Preference in shooting jackets

[Swamprabbit]

I am ready to upgrade my shooting jacket from the cheap canvas one to a good leather one. As of now, I am deciding between the Champion's Choice NRA Rifleman's and the hardback from Creedmore. From what I gather, from talking with others, is that the hardback can get in the way in the sitting positions so I am leaning towards the Champion's Choice model. Anyone care to share their experiences or make recommendations?

 

[Steve Smith]

There is some good info on coats in this search:

http://thehighroad.org/search.php?s...d=776269&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

FWIW, I have gone back to an all-leather Champions Choice coat for comfort. The Creedmore Hardbacks are certainly stiff, but mine was somewhat painful and I did not enjoy shooting in it. The leather, on the other hand, is quite nice.

 

[InTheBlack]

Steve- Yea, I found that old thread where you mention that the Creedmore is small in the armholes; that might be what's happening to me with the pinching I'm getting.

And I'm wondering if they are sized large. I wear a 40 suit, but my 40 coat seems too wide in the shoulders, and in order to be able to cinch the straps completely, I have to fold the edges of the coat material under on one side.

 

[30Cal]

I've got a hardback and haven't had any real issues with it. Even if you do, it shouldn't be hard to find someone that can tailor it for you locally.

It get's wicked hot here in California so a well ventilated model would be a must in my neck of the woods. Something to consider on those nice 95F Kentucky afternoons when the humidity is near 100%.

Ty

 

[Steve Smith]

You know, you would think that you could find someone to alter a coat, but it's not as easy as you think. Most places like that have been taken over by non-english speakers, and they do not understand anything more than "fix the heel of my shoe" or "repair this hem please."


Going to go take some valium before I blow a gasket.

 

[Swamprabbit]

The comments here are much the same as I have heard elsewhere. I have gone ahead and ordered the leather one from Champion's Choice.

The main reason for the change was that I found that the canvas coat just simply did not give me real good support in the offhand position. For the other positions, it has served me well. After doing HP now for about a year, I can fairly regularily shoot in the mid to high 190s in my rapid fire stages. Prone 600 is staying in the low to mid 180s - due mainly to my lack of wind reading experience. I may still use my canvas coat for all but the standing positions but that is to be seen. It is fairly cool with a zipped hooded sweatshirt under it.

One thing I learned by talking to the nice lady at CC, I am 6' 2" tall and thought I would need the "tall" sized coat. She talked me out of it saying that the tall sizes shouldn't be worn unless you were at least 6' 4" or 6' 6". Otherwise, the sleeve length could get in the way. Since my knuckles don't drag when I walk, I thought that was good advice. I'll see when I get the coat in the next couple of days.

 

[Steve Smith]

I think you'll love the coat. It doesn't have as much support as the Creedmore Hardback, but with a good position you don't need that anyway. The coat is certainly comfy.

BTW, if your prone slow scores are low, shoot a lot of reduced course matches. When you can nearly clean the prone slow target there consistently, you will be a much better holder at 600, and the wind will be your only issue. A good hold is worth at least a half minute.