Looking for a shooting mat and bipod.

[fishingsetx]

I'm looking for a good shooting mat and a bipod that won't break the bank. Our gun Club has a 600 yd rifle range with stations at 300, 400, 500 and 600 but only has 2 benches at 600. Seems every time I'm out there, the ground is wet so a mat is a must. Just had son #2 and the wife has been off work for 2 months so money is an object right now, but I don't want junk either. Anybody have any suggestions? This will be going on a custom savage model 12 Target in 6.5x284.

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain

 

[Younggun]

I'm a big fan of the MidwayUSA branded shooting mat. I think it was around $25 with padded areas for your elbows. It's lasted pretty well.


For a cheaper but not junky bipod I think Harris is the way to go. The midway may has a strap at the from you can load the bipod against so you don't really need 15 sets of interchangeable feet for it.

Ok, it's about $60. There is another that's $30 but pretty sure this is the one I've been using for years.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939101910/midwayusa-pro-series-competition-shooting-mat


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[ussoldier1984]

I am looking at buying something like this for me for a case/mat
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939497671/midwayusa-heavy-duty-shooting-mat-tactical-rifle-case

 

[BigBoss0311]

While I do not normally recommend this seller, Botach has a sale on Harris Bipods right now:

https://www.botach.com/harris-bipod...um=link&utm_campaign=BotachHarrisBipod-5-8-17

Oh, and Walmart yoga mats make very good shooting mats......... don't judge me.

 

[fishingsetx]

While I do not normally recommend this seller, Botach has a sale on Harris Bipods right now:

https://www.botach.com/harris-bipod...um=link&utm_campaign=BotachHarrisBipod-5-8-17

Oh, and Walmart yoga mats make very good shooting mats......... don't judge me.

Thanks for the link. The one I would want is out of stock (go figure)

I had seriously considered just getting some kind of mat like a yoga mat or a large piece of marine grade carpet with a rubber backing. I've even considered making one that would fold up and hold the rifle, but figured by the time it was said and done, I'd come out better just buying one. I'm leaning more and more toward the case/mat combo. I'd rather a hard case, but, so far, haven't found one long enough (only looked locally at Academy and gander). This isn't going to be for any kind of competition, just something to play with at the range a few times a year.

Thanks for all the suggestions and keep them coming!!

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain

 

[Dawico]

I have the same mat as Younggun, but without the bipod straps on it.

Get the straps if you buy one.

 

[ROGER4314]

I used a shooting mat for almost 8 years. After putting my mat down on an anthill, I used a Harbor Freight tarp on the ground and placed my mat on top. An additional advantage is that if it rains, you can fold the tarp over to cover your gear.

I have some Harris bipods and several that I bought at Wally World. The WW bipod is pretty good and you don't need to brag about where you bought it.

Incidentally, I have a $1000 20-60x Kowa spotting scope but the one that I prefer is the Harbor Freight $49 scope! I'm not hot on the tripod that comes with it, but the the scope is very good! Watch their sales. Sometimes it is priced at $39!

Flash

 

[Younggun]

I have both Harris and Blackhawk bipods. They look the same but the Harris is made better.

The WW model just isn't as sturdy and has more slack in the legs. I'd buy another one to run on small, light guns or when I'm not trying to get everything I can out of the rifle.


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[fishingsetx]

I have both Harris and Blackhawk bipods. They look the same but the Harris is made better.

The WW model just isn't as sturdy and has more slack in the legs. I'd buy another one to run on small, light guns or when I'm not trying to get everything I can out of the rifle.


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I have a cheap bipod that came with another rifle I bought used. I may give it a shot just for fun and see how it does. For a mat, I'm still leaning toward the ones at midway or a large yoga mat. I'm also going to check out the HF spotting scope. I'm usually by myself at the range so it sure would be much easier if I could see bullet impacts out to 600. If not, I'll just toss it in my deer stand. For less than $50, I'm not out much. I have zero problem buying cheap as long as it's functional. I don't need to be able to count the hairs on a Nats behind at 1000 yds, just see a bullet hole at 600 lol.

I used a shooting mat for almost 8 years. After putting my mat down on an anthill, I used a Harbor Freight tarp on the ground and placed my mat on top. An additional advantage is that if it rains, you can fold the tarp over to cover your gear.

I have some Harris bipods and several that I bought at Wally World. The WW bipod is pretty good and you don't need to brag about where you bought it.

Incidentally, I have a $1000 20-60x Kowa spotting scope but the one that I prefer is the Harbor Freight $49 scope! I'm not hot on the tripod that comes with it, but the the scope is very good! Watch their sales. Sometimes it is priced at $39!

Flash

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain

 

[Dawico]

I have both Harris and Blackhawk bipods. They look the same but the Harris is made better.

The WW model just isn't as sturdy and has more slack in the legs. I'd buy another one to run on small, light guns or when I'm not trying to get everything I can out of the rifle.


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This absolutely.

They look and feel very similar until you flip the legs or put pressure on the rifle. Then it is night and day different. Twist the rifle while leaning on it and you will see. The Harris will lift a leg before its frame flexes.

The cheap ones work until you need ultimate stability.

If you are shooting groups at 600 yards get a Harris. They aren't that expensive for the base model.

 

[fishingsetx]

This absolutely.

They look and feel very similar until you flip the legs or put pressure on the rifle. Then it is night and day different. Twist the rifle while leaning on it and you will see. The Harris will lift a leg before its frame flexes.

The cheap ones work until you need ultimate stability.

If you are shooting groups at 600 yards get a Harris. They aren't that expensive for the base model.

Oh, when I buy one, it will be a harris or better. Too many people recommending them not to! Worked 16 hrs yesterday and working 16 today, so I'll have a little extra cash. Might just order one. Leaning more and more toward the gun case/shooting mat combo also. Just gotta figure out which one. I really want something a little bigger than the standard 2' x 6' and being waterproof is a must around here

Another question, what kind of log book do yall use? Just a note pad or do use some kind of pre made log? I've been using a rite in the rain notepad, but wondering if there is something better out there.

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain

 

[Dawico]

I use a Rite in the Rain also but only because I have it. Any notepad will suffice.

 

[fishingsetx]

I use a Rite in the Rain also but only because I have it. Any notepad will suffice.

I have about 30 pads left from a job I had several years ago so I'm set for a while lol

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain

 

[Dawico]

My little write up on bipods incase you end up shopping around a bit:

https://www.texasguntalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1566187

Long story short, I love my Atlas.

 

[fishingsetx]

Finally got aroynd to ordering. Here is what I ended up with:

Shooting mat. I needed a case to transport it to and from the range anyway:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003...ooting+mat&dpPl=1&dpID=41QDlRdeNeL&ref=plSrch

Bipod

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...pod+1a2brm&dpPl=1&dpID=41-f2WLoMuL&ref=plSrch

Sand bags

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00N...oting+bags&dpPl=1&dpID=5173ugykhYL&ref=plSrch

Supposed to arrive monday so hopefully ill get to test them put next week.

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain

 

[fishingsetx]

Some pics

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. - Mark Twain