Shotshells - vest or pouch?

[357wheelgunner]

I'm looking for a vest to carry some spare shotshells and whatever else I feel the need to grab in case of a really bad emergency, or if I want to look badass while hiking out to my favorite shooting spot out in the country. Something similar to the 5.11 tacticool vest would be great, only without the AR magazine pouches. Like I said, I'm just looking for something that I could stuff with shells, a flashlight, etc. that could be grabbed in an emergency.

How about a "drop pouch" or whatever they call those belt mounted shotshell carriers?

 

[rcmodel]

I gave up on shell loop hunting vests about 40 years ago.

Come back from walking corn stubble or brush & have a bunch of empty loops were the shells got pushed out of the elastic loops by the brush!

I found a double pouch belt affair and sewed the pouches to the outside of my shell vest to carry shells in.

The vests pockets and game bag carry everything else.

rcmodel

 

[sm]

Field coats and pouches are proven.

The old timers had it right, with field coats with the large pockets, and some have game bags built in.

I often run a wax cotton coat , with wool liner, and pouch.

Without a shotgun in hand, folks would have a hard time even knowing I was hunting, and some have no idea I know anything about shotguns and hunting with one.

Exactly what I want...

 

[Jaenak]

I preffer a vest with the loops and a couple large pockets on the bottom of the vest for any misc. items you may need. I hate the pouches because I reach into the pouch and pull out a handful of shells pointing every which direction, it takes forever for me to reload my shotgun 'cause I have to grab the shells and straighten them in my hand before loading them. Also, if I bent over the wrong way with a pouch in the wrong place, it would dump out a few of the shells. The vest has all sorts of loops and they keep the shells pointing all in the same direction which makes it very easy to grab them and load the gun. The loops also won't let the shells casually drop to the ground either.

 

[PawDaddy]

When I was growing up my dad worked for a sewing factory. He had several "bags" made for us to use while hunting. They were similar to a "possibles bag" but were bigger. Most of them had fold over flaps and were very good for pouring out shells into and also for carrying other hunting equipment.

If you chose to make your own, you can sew a divider inside so you can keep your shells and empties seperate. You can also sew pockets inside or out for other stuff.

They are easy to make and are very useful. It's like a "Mountain Man Purse"!

 

[357wheelgunner]

I preffer a vest with the loops and a couple large pockets on the bottom of the vest for any misc. items you may need. I hate the pouches because I reach into the pouch and pull out a handful of shells pointing every which direction, it takes forever for me to reload my shotgun 'cause I have to grab the shells and straighten them in my hand before loading them. Also, if I bent over the wrong way with a pouch in the wrong place, it would dump out a few of the shells. The vest has all sorts of loops and they keep the shells pointing all in the same direction which makes it very easy to grab them and load the gun. The loops also won't let the shells casually drop to the ground either.

What is this so-called "vest" and where can I get one?

Thanks for the responses guys!

 

[Floppy_D]

I picked up a cheapie Wallieworld 3-pouch with belt (like 3 fanny packs on 1 belt,) and tossed the thin nylon belt. I replaced it with a sturdy blackwater instructor belt, and it is now my go-to for any hunting/shooting event. I can carry 25 shells in the front two and use the back bloodbag for game, without any feel of bounce or imbalance.

 

[scrat]

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...redir&parentType=index&indexId=cat601044&rid=


http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...parentType=index&indexId=cat601801&hasJS=true

 

[Grunt]

I've always liked the old ALICE shotgun shell pouches. Here's one place for example that sells pouches like this:

http://www.tedsmilitarysurplus.com/bagsbackpacks/pshotgunshell.html

 

[bwavec]

An old Blackhawk chest carrier that holds about 24 shells is always stocked and easily accessible as part of my "grab and go" gear. I have worn it while hunting in the fields and swamps, and never lost a shell.

But if I had a vest that I was using to carry other stuff too....I would keep my shells in pouches.

YMMV

 

[win71]

These are good and so is the tinned hunting vest but I don't see it advertised here.

http://www.lcsupply.com/Product/Hun...s/Filson-Clothes/Filson-ShootingGame-Bag.html

 

[MAURICE]

Wal-Mart has a shotgun shell pouch that you wear around your waist (saw them on the shelf just the other day). They have a couple of different ones on the website, but the one I have experience with was made of heavy cloth (canvas?) and was a dark green color. It costs about 10 or 12 bucks. I gave mine to a friend in a trade, but am going to pick up another soon. It held more than a box of shells and was great for when the clays got going fast and furious or when you just want to have some fun. Not the highest quality, but it has held up well and is still in good condition 4 or 5 years later. And it fit me, which is a plus. I'm a big fella (6'6", 300 lbs) and I had no problem with the belt reaching all the way around. If you want it to look tacticool or whatever get some rit dye and go to town.

 

[CWL]

For "social work", I prefer looped pouch. These will hold each shell separately and in exactly the same position every time. You can even distinguish between different shells (buck, ball, etc.) by how you fill the pouch. This will aid in speed of access & reliable loading when under stress. Also keeps them clean. Grunt's suggestion of Vietnam-era ALICE pouches are perfect & cheap.

For relaxed applications, nice big pockets would do the trick.

 

[BruceRDucer]

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Here's a couple offered from WallyWorld

http://www.walmart.com/search/searc...&search_query=Shell+Pouch&Find.x=16&Find.y=11

I got the "Allen" brand there with 3 pouches. The Inner pouch next to your thigh, is biggest, and deepest. It is made of nylon mesh. Not only can you store your spent shells there, you can carry a bottle of water, and Doves. Shells can go in the two outer pouches. They will hold more than 20 shells each. It has a big thick nylon belt with a quick snap buckle.

The Allen Brand is shown with a tan leather label. I took a black marker to that right off, so nobody would think I shopped for cheap stuff at Wal-Mart. Now I'm sure they think I shop at exclusive shops.