Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
- WhiskeyRiver
- Ranger
- Posts: 16
- Joined: July 2nd, 2010, 6:32 pm
Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
Rangers, I'm here to humbly ask your opinion on the matter of compasses.
First of all, I've got the old tried-and-true M1, as well as an M2 compass in excellent condition. I certainly don't mind using them, and they both have nice features, but if I could find a single commercial compass that would combine the features of the two, it would be great.
Specifically, I'd like a compass that is/has:
- a baseplate-type, clear.
- sighting mirror
- clinometer
- 1:25000 and 1:50000 scales
- graduation in mils
- not über-expensive, so when I smash it against a rock / 'buddy' steals it / I fail to dummy cord it properly, I won't cry
- thumb-ring (optional, but nice)
The closest I've found is the Silva Expedition 15, but it lacks the mils. I realize that the probability of actually needing mils is slim, but if I ever needed it, I want to have it handy. I also realize that I could just suck it up and carry both the M1 and M2, but every little bit of weight counts. This is coming from a guy who saws off his toothbrush and only carries the blades and not the razors proper. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
First of all, I've got the old tried-and-true M1, as well as an M2 compass in excellent condition. I certainly don't mind using them, and they both have nice features, but if I could find a single commercial compass that would combine the features of the two, it would be great.
Specifically, I'd like a compass that is/has:
- a baseplate-type, clear.
- sighting mirror
- clinometer
- 1:25000 and 1:50000 scales
- graduation in mils
- not über-expensive, so when I smash it against a rock / 'buddy' steals it / I fail to dummy cord it properly, I won't cry
- thumb-ring (optional, but nice)
The closest I've found is the Silva Expedition 15, but it lacks the mils. I realize that the probability of actually needing mils is slim, but if I ever needed it, I want to have it handy. I also realize that I could just suck it up and carry both the M1 and M2, but every little bit of weight counts. This is coming from a guy who saws off his toothbrush and only carries the blades and not the razors proper. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Ranger School 07-11
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
You need to have mils for adjusting fire. Don't worry you will be issued a compass. Army compasses are good quality and very stable.
Ranger Class 13-71
Advisor, VN 66-68 69-70
42d Vn Ranger Battalion 1969-1970
Trainer, El Salvador 86-87
Advisor, Saudi Arabian National Guard 91, 93-94
75th RRA Life Member #867
Advisor, VN 66-68 69-70
42d Vn Ranger Battalion 1969-1970
Trainer, El Salvador 86-87
Advisor, Saudi Arabian National Guard 91, 93-94
75th RRA Life Member #867
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
Compasses are evil Voudou and contain bad Jeaujeau!!!!!!!!!!
BEWARE!
BEWARE!
I never wore a cape, but I still have my dog tags.
Experienced Peek Freak!!
173rd Abn LRRP...'66/'67
C/1/506 101st Abn
B/2/325 82nd Abn
Experienced Peek Freak!!
173rd Abn LRRP...'66/'67
C/1/506 101st Abn
B/2/325 82nd Abn
- WhiskeyRiver
- Ranger
- Posts: 16
- Joined: July 2nd, 2010, 6:32 pm
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
Roger, Ranger Jim. My dad was a cannon-cocker, so he's all over my case about that. I'm not worried about getting a bad compass or anything like that; as I said, I am comfortable with the issued compasses. I'm just looking for something post-OBC (staying in my lane in the meantime - OBC above everything else, nitpicky things come later). Everyone has their little gear fetish, mine just happens to be compasses. Not exactly sexy, but important.You need to have mils for adjusting fire. Don't worry you will be issued a compass. Army compasses are good quality and very stable.
Ranger Slowpoke, I have to bite - what daemons possess my navigational tools?
Ranger School 07-11
- PocketKings
- Ranger
- Posts: 2017
- Joined: April 20th, 2007, 2:05 pm
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
The only problem with Army compasses is that a lot of them are crap, having been banged up and abused by those who went before you (especially 2LTs). So, go buy a used, serviceable one from an Army Navy store and, when you get issued a better one, swap it out. When you get done with your school turn the worse of the two in to supply. If one is broken, let them know it's crap and they'll DX it. This way, you always get the better of the 2 compasses and, even more importantly, you always have a spare.
I can't tell you how many times I had to loan one out or use it myself. You can help yourself or a buddy at a vital time.
No shit, I did the RS land nav (day) with a watch strap compass after my issue one froze up on me. Thank God the course was easy, more terrain association than land nav, and self correcting or I'd have been hosed.
I can't tell you how many times I had to loan one out or use it myself. You can help yourself or a buddy at a vital time.
No shit, I did the RS land nav (day) with a watch strap compass after my issue one froze up on me. Thank God the course was easy, more terrain association than land nav, and self correcting or I'd have been hosed.
RS 01-00
82d (1-325 AIR) 99-00
101st (2-502d IN) 00-03
82d (1-325 AIR) 99-00
101st (2-502d IN) 00-03
-
- Ranger/LRRP/Admin
- Posts: 8306
- Joined: June 22nd, 2006, 8:47 am
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
Can't believe you guys got to use a compass!!!
SUA SPONTE - "We few, we happy few, we BAND OF BROTHERS;
for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother!" - Shakespeare
RLTW! - Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave
RS 3-70
SSG VN 69-70
I Co., 75th. Inf.
4/9 Inf., 25th ID
Mentored Ranger kozzman555
http://www.75thrra.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 183
http://www.ranger.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 3537
for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother!" - Shakespeare
RLTW! - Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave
RS 3-70
SSG VN 69-70
I Co., 75th. Inf.
4/9 Inf., 25th ID
Mentored Ranger kozzman555
http://www.75thrra.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 183
http://www.ranger.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 3537
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
The evil Voudou that causes parts of the Compass to move of their own accord, if left unguarded, will lead you to strange and mysterious places! Beware, the bad Jeaujeau that resides in the compass hates 2nd Lt's especially and will lead them astray every time!!!!WhiskeyRiver wrote:Ranger Slowpoke, I have to bite - what daemons possess my navigational tools?You need to have mils for adjusting fire. Don't worry you will be issued a compass. Army compasses are good quality and very stable.
I never wore a cape, but I still have my dog tags.
Experienced Peek Freak!!
173rd Abn LRRP...'66/'67
C/1/506 101st Abn
B/2/325 82nd Abn
Experienced Peek Freak!!
173rd Abn LRRP...'66/'67
C/1/506 101st Abn
B/2/325 82nd Abn
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
Jim wrote:You need to have mils for adjusting fire.............Army compasses are good quality and very stable.
x2. Even for your local Indirect support, it is nice to get the calls in Mils....MBC's don't always last and it can cut time off your 911 call.
A/3/505 PIR, 82nd 96-98
B/2/121 Inf, 48th BCT Iraq 05-06
B/1/118 Inf, 218th BCT Afghan 07
I'm not stupid, I'm crazy...there is a difference.
B/2/121 Inf, 48th BCT Iraq 05-06
B/1/118 Inf, 218th BCT Afghan 07
I'm not stupid, I'm crazy...there is a difference.
- Silverback
- Ranger
- Posts: 20118
- Joined: March 7th, 2004, 11:06 pm
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
If the weight of a compass is going to hold you back...you might want to rethink your career choice.
RC 2-87
3-75 84/85, 95/97
"thnks 4 pratn merku!"
3-75 84/85, 95/97
"thnks 4 pratn merku!"
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
RangerRon wrote:Can't believe you guys got to use a compass!!!
Legend has it that Marie Laveaux was a practioner of the Dark Arts of the Compass!
Alas, we had to climb a tree, shake it, and watch for the map to move!
I never wore a cape, but I still have my dog tags.
Experienced Peek Freak!!
173rd Abn LRRP...'66/'67
C/1/506 101st Abn
B/2/325 82nd Abn
Experienced Peek Freak!!
173rd Abn LRRP...'66/'67
C/1/506 101st Abn
B/2/325 82nd Abn
- WhiskeyRiver
- Ranger
- Posts: 16
- Joined: July 2nd, 2010, 6:32 pm
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
Thank you for the replies, Rangers.
Think I'll go find an ice pack for that burn.If the weight of a compass is going to hold you back...you might want to rethink your career choice.
Ranger School 07-11
-
- Ranger/LRRP/Admin
- Posts: 8306
- Joined: June 22nd, 2006, 8:47 am
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
The problem was sticking to the trunk of the rubber trees! By the time you got loose, the team was long gone!Slowpoke wrote:RangerRon wrote:Can't believe you guys got to use a compass!!!
Legend has it that Marie Laveaux was a practioner of the Dark Arts of the Compass!
Alas, we had to climb a tree, shake it, and watch for the map to move!
SUA SPONTE - "We few, we happy few, we BAND OF BROTHERS;
for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother!" - Shakespeare
RLTW! - Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave
RS 3-70
SSG VN 69-70
I Co., 75th. Inf.
4/9 Inf., 25th ID
Mentored Ranger kozzman555
http://www.75thrra.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 183
http://www.ranger.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 3537
for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother!" - Shakespeare
RLTW! - Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave
RS 3-70
SSG VN 69-70
I Co., 75th. Inf.
4/9 Inf., 25th ID
Mentored Ranger kozzman555
http://www.75thrra.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 183
http://www.ranger.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - LM 3537
- The Holmchicken
- Ranger
- Posts: 3943
- Joined: July 29th, 2003, 3:17 pm
Re: Your Opinion Concerning Compasses
Lunch wrote:H3 is your friend; embrace the glow.
Not only is H3 your friend, it'll also prevent you from paying for a new compass when the one you go to turn in does not have "H3" on it.