shooting mats. best value, best period etc. help.

[chevytruck_83]

I'm looking to get a post together for people looking into a shooting mat. a guide of what's out there. I've been looking and finding a bunch of options but nothing that really stands out. please post your experiences and suggestions. for myself im thinking about just having a local shop make one to my specs. I'd like it to made of a strong quiet material that's obviously comfortable. I'd like the bottom to be water proof and easily cleaned. stitching must be durable. A log book pocket would be nice but not necessary. a nice flap or catch for weighting the bipod. last I would like it to store nicely. is there one out there. Im considering buying the midway special at 59.99 and having a strong durable fabric sewed onto the bottom.

 

[lal357]

i've got 2 of midways pro series been using them for 3 years now there alittle dirty but other than that they are like they were when i got them . i use 1 my sons uses the other.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I've been using an AIM range mat found here:

http://aimfieldsports.com/epages/www_aimfieldsports_com.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/www_aimfieldsports_com/Products/RangeMat/SubProducts/rangemat-0001

I think it's all of the things you specified and more. It's been excellent for me. I'd say the only caveat is that it folds up instead of rolling up. It folds up in one motion though (you just lift it by the handles off the ground). If you need super compact, it might not serve, but I'd probably put it right up there as a candidate for "the best".

 

[chevytruck_83]

that is really nice. are there any U.S. companies selling this?like you said though. bulky when folded. I plan on riding my trail bike to some shooting locations and the rolled up type would be more suitable.

 

[NateHaler]

http://www.centerthegroup.com/trifold08.htm

 

[MNFinn]

I have a Midway pro series. got it after the season ended here. I have been using it in dryfire practice, on the concrete floor in my basement. seems to work really well.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

that is really nice. are there any U.S. companies selling this?like you said though. bulky when folded. I plan on riding my trail bike to some shooting locations and the rolled up type would be more suitable.

I don't think so. I bought mine from AIM sports in the UK and they shipped it over, no problem.

 

[stinnett1981]

I've been using an AIM range mat found here:

http://aimfieldsports.com/epages/www_aimfieldsports_com.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/www_aimfieldsports_com/Products/RangeMat/SubProducts/rangemat-0001

I think it's all of the things you specified and more. It's been excellent for me. I'd say the only caveat is that it folds up instead of rolling up. It folds up in one motion though (you just lift it by the handles off the ground). If you need super compact, it might not serve, but I'd probably put it right up there as a candidate for "the best".

Is it loud? Say if I use it in the field for coyote hunting. Is the material noisy when you lay on it or move on it a little bit???

 

[JohnW...ski]

I like the mats from Champions Choice.

700D
CC GRAY RIFLEMAN SHOOTING MAT (DOUBLE)
Champions Choice Products
$70.00

John

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I've been using an AIM range mat found here:

http://aimfieldsports.com/epages/www_aimfieldsports_com.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/www_aimfieldsports_com/Products/RangeMat/SubProducts/rangemat-0001

I think it's all of the things you specified and more. It's been excellent for me. I'd say the only caveat is that it folds up instead of rolling up. It folds up in one motion though (you just lift it by the handles off the ground). If you need super compact, it might not serve, but I'd probably put it right up there as a candidate for "the best".

Is it loud? Say if I use it in the field for coyote hunting. Is the material noisy when you lay on it or move on it a little bit???

Huh. Good question. I don't know or at least, I have not noticed it to be so. Since it it not made of canvas like some of the other mats, my guess is that it would be comparatively louder. Sorry I don't have a better answer for you.

 

[stinnett1981]

I thought about making one out of a roll of rubber and carpet and use small machine screws, fender washers and nuts to cover one side of the rubber with carpet. Or spend under a $100 on one and not have to make one :-\

 

[chevytruck_83]

I'm probably gonna take a chance on the midway pro model and have a good durable waterproof material put on the bottom and maybe some leather handles and trim for reinforcement as needed. who knows though. maybe ill like it the way it is. Im Dutch. I have a long list of grandmothers that would love to have a new project.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Grandmothers that like to have projects are a good thing to have around!

 

[Texas Solo]

You might want to check this out. I'm very happy with mine and it seems to meet all your criteria.
Oh, and it's on sale!


http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Shooting-Mat/1318442.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dshooting%2Bmat%26x%3D21%26y%3D9%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=shooting+mat&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products