Looking for a Padded Shooting Vest

[vmassarano]

I have 12 gauge shotguns and rifles chambered in 30-06. At 70, my tolerance for heavy recoil is not what it was 10 years ago.
Can anyone recommend a well-padded shooting vest for use at the range? I don't need or want bright colors or netting or a lot of pockets - - just a simple suede, leather or army jacket style vest with a heavy recoil pad and a hopefully couple of pockets for ammo, my phone, etc..
I've been surfing the web but not seeing what I'm looking for.

[Ducky's Dad]

Browning makes/made an insertable pad system for some of their apparel. Fits into a shoulder pocket in their shirts, jackets, vests, etc. I think they called it Reactar or something like that. I have never used it, but sounds like it would solve your problem and give you lots of flexibility as the weather changes

[Ducky's Dad]

https://www.browning.com/products/shooting-accessories/range-accessories/reactar-recoil-pad-g3.html

[JagerDog]

Lighter loads.

[vmassarano]

JagerDog:
First, I love your signature "tag line".
Second, I don't load my own ammo other than 45 Colt, so it's tough to find affordable "lighter" 30-06, 8mm and 12 gauge loads to shoot. Wish that weren't the case. I going with a Browning shooting vest plus their Reactar G3 recoil pad insert. A bit pricey, but it's a one time expense and I can always hand it down to one of my boys.

[Mayor McRifle]

I have 12 gauge shotguns and rifles chambered in 30-06. At 70, my tolerance for heavy recoil is not what it was 10 years ago.
Can anyone recommend a well-padded shooting vest for use at the range? I don't need or want bright colors or netting or a lot of pockets - - just a simple suede, leather or army jacket style vest with a heavy recoil pad and a hopefully couple of pockets for ammo, my phone, etc..
I've been surfing the web but not seeing what I'm looking for.

If you?re just looking for something for the range instead of for shooting trap or skeet, you might consider just a shooting shirt. I?ve ordered several from Pine Tree Custom Sportswear, and have been very happy with them. You can get them with just cloth padding or a gel insert, depending on your needs or preferences.

https://www.pinetreecustomsportswear.com/

Otherwise, Wild Hare jackets or vests at Peregrine Field Gear are tough to beat:
Jackets: https://www.peregrinefieldgear.com/outerwear-3277.aspx
Vests: https://www.peregrinefieldgear.com/s...ests-3273.aspx

[vmassarano]

Mayor McRifle: Thanks. I've already ordered a Browning shooting vest with their Reactar G3 recoil pad insert. My son has one and likes it. If that doesn't pan out for me, I'll check not these padded shirts. Again, thanks.

[G_FNH57]

Used

JagerDog:
First, I love your signature "tag line".
Second, I don't load my own ammo other than 45 Colt, so it's tough to find affordable "lighter" 30-06, 8mm and 12 gauge loads to shoot. Wish that weren't the case. I going with a Browning shooting vest plus their Reactar G3 recoil pad insert. A bit pricey, but it's a one time expense and I can always hand it down to one of my boys.

You can look for a used one on eBay. I found a nice one

[vmassarano]

Thanks for the suggestion. I had some Amazon "Points" available and decided to blow some of them on the vest and padded insert. The one benefit is if the vest doesn't fit or I don't like it, I can return it easily at no charge.

[denpython]

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1878261

Padded vest!

[JagerDog]

JagerDog:
First, I love your signature "tag line".
Second, I don't load my own ammo other than 45 Colt, so it's tough to find affordable "lighter" 30-06, 8mm and 12 gauge loads to shoot. Wish that weren't the case. I going with a Browning shooting vest plus their Reactar G3 recoil pad insert. A bit pricey, but it's a one time expense and I can always hand it down to one of my boys.

Hope it works for you.

I used to shoot with a guy or wore this PAST(?) shoulder pad. It was kinda like an arm sling, over one shoulder and under the other with a big shoulder pad.

[vmassarano]

If the Browning padded vest and G3 insert don't work, I'm going to try that shoulder harness style device. Went to the range yesterday with my M1 Garand, and used a folded towel. Looked dumb, but it worked fine so there's always a way...

[flypops]

I just shot 2 rounds of skeet and 2 rounds of trap yesterday. 12 gauge 3/4 and 1 oz. loads using my new Browning Trappers vest for the first time. It has a light quilted pad on the right shoulder and an inside pocket for the G3 Reactor pad but I didn't use a pad (I don't have one) and don't feel the need for one.

My problem is not recoil impact though and I never felt the need for a pad until I bought my BT-99 and started having an issue with abrasion on my shoulder. It's as if the butt pad is embedding the finish into my skin and causing abrasion that lasts several days. My Citori has a smooth butt pad but my BT-99 is heavily textured, for reasons I don't understand, but regardless it started causing issues in the summer when only wearing a light t-shirt to shoot. And yes, I keep my gun butt firmly mounted in my shoulder pocket throughout

Anyway, to the point. I really enjoyed shooting with the vest over a t-shirt and just having that light quilted pad on the vest was extremely comfortable.

Good luck finding your comfort zone.

[vmassarano]

Thanks for the feedback. I've got a Browning Trappers Vest and Reactar G3 pad ordered and on the way. Glad to hear the vest was comfortable and hoping this will turn out to be my comfort zone!

[Tere_Hanges]

If really you want to eliminate recoil shooting from a bench just use a rest like this:


I like this style of shooting jacket. But it's more for rifles than shotguns. I have one made by Bob Allen and use it sometimes when shooting my .3006s with a sling. You can find these used on ebay.


Creedmoor makes current styles of competition shooting jackets.

https://www.creedmoorsports.com/category/shooting--coats