Shooting Mats

[seanengman]

I need a new shooting mat or drag bag/mat combo. So many options out there, so I'm just looking for opinions. I don't want to spend a bill on something that is shoddily made. I like Blackhawk products, so I'm leaning that way, but the US Peace Keeper shooting mat looks nice too.

Thanks,

Sean

 

[jbpmidas]

If you want a shooting mat, it would be hard to beat the Midway models. I use the wider of the two and got it for $50. I don't have any experience with any shooting mat/drag bag combos.

The one I use:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/276544/midwayusa-pro-series-competition-shooting-mat-pvc-coated-polyester-olive-drab

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/169107/midwayusa-competition-shooting-mat-pvc-coated-polyester-olive-drab

 

[outasite`08]

Sean, I bought a Blackhawk mat on the way to Blackwater Precision Rifle class in 2004.Worked great there and was easy to roll up and carry when we moved to a new firing line.I have used the mat since then at least 2-3 times a month in all kinds of weather and with a little soap and water still looks new.Plus if you get tired of shooting,you can flip over and it is a comfy sleep mat.
that`s my 2 cents Jeff

 

[spclark]

I bought a Dillon years ago, served me well for many seasons. Decided I needed a new mat early this year, bought a Creedmoor w/ extra padding & fold-out flaps left & right. Pricey but super nice & I believe I'm more stable now in prone, their rubber's super-grippy.

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/Creedmoor_Roll-up_Shooting_Mat.html

We'll see how it holds up over time but for the price I'd recommend their product to any serious competitor.

 

[effendude]

For price, you can't beat the Midway Deluxe model for around $50 when on sale. It makes a great starter mat or a loaner. I also highly recommend the Creedmoor roll up mat with the extra padding and white rubber options. Lay on a black rubber mat without a shooting coat on a sunny day and you have burns. I have four of the Creedmoors and couldn't be happier.

Scott

 

[seanengman]

I'm veering away from the Midway brand mat. While I absolutely love Midway USA and I spend a lot of money with them, I would rather buy a mat that is going to last me a long time. I really like that Creedmoor mat. I believe it is between the Creedmoor and Blackhawk and it is merely going to boil down to who is the US Manufacturer.

Thanks for all of the great opinions.

Sean

 

[offgrid]

Picked up one of these mats recently, well made.

http://www.crosstac.com/product/precision-long-range-shooting-mat

 

[seanengman]

Made in the USA, nicely though out, Crosstac quality.

 

[waltk]

I have a Creedmoor mat and it is very good. One nice feature is you can
custom order to your liking ( extra panels, padding, etc...). One thing I highly recommend is do not order it with black rubber panels! Custom order it with light color panels. Believe me . I know.

 

[spclark]

One thing I highly recommend is do not order it with black rubber panels!

Personal choice issue. I thought about ordering mine with the white rubber option then recalled all the times even a white sweat rag or even a plot book in my line of sight when I'm in position & on the rifle is a real distraction. I decided the risk of glare off the white stuff just too great to risk, ordered the black.

Yes it gets really hot laying in the sun when it's already 90F. (Yes I'm usually wearing a hooded sweatshirt, Cordura shooting jacket & shooting glove at the same time.) If the hot rubber's a problem, fold your mat over lengthwise until just before prep. Or bring a white hand towel to lay over the black stuff until it's time to get into position.

 

[Bob3700]

Gotta tell you that I have two Creedmore Sports shooting mats. One with black the other with white rubber. The white rubber was ordered with extra padding on the top half. That is the only way to go. Extra padding and white rubber.

Even if you fold the black rubber mat to keep the sun off, it still gets very hot once you lay down on it. The white rubber is the berries. Stays cool and comfortable.

Just MHO, you can cover the areas that might give you glare or distraction ( I have not experienced that at all) but it is really hard to shoot those last ten shots when your elbow is on fire!

Bob

 

[waltk]

And concerning the black rubber panels not only the heat factor but the nasty black dirt aspect.
I shoot Service Rifle on it and I get filthy dirty from the black panels. So much so that I will begin to use another mat instead for now.

 

[memilanuk]

For me, the problem with the black panels, at least on my Creedmoor mat, is that they get so hot so quick that you can dang near burn your self if you flop down on the mat with bare arms (F-Class) The grey pebbled panels don't get nearly as hot.

 

[FroggyOne2]

I have a Creedmoor and a Freeland from Champions Shooters Supply, I love the latter one better! Wore out the stuff on the Creedmoor and it needs replaced!

 

[Erud]

Just for reference, Creedmoor is no longer offering the white rubber as an option. I ordered one with white rubber and received it at the end of June and Creedmoor sent me an email stating that they were crediting back my cc the upgrade charge as they are no longer offering the option. The black has been just fine. My previous mat(dillon) had black rubber and I never had any trouble with it, just figured the white was worth a try for $10 more.

The Creedmoor mat really is head an shoulders above the dillon and others I have tried. The extra padding under the rubber makes a big difference comfort-wise and the rubber itself grips better than any I've tried. My elbows do not move at all when I'm in position. This mat is used for sling & irons shooting(is there any other kind? ;-).

Regards,
Erik

 

[seanengman]

I ended up buying Crosstac... then set up a dealer account and stocked our shop. While not exactly in the Northwest, close enough to home and small enough to have great customer service. I'm really impressed with their line of gear. Thanks for the leads guys.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[HIGHPOWER-AR]

the Creedmoor mat is definitely the way to go. Money well spent. I've got 8 years of good service and still going. as far as the black rubber, yes it gets hot in the heat of the summer sun. god tip though, when your not down on it fold it in half to cover the rubber portion. after doing that for a while mine easily lays right over after getting out of position i grab the back end of the mat and flip it right over the rubber - no problem. order it with double layer padding, ive shot off both - my next one will be double layer pad.
hope this helps

 

[Steve Blair]

I have both Creedmoor and Midway mats. The Midway gets most use only because it is a little bigger and lets me sprawl a bit more. Note that my use is F-Class. A lot of guys shooting at Camp Pendleton use Creedmoor equipment (for obvious reasons) and I hear no complaints. The Midway has not shown much wear and I don't use it gently. In my view, either would be a good choice.