well mil-spec stuff sold in stores are usually outdated or damaged, or whatever... since most army's leave the best stuff for them self ( DUH !!! ).

but mine limited experians with mil-spec equippedment is that the european stuff is usually better ( no offense yanks ), they have never failled me ( but than again, i havent used it to rough ) but more expensive even though, they dont have to pay import taxes and stuff like, here in the EU...

but i still think that mil-spec equippedment gives you the most bang for the buck so to speak, if you look at qualtiy vs price