I am currently looking to purchase a new mat and would value anyones opinion on the mat they currently have including wear of product or durability, price, place of purchase and so on... I was looking at Eagle but understand they are no more.
Shooting Mats
- Thread starter rdnkasole
- Start date
Re: Shooting Mats
I'm currently using TAB shooting mat. As far as protection well it's not a very padded mat it's more on the mobility side but i love it.
I'm currently using TAB shooting mat. As far as protection well it's not a very padded mat it's more on the mobility side but i love it.
Re: Shooting Mats
Have you looked at rifle bags that double as shooting mats?
I usually will take 2 precision rifles when I go shooting, and I just use those cases that unfold into full length mats. Works on soft ground as well as slightly harder surfaces like wood. They are extremely rugged. Also nice not to have to remember/carry one extra item...
Parker
Have you looked at rifle bags that double as shooting mats?
I usually will take 2 precision rifles when I go shooting, and I just use those cases that unfold into full length mats. Works on soft ground as well as slightly harder surfaces like wood. They are extremely rugged. Also nice not to have to remember/carry one extra item...
Parker
Re: Shooting Mats
I have both the eagle and blackhawk drag bag/mat's, they work great and are a lot more convenient to lug around with the 2 in 1 combo.
Here are some pics of my blackhawk if you want to check it out, $80 + shipping from extreme outfitters.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...295#Post2988295
I have both the eagle and blackhawk drag bag/mat's, they work great and are a lot more convenient to lug around with the 2 in 1 combo.
Here are some pics of my blackhawk if you want to check it out, $80 + shipping from extreme outfitters.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...295#Post2988295
Re: Shooting Mats
Suggest you look at how you intend to use a shooting mat and that will drive the types of mats that are best suited. Since you did not mention how you intend to use a shooting mat, it's a little difficult to provide good opinions that might be relevant to your situation. Some questions to think about are provided below.
1. Will it be used for shooting matches? If yes, then for what type of matches (i.e. Tactical, NRA Hi Pwr Rifle, other)?
2. Are you interested in smallest size and lightest weight?
3. Are you interested in a dedicated mat, or having it double as a rifle carry bag? If yes as a carry bag, will you carry a single or double rifle(s)?
4. Do you have a price range?
5. Do you want to have protection from water/moisture?
6. Do you want padding, or not?
7. What features are most important? Ranking them in some order might help.
Hope this helps you narrow down and find what you are looking for...
Suggest you look at how you intend to use a shooting mat and that will drive the types of mats that are best suited. Since you did not mention how you intend to use a shooting mat, it's a little difficult to provide good opinions that might be relevant to your situation. Some questions to think about are provided below.
1. Will it be used for shooting matches? If yes, then for what type of matches (i.e. Tactical, NRA Hi Pwr Rifle, other)?
2. Are you interested in smallest size and lightest weight?
3. Are you interested in a dedicated mat, or having it double as a rifle carry bag? If yes as a carry bag, will you carry a single or double rifle(s)?
4. Do you have a price range?
5. Do you want to have protection from water/moisture?
6. Do you want padding, or not?
7. What features are most important? Ranking them in some order might help.
Hope this helps you narrow down and find what you are looking for...
Re: Shooting Mats
I just got the midway shooting mat.. it is super comfortable, rolls up with strap and regularly sells for $50
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/276544/...ster-olive-drab
I don't want hear crap about buying American made.. it is a padded mat, if I have to choose between spending $50 and $150 I am going to choose $50.
with that being said I try and spend most of my money with local manufacturers such as local sot's local holster makers.
I just got the midway shooting mat.. it is super comfortable, rolls up with strap and regularly sells for $50
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/276544/...ster-olive-drab
I don't want hear crap about buying American made.. it is a padded mat, if I have to choose between spending $50 and $150 I am going to choose $50.
with that being said I try and spend most of my money with local manufacturers such as local sot's local holster makers.
Re: Shooting Mats
Moving blankets are great except they take on water, at least mine did. They don't have straps to keep them rolled up either. I use the cheap Midway mat, it's light, water proof, and it works.
Moving blankets are great except they take on water, at least mine did. They don't have straps to keep them rolled up either. I use the cheap Midway mat, it's light, water proof, and it works.
Re: Shooting Mats
I like using the Dillion Shooting mat. I even used it as a sleeping pad for one of 3 day matches.
http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/catid/27/pid/24650/Shooting_Mat
I have seen a lot of the guys use the ones from sinclair to:
http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/cid=5689/k=/t=P/Products/Shooting-Mats
The only problem with these mats is that they are heavier and take a bit of room when rolled up. The plus side to that is that even with 30-40mph winds they seem to stay on the ground.
I like using the Dillion Shooting mat. I even used it as a sleeping pad for one of 3 day matches.
http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/catid/27/pid/24650/Shooting_Mat
I have seen a lot of the guys use the ones from sinclair to:
http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/cid=5689/k=/t=P/Products/Shooting-Mats
The only problem with these mats is that they are heavier and take a bit of room when rolled up. The plus side to that is that even with 30-40mph winds they seem to stay on the ground.
Re: Shooting Mats
I'm also happy with my midway mat. It seems everywhere we shoot in texas we have grassburs! So a mat is a must or you spend the next hour picking out stickers.
I'm also happy with my midway mat. It seems everywhere we shoot in texas we have grassburs! So a mat is a must or you spend the next hour picking out stickers.
Re: Shooting Mats
Ive got a Galatti, an Eagle, and a Tab mat. I like the Gallati bag/mat set up. Its comfortable, when unfolded it is a large mat with a lot of padding. It holds the rifle well and has compartments for the rest of my gear. It was about $215 from their website. If I were going to try another matt it would probably be Eberlestock.
The Tab is nice because it is so light and easy to clip onto my pack in case I need it.
Ive got a Galatti, an Eagle, and a Tab mat. I like the Gallati bag/mat set up. Its comfortable, when unfolded it is a large mat with a lot of padding. It holds the rifle well and has compartments for the rest of my gear. It was about $215 from their website. If I were going to try another matt it would probably be Eberlestock.
The Tab is nice because it is so light and easy to clip onto my pack in case I need it.
Re: Shooting Mats
This is another post that I will do without reading all the posts.
TAB gear is the only way to GO!!!!
I have done this shit for to long, support the people that support you..... and make good gear!!!!
This is another post that I will do without reading all the posts.
TAB gear is the only way to GO!!!!
I have done this shit for to long, support the people that support you..... and make good gear!!!!
Re: Shooting Mats
Midway's Comp mat is hands down the best deal out there in any shooting product. It has great padding, size, price and most important DURABILITY. For around $50 there's just no way I can justify spending more on a mat and I'm usually the first to look for reasons to justify spending more on products.
Midway's Comp mat is hands down the best deal out there in any shooting product. It has great padding, size, price and most important DURABILITY. For around $50 there's just no way I can justify spending more on a mat and I'm usually the first to look for reasons to justify spending more on products.
Re: Shooting Mats
I have had good luck with my Midway Comp. mat. good padding and nonslip surface where needed. Watch their sales ad they run sales on them and their range bags (good stuff) from time -2- time.
I have had good luck with my Midway Comp. mat. good padding and nonslip surface where needed. Watch their sales ad they run sales on them and their range bags (good stuff) from time -2- time.
Re: Shooting Mats
I've been following this thread and just received my Midway mat. For the money it seems worthwhile. I'm cetain that there are better mats out there at higher prices. For my purposes, this mat will suffice. YMMV.
Incidentally, it is on sale until January 31st.
Joe
I've been following this thread and just received my Midway mat. For the money it seems worthwhile. I'm cetain that there are better mats out there at higher prices. For my purposes, this mat will suffice. YMMV.
Incidentally, it is on sale until January 31st.
Joe
Re: Shooting Mats
Thats scary. A door thats opens right in front of your shooting line. Hope there is a sign on the other side warning that enter at your own risk!! LOL!!
Thats scary. A door thats opens right in front of your shooting line. Hope there is a sign on the other side warning that enter at your own risk!! LOL!!
Re: Shooting Mats
I use a voodoo tactical, they roll up nice and can be tucked away in your car or truck. I like the extended wings for elbows, and it has nice padding. I shoot in an area that has cactus, and this one works great. It normally runs about $80, but for you CO guys, can be found for $39 at Jax, in black or OD.
By roggom at 2012-01-23
I use a voodoo tactical, they roll up nice and can be tucked away in your car or truck. I like the extended wings for elbows, and it has nice padding. I shoot in an area that has cactus, and this one works great. It normally runs about $80, but for you CO guys, can be found for $39 at Jax, in black or OD.
By roggom at 2012-01-23
Re: Shooting Mats
I use the Midway mat as well. It is definitely big, but seems like a good value for the money.
They often are $50 when you get a sale, but they went down to $30 for the black friday deals last December. That was pretty much a no brainer...
I use the Midway mat as well. It is definitely big, but seems like a good value for the money.
They often are $50 when you get a sale, but they went down to $30 for the black friday deals last December. That was pretty much a no brainer...
Re: Shooting Mats
I too have the midway mat, and for the 30$ I paid (not counting the arm and a leg it cost to ship it) it definitely provides a lot of comfort for the buck. Downside for me is that its too big to justify lugging around most days. Its probably stayed home for more range trips than its come along.
My current project is building a mat/case combo that'll fit my uses better.
I too have the midway mat, and for the 30$ I paid (not counting the arm and a leg it cost to ship it) it definitely provides a lot of comfort for the buck. Downside for me is that its too big to justify lugging around most days. Its probably stayed home for more range trips than its come along.
My current project is building a mat/case combo that'll fit my uses better.
Re: Shooting Mats
^^ DP I know what you mean about lugging around. I have that drag bag in the above pic and it was cool when I first got it. It fits my SPS-V without issue. The only thing is I dont want to lug a frickin sea bag every time I go to the range. I'm prob going with one of these bad boys next http://www.galatiinternational.com/product/RC4931O.html
Primarily for the bag aspect vs the mat.
If I had something made up it would be similar, but with 1 exterior pocket to fit a bipod.
Eberlestock, Eagle and such have bags and mats down for those going of deployments. Just wish there was more quality gear for the non-operator range trolls as myself.
Any PR's around?
^^ DP I know what you mean about lugging around. I have that drag bag in the above pic and it was cool when I first got it. It fits my SPS-V without issue. The only thing is I dont want to lug a frickin sea bag every time I go to the range. I'm prob going with one of these bad boys next http://www.galatiinternational.com/product/RC4931O.html
Primarily for the bag aspect vs the mat.
If I had something made up it would be similar, but with 1 exterior pocket to fit a bipod.
Eberlestock, Eagle and such have bags and mats down for those going of deployments. Just wish there was more quality gear for the non-operator range trolls as myself.
Any PR's around?
Re: Shooting Mats
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^ DP I know what you mean about lugging around. I have that drag bag in the above pic and it was cool when I first got it. It fits my SPS-V without issue. The only thing is I dont want to lug a frickin sea bag every time I go to the range. I'm prob going with one of these bad boys next http://www.galatiinternational.com/product/RC4931O.html
If I had something made up it would be similar, but with 1 exterior pocket to fit a bipod.
Then subsequent bags would be similar, but only a case of the same cordura, semi-rectangular in shape and 1 pocket. Very minimalistic, and not shaped like a wal-mart hunting case.
Any PR's around? </div></div>
I have the midway Drag Bag as well and it gets way to heavy when loaded up. If my mat/case combo works out I'll be getting rid of the mat and the drag. A lean case for the rifle and a backpack for the spotting scope and tripod is going to be more manageable methinks.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^ DP I know what you mean about lugging around. I have that drag bag in the above pic and it was cool when I first got it. It fits my SPS-V without issue. The only thing is I dont want to lug a frickin sea bag every time I go to the range. I'm prob going with one of these bad boys next http://www.galatiinternational.com/product/RC4931O.html
If I had something made up it would be similar, but with 1 exterior pocket to fit a bipod.
Then subsequent bags would be similar, but only a case of the same cordura, semi-rectangular in shape and 1 pocket. Very minimalistic, and not shaped like a wal-mart hunting case.
Any PR's around? </div></div>
I have the midway Drag Bag as well and it gets way to heavy when loaded up. If my mat/case combo works out I'll be getting rid of the mat and the drag. A lean case for the rifle and a backpack for the spotting scope and tripod is going to be more manageable methinks.
Re: Shooting Mats
My most used is the larger Midway, I like the extra real estate. Especially for F-class comps. As far as mats go it is light for its size and will keep you dry. More padding than some, less than others. The pebble textured pvc pads seem cheap, but work better than I thought.
The nicest mat I've used is the fold up 3-position/highpower mat sold by Creedmoor sports and Champion shooter supply, nicely padded and the rubber pads up front work very well and help lock in your elbows - with a jacket or bare skin. Not something I would drag around in the field, but it is nice for its intended purpose.
My most used is the larger Midway, I like the extra real estate. Especially for F-class comps. As far as mats go it is light for its size and will keep you dry. More padding than some, less than others. The pebble textured pvc pads seem cheap, but work better than I thought.
The nicest mat I've used is the fold up 3-position/highpower mat sold by Creedmoor sports and Champion shooter supply, nicely padded and the rubber pads up front work very well and help lock in your elbows - with a jacket or bare skin. Not something I would drag around in the field, but it is nice for its intended purpose.
Re: Shooting Mats
I've been playing around with a Condor shooter's mat, and it actually works reasonably well for a ~$100 mat/bag combo. The main issue is due to size - my rifle is simply too bulky to comfortably fit and allow easy opening/closing of the zippers. I'd prefer something of a higher quality made in the US in a different shade than Condor bright-ass green, but not really sure what other options are out there right now besides Condor and Blackhawk. Eberlestock doesn't make anything comparable to my knowledge, and if Eagle is gone, who does that leave?
I've been playing around with a Condor shooter's mat, and it actually works reasonably well for a ~$100 mat/bag combo. The main issue is due to size - my rifle is simply too bulky to comfortably fit and allow easy opening/closing of the zippers. I'd prefer something of a higher quality made in the US in a different shade than Condor bright-ass green, but not really sure what other options are out there right now besides Condor and Blackhawk. Eberlestock doesn't make anything comparable to my knowledge, and if Eagle is gone, who does that leave?
Re: Shooting Mats
I was looking through the latest Cabelas catalog and they just came out with a mat: Cabelas shooting mat
I was looking through the latest Cabelas catalog and they just came out with a mat: Cabelas shooting mat
Re: Shooting Mats
I also have the Midway mat. It works OK, but I think I would like the bigger on better with the catch flap for bipods. I can't load my bipod on the one I have. I want to try to sew a flap in but haven't got around to it. That's my only complaint about it though.
I also have the Midway mat. It works OK, but I think I would like the bigger on better with the catch flap for bipods. I can't load my bipod on the one I have. I want to try to sew a flap in but haven't got around to it. That's my only complaint about it though.
Re: Shooting Mats
A warning on the joint bag/mat combos out there: the mat will be down in the dirt and when you wrap your nice precision rifle up in it to use it as a bag, the rifle and its precision optic will get dirty. Now I'm not afraid to get my rifle and optic dirty when it has to get dirty, but I don't want any more dirt on it when it doesn't have to be exposed to dirt. Just something to consider before putting down the $'s.
+1 to the TAB match recommendation. Most mobile mat out there.
A warning on the joint bag/mat combos out there: the mat will be down in the dirt and when you wrap your nice precision rifle up in it to use it as a bag, the rifle and its precision optic will get dirty. Now I'm not afraid to get my rifle and optic dirty when it has to get dirty, but I don't want any more dirt on it when it doesn't have to be exposed to dirt. Just something to consider before putting down the $'s.
+1 to the TAB match recommendation. Most mobile mat out there.
Re: Shooting Mats
Get you a shelter half from the army surplus store and throw your mats down ontop. I have the blackhawk mat/rifle bag. I like the bag design but if you carry anything in the pockets its very uncomfortable to lay on.
Get you a shelter half from the army surplus store and throw your mats down ontop. I have the blackhawk mat/rifle bag. I like the bag design but if you carry anything in the pockets its very uncomfortable to lay on.
Re: Shooting Mats
If you ever shoot in mud, a roll-up mat will be muddy all over on both sides.
A fold-up will keep the mud on the bottom, where it belongs.
The TAB mat is very thin, and you can fold it in half (to keep the mud on the bottom) and then finish rolling it up to keep the small profile.
BUT, it's more for tactical use, as it has very little padding.
If you ever shoot in mud, a roll-up mat will be muddy all over on both sides.
A fold-up will keep the mud on the bottom, where it belongs.
The TAB mat is very thin, and you can fold it in half (to keep the mud on the bottom) and then finish rolling it up to keep the small profile.
BUT, it's more for tactical use, as it has very little padding.
Re: Shooting Mats
Who makes the shooting mat with the piece of nylon strap sewn across it. The nylon strap is only sewn on one side and it allows your bipod feet to catch against the strap and helps you preload your bipod legs. I saw it somewhere and can't remember where and now can't find it again. I'd hate to buy another brand and then not have a way to preload my bipod and have the legs slide across the mat.
Who makes the shooting mat with the piece of nylon strap sewn across it. The nylon strap is only sewn on one side and it allows your bipod feet to catch against the strap and helps you preload your bipod legs. I saw it somewhere and can't remember where and now can't find it again. I'd hate to buy another brand and then not have a way to preload my bipod and have the legs slide across the mat.
Re: Shooting Mats
The Pro Series Midway mat has the strap on it.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/276544/...ster-olive-drab
The Pro Series Midway mat has the strap on it.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/276544/...ster-olive-drab
Re: Shooting Mats
Arbiter,
Eberlestock does make a nice looking drag bag. Just looking at it you can see that the design went well beyond the standard setup because it does have a trifold design to use it as a mat. Plus, a true backpack harness to hump it.
Arbiter,
Eberlestock does make a nice looking drag bag. Just looking at it you can see that the design went well beyond the standard setup because it does have a trifold design to use it as a mat. Plus, a true backpack harness to hump it.
Re: Shooting Mats
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hellbender</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you ever shoot in mud, a roll-up mat will be muddy all over on both sides.
A fold-up will keep the mud on the bottom, where it belongs.
The TAB mat is very thin, and you can fold it in half (to keep the mud on the bottom) and then finish rolling it up to keep the small profile.
BUT, it's more for tactical use, as it has very little padding. </div></div>
Good point. I love my UMAT. I wish they still made them. It has a little well for your bipod and folds up. Most people don't like the fact that the mat is fat and folds up. Some people call it a shooting mattress. Perfect for F-class. I don't know about tactical matches.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hellbender</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you ever shoot in mud, a roll-up mat will be muddy all over on both sides.
A fold-up will keep the mud on the bottom, where it belongs.
The TAB mat is very thin, and you can fold it in half (to keep the mud on the bottom) and then finish rolling it up to keep the small profile.
BUT, it's more for tactical use, as it has very little padding. </div></div>
Good point. I love my UMAT. I wish they still made them. It has a little well for your bipod and folds up. Most people don't like the fact that the mat is fat and folds up. Some people call it a shooting mattress. Perfect for F-class. I don't know about tactical matches.
Re: Shooting Mats
I have a Dillon, and a Tactical Taylor folding unit. Keeps the mud on the bottom. Great guys, and are local. JPG
I have a Dillon, and a Tactical Taylor folding unit. Keeps the mud on the bottom. Great guys, and are local. JPG
Re: Shooting Mats
I also have and like the Midway mat. Right size for me and does everything I need it to do.I think they are on sale right now.
I also have and like the Midway mat. Right size for me and does everything I need it to do.I think they are on sale right now.
Re: Shooting Mats
In the process of buying a mat and the U.S Peacekeeper mat looks reasonably built and well padded. It's size may be a negative though.
In the process of buying a mat and the U.S Peacekeeper mat looks reasonably built and well padded. It's size may be a negative though.
Re: Shooting Mats
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a voodoo tactical, they roll up nice and can be tucked away in your car or truck. I like the extended wings for elbows, and it has nice padding. I shoot in an area that has cactus, and this one works great. It normally runs about $80, but for you CO guys, can be found for $39 at Jax, in black or OD.
By roggom at 2012-01-23 </div></div>
I just did a voodoo a great idea, I'm alway chicken winging.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a voodoo tactical, they roll up nice and can be tucked away in your car or truck. I like the extended wings for elbows, and it has nice padding. I shoot in an area that has cactus, and this one works great. It normally runs about $80, but for you CO guys, can be found for $39 at Jax, in black or OD.
By roggom at 2012-01-23 </div></div>
I just did a voodoo a great idea, I'm alway chicken winging.
Old topic but i have been using a Champion shooters supply deluxe mat for the past few months and love it. Had it out in a drizzly rainy weekend and it worked like a champ. First, it has a vinyl underside so it is completely waterproof and the material used topside seems to have a water repellant coating i was surprised to note. Came home and hosed off the mud and grime with a nylon bush and it was good to go and dried out quickly. It has a thin layer of padding too so it is pretty comfortable.the rubber section is a light to medium grey so shouldnt get super hot in the sun.
A little higher than average at around $80 but totally worth it in my opinion.
A little higher than average at around $80 but totally worth it in my opinion.
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZhKChqdhHaA?feature=player_detailpage" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe>
Made in the USA.
Available now: Triad Tactical, Inc.*::*Triad Tactical*::*Triad Padded Shooting Mat
Made in the USA.
Available now: Triad Tactical, Inc.*::*Triad Tactical*::*Triad Padded Shooting Mat
Same here. I use the TAB for everything but concrete at my local range. For that I have the midway. Both have held up well. I also use the TAB under my sleeping bag when I'm camping or hunting. I don't use a tent so it keeps my bag in good shape and it keeps me dry on damp ground.
