BP, just as an FYI, at most of the ASSRA matches that I have attended, from local ones like Chinquapin and Asheville to the Nationals at Etna Green, the sight of a contemporary shooting coat/jacket is pretty rare...most dress is pretty casual.  On the other hand no one is likely to condemn you if that is the way you want to shoot.

As far as the "old days," those guys would frequently shoot in three piece suits, complete with cravat and derby hat or straw skimmer.  Sometimes you would also see them wearing a shooting apron over that outfit.  My dear friend and mentor Charlie Dell would get into his version of that get-up from time to time, but I tend to go for an "old days lite" version, consisting of collarless shirt and vest with either my machinist's hat or a derby.  So you see, the choice is pretty open.  Oh yeah, don't forget the ever popular Bermuda shorts and T-shirt look.  Some of those matches are held in pretty hot weather!   

Froggie

There is a school of thought that you shoot better offhand without a coat.  Tubb wears one but it's not strapped down tight.  He advocates the stickly pad for your buttplate, that's all.  With our Schuetzens and hook plates probably no reason for the pad.   

The best offhand shooters today are shooting NRA rules silouette and not using shooting coats. Vest with pads are pretty universal though

Boats

BTW, that cover shot makes Bob look more distinguished than he really is!  He's just a good ole boy that likes to build guns and shoot them (and of course he does both very well.)  He is pragmatic about his shooting and builds guns that are in the spirit of the old schuetzen stylings, but is not afraid to branch out and try some new tricks as well, as witnessed by the stock and butt plate of his rifle.  He's definitely a man to watch. 

A bit more about the picture.  It was taken by my friend and pistol shooting buddy Martin Miller.  He attended both of the "new" Chinquapin matches we have held at Brushy Mtn Club and has now gone out and bought a new .32-40 Winchester 'wall.  From seeing his pistol shooting abilities and what I know about him as a friend, I expect we'll be hearing things from him on the INside of the Journal in addition to hopefully seeing more of his fine photography...in addition, he took the CSV group shot also seen in the new Journal.  Now if we can just come up with some colorful screen name for him to use on this forum...

Froggie

Never fear, M-B.  I plan (and hope) that there will still be photographic record of each of out CVS matches even if it has to be a group effort between several of us.  There are several of us that take digital photos, so hopefully we can meld them onto a single disc for each participant.  It adds so much to the experience (and my failing memory  ) to have that photographic record of the event.  See you soon!

Froggie