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Trap Shooting Vests

13K views 52 replies 45 participants last post by  Duckperry  
#1 ·
Any opinions on the Browning shooting vests, and the optional recoil pad inserts? The ones I have been looking at, are in the $50 range. For the money they look pretty nice. If anyone has a better recommendation, I would appreciate hearing it.
 
#2 ·
I have used them for years. I tried the recoil pad inserts about 20 years ago. It is not that they do not work, its just that with a good mount they are not needed? The rear mesh can hold 100 hulls, the pockets can hold two boxes of shells either side if you want to. Pretty simple item, not much to describe about it.
 
#4 ·
I have an older browning vest with a reactar pad. All mesh and very light. I looked at buying a new one, but was torn between the Ace or Trapper Creek models. From what I understand the cut and fit can vary greatly. My wife knew I was looking and surprised me with a Filson vest last month. Haven’t shot it yet, but very well crafted.
 
#5 ·
I had a vest early on, however, for me I can't stand them.
1. Don't like the pull on my shoulders
2. Too hot
3. Stiff velcro belt will hold a box of shells and hulls.
4. I like my padded shirt
5. I'm look cool in my accouterments
 
#46 ·
Plus one to Shoot-the-Moon. My college vest was done by them and lasted for 5 years with zero issues. I still have it but don’t wear it since I’ve graduated and shoot registered targets now. The fit was incredible and I believe they can do custom sizing.
 
#7 ·
I have been using a Browning vest for several years and it has held up quite well. One word of caution. Order a size or TWO up from your normal. I am normally a XL to 2XL in t- shirts and polos. I have to use a 3XL in the Browning vests. If you can, try one on first. They run small. I have never used the pad.
 
#8 ·
Browning vests are solid and seem to last (at least the ones I own). I have yet to destroy one. My friends with Browning vests have the same experience. A friend let me try his insert. Not a fan of the insert. It did not feel right for me.
 
#13 ·
I really like the Browning vest. The gel pad did work, but I quit using it when I got a Clyde SLyde and Ken Ruckers recoil stocks. The Browning vest is well made ad held up for years. I don't even have a Browning gun.
 
#14 ·
I have a Browning vest (blue color) that I have been using since late last year.. vest is very stylish and functional. Pockets are well laid out. Sizing for me is spot on. The complaints I have are the materials and fabric dyes seem to be subpar. Have yet to wash the vest but the colors are starting to wear or fade. The portions of the vest that are not mesh seem to be taking on a tiedyed look. This is a $50 vest. Buy a new one every 2 years or spend more for a longer lasting product. I have no experience with the. REACTOR pad.
 
#20 ·
What Meryn said....Leslie will do everything in her power to make a vest to fit you.

You can customize it to your liking....tight fit, loose fit, shoulder pad, no pad, shell loops, no shell loops, solid back, vented mesh back, multitude of colors, short length, long length etc.

The quality of the material is second to none along with the workmanship.

Dagen Voigtman has been wearing one for years shooting 15K plus a year and it shows no wear.

Buy the best and cry once. John Storm Shooting Coats and Vests.

Jimmy Bowen
 
#21 ·
I just looked up John Storm Shooting Vests and for what they charge, I can buy 6 or 7 Browning vests! I'm sure they are first rate but for the average weekend shooter, they are well out of range.

I was looking for a new vest a few weeks ago and considered the Browning. I went to Cabela's since they had them in stock and ended up buying a Cabela's brand vest for about $45. Very well made and the fit was perfect. Being retired, I get a chance to shoot several times per week and I can even shoot on my farm if I don't feel like going to the club. $45 for a well made vest is perfect for my purpose and for many like me. I also use the reactor pad without an issue.
 
#22 ·
I just looked up John Storm Shooting Vests and for what they charge, I can buy 6 or 7 Browning vests! I'm sure they are first rate but for the average weekend shooter, they are well out of range.

I was looking for a new vest a few weeks ago and considered the Browning. I went to Cabela's since they had them in stock and ended up buying a Cabela's brand vest for about $45. Very well made and the fit was perfect. Being retired, I get a chance to shoot several times per week and I can even shoot on my farm if I don't feel like going to the club. $45 for a well made vest is perfect for my purpose and for many like me. I also use the reactor pad without an issue.
I'm with you on this. Cheaper vests let you change sizes for the seasons. And even if you replace them every few years, it's cheaper than one high priced vest that lasts forever.
 
#24 ·
I have the $50 browning trapper creek shooting vest with the browning G3 recoil pad and love it. Pad fits perfectly in the pocket and doesnt sag down like I see others complain about other setups. FWIW I am 5' 10" 190 and wear the size L.
 
#28 ·
I can't wear a vest. All of my stuff goes on my belt with shells, shell bag, face powder, etc. The weight of all of that in a vest hurts my back. After 5 back surgeries and a spine stimulator, my back is very sensitive.
 
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#29 ·
I’ve been shooting with a Browning vest for 10 years and never had a problem with it. I’ve got the old style gel pad in mine but the pocket is a little too deep for me so I use some duct tape to hold the pad where I need it. Cool enough in the summer and I like the shell bag in the back for my 410 empties when I shoot sporting.