Best Shooting mat Or drag bag and what you use?
- Thread starter s2000ron
- Start date
I've bough other VISM products and they've been high quality knock off's of whatever they happen to be copying. I've got a couple of mag pouches and rifle cases that are VISM, have a VISM free float handguard on my JRC, and well as a chest rig and they seem to be right up there with the real thing as far as using heavy enough materiel, tight stitching, and usability. Defiantly give it a couple days and maybe someone has actually bought a mat like you're looking at, but I've been fairly impressed by their stuff so far.
ultimate_monkey
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- victoria BC
in my experience, drag bags (case and mat in 1) seem like a great idea but then your rifle case ends up wet dirty and muddy and then your putting your rifle in it. not a big deal if you live on a clean dry range but for field use are pointless. a roll up mat and good case are a better investment IMO
Sherlock Gnomes
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- St.Catharines
I have the same one. You get what you pay for. Works well but one zipper doesn't work anymore but otherwise decent. As mentioned try not to use as its intended. If you use it in wet weather and get mud/dirt from laying down on it the action of your rifle will likely find the mud/dirt mix.
I bought mulicam and it's fine but faded a bit. Don't go black as that sucks in real hot days
I bought mulicam and it's fine but faded a bit. Don't go black as that sucks in real hot days
I try and stay away from Ncstar stuff just cause it's chicom stuff but for 100 bucks it's not a bad deal. I have a similar one from Voodoo Tactical that hasn't really held up and a similar one from Triad Tactical that although it doesn't have as big of a footprint when opened up, can still serve as a shooting mat if needed (and is a really nice, made in the USA bag). That kinda brings me to the point that bags like this are great for transporting your rifle and attendant gear but are kind of useless as shooting mats, imo. They won't lie flat unless you empty everything from all the pockets and then whatever dust/dirt/debris your muzzle blast kicks up ends up in the bag with your rifle at the end of the session, not really ideal. I just use mine as a carrying case and bring a separate, roll-up shooting mat that goes in one of the pockets of my Triad bag
I have the same one branded from Condor (Condor 131: Sniper Shooters Mat), used it in all but winter condition, it does collect debris and sand, but its easy to shake it off before packing up the rifle. Have to take a bit more care when using it on sandy ground in wet conditions. I always take my rifle off the mound first, then grab the mat, shake it off if needed, then pack up.
The zipper is the weak point, mine is still ok, but I've been careful at the stress points (corners and start and end point), and I mainly just use the straps when using it on the range.
I removed all the external slings and shoulder straps, and some of the parts on the inside, which are sort of gimmicky. I do use the clear plastic pocket for my dope and score cards, but that also is not so good in the rain, so have to be careful with that also.
I am considering cutting off the fold out mat, because that is the part that really brings the debris into the mat. that part is not padded and if its wet your going to get your knees dirty anyway. Removing it may allow the zipper to function more easily, less bulk and stress at the bottom corners.
For the price, its good for its basic purpose and it works well, to lie on and to carry the rifle to the next mound.
The zipper is the weak point, mine is still ok, but I've been careful at the stress points (corners and start and end point), and I mainly just use the straps when using it on the range.
I removed all the external slings and shoulder straps, and some of the parts on the inside, which are sort of gimmicky. I do use the clear plastic pocket for my dope and score cards, but that also is not so good in the rain, so have to be careful with that also.
I am considering cutting off the fold out mat, because that is the part that really brings the debris into the mat. that part is not padded and if its wet your going to get your knees dirty anyway. Removing it may allow the zipper to function more easily, less bulk and stress at the bottom corners.
For the price, its good for its basic purpose and it works well, to lie on and to carry the rifle to the next mound.
Northern Amateur
CGN frequent flyer
The problem with Cabela's/Bass Pro website is they still haven't figured out how to post prices in Canadian funds!! I too am looking at this one however getting frustrated with CBP. Suppose I will need to make the trip to the store and see if: 1) they have any and, 2) how much they cost.
cheers,
cheers,
wapitiwhacker
CGN Regular
- Location
- East Kootenay B.C.
Bass Pro yes, but Cabela’s has a dedicated Canadian site showing availability in Canadian stores with prices in CDN $. I see they have a drag bag/ mat combo for sale for $49.99, half price.
I like to keep my bag and mat as seperate items
For mats, ds tactical, nordic marksman, and on target outdoor sports. One thing to look at when buying a mat is are there zippers so you can remove the padding and wash the shell? Its a feature that will come in handy if your shooting in the bush or a spot that isnt perfect grass.
For drag bags. I like the ones ATRS sells? Cant remember the brand for the life of me. And if you’re just looking for a well padded bag but not super fancy. Look at the target rifle bags from champions choice.
For mats, ds tactical, nordic marksman, and on target outdoor sports. One thing to look at when buying a mat is are there zippers so you can remove the padding and wash the shell? Its a feature that will come in handy if your shooting in the bush or a spot that isnt perfect grass.
For drag bags. I like the ones ATRS sells? Cant remember the brand for the life of me. And if you’re just looking for a well padded bag but not super fancy. Look at the target rifle bags from champions choice.
Sakoman .308
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Thank you sir!
I have the exact same one as your picture in first post. I love it. Reason I went with this one was for a learning experience. I did my first clinic with Tactical Teacher 2 seasons ago and had a hard case and a mat. Beginner stuff. 
In these matches, it's a walk back. Meaning you shoot at 100m, walk back with all your gear to next mound-->300m and so on. That's the reason I went with this system. You put your rifle back in the bag, fold it up, don't even
need to zip it, pick up your back pack with the rest of your gear and you're gone. Takes 30 seconds to pack and move. For different jobs it might not be the best but for that kinda of scenario it's the most effective way of moving position.
This is not my kit, but it could be. Exact setup for many guys. Mobile and efficient. This is everything we have and carry from one spot to the next.
In these matches, it's a walk back. Meaning you shoot at 100m, walk back with all your gear to next mound-->300m and so on. That's the reason I went with this system. You put your rifle back in the bag, fold it up, don't even
need to zip it, pick up your back pack with the rest of your gear and you're gone. Takes 30 seconds to pack and move. For different jobs it might not be the best but for that kinda of scenario it's the most effective way of moving position.
This is not my kit, but it could be. Exact setup for many guys. Mobile and efficient. This is everything we have and carry from one spot to the next.
Northern Amateur
CGN frequent flyer
You are correct. Just bought the $90 one online as I was able to use a Bass Pro gift card I had. I have plenty of soft cases for the rifle.
cheers,
I also see that bag. Kinda tempted, but I wouldn't use it much most likely, ever since they closed sylvester and Skagit I don't go bush shooting much...
Get your shooting mat from this guy.... JSA tactical... pretty awesome shooting mat, very compact too.
wapitiwhacker
CGN Regular
- Location
- East Kootenay B.C.
Looks like the sale's over. It was the Black Mountain Tactical Drag Mat Case.
