The Best Shooting Mat
Lying in the prone position can be an uncomfortable experience, especially if you have debris, rocks and any other kind of dirt and grime you may find lying around. This is why choosing the best shooting mat is as important and the rifle itself.
If you’re uncomfortable, lying at a funny angle or just otherwise disturbed from your most accurate shooting position, it won’t matter how great your gun or gun sight is, you won’t be shooting at your best.
In today’s article, we will review the 6 best shooting mats on the market to help you make an informed decision before you buy.
What to look for when buying a shooting mat
With so many options, we know how tough it can be to make a decision when it comes to buying a shooting mat. So, we’ve narrowed down the field to the best 6 for you.
Before you dive right in, be sure to check out what key attributes you should look for when it comes to a reliable and robust night sight.
Materials & Protection
Shooting mats take a good deal of abuse, and we usually have them for a number of years. So it’s important to get one that is both built to last and offers a good degree of protection from the ground.
Depending on the state you live in and the season, the ground may be wet, it could have snowed or there could be dew on the grass. Either way, you want a mat that will offer protection from water on the ground.
The other key feature when it comes to the materials used is that as a minimum you have a mat with special non-slip sections for the elbows and knees. This will help to maintain you shooting position, as those cheaper mats without this can be very slippery and you can find yourself off of the mat thanks to either the progressive recoil or when on a slight incline.
Dual-Purpose
Some mats are in fact dual purpose, in that they act as both a rifle case and a shooting mat. This is great if you’re looking to save money and carry one less item when hunting or practicing.
As an example, take a look at the NcStar Rifle Case & Shooting Mat (number 6 below). This roll-up mat can also carry your rifle and as a number of other features which makes this a true dual-purpose mat.
Padding
Probably one of the most important elements to consider, and one of the main reasons anyone buys a mat is the padding it provides. Having your elbows digging into the ground for hours on end of no one’s idea of fun, so ensure you have padding in the elbow areas.
Some mats also have additional padding for the knees and some have it throughout. If you go for one of these options, be aware that this will make the mat heavier and a little bulkier, which is you don’t plan on carrying the mat any great distance shouldn’t pose a problem.
Top 6 Shooting Mats For The Money
- SHOOTING MATS PRONE PADDED - Padded Shooting Blanket Made of 1000D nylon and EPE padding fabric for long-lasting durability. Built-in 0.2 inch thicker EPE padding, provides some cushioning between you...
- EASY STORAGE & CARRY - Shooting pad is easy to fold-up and it is small and light, portable to carry, the one second quick release buckles that allow you to attach to your backpack. Tip: Fold it in...
- UNFOLDED SIZE - 78"(L) x 28.5"(W)/198cm x 71cm. Around 33.5 oz(950g). Two accessory pockets to keep all accessories within reach.
- COMFORTABLE & VERSATILE - Rolled-up Size: 15" x 10" (38cm x 26cm). A simple mat to lay out and keep your body that above the knees out of the mud, dust, or moisture for long-range shooting, hunting or...
- EASY SETUP & RELIABLE GROUND FIXATION - The shooting mat is equipped with 4 corner buckles holes that allow for quick setup. They also provide convenient options for staking the mat to the ground,...
- Superior Durability & Protection - Crafted with high-quality 1000D nylon, this shooting mat prone padded provides excellent resistance against water, spills, and abrasion. It measures a generous...
- Convenient & Organized Storage - With 2 convenient storage pockets located at the top, the shooting mat offers ample space for storing shooting supplies. One of the pockets has a half-open design that...
- Enhanced Comfort & Stability - The shooting mat padded features added comfort and stability with its cotton padding and anti-slip mats on knees and elbows areas. This shooting pad enables comfortable...
- Secure & Versatile Bipod Holder - The bipod holder area of this prone shooting mat provides a secure and stable platform. The middle divider and the thick woven straps on either side ensure proper...
- Easy Setup & Reliable Ground Fixation - The shooting mat is equipped with 4 corner copper buckles holes that allow for quick setup. They also provide convenient options for staking the mat to the...
- Size: 29.5*78 inch. Suitable for single person use.
- High quality fabric: 600D PVC Oxford fabric, moisture-proof and wear-resistant, suitable for various outdoor activities.
- Widely used: can be used as a cushion for outdoor activities such as camping, training, hiking, shooting, fighting, etc.
- Convenience: It can be folded and stored as a rectangular shape, or it can be stored as a handbag with a handle for easy carrying.
- Sturdy Corner Grommets for Staking Down (4 Stakes Included)
- Equipped with Elbow & Knee Pads
- Legal for High Power/CMP Rifle Matches & Smallbore Competition
- Bottom of Mat is Constructed of Textured, Non-Skid, Water-Resistant Material
- 74” Length. 85” Length When Flap Containing Accessory Pockets is Folded out as Shown
- EXTRA LARGE SHOOTING MAT - 【Unfolded Size 78"(L) x 28.5"(W)/198cm*71cm】Keep your body out of the mud, dust, or moisture for long-range shooting, hunting or military applications.
- COMFORTABLE - Extra comfort with a thick padded section for your elbows and knees, make you feel comfortable on uneven ground.
- EASY STORAGE AND CARRY - Rolls up for easy storage and carry. Shooting pad is easy to roll-up with adjustable straps and it is small and light,portable to carry (lightweight: 900g). The buckle is very...
- HIGH QUEALITY MATERIAL - DEYACE Shooting Mat Made of 1000D nylon, polyester and EPE padding fabric for long-lasting durability. This mat can cope with most weather and terrain conditions.
- MOLLE COMBO - Shooting Mats with two rows of 1" military spec webbing for securing extra gear if needed. Four stake-down grommet holes on corners, pin it to the ground when needed. If you have any...
In conclusion, the most comfortable shooting mat is an essential tool for any shooter looking to improve their accuracy and comfort while on the range. After thoroughly reviewing and comparing the best products on the market, it’s evident that there is a wide range of options available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, you can find the perfect shooting mat to meet your needs by considering your specific requirements and budget. Whether you’re looking for portability, durability, or versatility, there is a shooting mat that is perfect for you. With the right shooting mat, you can enjoy hours of comfortable and accurate shooting, no matter what your level of experience may be.
