I was concerned that the brass strap rings, belt buckle and brass buttons on my Filson game vest would scratch the finish on my restored guns. I decided to take some leather and cut it so so that it could be wrapped around the aforementioned strap rings and buckle. I then sewed on some adhesive backed velcro so that the areas of concern could be covered and the wraps could be easily removed. I would like to post pics of this however, I have no idea how to do so on this site. As for the brass buttons, I took 1/8"rubber o-rings that were slightly smaller, inside diameter, as the outside diameter of the brass buttons and stretched them on. It looks great and serves as added protection. Hope this helps anyone that is also concerned with damage to the finish of their guns while hunting.

I was able to post pics on the Parkerguns.org website if anyone is interested: http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?p=348682#post348682

Photos are displayed only to membership at the Parker site. Years ago I gave up trying to join. A real PIA, at least to me. Here's an easy way to post here:
Go to jpgbox.com Under the red banner, choose file. If it is oversized it must be resized. (more on that later)
Assuming it doesn't need resizing, choose file. Be sure to open file on the pop up screen of photos.
Scroll to bottom of page and upload as guest.
When photo comes up, I select the 800x600 size, then copy the two lines of code in the below 'for forum, etc." box.
I paste it on the forum. If the file size is too big, I resize the photo at:
https://www.befunky.com/create/
Once resized, I save it under another name and use that in jpgbox.com

Can a person just not buy a vest or jacket that will scratch his gun stock?

I had one of the Filson vests, gave it to a guy years ago. Told him about scratches in the wood, and he cared not in the least. His gun had his grandfathers name carved, deep, into the stock.
Oh well.

Best,
Ted

There are vests with the strap adjusters in the rear, behind the shoulders.

My Filson vest does not have straps, just buttons which have never caused me an issue. The zipper on my Barbour
I do need to be careful of.

I'd get rid of it and get a vest/jacket that wouldn't scratch up my guns. All those brass rings and crap are mostly foofaraw anyway, IMHO. Designed and put on there by armchair experts who don't beat the brush.

Just out of curiosity tho', I'd like to see how those o-rings stay on the outside diameter of a brass button.

Get a Final Rise Vest and never look back.

For my Filson vest, I used camo moleskin that is adhesive backed that they sell in the archery section of most sporting goods store. It's used to soundproof the rest area on a bow if an arrow slips off of the rest. I just wrapped it around the buckles.

You can see it in this picture. You could also get green and/or black adhesive backed felt at any craft store for less. I like the velcro/leather idea. I was thinking about a more permanent solution but it has been like this for about 5 years.

It is unconscionable to me that a fine company like Filson wouldn't foresee this problem when designing a hunting/shooting vest or coat and "design around" it. They seem to make some tough, long lasting products, but this should be brought to their attention by customers. My bird hunting "kit" is mostly Orvis, but several of my quail hunting buds wear nothing but Filson briar chaps. I prefer faced bird hunting pants.

Learn from the Rangers- camo or black duct tape.
Mike

This is a photograph of my Brit traditional shooting vest though hard to find these days in leather with No badges gun makers logos rings and a multitude of small zip fastener pockets. Just a smooth front a recessed zip fastener large patch pockets that will take 25 12 bore cartridges in each. I do use a Browning vest for clay shooting, I feel that I would get second looks Waring an all leather one at the club they are more suited to a day in the field. It is designed for not scratching an expensive gun.

That is one handsome vest!
Karl

I have long avoided metal buckles on vests like a Boyt strap vest I got rid of. I can’t say I have experienced problems from buttons on my old style Filson vest or the plastic buckle on my Filson padded strap vest.

I have had problems a few times from belt buckles, for a decade or more I have used “buckle-less” belts from Duluth trading and some from other before that, Orvis I think.