I’m on a trajectory to burn a lot of gunpowder this year. With that, I’m going to need to add some equipment. We’ll talk quite a bit about this in the months ahead, but for now, I need to get a shell pouch.
After clay shooting at Garland Mountain, I’ve decided that I want one with two sections: one for a box of shells, and one for spent shells. I know you can get a nylon one for fifteen bucks, but I’d rather spend a little money on a good one that we can put some miles on. I’ll wear this on field hunts and clay shooting, some of which are some nice events, so I think it’s worth it. Here are six that I’ve found that I really like:
From top left:
1. Over Under Old School Camo Shell Pouch: The ‘old school’ camo is outstanding. Over Under also offers this in a solid khaki waxed cotton, but this camo choice gets our nod.
2. Canyon Outback Buckskin Gulch Shell Pouch: This one has a Barbour feel…probably because of the tartan lining. Very sharp…very English.
3. Redhead Classic Divided Shell Bag: The green is good here. The side pockets are nice for chokes and extra ear plugs.
4. Filson Belt Pouch: These aren’t offered on Filson’s site anymore, but there are a few places you can still find them.
5. Cabela’s Reserve Divided Shell Pouch: This option is a good price, but it actually might be too big.
6. Kevin’s Canvas & Leather Divided Shell Pouch: Right now this is the direction I’m leaning. I like the dedicated snap belt and the canvas/leather mix.
What do you think? Any I’m missing?
The Filson game bag strap vest has served me well for years doing double duty on clay courses and early season grouse hunts. Fresh loads in the pockets and spent shells in the game bag with plenty of room left for an extra layer, water bottle and pb&j. My shell bag has spent most of its days in the basement since I picked up the Filson.
Ive used used the King Ranch Skeet bag and Ultimate Shooting bag for over 15 years!
http://www.krsaddleshop.com/Skeet-Bag_3
https://www.jonhartdesign.com/products/sidekick-625
In the spirit of “Refinement” I’d avoid a unitasker like a shell pouch and go for a game belt/bird belt/bird bag that will work for you on the clays course or on a hunt where you’ll hopefully have to carry something home in addition to spent shells.
These guys make great shell bags! Leather and a step up from the canvas stuff. Check them out. Plus you can get your initials put on them!
http://www.accu-riser.com/categories/Shotgun-Leather-Pouches-and-Leather-Accessaries/
I agree with JGray above. Most shooters in Texas own a King Ranch bag. I’ve had the skeet bag with my initials on it for years. It has a divided pouch and has held up well. Personally, I don’t like vests when clay shooting because I don’t want anything interfering with my gun mount. Hence the belt bag.
Also, check out the bags by Galco for a high-end option.
I bought the Kevin’s shell bags as groomsman gifts back in October. They are very nice products. very shooting club feel but workhouse material. Its not a bad direction to be leaning in.
The single bag with dual compartments might work for a sporting clays / skeet / trap shooter, but why not use something (vest or belt with two bags) designed for the hunter? If you graduate to hunts, horseback or not, you’ll need a bag for ready shells and one for spents, and a bag for birds.
Having said that, of the bags you like for sporting clays, I’d get the Filson.
From my own experiences, its better to have a bag that’s a little too big than a little to small. But i also agree that the Filson vest is probably the best choice. Practice up and raise that broken clays percentage!
I have the cabelas and I love it! It is definitely not too big
I agree with RH and am not a fan of shell pouches. A 3 pouch shooting belt like Filson’s Tin Shooting Bag allows a shooter to keep shells in one pouch, fired hulls in the opposite pouch and chokes/misc items in the back pouch. Plus you can use it as a game bag during bird hunts.
I used to wear vests but when it is warm, vests are hotter and when it is cold, vests are bulky. But Beretta Two-Tone Clays Vest is good for summer should you choose.
I have had this one for several years. I really love the soft leather and brass name plate. A small pocket is perfect for earplugs, and extra choke, and a small gun oil bottle.
http://www.lonesomecharlie.com/144-soft-leather-double-pouch-with-front-pocket/
https://birdstrap.com/products/single-pouch-shell-bag
What a bunch of dandies. I like to worry less about what holds my shells and more about what I do with them.