A hunting bandolier is not just an accessory, but also an important functional part of hunting equipment. A properly selected and high-quality cartridge belt will ensure the convenience of extracting ammunition, while a poor-quality product can interfere and hinder movement. Knowing the criteria for choosing this important accessory, everyone will be able to choose the best bandolier, or even make it on their own.

Beginning hunters often neglect equipment, paying attention exclusively to weapons and the choice of hunting grounds. At the same time, the hunter must have constant access to cartridges so that he does not have to frantically search for ammunition and shoot down the sight when the beast rushes at him. That's what the bandolier is for.

Those who do not want to rummage through their pockets at a crucial moment, convulsively pulling out bullets stuck in the lining, should take care of purchasing a high-quality bandolier.

The choice of product depends on several criteria. You must first study all the available models in order to choose a bandolier that is really convenient and suitable for a particular type of hunting.

What are cartridge belts?

The bandolier should be positioned so that the cartridges can be taken out of it as quickly as possible.

There are several types of hunting bandolier:

• belt;
• unloading vest;
• belt;
• worn on the example.

The choice of bandolier configuration is made based on the needs of the hunter. In addition, it is important to take into account your own dimensions and intensity of movements during the hunt, so that the worn clip does not interfere with or cling to other items of clothing.

Hunting stores offer a wide range of hunting bandoliers.

Advice! Before making a final choice, it is recommended to try on different models and check their comfort.

As you know, often the success of hunting depends on small details, and the bandolier is one of them. Quite often, hunters have to run through bushes that cling to clothes. A large bandolier in this case can not only interfere with the pursuit of prey, but also cause injuries to the hunter himself.

bandolier belt

The belt bandolier is a timeless classic. It is used most often, just such a bandolier can be seen in various films. Its popularity is due to the simplicity of design and the convenience of wearing such a belt.

In fact, it is a regular wide belt with attached “pockets” for cartridges. The bandolier is made for bullets of a certain caliber, so you need to choose it carefully. So, if a hunter uses only 12-gauge bullets, a 16-gauge bandolier will not work for him.

In addition, there are two types of belt cartridge belts - single-row and double-row. In the first case, the belt has compartments for cartridges in one row, in the second - in two rows, which makes the belt noticeably wider. These body clips are designed for 20 or 24 rounds. The front part is often made in the form of a waist bag, in addition, the belt can be equipped with additional hidden or hanging pockets. As practice shows, additional pockets in such an accessory are never superfluous.

The disadvantage of this configuration is the open " seats” for cartridges. Long pursuit of prey in rain and snow while wearing such a bandolier can lead to the fact that the cartridges simply become damp. Because of this feature, the bandolier is preferable to use in the warm and dry season.

Bandolier vest

The bandolier vest, in comparison with similar products, has many advantages

For those who do not know how to choose a hunting bandolier for all occasions, it is recommended to pay attention to the unloading vest. Such equipment is a tight vest with many closed and open pockets. In addition to pockets, open “seats” for cartridges are usually made in the chest part of the vest, which allow you to get quick access to ammunition. Usually there are not many such holes, 5-6, and the rest of the cartridges are suggested to be stored in closed pockets, and shifted to places of quick access as needed.

The main advantage of such a vest is its versatility. In addition to cartridges, it can store a lot of little things necessary for a hunter. The undoubted advantage of the accessory is the additional protection of the body from moisture, wind and cold. In addition, such vests are made from different materials; in stores you can also find a warmed accessory.

Bandolier on hand

Such a bandolier is often used as an additional one. It is a wide bracelet with open recesses for cartridges, which is proposed to be worn just below the shoulder. The capacity of such a bandolier is small, it can hold 5-6 rounds, so experienced hunters prefer to use it in addition to a belt or vest. In addition, this bandolier has the simplest design, so it's easy to do it yourself.

Bandolier on the butt

The cartridge belt with compartments for cartridges is a simple and convenient solution that allows you to reload weapons with lightning speed. As the name implies, such a bandolier is attached directly to the butt. It is a folding pocket with recesses for cartridges. The presence of a "hood", which covers the ammunition, provides additional moisture protection. There are also bandoliers for the butt of an open type.

There are only two drawbacks to such an accessory - a small capacity, designed for 10 rounds, and the need to get used to the fact that an additional element is placed on the butt.

How to choose a bandolier?

Each hunter chooses where it will be more convenient for him to get cartridges

The hunting bandolier must be chosen with the utmost care. In any case, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will take some time to get used to the new accessory. The main selection criteria are the configuration or method of wearing, the material of the product and the number of cartridges that must be placed in the bandolier.

Experienced hunters are advised to have several of these body clips at once in order to be able to change them as needed. This is especially true in the case when a person goes hunting for a long time.

Materials used

Most often, the bandolier is made of hard leather. This material ensures the durability of the accessory. The main disadvantage of leather bandoliers is the risk of deformation of the product if it gets wet and has not been dried properly.

In general, there is no consensus on what material a hunting bandolier should be made of, so you need to choose it according to your own taste.

Products made of composite materials are also popular. They are much cheaper than leather bandoliers and have a fairly long service life. The main advantage is that composite materials hardly get wet and dry quickly. For example, a bandolier made of rubberized material will help keep ammunition dry even in heavy rain.

Bandolier for every season

For the dry and warm season, you can safely buy an open bandolier. It is lightweight and does not restrict movement. In autumn, such an accessory will not work, since cartridges in open cells are vulnerable to bad weather.

For wet weather, you need to purchase a closed-type bandolier; in winter, a warm vest can be used.

In general, a canvas vest can become a universal bandolier for all seasons, but in summer it is noticeably hot.

Bandolier Configuration

Choosing a hunting bandolier should be based on where hunting will be conducted

As already mentioned, the bandolier is open and closed. An open bandolier is convenient in that the cartridges are easily removed, which allows you to quickly reload the weapon. Minus - vulnerability to moisture.

The closed bandolier protects the ammo from moisture, but requires more action to get the ammo.

There is no universal solution here, it is necessary to focus on the type of hunting and weather conditions, so it is better to have several types of cartridge belts at once.

Product capacity

Here again, everything is simple - you should choose the capacity of the bandolier at your own discretion. For example, a wrist bandolier and an accessory for the butt has from 6 to 12 cells for cartridges. At the same time, it is small and does not impede movement. The vest is equipped with many additional pockets, which can fit both 40 and 50 rounds, but this amount of ammunition makes the accessory noticeably heavy and uncomfortable when running.

Place of wearing

The hunting bandolier can also be worn on the leg

Choose a bandolier should be based on convenience. Most hunters prefer to wear it on their belt, chest or arm. For example, a large hunter with overweight it will be more convenient to equip yourself with a vest, since a bandolier can noticeably hinder movement. Again, there are no universal recommendations, so it’s better to try on different types body clip and decide which one is more convenient.

How to make a bandolier yourself?

The configuration of the bandolier is quite simple, so making it yourself is not difficult. To do this, you need to take the base, a sufficient amount of fabric for the pockets, a dense thread and a large needle (awl) or strong glue. The manufacturing instructions depend on the type of product that the hunter wants to end up with.

Method for making a belt

The basis of the belt for cartridges will be any strong and wide belt that the hunter will like. Separately, you should take two long strips of durable material - tarpaulin, leather or leatherette. Cartridges are laid out on one tape (greater width) so that they are as tightly as possible pressed against each other. The cartridges are “wrapped” with the second strip from above, the place of the fabric fold between the ammunition is marked with a marker. Then both strips of fabric are sewn along the marked lines.

Bandolier

The chest bandolier and the bandolier belt do not differ much in terms of the principle of use.

This bandolier is a bandolier that is thrown over one shoulder. It is made in the same way as the bandolier belt, however, the base belt should be longer. The manufacturing algorithm is the same: lay out the cartridges on a fabric tape, cover with a second tape, mark and stitch.

DIY bandolier vest

Any tourist, hunting or fishing vest is taken as a basis. You don’t need to save on it, since the bandolier is made for a long time, so a high-quality base is very important. It is recommended to give preference to waterproof or insulated vests, depending on the season in which the hunt will be conducted.

Markings for cartridges are made on the vest and “seats” of dense material are sewn on. Additionally, it is recommended to make several hinged pockets - they will always come in handy.

Bandolier on hand

To make such a bandolier, you need to take two strips of fabric and a strap or strong Velcro. Then lay out the cartridges on the fabric, cover with a second tape of material, having previously retreated 2-3 centimeters from each edge. Then the material is marked with a marker and stitched according to the marks made. Sew on the edges with a belt or Velcro fastener, with which the product will wrap around the arm.

Bandolier on the butt

For the manufacture of such a product, you will have to make more efforts, here you already need some skills in cutting and sewing. You should take a thick tarpaulin and cut it under the butt. As a result, a tight cover should come out, repeating the shape of the butt. Pockets for cartridges, also made from two pieces of fabric, are sewn on top of the case.

Options hunting bandoliers there are many. It can be a special bag attached to a belt on the belt, or thrown over the shoulder. Now even small bandoliers are sold, which are attached directly to the weapon, or to the hunter's hand.

The history of the cartridge belt is connected with the history of hunting of the Caucasian peoples. It was the highlanders who first began to use special compartments for cartridges, which were attached to clothing in the chest area. They called this device a gazyr.

Hunting bandolier
Nowadays, bandoliers are increasingly made from materials of artificial origin.

Bandoliers are divided into two types - open and closed. Open ones are used in conditions when special shooting efficiency is necessary and the hunter often has to reload the weapon.
Closed cartridge belts are used in conditions of high humidity, in swamps. Such products do not pass water and constantly contain shells in combat readiness.
A modern bandolier is most often a waterproof bag with pockets and flaps into which cartridges are inserted. The bag has a tight clasp and is equipped with a comfortable leather strap that can be adjusted to suit a hunter of any build.

Bandoliers are improved every year, and keeping track of all the changes is problematic. As a rule, the hunter gets used to a certain type of bag and uses this type all the time.

On the butt

One of the most popular types of bandoliers is the stock bandolier. This product significantly speeds up reloading. Cartridges for the buttstock are designed for a different number of rounds (but mostly no more than ten) and can be made from a variety of materials (leather, tarpaulin, neoprene, etc.).

Experienced hunters prefer bandoliers made of rubberized material with synthetic threads.

The cartridge belt on the butt is a universal option for smoothbore ammunition. The cartridges in the pouch are securely fixed and will never fall out.

On the butt, such a bandolier is put on from the side of the butt plate and secured with two tapes or belts.
As for the use of a bandolier on the butt, the hunter should focus solely on his preferences. Many hunters cannot imagine hunting without this product, while others consider this type of bandolier not very convenient.

To get rid of the feeling of inconvenience, experienced hunters are advised to carry a gun in their hands, and not on their shoulders: this way you get used to the bandolier on the butt faster.

Bags attached to weapons are especially useful when hunting birds. Without losing the target, the hunter can reload the weapon.

Vest

An excellent option for hunting is a bandolier vest. You can purchase a product ready for hunting, or you can buy an ordinary vest and modify it by sewing cells for cartridges.

There is on the market big choice cartridge belt vests. As a rule, this piece of equipment is made of dense natural fabric with synthetic or leather inserts.

In addition to its main function, the vest perfectly protects the hunter's chest and back from the piercing wind.

The ideal color for a bandolier vest is khaki, which allows the hunter not to stand out against the background of the forest and sneak up on the game as close as possible.

Another advantage of such a bandolier over other options is a large number of various pockets. The pockets can accommodate a compass, folding knife, small binoculars, etc.

On sale there are unique models that will appeal to lovers of hunting. For example, leather vests for bandoliers for forty-two cartridges of the sixteenth caliber.

Bandolier belt

There is also such a type of hunting cartridge belts as encircling. The product is a wide belt with cells for cartridges, conveniently attached to the belt.

Open-type bandoliers hold twenty to twenty-four rounds. Cells for ammunition can be placed not only in one, but also in two rows.

The bandolier belt very often has additional compartments and pockets that can be used as a handbag for medium-sized items. On the belt, you can additionally hang holders for knives, pouches, etc.
Belt bandoliers are made of leather, neoprene, tarpaulin, synthetic materials. However, hunters do not really like this type of bandolier: the ammunition in them is completely unprotected and gets wet even from light rain.

Experienced hunters, when using open bandoliers, are advised to treat the cartridges with a special protective composition.
For the manufacture of the composition will require:

Aviation (can be ordinary) gasoline - 0.5 liters.
Paraffin - 100 grams.
A jar of gasoline is placed in a vessel with heated water, paraffin is placed in gasoline. When the paraffin is completely dissolved, you need to mix the mixture thoroughly and lower the cartridge with a twisted muzzle into it.

Hold the cartridge for ten seconds, remove and put in a dark place to dry (about 12 hours). Such a cartridge will not deteriorate even if it gets into the water.

The entire procedure for processing cartridges must be performed away from open fire.

Leather

The leather bandolier is a real classic that has come down to us from ancient times. Of course, the cost of a leather bandolier will be higher than that of tarpaulin or synthetics, but such a product will last much longer.

Competitors of leather bandoliers are products made from natural dense fabrics impregnated with a water-repellent composition. However, such equipment is far from the strength and durability of leather bandoliers.

Homemade
Making a bandolier with your own hands is not difficult, especially if you take a ready-made belt as a basis. For example, an old soldier's, classic model.

To create a homemade bandolier you will need:

Belt.
Three meters of lines five millimeters wide.
A skein of hard thread.
Three meters of lines three millimeters wide.
Durable needle.
Make a cut of a five-millimeter sling 12 centimeters long. Attach to the belt and wrapping the belt, sew both ends of the sling. To the resulting cell, lean a piece of a three-millimeter sling, put a cartridge into it and, wrapping it, sew it to a thick sling. As a result, we should get a cell for one cartridge put on the belt. You can make up to twenty such cells.

In addition, on a homemade one, you can make separate cells for binoculars, a knife, etc.

How to choose

The bandolier must be chosen for a specific task. If the hunter needs to frequently reload the weapon, a valveless one should be chosen. For hunters who have to wade through bushes and reeds, closed is better.
For summer hunting perfect option- open type.
It is very convenient when it has cells for different cartridges: bullet, shot, signal. Hunters who are fond of long hunts can be advised to purchase several types of bandoliers at once.
An excellent option is a bandolier bag combined with a game bag: the hunter does not have to carry additional luggage.
The size of the bandolier depends on the type of hunting and the shooting skills of the hunter. For example, capercaillie hunting involves one or two shots, while duck hunting has to shoot a lot and often reload the gun. In any case, cartridges should be at hand.

Once a hunter friend came to work, gave me his officer's belt, asked me to make a leather bandolier for 25 rounds of 12 gauge for this belt. It was supposed to be of an open type, but closed from below, so that if you suddenly run through snowdrifts in winter, the snow would not get in and wet the cartridges. From above, they do not get wet. Before that, he only did small things, such as wallets.
Well, the more difficult the task, the more experience you will gain, I thought, and began to look on the Internet for what are and how you can fulfill a friend's request.

Having approximately understood what and how to do, he took out the remnants of the skin and spent a week in the evenings adjusting the size of the pocket for the cartridge.



I adjusted it as it should, wrote down the dimensions, and for convenience I made a drawing on CorelDraw

I decided to use a 2.2-2.4mm crust on the skin, as it was necessary that the pockets do not stretch over time, and this skin is moderately elastic and not very expensive.

I cut off the skin with a height of 80mm, marked everything. To prevent the corners from tearing over time, I punched holes. So there will be less stress on the corners.






I took the base 100mm wide, marked it out, punched holes, and made a pattern by embossing with a Chinese stamp. I don't think it will last long, we'll see.

I sewed several pockets a day in the evenings, it took about a week.



Next is the hardest part, I thought. The second layer of the base and the bottom of the pocket. But in fact, everything turned out to be not difficult and fast. For the evening I sewed the rest. Then I cut the officer's belt in half, figured it out in size on myself, added 15 centimeters so that it was just right for my friend, sewed it on.

Processed with the composition seen at the Crafts Fair (Beeswax + linseed oil + turpentine). I don’t recommend cooking at home, parents or spouse will kick you out)) I cooked in the laboratory under the hood, I added a little aromatic oil to bring down the smell. It worked out great.

Here's what happened in the end. Evaluate))

Once a hunter friend came to work, gave me his officer's belt, asked me to make a leather bandolier for 25 rounds of 12 gauge for this belt. It was supposed to be of an open type, but closed from below, so that if you suddenly run through snowdrifts in winter, the snow would not get in and wet the cartridges. From above, they do not get wet. Before that, he only did small things, such as wallets.

Well, the more difficult the task, the more experience you will gain, I thought, and began to look on the Internet for what are and how you can fulfill a friend's request.

Having approximately understood what and how to do, he took out the remnants of the skin and spent a week in the evenings adjusting the size of the pocket for the cartridge.

I adjusted it as it should, wrote down the dimensions, and for convenience I made a drawing on CorelDraw

I decided to use a 2.2-2.4mm crust on the skin, as it was necessary that the pockets do not stretch over time, and this skin is moderately elastic and not very expensive.

I cut off the skin with a height of 80mm, marked everything. To prevent the corners from tearing over time, I punched holes. So there will be less stress on the corners.

I took the base 100mm wide, marked it out, punched holes, and made a pattern by embossing with a Chinese stamp. I don't think it will last long, we'll see.

I sewed several pockets a day in the evenings, it took about a week.

Next is the hardest part, I thought. The second layer of the base and the bottom of the pocket. But in fact, everything turned out to be not difficult and fast. For the evening I sewed the rest. Then I cut the officer's belt in half, figured it out in size on myself, added 15 centimeters so that it was just right for my friend, sewed it on.

Processed with the composition seen at the Crafts Fair (Beeswax + linseed oil + turpentine). I don’t recommend cooking at home, parents or spouse will kick you out)) I cooked in the laboratory under the hood, I added a little aromatic oil to bring down the smell. It worked out great.

There are many options for hunting bandoliers. It can be a special bag attached to a belt on the belt, or thrown over the shoulder. Now even small bandoliers are sold, which are attached directly to the weapon, or to the hunter's hand.

The history of the cartridge belt is connected with the history of hunting of the Caucasian peoples. It was the highlanders who first began to use special compartments for cartridges, which were attached to clothing in the chest area. They called this device a gazyr.

The manufacture of all types of bandoliers has much in common, since their main part is close to each other cells for cartridges.

Important! Do not forget about safety when making a bandolier. Handle tools with the utmost care so as not to injure yourself with a needle, knife or scissors.

The basis for such a bandolier will be a belt (durable, with a convenient fastener and adjustable in length). To it you will need to carve out a couple of wide strips of dermantin, leather (suitable, for example, the sleeve of an old jacket). You can also use pre-made neoprene straps.

Soviet soldier's belt - a convenient basis for the future bandolier

The main thing is that the length of the smaller strip is about 70-90 cm, and the larger one is about 90-110 cm (they will need to be stitched, forming loops for each cartridge). The width of both is about 10 cm (including allowances - 12 cm). Since the finished product will be sewn onto the belt, the need for an additional lining of dense fabric for inside disappears.

• We put a cartridge on the inner strip.

• We apply from above outer part and, “fitting” the cartridge so that its fit is moderately tight, we measure the width of the sector on each of the strips, which will need to be sewn when they are connected.
• We remove the cartridge, apply the outer strip to the inner one (with an upward shift) and with a No. 100 needle we begin to sew it, making loops according to the markings.

It is recommended to hem a piece of fabric to each loop so that the cartridges do not slip down

• When the work is completed, we sew a piece of fabric to the bottom of each loop or attach them to the inner strip to prevent the cartridges from slipping down.
• Finally, the workpiece is stitched around the perimeter with an inlay and sewn to the belt itself - our do-it-yourself bandolier is ready

The chest bandolier is sewn in a similar way, the differences will be as follows:

For the chest bandolier, you will need two blanks, since they will be sewn on both sides separately

• there will be two blanks, since they will be sewn on both sides of the chest separately;
• their length will be much shorter - about 20 cm each (however, if necessary, 4 can be made and placed on each side of the chest in pairs, one under the other);
• to the inner strip of leather or neoprene, you will need to sew a lining fabric in the form of a strip for density;
• in addition, a “cloak” can be made from a wider piece of leather, sewn with an edge to the inner strip and lowered onto the bandolier from above with the possibility of fastening with Velcro or a button (in this case we will get not an open, but a closed bandolier).

Do-it-yourself bandolier on the butt

The bandolier on the butt should be made of leather or leatherette

The basis for sewing on the upper tape with cells is not the same tape-belt, but a piece of leather or leatherette of a trapezoidal shape, cut out in such a way that when folded it forms a cover that fits snugly on the butt of the weapon. It will be fixed with Velcro or buttons (you can buy them or remove them from an old jacket).

Branded vest with self-sewn bandolier

This version of the bandolier basically repeats the breastplate. It differs in that cells are made not only for cartridges, but also for many other necessary items. The principle of their placement (internal straight and external tape with loops) on the vest remains unchanged. The vest itself, of course, is easier to take ready.

Pattern of a vest for a bandolier for self-tailoring

• The first step is the choice of material. The best option is a waterproof military fabric (or raincoat fabric) in khaki or camouflage figure or slide. With a fabric width of 1 meter, you will need at least 2.5 m of the workpiece.
• Figure measurements. Since such a vest is worn over the hunter's equipment, measurements should be taken in outerwear.
• Making patterns in full size. You can make it from paper or from a light fabric (for example, from an old sheet). This will allow you to sweep and try on the finished pattern.

• Transferring the pattern to the fabric and sewing pockets and cells into separate parts
• Sewing parts of the pattern into a whole vest, seam processing
• Fastening clasps.

The main purpose that absolutely any do-it-yourself bandolier is designed to perform is to ensure the safety of carrying various types of ammunition, quick loading of weapons, as well as maintaining combat properties and performance. Supplies» for a shot. The auxiliary role played by the bandolier or cartridge bag is to ensure the freedom of the hunter's hands and the maximum acceleration of his reactive actions in a constantly changing situation.

As mentioned above, the charges held in the hand, located in the pocket, or - God forbid! - in a backpack, they doom the hunter to a complete failure due to the untimely reloading of the weapon and the inconvenience of its use. That is why a do-it-yourself bandolier can by no means be called an “accessory” - this essential element gear!