Solutions for protecting your guns from game vests

[David Smith II]

I was concerned that the brass strap rings, belt buckle and brass buttons on my Filson game vest would scratch the finish on my restored guns. I decided to take some leather and cut it so so that it could be wrapped around the aforementioned strap rings and buckle. I then sewed on some adhesive backed velcro so that the areas of concern could be covered and the wraps could be easily removed. As for the brass buttons, I took 1/8"rubber o-rings that were slightly smaller, inside diameter, as the outside diameter of the brass buttons and stretched them on. It looks great and serves as added protection. Hope this helps anyone that is also concerned with damage to the finish of their guns while hunting.

[Dean Romig]

It really can happen! Have you ever seen the stock on the Burt Spiller 20 gauge VH? All that damage came from the large buttons on his vest.





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[bob lyons]

I experienced this a long time ago the zipper on my vest, it was scratching the stock on my 16 gauge vhe. I tried a few things but finally got one from the Orvis company that only had buttons. I still have it and no issues on the stock.
Not sure if it is still available.

[Mike Poindexter]

Buttons, no zippers on any game vest I buy. Also, I used orange duct tape to wrap the shoulder harness keepers as you used the leather on the strap vest. Your way is classier, mine was field expedient.

[Daryl Corona]

Did the same on my strap vest only I used blue painters tape. It was all I had at the moment and is still on there.

[Robert Brooks]

I will not wear a vest that scratches my guns! Bobby

[Jay Gardner]

Several years ago Filson sold a game bag (style 16020) no exposed metal or anything that could damage the finish of a gun. It’s perfect: two bellows pockets on each side (one one each side with shell loops). Easy to slip a bird in through the front. Big enough to carry plenty of ammo, a water bottle, leash, multi tool, compass, and more without feeling bulky. Of course, as is always the case it was discontinued. Too bad.

I’ve worn mine to the point that I’m going to have to send it in to them this winter to have it patched along the bottom.

https://i.imgur.com/UekeFJW.png

[Arthur Shaffer]

You wouldn't believe how many people will buy a $10,000 guitar and give it a case of buckle rash within a week.

[Stan Hillis]

Wonder how it would work to paint a coat of "liquid rubber" onto the buttons and other exposed metal strap parts? They sell some stuff that is used to dip tool handles into, then it is supposed to dry but stay flexible. Just thinking out loud, but it might work.

[Michael Moffa]

Plasti-Dip is the stuff. Comes in colors.

[Paul Ehlers]

Several years ago Filson sold a game bag (style 16020) no exposed metal or anything that could damage the finish of a gun. It’s perfect: two bellows pockets on each side (one one each side with shell loops). Easy to slip a bird in through the front. Big enough to carry plenty of ammo, a water bottle, leash, multi tool, compass, and more without feeling bulky. Of course, as is always the case it was discontinued. Too bad.

I’ve worn mine to the point that I’m going to have to send it in to them this winter to have it patched along the bottom.

https://i.imgur.com/UekeFJW.png

I went to this exact vest years ago because of the gun damage issue and haven't looked back.

With that said:
The leather on the buckle eventually got worn to the point of having some exposed metal. A quick wrap of duct tape on the exposed areas took care of that problem.

All my other vests have duct tape wraps on any surfaces that can damage a gun. I'm a firm believer in the KISS principle and found that duct tape is the easiest-quickest way to solve the problem. My buddies have given me a hard time about the duct tape over the years, but I always tell them "This is upland bird hunting- Not a fashion show" Funny how most of them have ended up with some duct tape on their vests as well!