Does anyone have a Real McCoy AND a Buzz Rickson N-1?

[NE202DC]

That's what I would do and shorten the sleeves. Not size up.

But now I wait until you make your choice in my pics.

I appreciate you posting these photos. All of them look great on you, but if I had to pick them in the order in which they stand out, it is as follows:

1) Photo 3: It might be because I have my eyes on a navy/blue-colored jacket at the moment, but I really like this. One thing I noticed in the photo where you are "hugging yourself" with your back turned, is that it seems like the armholes are high. Is that how that cut is for you? Or is it just the pose?

2) Photo 4: Is that an A2? That is exactly what I'd be looking for in a fit.

3) Photo 2: Looks like a very comfortable fit. Not too tight, not too baggy.

4) Photo 1: I think this one actually looks better unzipped. Otherwise, it is a bit boxy for my preference, but it is still a very nice jacket.

5) Photo 5: The sleeves seems a little long which I maybe why I wasn't as drawn to it as some of the others. Otherwise, I think it looks good.

Honestly, I wouldn't complain if any of of my jackets had any of these fits. Which are tthe ones that present the most issues with the armholes?

 

[CatsCan]

1) Photo 3: It might be because I have my eyes on a navy/blue-colored jacket at the moment, but I really like this. One thing I noticed in the photo where you are "hugging yourself" with your back turned, is that it seems like the armholes are high. Is that how that cut is for you? Or is it just the pose?

Correct. Armpits high. But good for movement, Jacket stays at place when I lift my arm (shown extremely here, never need to do this pose in real life. Jacket had shrunk in wash. Still wearable with only Tee. Not constricting.

 

[CatsCan]

3) Photo 2: Looks like a very comfortable fit. Not too tight, not too baggy.

Exactly what I though you would say. I think the same.

So, it turns out, your taste is like mine.

My ranking is:

1. Original A-2 (it is simply a cool jacket, looks the bit and has mojo) 90 $
2. Mil-Tec Size 38, cut and fit is very good, it looks the bit, feels great, is comfy and cheap. 85 €
3. Bronson: on a sunny day with the right bit of chill, a cool T-Shirt, cool vintage sunglasses, Jacket open and off I go with a smile on my face.

 

[CatsCan]

Have to add, one feature in the A-2 Deck Jacket is really wonderful: GUSSETED Armpits. This enables the jacket to perfectly fit your chest while still enables free movement of your arms!

Seriously! Off and go and get yourself a nice good condition A-2 in size SMALL. This will solve your problem instantly and gives you time for your final choice without braking the bank. For you in DC it is easy to get one in a minute walk I guess, I had to pay 45 Euro shipping over here to Germany. If I were in US, I would storm your next Army Navy Store or Thrift store, pick the best A-2 they have and walk out with a smile on my face!

 

[NE202DC]

Have to add, one feature in the A-2 Deck Jacket is really wonderful: GUSSETED Armpits. This enables the jacket to perfectly fit your chest while still enables free movement of your arms!

Seriously! Off and go and get yourself a nice good condition A-2 in size SMALL. This will solve your problem instantly and gives you time for your final choice without braking the bank. For you in DC it is easy to get one in a minute walk I guess, I had to pay 45 Euro shipping over here to Germany. If I were in US, I would storm your next Army Navy Store or Thrift store, pick the best A-2 they have and walk out with a smile on my face!

So I could get quite a few at very decent prices (if I wanted). I had not heard of Mil-Tec before, but I am looking them up now. I've seen Bronson ones discussed, but I wasn't sure about their quality. Then again, all jackets are going to get worn and broken in eventually.

Depending on where I land with the Navy N1, an A2 and possibly a B10 are next on my list. If I'm unable to locate an A2 at an army-surplus shop, are there any good online options?

I really do like Mister Freedom does. Their tees are some of my favorites, and I've looked at some of their jackets when I was up in Philadelphia last year.

On a side note, I just tried the BR N1 again. It actually kind of feels like the armholes are digging in and shoulders are pulling down when my arms are down. It isn't as bad with a arms up, which is odd because that's what I was originally feeling. Based on that, do you still think sticking with my current size is the best bet? Better than the option in McCoy's? Or I suppose I can look at Mil-Tec, Bronson, etc. to see if I find a cheaper model that I like.

PS - I added some photos of my BR A2. Way toooo large now, but I do love this jacket. I'll likely sell it and use the funds for the next A2.

 

[CatsCan]

If I'm unable to locate an A2 at an army-surplus shop, are there any good online options?

Hundreds! Your in Vintage A-2 Heaven where you are! Just search ebay ("permeable Jacket", "permeable Jacket A2", "vintage Navy Deck Jacket" or the like. Search pick up in your area, so you can try it on, go to thrift stores where they have vintage clothes, lots of them around. Try to get a clean dark olive drab one, without oil stains, paint smears, frayed knit cuffs, other tears or damages, look for a working zipper in good shape.) You should be able to have one for under 120 Dollars in under a week.

On a side note, I just tried the BR N1 again. It actually kind of feels like the armholes are digging in and shoulders are pulling down when my arms are down. It isn't as bad with a arms up, which is odd because that's what I was originally feeling. Based on that, do you still think sticking with my current size is the best bet? Better than the option in McCoy's? Or I suppose I can look at Mil-Tec, Bronson, etc. to see if I find a cheaper model that I like.

Let the Buzz mold a bit to your shape. It's cotton in the end. It will give! And it really looks good on you (minus the arm length, which is an easy fix).

 

[CatsCan]

Try the Buzz in one size larger just to be on the safe side. You will always be curious what it would have looked and felt like one size bigger, if you not try.

 

[CatsCan]

As others have said, you are in DC, you will have your Buzz in 24h. Sending back the one that fits the worst is no problem.

 

[CatsCan]

But first: Call and stop your tailor from ruining an expensive jacket. You can always come back to buy a Real McCoy's later in life. They won't stop making them next week.

 

[CatsCan]

To sum up: Mil-Tec N-1 is good looking, cheap, you have to invest in a fabric marker or laundry marker to tidy up the U.S.N. stencil if you want it wartime. It comes with a post war U.S.N. stencil so you can leave it this way and it still looks authentic. Do a search here on the forum, there are good tips how the wartime originals looked. Go and try to get the right vintage army urea buttons in about 21 mm (olive green for mid 1944 and later, brown for early to mid 1944 if you want it period correct). If you struggle to find buttons in the US, Mash Japan is selling them, they don't cost a fortune (got mine from them) link https://mash-japan.co.jp/oversea/cgi-bin/prd-eng.cgi?itemno=95-09-2112&ck=. You will have a good looking cheap N-1 this way. It is a little lighter built than the big brands, though, I have no problems with this. Plus it comes with a generic zipper pull, but only noticable, when someone asks you to let him have a close look at your zipper pull, go figure! No one will know except you. It is brass, roughly the shape and the zipper size number is correct.

Bronson is good quality. Good quality "Jungle Cloth", Tailoring is good, take a size larger than your size. Arms run short on them, could be good for you! Try to get the olive one, looks much better than the khaki one in my eyes but this is a matter of taste. The blue one is no longer availlable. Be aware, it's Armpits will dig in more on you than the Buzz already does. Go to classifieds here and open a thread "wtb" (want to buy), maybe there is someone who wants to sell one to you.

 

[CatsCan]

As a side note: You are a hard nut to crack. But this is what this forum is for! To prevent you from throwing your money out of the window.

 

[CatsCan]

Plus: you help me raising my number of postings
I am here since about 10 Years and still under 500

 

[CatsCan]

Some detail pics of the Mil-Tec. Artificial lining, flat Bedford-like sturdy 100% cotton shell, no real "Jungle Cloth" but not bad either. Feels and drapes well. If you look closer you can make out a difference in the weave compared to "Jungle Cloth", but who cares. On the good side: it comes with an internal breast pocket. Very practical. Don't expect high end repro quality, though, it's made in China (as is Bronson). The cut is good. Color is very nice indeed, I think it's the right color. And cheap it is. It's just not higher end.
Mil-tec is a german company, selling mostly cheaper end re-enactment and military gear repros. Don't know if they are availlable in the US.
The original buttons it comes with are crap. I had sewn on better buttons but in the wrong way, horizontal thread instead of vertical like on the originals but who cares. You can see my laundry marker job at the stencil. One photo shows the generic zipper pull. But hey, we are talking about 85 € here. I have seen them on ebay for 70 €.

On this one I have changed the closure of the internal breast pocket from velcro to button hole. Not very professional, but at least it does not sound crrrrzzzzt every time I open it.

Here the pocket on the other one still with velcro.

 

[CatsCan]

70 - 80 € compared to 900 €. That's what Breezer was talking about.

 

[NE202DC]

In the second last photo you can see

Some detail pics of the Mil-Tec. Artificial lining, flat Bedford-like sturdy 100% cotton shell, no real "Jungle Cloth" but not bad either. Feels and drapes well. If you look closer you can make out a difference in the weave compared to "Jungle Cloth", but who cares. On the good side: it comes with an internal breast pocket. Very practical. Don't expect high end repro quality, though, it's made in China (as is Bronson). The cut is good. Color is very nice indeed, I think it's the right color. And cheap it is. It's just not higher end.
Mil-tec is a german company, selling mostly cheaper end re-enactment and military gear repros. Don't know if they are availlable in the US.
The original buttons it comes with are crap. I had sewn on better buttons but in the wrong way, horizontal thread instead of vertical like on the originals but who cares. You can see my laundry marker job at the stencil. One photo shows the generic zipper pull. But hey, we are talking about 85 € here. I have seen them on ebay for 70 €.

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That still looks really good. I wouldn't be able to tell it was "cheaper" unless it was under a magnifying glass. Do they also make non-stenciled versions?

As a side note: You are a hard nut to crack. But this is what this forum is for! To prevent you from throwing your money out of the window.

Haha yes, I imagine I am. I'm indecisive, short, just lost a ton of weight so no longer have any idea what fits, and can't seem to find the "perfect" fit. I really do appreciate you taking the time to post all the photos, info, and provide an honest assessment. It's very helpful. I'm very glad I found this forum.

I might see if I can buy the BR in 38 from HPA, and then keep the one the fits better. I'm not sure if they'll let me since I've had the 36 for about a week, but it won't hurt to ask.

I'm also perusing different sites and plan to stop by the surplus shop somewhat near me later this week.

Finally, happy to help boost your numbers!

 

[CatsCan]

https://sturm-miltec.com/

I think, this is their US site.

edit: wholesale only.

 

[CatsCan]

Do they also make non-stenciled versions?

Haven't seen one. I think they only come with stencil. You can put a nice patch on there. Snoopy would impress me. Japanese do this all the time.

I might see if I can buy the BR in 38 from HPA, and then keep the one the fits better. I'm not sure if they'll let me since I've had the 36 for about a week, but it won't hurt to ask.

I hope they will. They are very helpful and happy to have you come back to them everytime you want to buy stuff. The better your experience with them the better their business in the long run. Plus all tags are still on the jacket you have.. And it was exactly what they suggested in the first place or not? So they have adviced you to do exactly this.

I'm also perusing different sites and plan to stop by the surplus shop somewhat near me later this week.

Let us know when you find a good A-2!

Finally, happy to help boost your numbers!

Thanks! I just have been awarded a trophy for this alone

 

[CatsCan]

just looked it up. seems when you go to ebay.com and type in Mil-Tec N-1 you will get them from three traders free shipping to US (don't know if this would be the same when you visit ebay com from your US location. Can you look it up for me? I would really be interested to know if this is only a specific search result for my location, even when on ebay com instead of ebay.de.

 

[Aloysius]

The best affordable alternative is probably the fleece-lined tanker and deck jacket models from At The Front, which targets the re-enactment community.

 

[NE202DC]

just looked it up. seems when you go to ebay.com and type in Mil-Tec N-1 you will get them from three traders free shipping to US (don't know of this would be the same when you visit ebay com from your US location. Can you look it up for me? I would really be interested to know if this is only a specific search result for ma location, even when on ebay com instead of ebay.de.

Awesome, that's very helpful. I've gone down a rabbit hole on deck and other military style jackets haha