Shooting mat critique. Updated with better photos.

[Doogie]

So my wife put together a shooting mat for me and I just wanted ideas of some things you guys would change/add/eliminate if she did another one.

It has perforated plastic sheets in each section (8 in total), to give it some stability. Like these:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/PERFPLUS-Perforated-Sheet-5PCW8?Pid=search

<span style="font-weight: bold">Dimensions</span>
Open = 71x39x1 inches

Folded = 13x19x5

The one inch foam is pretty solid, but has some give. Held closed by two straps with metal snaps. Also has metal loops for a shoulder strap.

She tried finding some ACU or OD color material, but they just were not sturdy enough. Other than that the MOLLE was sewn a bit narrow, but it's not a big deal. I haven't actually weighed it yet, but I doubt it's more than 1.5lbs. So for a first prototype what do you guys think?

Some better photos.

 

[gathert]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

Looks pretty well made. You can find the ACU or OD colors in thicker material that is stronger, but you won't be able to find it at a local fabric place. Should be easy to clip onto a backpack and you would never know if was there. Should also make for a good seat out in the woods. Just don't take your eyes off it, you might loose it

 

[roggom]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

Pretty nice, a little on the wide side. Might get one of those surplus army mats and sew it inside for padding. Then you can just roll it up. Also sew in a bipod rest strap to reduce bipod hop. Either way, if your wife put the time into that mat and your hobby, two thumbs up.

 

[eight]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

It's hard to tell from the pic if one is already present, but a strap up front to snag the bipod legs on/under is helpful for loading the bipod.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

Contact Harvey below, he might be able to link you up with material and possible closed cell foam. She did a fine job!

Mark

http://www.veltye.com/

 

[swage]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

That looks pretty good. Find some 1000 Cordura in multicam or OD and add a carrying strap and you may on to something there.

 

[Doogie]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

Thanks for the input guys. Will definitely have to get a bipod strap across the front. Material wise, it was definitely a choose from the local stores deal and selections were pretty slim. She was keeping it a secret so she didn't want to buy online, since our accounts are connected.

I understand the thoughts of it being on the wide side, but application wise it will mostly be used for prairie dogs. So not a lot of hiking involved (i.e. oversized wasn't a big issue).

Didn't even think about the 1000 Cordura, but I know one limiting factor was that her sewing machine couldn't penetrate really heavy material. She had to hand stitch down the center, because her machine isn't large enough. I'll have to look into some different foams as well. Maybe a mixture of soft on harder foam, although that might have to be glued so they don't shift around.

Would it be bad if I bought her a heavy duty sewing machine for my hobbies? That almost seems like buying her lingerie for her birthday. I guess it kind of feeds both our hobbies. Hers of making, and mine of using.

 

[tzoid]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

Wow... Your Wife did an excellent job. Multicam or a Flat Dark Earth color would be really nice. Remember the darker the more it will heat up and roast you on a long range day in the sun.

 

[cox308]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: swage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That looks pretty good. Find some 1000 Cordura in multicam or OD and add a carrying strap and you may on to something there.

</div></div>

+1 then do a group buy!

 

[Jdubya45]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

Nice work by your wife, she is a keeper for sure. You did buy her flowers for Valintine's Day right??

 

[z71rat]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

I have to say, that is a very nice looking mat for sure!! I would even consider buying one, depending on the price!!

I have no problem with the folds versus the roll up mats. I think the folded version would be great to store inside my backpack. I like it!!

DK

 

[Autark]

Re: Shooting mat critique. Updated with better photos.

That mat looks great. I'll chip in on that sewing machine if I can get one of those in multicam or coyote.

Only change I'd make might be to the fasteners. I'm the sort who would want to fold it once, roll it up and cinch down on it to make it easier to stow.

Anyway, tell her "Great Job," hopefully for a second or third time.

 

[Doogie]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cucakid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice work by your wife, she is a keeper for sure. You did buy her flowers for Valintine's Day right?? </div></div>

No, but I did buy her a jeep so I think I'm covered. Plus, she would rather have flowers that last longer than a week.

There have been a couple mention on here about making to sell, and the only problem is, is that in materials alone we were between $50-$60. Which is kind of like "Damn that much?", no wonder some mats run upwards of $150. Although I'm sure if you started ordering enough material you could knock it down some, but even then you're still looking at a $100 or so mat.

 

[Gregch44]

Re: Shooting mat critique.

You sir, have a hell of a good wife for sure.