High Power shooting coat reviews

[chillywig]

Was at the NRA show this past weekend in Pittsburg and tried on the Freeland NRA leather jacket. They had a 44 and I am a 46. It still fit well until I tried sitting down. A friend I shoot with recently bought a Creedmoor hard back off a guy either 48 or 50. We both tried it on and it fit him better so he got the deal at 100 bucks.

I really like the arm design much better in the Freeland. I am wondering if the Creedmoor offers much better support in the offhand shooting? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Howard Roark]

The hardback Creedmoor jackets have a little better support than other non-hardback jackets. A properly fitted coat doesn't have to be a hardback to do it's job. It just has to fit snugly without loose material bunching up or be overly restrictive, especially in the shoulders and elbows. I personally like the Creedmoor coats better. The best fitting coats are made by Monard but they also cost twice as much as Creedmoor or Freeland.

 

[rskent]

Chilly
What do you use now? If you look up and down the line around here, Creedmoor is pretty much the standard.
After shooting without a coat for a season, I ordered a hardback with the vents and position upgrades.
It’s the easiest 20 points I ever bought.
Steve

 

[chillywig]

Been using a carhart jacket. I was leaning toward the creedmoor until trying on the freeland at the NRA show this past weekend. I think I really liked the way the arms felt in the freeland because of the material they use in the elbow bends. I have never had a chance to put on a creedmoor that fits correct. I think I am leaning toward the freeland leather for a couple reasons.

Its cheaper
The arm design
To be a little different from the guy next to me

I was hoping some here would say "ya the freeland is way better and cheaper here is why" but its starting to look like the old you get what you pay for....

 

[skidooman603]

Two words:
CREEDMOR HARDBACK

 

[Hangingrock]

A cost effective coat would be the Creedmoor “Deluxe Canvas Shooting Coat”. Yes it’s not as stylish or weighty as the other coats but it works.

I see a lot of people looking like the Pillsbury Dough Boy in their heavy weight coats. There is a reason for the zippered sleeves so you can bend your arms. By the end of a match most of the “Butter Balls” look like their candidates for heat exhaustion.

Just one persons opinion.

 

[P-32]

And hanging rock, I bet Those "butterballs" moke your scores

 

[Hangingrock]

I bet Those "butterballs" moke your scores

Some do and some don’t. You can’t buy competency its earned.

 

[P-32]

If you look up and down the firing line you will see Creedmore coats. There is a reason for this. But just so you know they srink in the winter for no reason.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

I've had a Creedmore Deluxe Canvas for 2 years and I thought it was great because it really helped my scores. I just ordered a Creedmore harback so I'll compare the 2 when I get the other coat in 10 weeks. I got the canvas coat without the leather sleeves but I'm temped to call them tomorrow and upgrade to the leather sleeves.

Anyway, for the price of the deluxe canvas it's well worth it. Points to note. On the deluxe canvas on the OD green coat is heavy sta#10 canvas. All the military patters are twill material and are much lighter. I wouldn't get one of those. It cost more because of the pattern but provides less support.

I have tried a few coat and the previous posters are correct, fit is everything. My buddy told me he would prefer the leather sleeves to the hardback if he had to choose between price. He says that the leather sleaves comform to your body better. I don't have any peronal experience with this though.

 

[wanderinwalker]

The hardback Creedmoor jackets have a little better support than other non-hardback jackets. A properly fitted coat doesn't have to be a hardback to do it's job. It just has to fit snugly without loose material bunching up or be overly restrictive, especially in the shoulders and elbows. I personally like the Creedmoor coats better. The best fitting coats are made by Monard but they also cost twice as much as Creedmoor or Freeland.

This is truth written. You don't NEED a hardback jacket to shoot good scores. (You don't need a Creedmore either...)

I use a Freeland, can't remember which model. If memory serves it was under $250 with tax when I bought it. My offhand position needs me to be able to twist my hips and shoulders and I like a bit of give in the coat. Once onto my butt and belly, the coat serves more as a holder of the sling and butt plate so I don't think jacket selection is as critical as long as it fits right.

And I agree with Hanging Rock about the heat exhaustion victims up and down the line some days! With my marginally lighter coat, I normally come off being a few strides from overheated, not only a step or two away.

 

[Pete D.]

Can I add a request for similar advice?

You don't NEED a hardback jacket to shoot good scores.

That caught my attention...mentioned a couple of times in this thread.
I have shot no HP matches. I have shot only smallbore and am working my way into HP Service Rifle from that venue.
I have been using my ISSF jacket to practice, over a sweater and a long sleeved T. It is comfortable for me, fits well....and seems to give me the support that I need.
Any criticisms or downsides to this type of jacket? It surely is not a hardback,though plenty stiff in any case. No straps in front, buttons instead.
Pete

 

[Howard Roark]

Troy Lawton shot the first perfect score ever across the course and did it at the nationals. He wears a button SB jacket for off hand. I think that you are OK.