Shooting Jacket considerations

[gallowglas]

(think I'm posting in the right place)

I am considering doing some major rifle shooting lessons. And prone position is going to be the way to go.

It is suggested that I get a shooting jacket.

I could buy one, but it will not fit right, the sleeves will be too long among other things. Then on a long drive I thought.."well I know how to sew, I could make one or modify a shirt so it will be what I want."

What it needs
very few front pockets (prone thing)
shoulder pad
elbow pads
gussets or vents so the arms move freely
since I do not want front pockets but may want to take notes a pocket just the right size for a memo pad and a pencil on my non shooting arm

Any other suggestions? I have not figured out about cuffs or sleeve length or collar.

thanks

 

[Rockwell1]

Cabela's has several shirts and jackets that fit your needs almost exactly

 

[CapnMac]

but may want to take notes a pocket just the right size for a memo pad and a pencil on my non shooting arm

Careful, sling goes over the bicep of the support arm, so you don't want a pocket there. It could go on the trigger arm sleeve, though.
The "slick" spot for a shooting notebok/score book, though, is on the writing hand side, on the back, just over the kidney. Pen pockey can be lots of places--all of them will poke you to remind you to move the pen, too.

 

[CZRyan]

I shoot in service rifle matches. You definitely need a coat. I use the Creedmoor basic canvas coat.
http://creedmoorsports.com

also take a look at

https://www.championshooters.com/index-ssl.html

or
http://www.champchoice.com/

unless you have a heavy duty commercial sewing machine, I think that it would be very difficult to sew your own due to the weight of the fabric needed. These coats are very stiff and cinch down tight to give you maximum stability in the off hand position.

In sitting and prone it makes shooting more comfortable which helps in a long string of fire.

hope this helps

 

[TargetTerror]

+100 on everything CZRyan said. I shoot smallbore and highpower, and it is beyond night and day shooting with and without a jacket. I don't know your exact dimensions, but unless you are particularly unique, I'm sure one of the premade jackets will suit you fine until you get better and know exactly what you are looking for. And at $75 for the basic Creedmoor jacket, I can't see making your own being worth the time and effort.

 

[rskent]

Gallowglas
I also shoot in highpower rifle matches. I use a Creedmoor Hardback. If there is a better shooting coat, I have never seen it. However, if you are just getting started, I would wait to get a coat. In my humble opinion, it is easier to learn to build your positions without a coat. Without a coat you will be able to see if your positions are off, and you can make the necessary corrections. After you learn to build your positions, get a coat, and your scores will jump the first time you use it. Also it will give you time to check out what everyone else is using, so you don’t end up buying two coats.
Steve

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't know the pros and cons of starting out with or without a jacket, but if you are going to be taking a class shooting prone, at least get some elbow pads. I use them for F-class and they are indispensable

 

[jnyork]

And at $75 for the basic Creedmoor jacket, I can't see making your own being worth the time and effort.

+ another for getting the right tool for the job, you might cobble something togather but it wont help you that much.