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View Full Version : Shooting mats - what do you recommend



fledge
19 January 2018, 13:29
I’m in the market for a shooting mat and wondering what you would recommend.

Primary use: range work. Secondary use: hunting.

Priority: comfort! Not only do I want to stay clean off a wet/dirty/frozen ground, but I want more than the thickness of a beach towel.

Do mention any styles or accessories to mats you find helpful too.

Thanks in advance.

gatordev
19 January 2018, 14:28
I've had a Midway mat (the higher-end one) for 5 years now and it's been fantastic. I've put that thing down in the CA desert with evil stickers and sharp rocks and it's been generally fine. Back at the range, it's obviously much more comfortable. I have a FDE one, and even it gets warm in direct sunlight on a warm day, so I'd recommend a lighter color. But when I say "hot," it's not like a plastic black car seat, it's just a little uncomfortable for a few minutes until your body absorbs the heat and then prevents sun from heating it up again.

I've got all kinds of vegetation and rock holes on the bottom of mine and it's still working just fine. Also, Florida fire ants have waged a prolonged war against my existence, but I have persevered. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one once this one finally dies...whenever that might be.

ChattanoogaPhil
19 January 2018, 15:38
I've had a Midway Pro Series Competition for several years. Don't use it much.
Decent padding, keeps ya dry, preload bi-pod, gromits for staking. 6lbs.
Midway has several to choose from, including a lighter "Gen 2".

4841

cjd3
19 January 2018, 21:12
I picked up a Cabelas mat and have used it a few times. It's not small, but it seems to be well made, and since it says Cabela's, it's got their warranty.

fledge
21 January 2018, 11:58
Thanks for these suggestions, guys.

Bump for anyone else to throw in their experience.

TENTEX
22 January 2018, 06:15
I went with Cole-tac.

They have several options to add.

https://www.cole-tac.com/product/go-to-shooting-mat/#base-color

They make fantastic suppressor covers as well.

gatordev
22 January 2018, 14:04
I'm sure the Cole-tac mat is exceptionally well made, like their other stuff, but one thing I like about the Midway mat is the rubber bottom. It cushions on uneven/sharp surfaces. But that's certainly something specific to figure out for one's own needs.

SINNER
22 January 2018, 15:20
$20 during a Midway sale. Grabbed 3 of them for that price. Never carried one hunting. Most of my trips are days at a time so I rather carry food. Lol



4853

voodoo_man
23 January 2018, 06:39
I went with Cole-tac.

They have several options to add.

https://www.cole-tac.com/product/go-to-shooting-mat/#base-color

They make fantastic suppressor covers as well.

cole tac ftw.

SINNER
23 January 2018, 08:27
cole tac ftw.

Love most of their products but the mats are overpriced and undersized. My favorite suppressor covers by far.

4857

voodoo_man
23 January 2018, 08:31
Love most of their products but the mats are overpriced and undersized. My favorite suppressor covers by far.

4857

you can always have them make you a custom one....

SINNER
23 January 2018, 16:05
you can always have them make you a custom one....

I mean they start at $90 for a 3’x6’ piece of Cordura. Not even a waterproof fabric. I’ll pass.

Sak007
12 April 2018, 02:03
I like the Full Spectrum Solutions mat , it has closed cell foam but not sure if it is as thick as you wanted
5200

Josh S.
15 April 2018, 07:47
Fledge, I’m guessing you’ve probably already made a decision but I figured I’d throw in my .02 cents. Since you will be using it for hunting, have you put any thought into getting a drag bag that doubles as a shooting mat? I was in the market for something similar a few years ago and options from Galati and Eagle Industries came highly recommended on another forum—Eagle Industries more so than the Galati. Might be something worth looking into if you haven’t already made a decision.

fledge
19 April 2018, 08:04
Thanks to all of you for the feedback. It helped.

I went with the midway half acre. I recently took a multi-day long-range course and had this with me. It was the envy of the group.

It’s a 3 panel design. Heavier than most would want in th be field and certainly bulkier if you have other gear. Where I hunt, I can take it on location and leave it folded under a tree each day. For laying in dirt at the range on any kind of terrain, I’m glad I took the plunge. It could double as a sleeping pad in camp.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/768069/midwayusa-half-acre-padded-shooting-mat-olive-drab