Shooting mat

[jefnvk]

OK, after lying in the dirt for a bit while shooting, I'm thinking a shooting mat may be in order. Not liking too much the ants and sticks that bug me while shooting.

So, what mats do you guys use? Anything you use as a makeshift mat? Any homemade ones (this is the route I am thinking about taking)?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I used to shoot at a range that was state-of-the-art for safety. It had concrete shooting benches with plywood inserts that transformed them into "shooting platforms" for high power matches. Shooting prone on those concrete benches would do a job on your elbow pads.

I got a camping mattress at Wal Mart -- this one has "egg crate" open cell foam on one side, and closed cell foam on the other. It turned out to be ideal, if a bit small for keeping you out of the dirt at other ranges. When I shot from the dirt, I'd bring a cheap nylon poncho (also from Wal Mart) and put that down first.

 

[Quintin Likely]

I use a basics roll up mat from Creedmore. A piece a carpet will work in a pinch though.

 

[Mauserguy]

I used to just use an old piece of carpeting, but since I do most of my shooting out in the local desert, I just started shooting prone from the back of my pickup truck, DC Sniper style. The only down side is that the wind will introduce a little sway on the springs if it is stiff enough, but then again, if the wind is stiff, your going to have trouble shooting any significant distance. It's a lot easier than having to clean the old carpet off.
Mauserguy

 

[Fly320s]

Last week I used a Yoga mat. It's about 3 feet by 6 feet of thin foam, but pretty durable and comfortable.

 

[sssteinkamp]

OH! I've got a good one!

Backpackers use what they call a 'blue pad', which is a piece of closed cell foam that is very comfortable.

You can get them easily in the camping section of Walmart, or order various kinds online at www.campmor.com

Shane

 

[Preacherman]

The best I've ever used is the Dillon shooting mat. Highly recommended.

 

[crawfish]

The best I've ever used is the Dillon shooting mat. Highly recommended.

Funny you should mention that pad. I have used it for my mushroom picture taking forays for years. Keeps me dry and out of the path of that wee beasties.

 

[rem]

U.S.G.I Sleeping Pad

 

[Bwana John]

I really like my Orential Rug. Kind of "Aladin does Hi-Power".

 

[paternoster2012]

a peice of cardboard will keep you off the ground and is free

i use them working on cars and stuff

 

[GW]

Dillon mat for me

 

[Justin]

I have used and like the Creedmore ones. I would like to get one for myself, if the local store would ever get some in stock.

I'm not a fan of the ones that fold up in three sections. Even folded they're unwieldly.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

I am cheap. I spent $2.97 (+WA tax) at GI Joes and bought something called a Camp Pad by Blueridge. Its a 9oz 3/8"x20"x72" recycled, blue, closed-cell polyethylene foam mat that rolls up. Its not a limo, but it'll keep me dry when prone.

Here's an image of the doggone thing bundled up to my duffel bag/backpack and the cardstock packaging it came in. 3 bucks!

 

[jefnvk]

I can't believe that I didn't think about those camping mats. We have a bunch of those lying around.

I like that Dillon mat, but I don't like the price. I think I may see if I can come up with a homemade version of those. Some sort of nylon backing, a canvas top with some sort of rubber or vinyl elbow area. Maybe a heavy quilt lining in the middle. Good thing my mother likes to sew, and works at a fabric store

 

[artherd]

Carpet reminant, 8' x10' (50cal shooters will relate, this is about the minimum nessecary to avoid sandblasting your buddies

 

[arcticap]

I went to a carpet dealer and found a nice remnant. I have also used some inexpensive indoor/outdoor rubber backed carpeting that may be found at some larger building supply stores.

 

[Bravo11]

Our range has concrete benchs and we use a couple of moving(U-Haul) blankets doubled up and spread on top to keep from scratching things. They work great for prone shooting also.

 

[Trebor]

I use an old sleeping bag. They look at me kinda funny at the highpower matches, but it works for me. I'm planning on buying a mat this year at Perry though.

Your'e going to Camp Perry, right? Check out all the merchants at vendor's row. You might be able to find a good deal on a mat or maybe a used mat. Also ask everyone you know while your there. You might be able to buy an old mat off of someone who's upgraded.

 

[oneshooter]

I use a military "bag" I bought several years ago. It is a paratroopers rifle case that will fold out into a lined shooting mat. Waterproof canvas with a liner of very heavy (thick) felt like product. Available from Cheaper than dirt for about 20$. Have also seen them at surpluss stores for about the same price.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[jefnvk]

oneshooter, does that seem to work well? I've seen them at gunshows for $20, and thought about picking on up.

 

[ACP230]

I used to use a sleeping bag.
Then I switched to a piece of underlayment that goes under floors.
It's black and heats up in the sun, but is tough and works OK otherwise.