Shooting Vests/Coats

NewAZShooter · Post by **NewAZShooter** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:15 am

Please excuse my ignorance here, as I am new to the shooting sports. But can anyone tell me about shooting vests and shooting coats? I have seen a few shooters use a heavy and hot-looking suede vest here in Phoenix in temperatures above 100 degrees. So I'm guessing that the vest must help, as it seems that it certainly can't be comfortable in our heat to slip into a suede jacket.

Are the standard model shooting vests/coats like the sporting clays models I have seen on the internet at places like Cabella's legal in sb sil. competition? Are there limits in the rules regarding them, or the padding they have in the shoulder? Do they make a difference in scores, or is it something about shooting comfort that they offer?

Not that I need another piece of equipment to run out an purchase when I don't even have a nice firearm for the game, but if they are legal and helpful, I might look into them one day.

Thanks!

Innocent · Post by **Innocent** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:32 am

Welcome to the forum, there is a lot of teasing on it by some of the older...whoops longer term shooters.
As for your questions on the vests, there is a good run down under Hardware on the vests, link to it on the main page. Yes they do help with reducing the amount of heart beat seen through the scope. If you are curious as to which is best, ask any shooter to try theirs on for a few shots, we tend to be slightly proud of our "toys" and usually are more than willing to show off and share the experience. There are advantages and disadvantages to each style vest, the primary rule to remember is that you need to be able to get a 4" PVC pipe between you and the vest when it is zipped, buttoned or otherwise closed, so don't look for a stylish fit, just go for the colors!!!

Innocent Mary

lone ringer · Post by **lone ringer** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:39 am

JW, the vests help but is hard to say how much they help. I have heard Chris Winstead the maker of most of the leather and suede vest we wear say that you can expect to improve your score by a couple of points if you wear a leather vest.

If you know somebody that has one and is willing to let you use it you can make up your own mind as to whether they help your shooting or not. By the way they are supposed to be worn lose so that a PVC 4 inch pipe can fit either from the front of back when zipped up.

BlauBear · Post by **BlauBear** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:25 pm

Chris is about right - a vest is worth a point or two because (I'm speculating here) it dampens movement a little. Just as important, it boosts confidence because you feel steadier.

shakes · Post by **shakes** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 3:59 pm

Welcome AZ Shooter. You may want to try Hardscabblemountian.com. They are the makers of the fancy vests you saw. I own one and I personally think there a little better than just the shotgun vests. They are a little more spendy about $185 bones but its an investment thats worth the money. Hope this helped out.

NewAZShooter · Post by **NewAZShooter** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:55 pm

Thanks to all, for the welcome, tips, links and info. It looks like hardscrabble sells them in some truly wild color combinations. Maybe I can buy one and intimidate the competition with the flashy look of the thing.

Although, they do sound a bit pricey.

Since the rule of being able to fit a 4' PVC pipe between you and the vest has been brought up, can anyone explain the nature/intent of the rule? Would a tight fitting coat provide too much stability or rigidity for the rules committee? Are the jackets really that stiff and heavy?

Well, maybe I'll ask someone at the next match if I can take a closer look at theirs.

By the way, Shakes... If I could keep my shakes down to as minimal as it is on that chicken icon of yours, I'd be a happy cat. The crosshair never leaves the animal... if only!

Thanks

Deguello · Post by **Deguello** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 5:34 pm

Winstead also offers an affordable mesh vest that is especially good for when it is warm/hot weather. Don't overlook that option for a must have piece of equipment!

1armoured · Post by **1armoured** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:29 pm

A shooting 'vest' certainly does help in consistency of hold and support, and as such should improve ones scores by at least a couple points.

Mine certainly does help my scores. (on a good day)
It feels comfortable and instills me with confidence, as should all ones gear.
Sort of like my 'security blankie' (whoops there goes another of my skeletons in the cupboard !)

Living a ways from Hardscrabble Mountain, I had my own vests made. One specifically for hot/humid conditions, being lighter, (doeskin), cut away at the back, less dense weave in the lining to allow it to breathe better, and slightly shorter.
I did experiment with some mesh or 'scrim', but felt it wasn't really necessary. Open is better for me.
The other a heavier stiffer suede and canvas lining.

Both the vests can close on the ubiquitous PVC pipe, and are cut open at the sides, to above the hip, as per the NRA ruling.

Here's some pics.
The strap at the back looks a little loose, but it tightens up when one 'assumes the position' !

cheers,
Sean in 'Godzone'

Innocent · Post by **Innocent** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:59 pm

I can't help but add that Sean's posting includes a preview of the better side of him.

Ok I'm ducking out of work and going home to work in the two week old grass with 6.7" of rain while I was in NM. Cheers Sean.

Mary

1armoured · Post by **1armoured** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:21 pm

Cheers Mary,

Not much good to me at the moment.
I need something a bit warmer down here at the moment,
maybe a sheepskin lined version, with high collar and 'hoody' !

Frost, ice, snow and floods have been the order of the day so far this Winter.

We could maybe do a swap with Europe's heat wave.

Incidentally, we shoot silhouette at the most Southernmost on this planet, the 46th parallel.
Sort of the equivalent of shooting steel down Patagonia !
Just don't pick up the targets with your bare hands, or they freeze to the metal !

(Tasmania lies between latitudes 40 and 44 S, ......so one up on you Juddy !)

cheers,
Sean

Innocent · Post by **Innocent** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:03 am

Sean,
Get a good Swan-Dri and staywarm...I still have mine from 1982, a tad small around the middle these days but I can stilll sueeze into when necessary.
Maybe you should swtich to air rifle inside for the winter.

Cheers

Mary