag to carry duck hunting. Its the right size for extra calls, shells, snacks, etc. Would I be better off getting a reproduction bag or would an unissued bag be just as durable if not better? If reproduction, who makes the best one?

Montana Hannah · Post by **Montana Hannah** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:09 am

Getting a genuine MKVII may be a bit of a lottery from what I understand - though both of my vintage bags are very well constructed and in good condition. What I will say is that I got one from my dad back in the '80s which I used for years. He used it in the 60s and 70s, first for carrying fishing tackle in, then for taking his lunch to work in! Unfortunately I threw it away in the early 90s because I foolishly thought I'd outgrown it...

My point is, it was a very well used bag, and it took approximately 40 or 50 years of use.

ryan_289 · Post by **ryan_289** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:03 pm

Does anyone have a pic of the inside of an MKVI? I read that they may be built better? What is the configuration of them?

IdahoJones · Post by **IdahoJones** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:54 pm

Check out the gear main page

http://www.indygear.com/bag_popups/wg3.html

or this thread here in the gear section

viewtopic.php?t=35074

Enjoy

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:05 pm

I'd recommend a new Magnoli bag - mine's holding up FAR better than the authentic history pieces I'd been using. New canvas over 66 year old canvas makes a huge difference.

I use an MKVII daily and do put them through their paces. I've worn out several. I feel much better about wearing down a repro than whittling down on the inventory of historical artifacts.

Bazza · Post by **Bazza** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 5:00 pm

I have a Magnoli repro, which I highly recommend. Jared, "TheMechanic" here on the forum, did some amazing custom work on mine, and I wouldn't trade it for a vintage pice, it's really a well constructed bag, made even better thanks to Jared's talents!

Magno · Post by **Magno** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 9:46 pm

Man, Magnoli REALLY needs to get those bags back in stock.

ryan_289 · Post by **ryan_289** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 10:02 pm

I went ahead and rolled the dice and got an original from WPG. I called and talked with him and he said that these were in real good shape. I told him my intentions for the bag. Im going to get this first one and see how much I really will use it. If I start to use it a lot then I probably will get a reproduction one to use and save the original.

The leather straps were backordered so I told him to wait and ship it all at once. I will let everyone know how it is when I get it.

NatiJones · Post by **NatiJones** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 10:06 pm

Good idea... It's always best to save the original if the wear becomes more than the bag can handle!

Nati

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 4:04 pm

ryan_289 wrote:I went ahead and rolled the dice and got an original from WPG. I called and talked with him and he said that these were in real good shape. I told him my intentions for the bag. Im going to get this first one and see how much I really will use it. If I start to use it a lot then I probably will get a reproduction one to use and save the original.

The leather straps were backordered so I told him to wait and ship it all at once. I will let everyone know how it is when I get it.

I currently have two MKVII bags and a MKVI. For general use I much prefer the MKVII. The ring keepers have an X stitch reinforcement on the MKVII, just a box stitch on the MKVI. The outside pockets on the MKVI are the same as the inside ones on the back panel of the MKVII. I prefer the pockets to be on the inside so I only have to open a single flap to access everything. The MKVI has more brass hardware and the strap is easily removeable with heavy duty brass clips on the rings.

All three bags were purchased in new unissued condition from Ellicotts (MKVI), WPG and Wested (MKVII). All three vendors have shipped quickly and have similar prices, although Wested was a bit higher than WPG.