Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club, Vintage Shooting Vest

For today's post, I've dug back into the dusty recesses of my closet to pull out this wonderful, vintage shooting vest............. I am guessing it dates back to the late 1940's to the early 1960's........ and what really makes this vest so incredible is the fantastic patch that is sewn on the back:  Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota!  If you look close, you will also see that Mr. Gopher is holding a military rifle, possible a M1 Garand!

The Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club was started back in 1946 and is still active today.  The original range was swollowed up by urban developement back in 1969 and was since moved out of town and into an newer, and more modern range facility.  You can read all about the history of the Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club on their website.  Here's a link....... pretty interesting stuff!


Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club

I have not been able to find any information on the company that made this shooting vest, but from the looks of the label style and style of the vest, it's definitely 1960's or older.  The remarkable thing about this vest, aside from the fantastic patch, is that it is in MINT condition!  It looks like it's never been used.

Here's the photo spread on this vest................

The patch was sewn on by hand.  Here's the stitching on the inside of the vest.

APRIL 8, 2011  Update to the original posting:

I emailed the Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club and let them know that I had posted a page on this old vest and patch and wondered if they had any idea about its age........ Well, I got an email back from Dave Newell, the Vice President of the club, and he had this to say about the patch:

Thanks for your email.  The patch is from the 1960s.  What is strange is that last month we found 25 of the old pitches filed away.  We started selling some and using others as club prizes.  I will share your email with the general membership.

Thanks,

Dave Newell

GRRC V.P.