Recommend a Shooting Vest for Skeet?

[Kestrel]

Is it a good idea to wear a shooting vest with a shoulder pad when shooting skeet? I never have for informal shooting, but wanted to know if it's a good idea for more frequent trips to the range?

Can anyone recommend some good vests?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[RNB65]

Browning and Bob Allen both make excellent vests. I've been using Browning vests with REACTAR gel recoil pads for many, many years and I've never been disappointed.

p.s. The primary reason that most people wear shooting vests is for the pockets. The recoil pad is secondary. The pockets provide a place to carry shells, empty hulls, choke tubes, ear plugs, score cards, bug spray, water bottle, etc. Also, the vest protects your shirt from gun oil/grease and powder residue so you still look spiffy at the end of the shoot.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Like with shotguns themselves, vest fit is crucial. Make sure yours doesn't hinder the swing.

Other than that, most are great. I've vests here from Bob Allen, 10X, Chimere, and some no names.

And yes, they can help keep stuff organized.

 

[Scoupe]

I'm not a vest person. Tried a couple different nice ones, but never liked the feel. I just wear a good belt and pouch from Lonesome Charlie.

 

[PJR]

As Dave said fit is most important. If possible buy at a gun store and ask them to let you try a couple of mounts with a gun similar to yours.

Secondly, you can never have too many pockets. I'm using either a Browning or Cabela's vest and I like the Cabela's better because it has many pockets.

If you're in warm weather a mesh vest is preferable or one of the half vests which has all of the lower pockets of a vest but is worn around the waist.

 

[Kestrel]

Is having a shoulder pad in the vest a good idea?

Thanks.

 

[Cuzzin]

Only if your shotgun kicks hard - or if you shoot enough at one time to cause pain and bruising. To me, pads and/or vests (with or without the extra pad) just get in the way, make me sweat (more), snag the buttstock at presentation, and increase the length of pull slightly - whether at clays or field. A good shotgun, the right loads, and a good recoil pad or recoil reduction system, will take care of any real recoil issues.

 

[john917v]

I have a vest that I got from Wal-Mart for $12. I really like it, it's woodlands-style camo, it's got plenty of pockets, and a mesh back. It really doesn't seem hot/sweat-inducing. I have yet to shoot/hunt with it, though. Belts/hunter's fanny packs are a good alternative. As far as recoil reduction, I like my slip-on recoil pad.

 

[Camjr]

I've got the Cabela's vest with washable leather panels. I love it.

 

[3pairs12]

I am a pouch guy myself, but have shot with Bob Allen and liked it but you need to try some on and see what you like best.

 

[sargenv]

I use my Cabela's Hunting vest. Holds a few rounds of skeet worth of shells and since I don't shoot full power ammo for target practice I don't really have much use for a shoulder pad. If I were shooting 3 dram 1 1/8 ounce stuff, I'd probably own one of those "PAST" shooting vests with the pad built in.

 

[mswestfall]

I like the ones that are adjustable through the stomach area.... go figure.