Buds, not a mod and if I am out of line I apologize, but you are way out of your lane. A guy is asking about a piece of kit he is going to use on deployment in Afghanistan. The experience you have with this kit in cadets is not comparable to a persons needs using the rig in combat, I'm sorry but the two don't jive. To be honest it bothers me when this sort of thing happens. A guy is trying to get advice on spending his hard earned money on a rig that he is going to depend on, and inexperienced "users" respond with recommendations leading people astray.
I strongly dislike dropzone kit. It is overpriced and under built IMHO. Brian Kroon, the owner, has continually demonstrated that he is not all that concerned with listening to the end user and does not place a priority on the Canadian market. None of the rigs that Dropzone makes is particularly suited to carrying the load of an MG gunner. As stated earlier I would go with the MOFOCR, and baring that a simple MAV/ICE tactical 2 piece chest rig, but the MOFOCR is definitely the gold standard in MG rigs as far as I a concerned.
DITTO - Brian invited me twice to his shop to discuss some gear and both times left prior the arranged meeting time... Roll Eyes
IMHO he should stick to making coats.