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© 2008, Shane Cossar, New Zealand.
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Contact:  shane_cossar@hotmail.com

Gucci Gear Topics:

Carrying all this gear means getting hot and heavy, but that doesn’t mean being uncomfortable.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Targets  
Horus Vision has a Combination Accuracy Targeting System (CATS) with four types of paper targets.  Series I targets are for zeroing.  Series II targets are for validating the accuracy and click adjustments of riflescope elevation knobs, and cant validation.  Series III targets are for validating accuracy and click adjustments of elevation and windage knobs, plus cant validation and training.  Series IV targets are a more advanced version of the Series III targets and are for testing and training.  Each CATS series usually has at least two versions, for example; targets spaced at 4 TMOA and designed to be shot at 100 yards, or targets spaced at 1 USMC Mil and designed to be shot at 100 metres.  Some targets are also available in USMC Mils to be shot at 100 yards, or SMOA to be shot at 100 yards.  There is a CATS manual describing how to prepare and use the targets and how to analyse the results.  The series III CATS target actually has 16 rows and 10 columns of targets each with ½ MOA and 1 MOA roundels, plus a target zero area.  While designed for users of Horus reticles the CATS targets would be useful to any riflescope user.

Rifle Cover  
The rifle scope and muzzle crown, are the most vulnerable part of this shooting system.  A padded rifle scope is the minimum protection that should be used.  Rifles Only has TAB rifle covers for a range of rifle and scope sizes.  A TAB rifle cover includes a cover for a complete rifle including padded scope cover, padded muzzle cover and covering the suppressor, if desired.  The rifle sling remains usable, and the cover has D rigs for attaching the rifle to a pack.  When folded up it can be stored in a BDU pocket.  A big advantage of the TAB rifle cover is that the rifle bipod and butt spikes can be extended, so the rifle can be left in a near-ready state with the cover on.

Suppressor Shroud  
Rifles Only also has the TAB Suppressor Anti-mirage Shield (SAS).  This has been designed to prevent mirage obscuring a sight .  The TAB SAS inner shell will withstand up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.  The outer cover will not heat up so the suppressor can come into contact with other equipment or be removed immediately after firing.

Shooting Mat  
All manner of drag bags, long rifle soft cases and shooting mats are available.  However drag bags have little use in civilian shooting and the soft rifle cases don’t offer as much protection as a hard rifle case.  While only practical in a static position such as on a KD rifle range, a shooting mat is useful in providing some basic comfort, particularly on wet or stony ground. 
Rifles Only has a TAB Shooting Mat that is 72’’ x 32’’ laid out.  It has waterproof backing, a 12’’ wide padded elbow rest area, loops for staking the corners down and yet rolling up to just 4’’ x 8’’ this is another compact piece of kit. 
But a word of warning - while it may sometimes be expedient to shoot with the muzzle over a mat, the blast effect from a muzzle brake can quickly destroy many mats.

Hearing Protection  
All shooting ranges and shooting competitions mandate that hearing protection and eye protection must be worn on the firing line.  A suppressed .338 is about as loud as a .308 / 7.62.
Electronic earmuffs provide excellent hearing protection from impulse noise while amplifying ambient sounds, such as allowing commands from a Range Officer (RO) to be heard clearly.  The MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X and Supreme Pro (which has a neckband) are electronic hearing protectors especially for shooters.  They are waterproof and comfortable. 

Eye Protection  
Eye Safety Systems (ESS) has a range of goggle eye protectors and the Advancer V-12 is compact with sunglass sized ballistic lenses.  The Advancer V-12 comes with easily interchangeable, high-impact clear and smoke-grey lenses (high definition yellow is available) and a ‘speedsleeve’ goggle protector.  The major advantage of the Advancer V-12 is that while they are enclosed with a dust filter, the lenses can be clicked open for added ventilation.  The 19mm adjustable elastic strap means that unlike sunglasses, these won’t be blown off by wind or fall off when running.

Clothing  
5.11 Practical Series has a range of non-military practical clothing suitable for a range of environments.  The Tactical shirts and pants are particularly hard wearing and incorporate large pockets and removable internal knee and elbow pads. 
Arktis specialise in military clothing and has a Waterproof Smock with a ripstop outer and waterproof breathable liner, for more extreme conditions.  The smock has four front bellows pockets, three zip pockets and a shoulder pocket.  Arktis also has waterproof over trousers and jackets specifically for marksmen.

MOLLE Pouches  
The USMC and US Army use the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) in combination with Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE, pronounced Molly).  This includes various equipment, such as packs and Load Bearing Vests (LBV), containing PALS straps stitched on in rows, and numerous types of MOLLE pouches that can be inserted into the PALS.  This provides a secure yet flexible method of attaching equipment according to ‘mission’ requirements.  Blackhawk has numerous STRIKE MOLLE compatible pouches for ammunition, administration equipment, medical supplies, water bottles, and utility items.

Small Pack  
The Camelbak Talon is designed for airborne forces carrying the US combat light load (36lbs).  The Talon has a clamshell opening for the main compartment, two long side pockets, a large admin pouch on the front and lots of MOLLE webbing.  Being Camelbak it also includes a hydration bladder (3ltr).
The Talon stands out because of the number of vertical and horizontal straps which can be expanded to allow large items to be attached.  Its strength for practical shooting is that the standard pockets and pouch, plus additional MOLLE pouches allow most of this shooting equipment to be contained externally for easy and rapid access.

If larger packs are required it would be hard to pass Eberlestock as an alternative with their special operator packs.  The Eberlestock Skycrane, Dragonfly, M3 Operator, Phantom and Gunslinger are all designed to carry large scoped rifles that can be withdrawn while carrying the pack.

Waist Pack  
Some gear needs to be kept close at hand for immediate use.  As most of this shooting is done from the prone position load bearing vests are not practicable. 
High Speed Gear Incorporated (HSGI) has a range of practical equipment including a Sniper Waist Pack and separate Suspenders.  Designed to be used with a 2” belt, the waist pack has five pouches to the side or back of the body.  It is ideal for carrying extra magazines, the TDS Recon, gloves and nibbles.

Disclaimer:  Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix.  You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner.