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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 08:50:57 AM

Title: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 08:50:57 AM
Do any of y'all make any modifications to your turkey vest?  I usually don't, but this year I've decided to add a holster to my vest to carry my pistol. I carry a sidearm religiously, but if I carry it in my regular holster on my side, my weapon is under my vest which defeats the purpose of being able to draw it.

Been working on it this weekend. It's still a work in progress and has been a pain in the A, but once I get it finished and get a retention strap on I think I'll be happy with it.

Please don't start a debate on whether I need to carry a sidearm while turkey hunting or whether or not you would do it.

(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/strutzone18/27D3977D-BB9E-43BA-A961-4BA5B48EAF66.jpg) (http://s863.photobucket.com/user/strutzone18/media/27D3977D-BB9E-43BA-A961-4BA5B48EAF66.jpg.html)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/strutzone18/211FF5A1-87A4-450B-8E02-593B3B103FF4.jpg) (http://s863.photobucket.com/user/strutzone18/media/211FF5A1-87A4-450B-8E02-593B3B103FF4.jpg.html)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab192/strutzone18/5D6C6125-67A7-4EA7-9035-7FA28B83649F.jpg) (http://s863.photobucket.com/user/strutzone18/media/5D6C6125-67A7-4EA7-9035-7FA28B83649F.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: Skeeterbait on February 09, 2014, 09:20:43 AM
Yes, I have a Bianchi Black Widow left hand holster sewed to the inside of the vest on the left side.  This way it is cross draw and concealed  between the vest and me.  A sub-compact 45 rides in it.  Other mods I have made are sewing neoprene 5" fly reel cases inside a large pocket to hold pot calls and sewed strips of leafy material all over the outside.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: catdaddy on February 09, 2014, 09:24:30 AM
I like it a lot--good job!!
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: VA_Birdhunter on February 09, 2014, 09:34:18 AM
Thats Awesome!!  Great idea too!!   :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 09:35:03 AM
Quote from: catdaddy on February 09, 2014, 09:24:30 AM
I like it a lot--good job!!

Thank you sir.  :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: redarrow on February 09, 2014, 09:37:50 AM
Great idea.I don't think I could carry my Ruger Blackhawk in 44 mag like that though.Dang thing must weigh 100 pounds.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 09:38:38 AM
Quote from: Skeeterbait on February 09, 2014, 09:20:43 AM
Yes, I have a Bianchi Black Widow left hand holster sewed to the inside of the vest on the left side.  This way it is cross draw and concealed  between the vest and me.

Yeah, I'm trying to decide if I want to go further inside the vest for concealment. Drawing won't be a problem, but sewing it on will as far as sewing inside the pockets so I don't sew them shut.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 09:41:11 AM
Quote from: redarrow on February 09, 2014, 09:37:50 AM
Great idea.I don't think I could carry my Ruger Blackhawk in 44 mag like that though.Dang thing must weigh 100 pounds.

Lol. Dirty Harry turkey hunter
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: Skeeterbait on February 09, 2014, 10:28:28 AM
Quote from: CASH on February 09, 2014, 09:38:38 AM
Drawing won't be a problem, but sewing it on will as far as sewing inside the pockets so I don't sew them shut.

I've sewed a lot of stuff like that.  Put the vest on a sturdy hanger and hang it over a door opening.  Pin the item where you want it.  Then use one hand inside the vest pocket.  put the need in from the outside then immediately turn it around with the fingers of the blind hand and put it back thru.  Then pull the thread tight from the outside.  Doesn't take long to train the blind hand and eye so the needle comes back out where you expected it to.  Another trick I have used it to put something hard like a thin piece of wood in the pocket and sew from the outside using a small curved needle.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 10:32:17 AM
Quote from: Skeeterbait on February 09, 2014, 10:28:28 AM
Quote from: CASH on February 09, 2014, 09:38:38 AM
Drawing won't be a problem, but sewing it on will as far as sewing inside the pockets so I don't sew them shut.

I've sewed a lot of stuff like that.  Put the vest on a sturdy hanger and hang it over a door opening.  Pin the item where you want it.  Then use one hand inside the vest pocket.  put the need in from the outside then immediately turn it around with the fingers of the blind hand and put it back thru.  Then pull the thread tight from the outside.  Doesn't take long to train the blind hand and eye so the needle comes back out where you expected it to.  Another trick I have used it to put something hard like a thin piece of wood in the pocket and sew from the outside using a small curved needle.

:icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: hookedspur on February 09, 2014, 10:49:40 AM
Now you have me thinking .  :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: Gamblinman on February 09, 2014, 11:50:05 AM
Modified my Limbhanger to hold a larger hydration pack. Looks like a new mod on its way.


Gman
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: tomstopper on February 09, 2014, 12:55:46 PM
Great idea. Never can have to much protection in today's world...
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: MouthCaller on February 09, 2014, 02:37:45 PM
Nice! I would personally want it more concealed it looks like it might fall out although it probably is secure but to me it looks like its barely hanging on... It would be cool if you could sell that idea to somebody.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 02:55:22 PM
Quote from: MouthCaller on February 09, 2014, 02:37:45 PM
Nice! I would personally want it more concealed it looks like it might fall out although it probably is secure but to me it looks like its barely hanging on... It would be cool if you could sell that idea to somebody.

I messed around with the holster farther in the vest to conceal it more, but with it being a Tactical Tat'r, it was to tight against my body and felt like a giant lump against my midsection. I always carry concealed, but I'm not going to sweat it in the woods.

It's tight in the pic, but I don't have the retention straps attached yet. The holster isn't going anywhere, it's sewn in pretty heavy. I used heavy black nylon thread and doubled it. 

Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: wvnut3 on February 09, 2014, 03:15:01 PM
I like it, Being a retired LEO i always carry. I feel naked if i don't. If you are not concerned about being concealed try a thigh holster. they are out of the way while sitting on the ground and are not tight on the chest or waist.You have easy acess to it if needed. Lee
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 03:55:20 PM
Quote from: wvnut3 on February 09, 2014, 03:15:01 PM
I like it, Being a retired LEO i always carry. I feel naked if i don't. If you are not concerned about being concealed try a thigh holster. they are out of the way while sitting on the ground and are not tight on the chest or waist.You have easy acess to it if needed. Lee

That's my backup plan if end up not liking this set up. Once I add water, calls and other crap, I think I'll be toting 25 plus lbs.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: drum817 on February 09, 2014, 04:00:35 PM
How many bullets can you shoot in a 10" circle at 40 yards?  And how fast?  :goofball: :goofball: :goofball:
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 09, 2014, 04:13:18 PM
Quote from: drum817 on February 09, 2014, 04:00:35 PM
How many bullets can you shoot in a 10" circle at 40 yards?  And how fast?  :goofball: :goofball: :goofball:

13, then 12 with a mag change.  :z-guntootsmiley:
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: budtripp on February 09, 2014, 09:06:00 PM
Cool. Never know what kind of crazy meth head you might run into deep in the woods  :z-guntootsmiley: believe me it used to be bad around here.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: headbanger on February 10, 2014, 12:11:19 PM
Neat idea Cash. That has the ol wheels turning.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: fallhnt on February 10, 2014, 01:14:16 PM
A guy I know hade a shotgun pressed to his head hunting public land. Sence that I carry my .380 on all my out of state bowhunts. I cut the mesh part of the pocket in my Elite 3 turkey vest and it slips down to the bottom of the vest.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: Eric Gregg on February 10, 2014, 09:00:43 PM
Great idea!
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: hootn on February 12, 2014, 02:24:14 AM
gee bob that vest will weight 50 pounds..... besides it aint that bad in the forest, unless you hear those tree knocks, yes i went there.....

scott
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: CASH on February 12, 2014, 03:06:51 AM
Quote from: hootn on February 12, 2014, 02:24:14 AM
gee bob that vest will weight 50 pounds..... besides it aint that bad in the forest, unless you hear those tree knocks, yes i went there.....

scott

Haha. I hear ya.

After me and Dave almost getting shot year before last calling those two birds in, it'll be worth the extra weight.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: Gobble! on February 13, 2014, 03:04:13 PM
yes i have added padding for back support and put camo over black vest straps. its always good to make your vest match your habits if possible.
Title: Re: Turkey vest mods
Post by: turkey_slayer on February 13, 2014, 04:48:53 PM
I ordered some strong magnets. Gonna sew one to the seat and one to the vest back. I hate fooling with buckles