Wearing a tac vest at the range, douche or not?

[Sylvain]

I was thinking about wearing a "tactical vest" at the range.Im not sure if some of you guys do that or not, im sure some people show up to the range in full battle uniform with helmet, armor, and combat boots.

Would I look like a giant douche / mall ninja if I do?

(Not that I cannot look like a douche without a vest on)

I figured it's a good way to carry ammo, gear, tools, first aid (we all know about "accidents" at public ranges ) and such.
But at the same time I guess it could be kinda silly to have all this crap on your person if there is a table with your range bag just next to you.
I guess it depends on the kind of range you go and what kind of training you do.
Im more thinking about dynamic training on a large range and not just shooting paper while sitting behind a table.

I remenber in one thread a fellow INGO member saw guys in full tacical gear at the range and he told them how silly they looked being dressed like that.And it turned out they were cops from the local SWAT team.

Im talking about a vest like on the pic bellow, worn on top of regular clothing.No BDU, camo, helmet and other crap.

 

[sepe]

Why be concerned with what other people think of your choices in clothing (or gear)?

 

[fullmetaljesus]

If its an out door range where you can move around a lot while shooting then have at it, but if you show up at a range that is indoors with tables and what not, then i think they would crown you as king of the mall ninjas.


**edit,

Sepe has a great point.

I think you should file this under the "I do what i want" out look on life, and if you wanna wear it go for it. My dad always says "its none of my business what people think of me."

 

[paintman]

i like it. i wish i had one in black. i would wear it to the range.

 

[Garrett]

I wouldn't see an issue with it all. Especially if you have mag holders on it and other useful items. And like sepe said..who cares what others think about it. I personally would think it is a good idea and wouldn't think different of whatever other people wore to the range.

 

[Sylvain]

Why be concerned with what other people think of your choices in clothing (or gear)?

Well I get your point but if I was not concerned about that at all I would just walk naked in the street.
So be glad that im a bit concerned about it.

But im not asking so much to know what people would think of me but more like to know if you guys do it or not, if you found it useful or not, and such.

 

[Scutter01]

It's not a fashion show. If you're going to the range to enjoy yourself, dress up like Batman if that's what makes you happy. Who cares what anyone else thinks?

 

[dom1104]

If you have to ask the question.......

 

[fullmetaljesus]

It's not a fashion show. If you're going to the range to enjoy yourself, dress up like Batman if that's what makes you happy. Who cares what anyone else thinks?

 

[Garrett]

If I could fully utilize the use of say my plate carrier with Mag holders and Sidearm at a range then I would wear it yes. However most ranges are not going to let me fully "utilize" it. What I mean by this, if I could practice rapid fire, mag changes, switch from side arm to primary, etc. However when Im down state in the middle of the cornfields, then yes I shall wear it as I can fully utilize it.

 

[dom1104]

I can remember several times in my life, when the decision wether or not to wear / buy some clothing item was....

"Will I look like a total douchebag in this?"

The answer was usually..... Yes. Or close enough that it was still on the Douche end of the sliding scale.

Would probably opt out of the crossdraw holster in either case.

 

[Westside]

Since it is close to St. Patrick's day you must wear only a bright Green "tactical vests". All other colors would be inappropriate.

And Remember never wear white after labor day!!!!

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

A simple saying that holds true in so many situations .."let your conscience be your guide".

(Even though this issue isnt strictly a matter of conscience, if you think it's the right thing to do and you're not infringing on any body else, who cares?!)

 

[SaintsNSinners]

Wear whats comfortable to you. So long as it isnt hot pants and a tac vest. if you think you can gain something from a tac vest have at it. When I go to the range I generally shoot real world self defense. If I have to defend my self im not going to be all Socom'd out with throat mics and tac vests or any of that tacticool stuff. Odds are If I am having to defend myself I am either going to be in a Suit and Tie (work) or or a t-shirt and jeans with a skoal ring.

So some trips to the range I go in jeans and a tshirt and other times I wear my suit. As silly as it might look to others I will be the guy on the line in a 3 piece suit because that is what I need to develop a comfort in.

 

[crispy]

If you wear all that and can't shoot, then yeah, total mall ninja.

 

[sepe]

Well I get your point but if I was not concerned about that at all I would just walk naked in the street.
So be glad that im a bit concerned about it.

But im not asking so much to know what people would think of me but more like to know if you guys do it or not, if you found it useful or not, and such.

Walk through the streets naked, I don't care. I wouldn't even take a second glance. I figure if the vest is something you'd want to use in a SHTF situation or in a survival type situation, train while wearing it if you want. The opinions of others mean very little.

 

[2cool9031]

I saw guys wearing vests...and never gave it a thought.

 

[Sylvain]

If you wear all that and can't shoot, then yeah, total mall ninja.

Yeah that could be a problem, I will make sure to get really close to the targets, close enough to poke holes with a knife if I need to.

 

[K_W]

If he's following all safety rules, I couldn't care less if he chooses to shoot in a $3000 business suit, or saggy jeans and a tank top.

 

[Sylvain]

Walk through the streets naked, I don't care. I wouldn't even take a second glance. I figure if the vest is something you'd want to use in a SHTF situation or in a survival type situation, train while wearing it if you want. The opinions of others mean very little.

On my way!
I will tell the judge you made me do it.

Im not going to wear it all the time, like some have said it's important to train with what you wear everyday.