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Shooting Matts- What to look for?

RodneyDowns

RodneyDowns

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Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 11, 2011
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Springville, Utah
www.marksmenchallenge.com
#1
Ok, Now that I have my long range (600-1000yd)rifle figured out and ordered I need to start looking for gear. I found a post here on Range bags so that will answer one question.
At the shootout I went to(my 1st one) last Saturday I saw sevral different shooting matt/ gun bags. Some were quite nice some were very basic.

I woulds like to get one that will hold my rifle securely. I would like some sort of strap or stop to load my bipod against if using one.
I saw some that held cleaning rods, had clear window for range data I'm assuming, ammo holders, "sand bags", and a few other options.

So my question to you experienced guys is what should I be looking for in a shooting matt? Required features?, nice but not required features?, useless- not needed features?.
How to tell a quality bag from a bag that will not last a year?

top brands, mid level brands, stuff to stay away from?
As usual, Thanks for any advice.
 
#2
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

tag as I'm shopping as well. My buddy just picked up a Midway shooting mat and I tried it last weekend. It's large, and gets the job done. You can't beat the price right now while they are sale!

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=169107

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=276544

I'm considering the Eberlestock mat only because my drag bag and gunslinger packs are from them already. I know they make quality (although expensive) stuff.

http://www.eberlestock.com/Backpack%20Accessories.htm#A1SM
 
#4
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

I am trying to decide between the TAB and the one from Midway, TAB is very nice, can pack easy but little or no pad, Midway, good price, right now on sale for 50.00, has good enough pad for me but will not pack so easy, still thinking, I just may buy both, one to pack and one just to haul to shoots where I will be shooting on concrete all day.
 
#5
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

No complaints so far on the MidwayUSA $50 model. Rolls up easily and does the job, some of the stitching looks a bit weak but I'm not sure I expected more for $49 and it's only looks so far, no quality issues yet.
 
#6
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am trying to decide between the TAB and the one from Midway, TAB is very nice, can pack easy but little or no pad, Midway, good price, right now on sale for 50.00, has good enough pad for me but will not pack so easy, still thinking, I just may buy both, one to pack and one just to haul to shoots where I will be shooting on concrete all day. </div></div>

I bought both. I use the midway mat when I'm shooting F class because I'm on the ground for 20-30 minutes and the padding is nice. If I'm shooting a tactical match where I'm only on the ground for 5 minutes, I use the tab mat. The midway mat is a great deal for the price.
 
#7
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

I think you need both styles. TAB and Midway or Dillon makes a nice mat comparable to Midways.

For comps you need something small and light. You might not need it or use it, but if its storming the night before you might like the use of a mat.

For practice or range use the Midway/Dillon style is the way to go. If I could only use one it would be the Midway.
 
#8
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

I can recommend the Midway. I have been using it for a few weeks and really like it. I have never used any of the other mats mentioned so I can't speak to them. One of the features that I like about the Midway mat is that it has straps that are sewn in at the front that allow you to really load the bipod. I also have an Eagle drag bag / shooting mat that does not have this feature and it makes a difference in being able to see your shots.
 
#9
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

A decent amount of info in this thread for shooting MATS, and also some good jokes about shooting MATTS....
wink.gif


http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2246971

Compact: TAB
Padded: Tactical Tailor
Combo pad/case: Eagle
Bargain: Midway

I prefer to keep my bipod in the grass, but I know not all ranges allow for that. I haven't tried the ones with the straps.
 
#10
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

Hmmm.. LOTS of good rep for the Midway Pro mat. and on sale for 49.00 until 5-30-11.
I started to order and saw that the cheapest shipping is $25.00 + for UPS ground.
Are thay joking? 25.00? Is it full of water? Guess I'll keep looking. bummer.... I have a hard time paying inflated shipping charges like that just on principle.
 
#15
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

I would say look for dark hair. Matt Leblanc.
Or if you dare......... Matt Damon. Be careful though he did those Bourne Movies.


Ok. Moving one. Get a pussy pad from any surplus store. Maybe 5 bucks. Rolled up green mat. If it gets shitty throw it out. Buy two and be set. Might weigh 16-20 oz. Good luck.
 
#18
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

I stopped by the local army surplus today. The only one I know of within an hour drive. And they dont have anything other than blankets.
Has anyone ever tried the NcStar gun case/ shooting mat? It actually lookes pretty good but the NCStar label gives me the willies. If its anything like their scopes I dont want to have anything to do with it. It sure looks nice though and for 66.00 shipped its cheaper then the Midway mat after their inflated shipping charges and you would have the mat and gun case in one, even more monet saved.

I was originally wanting a gun case / mat combo but now Im not so sure. I dont know that I like the idea of laying on the buckles of the gun caes part.

I guess I could always get it and if I dont like it I could use it for a gun case only and have it as a backup mat if needed.
More to ponder......
 
#20
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

I'd guess it depends on where you're shooting. In el pasothere are cactus everywhere. Learned quick that its very uncomfortable shootin in the mountains here without a THICK mat
 
#21
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

I use a Blackhawk rollup mat for training and also have the TAB mat in my deployment pack but have never actually used it on a deployment. The Blackhawk is fairly thick and a good mat for a static position.
 
#22
Re: Shooting Matts- What to look for?

A lot of the shooting will be laying on concrete. Other times mostly just dirt. I dont see lava rock or cactus as much of a problem.

Water resistance/ proof would be nice as well as padding for long duration on the concrete. Something that will either roll up nice to strap to my gun case or double as a gun case possibly.

Moving blankets, tents, tarps, foam pads are not what I'm looking for. (I have that stuff already.) I'm not saying that stuff doesnt work, thats what I use now. I'm just looking for something to use at tactical matches and since I cant shoot at least I will look good.
smile.gif
Its more of a want than a need since I COULD get by with my moving blankets, tarps, whatever.

I'm starting to lean towards a NCStar mentioned here:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2565963#Post2565963
 
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