Competition shooting is all about shooting as fast as you can, but that has a downside. Namely, heat. Shooting really fast is a great way to heat up your barrel, and whether you’re using a shotgun or a rifle, that hot barrel can start to make life more than a little uncomfortable. Especially for me and my shotgun reloading method of choice, I needed something that would come between the hot barrel and my hand to keep me from burning myself. That’s where Russel Phagan’s SHTF Wrap comes in . . .
For the “load two” or “load four” shotgun reloading method, the ideal position for the shotgun to be in is upside down with the loading gate staring you in the face. The problem is that, in order to hold the gun in that position, your hand needs to be right over the now blazing hot chamber of your shotgun. There have been entire articles devoted to the subject of how not to singe your hand while using this position, mostly using the Apple-esque response of “you’re holding it wrong” to explain the burns people are getting. But the easier solution, as always, is to simply wrap it up.
I’ve seen at least one other competitor at the pro level trying to achieve the same thing, namely Ryan Muller. He grabbed a sample of heat resistant fabric, attempted to dye it black (it ended up a sort of pukey purple color) and glued it to his shotgun. It worked, but it was time-intensive to make and looked God-awful. The SHTF (Stops Heat TransFer) wrap, on the other hand, completely encircles the gun and the Velcro allows it to attach to itself, holding itself to the gun using friction instead of adhesives.
I slapped a STHF wrap on my SLP Mk. I about a day after Larry Houck showed me the light and started me on the “load two” method — a day filled with hot barrels and uncomfortable reloads. After using it in every competition since, I can’t imagine going back.
That’s not to say that it’s for shotguns only. Back when I was competing in CMP/High Power competitions with my M-16 service rifle, the black handguards would eventually get unbearably hot from being in the sun all day. And shooting didn’t make it any better. So for those with black handguards or who shoot a whole lot of ammo, it might make sense to slap one on your rifle as well.
There’s another benefit to the SHTF wrap besides the obvious palm saving qualities. Namely, it allows you to quickly find your shotgun among the many others that look almost exactly the same. The wrap comes in a number of different colors to match your gear (or you) stand out.
Specifications: “SHTF” (Stop Heat TransFer Wrap) Heat Resistant Wrap
MSRP: $20
Available Only from Trooper-Gear.com
Ratings (out of five stars):
Overall Rating * * * * *
Cheap, effective, and comes in a variety of colors.