Shooting with the Mann: Three Cool Things
Richard Mann 12.30.16
Shooters need support equipment just like soldiers. It’s not always all about guns and ammunition. Sometimes I stumble on things I know shooters or hunters will appreciate, but because items don’t go “Bang!”, it’s sometimes difficult to find space to cover them in a column dedicated only to guns and ammo. Thankfully, this column gives me more freedom to focus on a wide variety of shooting and hunting topics, so here are three things I think are cool.
511 Stonecutter Pants
All of the shooters and hunters I know wear pants to protect their lower half. I’m a denim kind of guy, but I also appreciate some of the modern fabrics and designs. The new Stonecutter Pants from 511 are a perfect example.
These pants are made from a 67% polyester/33% cotton blend. They utilize YKK zippers and have a comfort waistband that will swell with that triple cheeseburger you just shoved into your pie hole. They also have nine double-stitched pockets, several of which will accommodate an AR-15 magazine or an iPhone 7 Plus – with a case on it. The abrasion-resistant nylon overlays on the legs will protect you from briars, and they are just generally very comfortable to wear. They also retail at an affordable $ 79.99. By two pair; you’ll like them that much.
MGM Steel Challenge Plate Rack
When it comes to steel plate racks, there are three universal truths:
- Plate racks are fun to shoot.
- Plate racks are expensive.
- Plate racks are heavy.
MGM Targets has altered the last two of those truths and possibly enhanced the first with their Steel Challenge Plate Rack. This ingenious creation retails for less than $300. That defies truth No. 2. It also weighs only 56 pounds and is shipped in a bucket. This makes it easy to transport and set up, and defies truth No. 3. Given that it is very affordable and extremely portable, it is more fun to shoot because you have more money for ammo. The unique design uses two, 8-foot 2x4s as legs and support. You can carry this thing to your local range or out to Grandpa’s old cornfield and have a blast.
Galco RifleMann Sling
Until now there’s been essentially two types of rifle slings. The first is a carry strap, a sling designed to allow you to carry the rifle on your shoulder. The second is a shooting sling, designed to help you shoot better. Both are a good idea because you carry a rifle more than you shoot it, and it’s nice to hit what you shoot at. Wanting one sling that did both jobs well, I worked with a prototype for a few years and finally approached Galco Gunleather about making it. They improved my creation a bit, and now what they call the RifleMann sling is a reality.
This sling weighs only 6 ounces and allows for very comfortable carry in the American, European, and African modes. The wide sections are lined with suede to keep the sling in place on your shoulder. However, this sling is also adjustable so that you can use it as a shooting support for either your support or shooting arm. Best of all it retails for only $49.95. Like with the 511 Stonecutter pants, buy two of them; you’ll want one on more than one of your rifles.
