I have been reading the regs on shooting vests, and could use some clarification.

Specifically, Regulation 3.12, section (a), which states, "...vests...are permitted if they can be closed over a gauge made from 4 inch thin wall PVC pipe, not less than 30 inches in length, passed through the entire length of the vest, and open or vented from the bottom edge to a point two inches above the crest of the hipbone."

It is this last part that has me confused. Just what does that mean? Thanks.

It just means that the vest cannot wrap your hips to steady you.

Here's an example of a 'vented' side.

This design is basically two sandwich boards, front (with a central zip fastening, top to bottom), and back,
and joined around the neck/shoulders, and fastened at the sides with adjustable velcro strips.

Sides are 'vented' open to the velcro fastening strip, just above the hips.



cheers,

Mark,
Let me add to your confusion. If you may have noticed that the mexican's were wearing bulldog clips on a lot of their vests. This is because in Mexico they are allowed to have the vest tight and it can be attached below the hip, thus many have another velcro strap low. They get around the NRA rules by simply folding the strips back and clipping them so they will not attach. There was a 4" PVC pipe inside the trailer at Raton, I did not see anyone challenge the 4" rule this year but Ihave seen it contested in the past.

Mary

Actually, I did notice that some of the competitors at Raton appeared to have their vests tighter than allowed. Since I was there to compete against myself (I lost, too), I decided not to get concerned about these competitors.

But back to the original question. If I go down to the hardware store and buy a 30 inch piece of 4 inch thin wall PVC pipe, and can get the vest zipped over top of it and me, the vest is legal?

Short answer...yes but make sure that it is not attached below the hips.

Mary

Okay. I think I am starting to understand.

The vest I have aquired is a shotgun vest, with leather front and mesh back. These two halves are attached at the sides, and the sewing extends below the hips. However, this arrangement does not provide any sort of support. My motivation for using the vest is the shoulder pad for the buttstock, and the heartbeat dampening ability of the vest when I have my left arm against the body. The pockets are handy, too.

pistolero45 wrote:Okay. I think I am starting to understand.

The vest I have aquired is a shotgun vest, with leather front and mesh back. These two halves are attached at the sides, and the sewing extends below the hips. However, this arrangement does not provide any sort of support. My motivation for using the vest is the shoulder pad for the buttstock, and the heartbeat dampening ability of the vest when I have my left arm against the body. The pockets are handy, too.

Strictly by the rules that would be out because the halves are attached below the hip, but it would be up to the match director.

Mark,
Marco Sanchez adds a thicker shoulder pad than Hardscrabble. Usually the shotgun vests are not contested. Like BB says, it is up to the match director, who is usually driven by any complaints.
I would think you could modify the current vest you have by simply cutting the lower strap and adding another velcro above the hip line.

Mary

Note...the PVC measure may be a little difficult to use on the DDD types...

I have been thinking about adding the stouter/thicker shoulder pad and a rough patch of leather where the left arm rests on my side to give me more grip like the full leather vests.

From what I understand the Hardscrabble Mesh vests are just store bought shotgun vests that they add these two items to. I have a nice vest shotgun vest my wife got me for Christmas 2 years ago that works well. I wonder if I sent it to Hardscrabble how much they would charge to add those pieces for me to my vest and how fast I could get it back. I know contact them and find out right

Down here where even the mesh vest is hot as hell to wear I just can't see me wearing the full leather vest without passing out. 95+ degrees heat and 80%+ humidity are just not full leather weather.

As for some people using tight vests I bet many of them have "grown" a bit into them over the years.



Dee

Dee...I wouldn't know anyone who has grown up (or out) as they got older, I think the vests are just shrinking. Actually my second hardscrabble was made smaller than the first, the Sanchez vest is alittle tight across the shoulders for me but the overall weight is one that you can deal with in the heat and humidity that you are talking about.

Innocent

My leather vest has needed extended airing out after midsummer matches but I just couldn't do a mesh vest.

BlauBear wrote:My leather vest has needed extended airing out after midsummer matches but I just couldn't do a mesh vest.

You'd be looking fine in a new Ostrich vest BB..... ;)