Just got an email notification that the Ol Tom Gunslinger vest is in stock on their website.
I hope they get bottomland in stock soon!
Well I got one in Greenleaf coming.
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I also ordered one in greenleaf. I should get mine in the mail tomorrow
I'm having a really hard time deciding between this vest and the grounded vest. The grounded vest looks to be better made but I like the pocket configuration better on the gunslinger.
I also grabbed one in Greenleaf, someone said on the forum that this would be the only year this vest was offered in that pattern. Figure I'd rather be safe than sorry
Quote from: kytrkyhntr on March 08, 2022, 12:21:37 PM
I hope they get bottomland in stock soon!
Bottomland is in stock now
I have been telling my girlfriend about how bad I want this vest for weeks maybe even months, when I saw this post I about freaked out and told her its back in stock. She just said "damn it I didn't want you to find but I knew you would find out I bought you one today as an anniversary gift". Needless to say, awesome girlfriend and I'm stoked for my new vest.
Quote from: roosterstraw on March 08, 2022, 04:30:30 PM
I'm having a really hard time deciding between this vest and the grounded vest. The grounded vest looks to be better made but I like the pocket configuration better on the gunslinger.
I can attest to the Grounded vest being really nice.. I recently got it, and its the best one I've ever owned.
Got my gunslinger vest in today. I have ran the Nomad MG vest the last couple of years and have loved it. The only gripe I had with it was the pot call holder loop attachment. The gunslinger fit is awesome and seems to be made and stitched very well. Very light also. The loop attachments for the pot call holders are much better than the Nomad. This is my first ol tom vest so this may not be a new thing. The shoulder straps are awesome. Thought I may need to add a strernum strap but it will not be necessary. Plenty of pockets and all placed well. The box call holder holds the call nicely with no sound and love the magnet strap that holds it in place. Very strong along with the seat magnets. You have to give it a noticeable tug to disengage it. Probably will add a little back padding for long sits. I make some pretty long public land hunts and like to pack water but have never been a bladder fan. Has two very deep camo mesh bottle holders and plenty of interior storage for snack or two. Nice pocket with shell holders also. I purchased the old school camo version and its pretty sweet . Sat it next to a pine it the yard and it resembles original bottomland from a distance. Overall great vest. If it holds up like my Nomad has it will be my go to for a long time.
Quote from: Sullikd on March 11, 2022, 07:53:31 PM
Got my gunslinger vest in today. I have ran the Nomad MG vest the last couple of years and have loved it. The only gripe I had with it was the pot call holder loop attachment. The gunslinger fit is awesome and seems to be made and stitched very well. Very light also. The loop attachments for the pot call holders are much better than the Nomad. This is my first ol tom vest so this may not be a new thing. The shoulder straps are awesome. Thought I may need to add a strernum strap but it will not be necessary. Plenty of pockets and all placed well. The box call holder holds the call nicely with no sound and love the magnet strap that holds it in place. Very strong along with the seat magnets. You have to give it a noticeable tug to disengage it. Probably will add a little back padding for long sits. I make some pretty long public land hunts and like to pack water but have never been a bladder fan. Has two very deep camo mesh bottle holders and plenty of interior storage for snack or two. Nice pocket with shell holders also. I purchased the old school camo version and its pretty sweet . Sat it next to a pine it the yard and it resembles original bottomland from a distance. Overall great vest. If it holds up like my Nomad has it will be my go to for a long time.
My thoughts are very similar. I love the layout and feel of the vest. My only concern is the magnetic closure on the striker pockets. They don't seem to be as strong as the magnets that hold the seat on the back of the vest. I'm curious to see how they hold up walking through thick brush
I was thinking of getting one for my Son. Any coupon codes available for the drake site?
How does the gunslinger fit? I know some of ol tom vest in the past haven't been able to snug up for us skinny guys.
Quote from: Bolandstrutters on March 19, 2022, 12:45:52 PM
How does the gunslinger fit? I know some of ol tom vest in the past haven't been able to snug up for us skinny guys.
I just got it still in the box. My boy is not skinny but fit. I keep ya posted when he opens it. If you do order one, Email them for a coupon. This worked for me :toothy9:
It didn't fit me. It was too big so I got rid of it
Curious to know about the fit too. That's always the problem with OSFM vests. I'm 5'11" 160 and myNomad vest is pretty big on me but I like the layout.
Quote from: RiverRoost on March 20, 2022, 10:49:35 AM
Curious to know about the fit too. That's always the problem with OSFM vests. I'm 5'11" 160 and myNomad vest is pretty big on me but I like the layout.
I got the Gunslinger in last week. I am similar build as you just a little shorter. The Gunslinger definitely fits me better than any of the other vests I have either tried on or bought and immediately sold. Definitely not as well fitting as my S/M Cabelas Tater I have used for years but the Gunslinger is a step in the right direction for me at least.
Quote from: Bolandstrutters on March 19, 2022, 12:45:52 PM
How does the gunslinger fit? I know some of ol tom vest in the past haven't been able to snug up for us skinny guys.
Runs a little big on my Son 6'1" 195. Took some strap manipulating. Early season in the north east with a jacket underneath perfect. Late season, a little loose is my take. Definitely a nice vest.
If a vest is too big for a 6'1" 200 lb man whose it going to fit. I understand one size fits most. Somebody this size should fit into that category. Unfortunately I'm much smaller so it will be a no go for me.
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Ive been interested in this vest since the first time I had seen it on the website. I currently have a Alps grand slam that like most others have said feels big. I dont mind the pockets, the layout, really other then the fit im not dissatisfied with the Alps, although it is stiff. This seems a little more simple and streamlined. Im curious about the shoulder straps, do the seem like a cheap answer to a claw sling modification or are they legit substantial straps? Wondering if the gunslinger is a worth while upgrade?
looks like they all sold out again.
I was in the same boat as you. I have the grand slam but ordered the gunslinger to try out. After feeling it and trying it on I sent it back for a refund. While the grand slam is a substantial vest that can certainly be hot on warm days, the gunslinger was just too thin and felt cheap to me.
The pros, straps are pretty nice but definitely not claw quality. I liked the layout somewhat as well.
The cons, it's fits kind of big, I am 220 lbs and had the buckles cinched all the way down. The fabric is cheap feeling and the vest has no structure to it. Just flimsy all around. And worst of all, the removable back pad might as well not even be there. It's like they bought the absolute cheapest foam they could find and just threw it in there so they could say it has "padded back support"
Not a horrible vest I guess but it doesn't hold up to the grand slam in my opinion.
Quote from: Chief Razor on March 20, 2022, 05:30:55 PM
Ive been interested in this vest since the first time I had seen it on the website. I currently have a Alps grand slam that like most others have said feels big. I dont mind the pockets, the layout, really other then the fit im not dissatisfied with the Alps, although it is stiff. This seems a little more simple and streamlined. Im curious about the shoulder straps, do the seem like a cheap answer to a claw sling modification or are they legit substantial straps? Wondering if the gunslinger is a worth while upgrade?
Quote from: St. Augustine Strutter on March 20, 2022, 09:03:11 PM
I was in the same boat as you. I have the grand slam but ordered the gunslinger to try out. After feeling it and trying it on I sent it back for a refund. While the grand slam is a substantial vest that can certainly be hot on warm days, the gunslinger was just too thin and felt cheap to me.
The pros, straps are pretty nice but definitely not claw quality. I liked the layout somewhat as well.
The cons, it's fits kind of big, I am 220 lbs and had the buckles cinched all the way down. The fabric is cheap feeling and the vest has no structure to it. Just flimsy all around. And worst of all, the removable back pad might as well not even be there. It's like they bought the absolute cheapest foam they could find and just threw it in there so they could say it has "padded back support"
Not a horrible vest I guess but it doesn't hold up to the grand slam in my opinion.
Quote from: Chief Razor on March 20, 2022, 05:30:55 PM
Ive been interested in this vest since the first time I had seen it on the website. I currently have a Alps grand slam that like most others have said feels big. I dont mind the pockets, the layout, really other then the fit im not dissatisfied with the Alps, although it is stiff. This seems a little more simple and streamlined. Im curious about the shoulder straps, do the seem like a cheap answer to a claw sling modification or are they legit substantial straps? Wondering if the gunslinger is a worth while upgrade?
Thank you. Glad I held off, makes the decision easy.
Quote from: aclawrence on March 20, 2022, 05:09:04 PM
If a vest is too big for a 6'1" 200 lb man whose it going to fit. I understand one size fits most. Somebody this size should fit into that category. Unfortunately I'm much smaller so it will be a no go for me.
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I'm 6'2 and 225 pounds and I had to adjust the straps a bit but it fits me perfectly. Although I wish I was a little shorter and about 50 pounds lighter I think I'd be a more effective turkey killer. But I get around good, not the sneakiest fella. Anyways vest fits me like a glove. A friend of mine whose around 5'10 170 pounds has one as well. Hung out with him yesterday and he said he loves his.
Yeah I'm 6'3 a buck 85 so I'll likely swim in it. Wish ol' tom would offer two size options or at least make it to fit athletic builds.
I don't understand why these vest makers think every turkey hunter on the planet is 6'8 and 350lbs. I'm a regular size dude and 90% of vests on the market swallow me. I'm glad I have enough great-fitting RNG 300 vests to last me 10+ years...
I'm 5 10 170 pounds and i had to tighten up straps and it fits me perfectly like I'd like a vest to. I love the layout and its very light. The straps are great to me The back padding isn't great at all also the strikers will push out slots a little when vest bends. Other than that I like it. Was running the nomad vest but kinda leaning towards the gunslinger.
Does it not have a chest strap between the shoulder straps?
If I can remember correctly, I don't believe so
Quote from: Hobbes on March 21, 2022, 08:44:12 PM
Does it not have a chest strap between the shoulder straps?
Quote from: Hobbes on March 21, 2022, 08:44:12 PM
Does it not have a chest strap between the shoulder straps?
Does not.
I have one and for the most part , Im satisfied with it. The cushion and back padding lacks something to be desired , but the fit , weight and pocket layout seems pretty good to me. Im waiting on the grounded vest in bottomland to come back in stock. I will be getting one of those as well. Wanting to rotate them and will use them both.
Quote from: REBELYELL on March 21, 2022, 10:39:16 PM
Quote from: Hobbes on March 21, 2022, 08:44:12 PM
Does it not have a chest strap between the shoulder straps?
Does not.
That's an immediate negative.
Every Ol Tom that I've ever had a chance to hold seemed cheap. I tried on the latest Cabela's and Basspro has cheapened them also. I'll probably just keep on with what I've been using.
Hunted with mine for the first time this morning here in SC. Unfortunately no blood was shed. First review. I'm a smaller guy. 5'8 160 lbs and its pretty baggy on me. Definitely like the fit of my M cabelas super tat'r 2 better. It is not water bladder compatible with is kind of a let down for me. My right shoulder which I carry my gun on was starting to hurt, not sure if it is related to the thin rubber strap with the weight of the gun on it or just not carrying a gun on my shoulder for a year. My butt went numb after sitting for 20 minutes. Other than that, the layout is decent. I will hold onto it for when my cabelas super tat'r finally kicks the bucket but will not be using this year.
Quote from: SCSWAMP on March 22, 2022, 07:01:07 PM
Hunted with mine for the first time this morning here in SC. Unfortunately no blood was shed. First review. I'm a smaller guy. 5'8 160 lbs and its pretty baggy on me. Definitely like the fit of my M cabelas super tat'r 2 better. It is not water bladder compatible with is kind of a let down for me. My right shoulder which I carry my gun on was starting to hurt, not sure if it is related to the thin rubber strap with the weight of the gun on it or just not carrying a gun on my shoulder for a year. My butt went numb after sitting for 20 minutes. Other than that, the layout is decent. I will hold onto it for when my cabelas super tat'r finally kicks the bucket but will not be using this year.
Thanks for the field use review. I'll stick with my Nomad MG this season I guess.
Was really hoping to hear the adjustability and fit was better. I like a tight, high riding vest and those are hard to come by for some reason. Thank you all for the reviews, saved me some time and money here.
I haven't worn mine hunting yet, but found it adjusts enough to fit me at 5'-10" and 160#. I also have a Camelback bladder that fits center pocket inside the game pouch. I took the spine pad out of a Ol Tom tech 1/4 zip and it fits in there too. I'm going to try it this weekend.
It won't adjust as small as the RNG 300 but much smaller than the Grounded vest.
I've been hunting with mine since beginning of our MS season. I was hoping it would grow on me, but I just can't warm up to it. I love the straps, the Greenleaf pattern and the overall weight. The seat and back cushion could be better, especially the seat cushion. I just don't like the layout of the compartments and pockets. The box call pocket is not big enough to hold anything other than my Albert Paul pocket call. The striker holders are not very secure. I have been lucky not to lose a striker yet because I have found the magnetized flaps popped open. It doesn't really have a good pocket for a Thermacell. I sometimes carry a wing with me and the internal pockets are not deep enough to hold it and get it zipped close. The pot call holders are okay, but I have seen pictures of the cord keeping them closed breaking or coming apart. I would love to have a vest laid out like my original Super Elite 3 but with straps. I love the internal box call pocket and the internal striker holders that snap shut. Each slot actually holds two strikers, making it easy to tote six. I always carry a Mac Ebony, Rutland Dymondwood and Snakewood striker and a magnet keeping them in my possession just doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy. I even like the layout of the Longbeard Super Elite, but it just feels cheaply made. I might sell my Gunslinger after season, just don't feel like emptying it right now. I hate changing vests, reminds me of getting a new boat or truck and everything is not laid out like the previous one. I knew where everything was located in my Super Elite 3, from a sanding stone to a piece of pool cue chalk. Now I have to search and try to remember where everything is located. Rant over.
I used mine this whole ms / la season . The fit is good , although even at 6,1 215lbs , I had to cinch the straps all the way in to fit me snug . It's light weight , quite. The seat magnets hold well , but the seat is not very dense . The game bag seems smaller then it should be . One of the pot call straps is already coming apart .
Over all I like the lay out , but it lacks the quality of nomads , alps etc . I rate it a 6 out of 10 .
I will add my 2 cents as an owner of this vest.
Love the pockets. The number, size, and layout of the pockets is darn near perfect, IMO.
The material is soft and quiet. The vest is lightweight and is good for hot days. The vest seems to be well made and should hold up for several seasons. The fit is good. I am 6 ft 220 lbs and the vest fits me just right, although I do have it cinched down about as far as it will go. I can see where it would be too large for someone smaller than me.
The magnets that hold the butt pad up are terrific! Which brings me to the one big negative- the butt pad itself. The pad is not dense at all. It's not much better than sitting straight on the ground. This isn't a deal-breaker for me, because most of the time I take a turkey chair and leave the butt pad at home. BUT...if you are going to charge $170 for a turkey vest, it should have a good, thick butt pad for that price. Ol Tom missed the mark here.
It's a shame, because Ol Tom would have hit a home run with this vest, with a better butt pad. Instead they hit a ground-rule double. A good, solid vest that I will continue to use. But if you don't take a turkey chair and instead rely on the butt pad to keep you comfortable, you will probably want to spend your money on something else.
I've been wearing mine for couple weeks and I love mine. Pocket layout is the most important thing to me and I love the way it is designed. I carry 5 pot calls so the double pot call holder made me upgrade from the easy rider vest. The seat magnet has improved is much better then the easy rider vest. It's not perfect and no vest ever will be but again I'm very pleased.