Will a shooting coat help me?

[martini1]

I have a question for the group. I am a casual shooter that enjoys vintage high power target rifles. Most of my shooting is off hand with very heavy rifles.
I have a number of lower back issues including ruptured disks and its becoming painful to shoot (its hard to get old).
I have never used a shooting jacket in the past and was wondering if the extra support would help me any.
Thoughts?

 

[DR1586]

A good coat will certainly help your offhand. You want something with a stiff back like a Creedmoor hardback or a Monard. Make sure it goes down to the hips to help unitize upper and lower body. Biggest thing is make sure the coat fits correctly across the shoulders.

As far as back pain, the coat may not alleviate much as it's not meant to. A good back brace and the coat may be a solution.

The coat will not hurt and if you shoot highpower, it is the 3 most important piece of gear behind the rifle and ammo.

 

[dannyjbiggs]

I have a question for the group. I am a casual shooter that enjoys vintage high power target rifles. Most of my shooting is off hand with very heavy rifles.
I have a number of lower back issues including ruptured disks and its becoming painful to shoot (its hard to get old).
I have never used a shooting jacket in the past and was wondering if the extra support would help me any.
Thoughts?

D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y! Get yourself a Creedmoor "hardback" shooting jacket...I'd recommend just the nice two-tone, canvas, padded one; or the leather if you plan to go serious on us!!

For offhand shooting, lace it up TIGHTLY while standing using all of the front straps until your tongue sticks out from the pressure, might want to add a long sleeved sweatshirt under to help mitigate pulse a little more, too. Ahhh, and just feel how the jacket takes control of your upper body. For sitting, kneeling(?), and prone; just use the upper two straps.

But, are you allowed to use shooting jackets in vintage rifle matches?

Good luck,

Dan

 

[centershot]

I have an older Hawkeye in a size 40. Needs a new pad. Brown leather with a white back.$75 plus shipping. I think it was around $300. NRA style.

 

[kzin]

I have a question for the group. I am a casual shooter that enjoys vintage high power target rifles. Most of my shooting is off hand with very heavy rifles.
I have a number of lower back issues including ruptured disks and its becoming painful to shoot (its hard to get old).
I have never used a shooting jacket in the past and was wondering if the extra support would help me any.
Thoughts?

I'll try to put a positive spin on this and say I admire the dedication and discipline of anyone who will wear one of those coats in the summer. Maybe if F-class didn't exist I'd try harder to force myself.

If 'casual' means you don't have to follow rules why not an actual back brace first?

 

[MislMan]

I second just a back brace for starters. I have a bad back (4 lower back surgeries). I don't shoot rifles off-hand but I do shoot Bullseye pistol and standing with arm outstretched is tiring and painful. I use a back brace of the style used for warehouse workers (like Home Depot employees wear). These have vertical supports in the lower back area, suspenders and are velcro adjustable. Usually about $20 at Home Depot in tool section. This allows me to pull the brace very tight/firm when standing to shoot while also permitting quick and easy loosening/removal when walking around or sitting. The suspenders make it easy to put the brace on while also ensuring I don't forget about it. The brace also keeps things a little cooler than a full jacket.