Shooting jackets/gloves etc... Can you please explain?

[Sir_SwampThing]

When pistol shooting, as I understand, one cannot even wear a watch on the shooting hand because it is considered an aid/support.
So why is it that, for rifle, one can be trussed up like a guest at a bondage club?
This is a genuine enquiry, albeit made with my tongue firmly in my cheek.
Atb
Chris

[Rutty]

Quite simply because the rules are different. In the same way that Football is played with a round ball and Rugby with an oval one.

There’s nothing to stop anyone who wishes promoting a range of competitions to be shot with basic rifles and simple clothing. Good luck by the way with writing the riles and specifications. If the discipline proves popular then it could overtake and eventually supplant the current disciplines on offer. However as there seems to be little discernible demand for such a discipline I can’t see it being a success in the short to medium term at least.

BTW Have you tried shooting a 3x40 without kit?

Rutty

[tim s]

When pistol shooting, as I understand, one cannot even wear a watch on the shooting hand because it is considered an aid/support.
So why is it that, for rifle, one can be trussed up like a guest at a bondage club?
This is a genuine enquiry, albeit made with my tongue firmly in my cheek.
Atb
Chris

Chris,

As Rutty explained, jackets and gloves are part of the game, no different to lycra and carbon fibre bikes for cyclists.

Shooting jackets evolved slowly over many years. The earliest were worn to protect your clothes from dusty or muddy firing points, at a time before washing machines. Then pads were added for your elbows, and shoulder for military cartridges. Only later did the material get heavier; leather was used because it's hard wearing, but it stretches so a canvas lining was the next step.

It's important to note that rifle weight increased before heavy jackets became the norm. Jackets reduce fatigue, but that's a response to heavy rifles (0.22 Smallbore) not a cause.

Padded gloves are just a simple protection. A 14lb rifle on bare hands is not pleasant, especially when a sling is used in Prone and Kneeling.

Special supportive Pistol vests were used in the' 70s and '80s, but I believe came on the scene quite suddenly, rather than slowly evolving, so were banned.

[Sir_SwampThing]

Thank you both.
Cheers
Chris

[TenMetrePeter]

Two years ago I started wearing a jacket. Almost no improvement in average but no back ache. Following year made a new alloy stock to the new rules to replace the wood one and improved by 7%

What amazes me is that jeans are banned in pistol comps at Bisley, not that I have ever qualified to compete there.

[majex45]

Two years ago I started wearing a jacket. Almost no improvement in average but no back ache. Following year made a new alloy stock to the new rules to replace the wood one and improved by 7%

What amazes me is that jeans are banned in pistol comps at Bisley, not that I have ever qualified to compete there.

I have shot pistol competitions at Bisley wearing jeans and normal shoes.
However I didn't win.

[zooma]

What amazes me is that jeans are banned in pistol comps at Bisley, not that I have ever qualified to compete there.

Its probably a dress code thing

Some posh pubs are like that too!

[tim s]

Its probably a dress code thing

Some posh pubs are like that too!

It's an ISSF rule applied for certain matches. The rule is a rather misguided attempt to make the sport appear more sporty at Olympic level, where there might be TV cameras.

Jeans are perfectly welcome at the NSRA Bisley meeting.

[Lol Moore]

... jackets and gloves are part of the game, no different to lycra and carbon fibre bikes for cycling...

Not sure which one makes me feel more embarrassed for the wearer, Gimp jacket or Lycra....on middle aged overweight men both look ridiculous

[tim s]

Not sure which one makes me feel more embarrassed for the wearer, Gimp jacket or Lycra....on middle aged overweight men both look ridiculous

It's not a fashion parade.

You forgot to mention the silly specs.