Re: Drag Bags- Your opinion please
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ashland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I appologize to the OP but I've been watching this thread and am torn between the Tac Ops bag and the Phantom. I want to be able to put 100 rds of ammo, knee/elbo pads, ear pro, LRF, etc. in this bag and have everything in one pack. Would the Tac Ops be strong enough to hold the ammo and enough storage for the pads, etc?
Thank you. </div></div>
<span style="font-style: italic">ashland</span>,
Your shooting location(s) and the type of shooting you focus on will largely determine what type of bag will work best for you. I don't have a Phantom, but I do have a Gunslinger II in addition to a SHORT Tac Ops Drag Bag to carry my rifle and gear in. For general range use I use the TO DB because it is faster to load and unload all my gear because of the way it is set-up. Moving to a different firing point is easy because I can throw everything in the bag pretty quick if I have to move.
The Tac Ops Drag Bag is more than strong enough to carry what you've listed. Below is a list of the stuff I carry in my Tac Ops Drag Bag, which makes a great range bag as well. I never forget anything because everything fits inside the bag. It also includes a Stow-Away Shooting Mat, has a Stow-Away Shoulder Straps, fully padded suppressor pocket, fully padded muzzle protector (internal), and tie-down web straps inside. It even has an internal pocket and slits to carry and route a hydration bladder. It is the best thought-out, most functional drag bag around and has a lifetime warranty.
X-Ray 51 w/S & B 5-25X PMII and Harris 6-9" bipod attached
Harris 9-12" bipod
100 rounds of .308
Red Tac Gear TBC (Data Book Cover)
Red Tac Gear Kestrel Pouch/Weather Meter
Swarovski LG30 in TAC READY case
Zeiss Diacope 65T (14.5" w/Eyepiece attached)
Gitzo GT1550T tripod & G2285MB QR Adapter (folds to 14.1" OAL)
Chamber indicator
S & B Lens Cleaning Kit
Small bottle of lubricant
TIS Quick-Cuff Sling
Red Tac Gear Tactical Pillow
Red Tac Gear Rear Bag
Spacers for McMillan buttstock LOP adjustment
Full-length Dewey Cleaning Rod <span style="font-style: italic">(Hey, you never know)</span>
Lucas Cleaning Rod Guide
Cleaning Patches
Small bottle of Hoppe's or Shooter's Choice
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">22" barrel (42.5" OAL) Tac Ops X-Ray 51 in SHORT Multicam Drag Bag. LONG Bag will accomodate an OAL length of 50-51"</span></span>
Heres' a link to <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">rem_.308</span></span>'s <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"
TacOps Drag Bag 5th Gen Pic Heavy"</span></span> thread. It has some great photos and a good description.
On the other hand, if I need to hike a substantial distance and/or traverse steep terain to the shooting position(s) the the GSII does carry a bit more comfortably. The GSII's waistbelt also helps keep the pack from shifting around. However, because of the way the GSII is set up, stowing some of my gear away (such as the tripod and spotting scope) takes longer because they need to be packed just so and strapped-in so everything fits in the pack and doesn't shift around. The rifle has to sit just right or the balance can shift. The Eberlestock also carries a lifetime warranty.
So, each type of bag has it's own advantages and disadvantages over the other, and only you can figure-out which one works best for you. Or, you could do like I do and have both so you can use the bag or pack that fits the situation at hand. Just food for thought.
Keith
