The Best Shooting Mat for Training

Why Every Shooter Should Have One

Shooting mats are often seen as an optional accessory, but they play a critical role in the world of firearms training, especially for shooters who spend a lot of time practicing prone or in other stationary positions (such as long distance shooters). Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a military or law enforcement professional, or a hunting enthusiast, a shooting mat can vastly improve your performance and comfort during practice.

In this article, we will delve into the many benefits of using a shooting mat, from improving stability to protecting your gear, and why a high-quality mat like the Savior Equipment Folding Shooting Mat stands out as a must-have piece of equipment.

Why You Need a Shooting Mat

There are several key advantages to incorporating a shooting mat into your training setup. From ensuring your comfort and protection to providing stability and gear protection, a shooting mat can dramatically elevate your shooting experience.

1. Enhanced Comfort During Long Sessions

One of the main reasons to use a shooting mat is for the comfort it provides during extended shooting sessions. When you're spending a significant amount of time in a prone position, lying on bare ground can quickly become uncomfortable and even painful. Rocks, debris, and uneven surfaces can dig into your elbows, knees, and hips, leading to soreness or even injuries. This is particularly true when practicing in rugged or outdoor environments, where you’re more likely to encounter harsh ground conditions. A shooting mat cushions your body, providing a layer of padding that keeps you comfortable and reduces strain, so you can focus on your shooting technique rather than on the discomfort caused by the environment.

2. Increased Stability and Better Accuracy

Shooting requires precision, and precision requires stability. Without a stable platform to shoot from, your body can shift or slide during firing, which can lead to inaccuracy. A good shooting mat provides a stable, non-slip surface that anchors your elbows, knees, and legs while you're in a prone position. This stability is crucial when you’re shooting long-range, as even the smallest movements can affect accuracy

Some mats, like the Savior Equipment Folding Shooting Mat, come with additional features to help improve your shooting position, such as preload bars and adjustable straps. These can further assist with positioning your body correctly and consistently, ensuring that you get the same stable shooting platform every time.

3. Protection for Your Gear

Shooting mats not only protect you but also help safeguard your valuable gear. Rifles and other equipment are often exposed to the elements when shooting outdoors. Dirt, dust, mud, and sharp objects on the ground can damage your gear over time, leading to wear and tear. By placing your rifle, optics, and other accessories on a shooting mat instead of directly on the ground, you reduce the risk of dirt and debris getting into sensitive areas like your optics or bolt. This protection is particularly important when you're using high-end gear that you want to keep in top condition for as long as possible.

4. Consistent and Improved Positioning

Consistency is key to improving shooting skills, and a shooting mat can help ensure that your positioning remains consistent with each shot. Many mats come equipped with features designed to assist with body alignment and preload. For example, the Savior Equipment Folding Shooting Mat includes multiple preload options, a built-in preload bar, and an adjustable preload strap. These features allow you to adjust the tension on the mat to match your preferred setup, making it easier to achieve a consistent shooting position every time you lie down.

5. Environmental Protection

In addition to keeping you comfortable and stable, a shooting mat also protects you from environmental factors. If you're shooting in muddy, wet, or dirty conditions, a mat will keep you dry and clean. Some mats even come with built-in dust or mud flaps, which give you extra protection from the elements. This is especially useful in tactical training or competitive shooting, where lying in wet grass or mud for hours can not only make you uncomfortable but also impair your ability to perform at your best. The Savior Equipment mat includes a built-in dust mat that helps keep your workspace clean and your gear free of debris.

Savior Equipment Folding Shooting Mat

One shooting mat that truly stands out in terms of both quality and features is the Savior Equipment Folding Shooting Mat. This mat is designed to cater to the needs of serious shooters by offering comfort, durability, and portability in one package. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this mat an excellent choice for shooters at any level.

Key Features of the Savior Equipment Folding Shooting Mat

  1. Accordion Folding Design
    One of the standout features of this mat is its accordion-style folding design. This makes it incredibly easy to fold and unfold, allowing you to set up your shooting station quickly. It also makes storage and transport much more convenient. Unlike traditional roll-up mats, which can be bulky and difficult to manage, the folding design of the Savior mat ensures a compact and manageable profile when it's not in use.

  2. Side-Release Buckle
    The mat is equipped with a side-release buckle that keeps it securely folded. This feature is simple but highly functional, ensuring the mat stays in its compact shape when stored or carried. You won't have to worry about it unfolding in the back of your car or gear bag.

  3. Multiple Preload Options
    To ensure that your shooting position remains consistent and stable, the Savior Equipment mat includes multiple preload options. It features a built-in preload bar and an adjustable, removable preload strap. This allows you to customize the mat to your preferred shooting style, whether you're focusing on long-range precision or practicing rapid-fire drills.

  4. Built-In Dust Mat
    The integrated dust mat helps keep your shooting area clean. This is especially useful when you're shooting outdoors in environments where dirt, sand, or debris could impact your gear. It also provides an additional layer of protection for your clothing and equipment, ensuring everything stays cleaner for longer.

Durability and Materials

  • 600D Polyester Exterior: The Savior Equipment mat is built to withstand tough environments. Its 600D polyester exterior shell is rugged and durable, providing excellent resistance to wear and tear from rough terrain, moisture, and debris. This heavy-duty material ensures the mat will last through years of regular use.

  • EVA Foam Padding: Comfort is essential, and the mat’s EVA foam padding provides just the right amount of cushioning without sacrificing stability. This ensures a comfortable shooting experience without adding unnecessary bulk.

  • Duraflex Hardware: The mat is equipped with high-quality Duraflex hardware, which is known for its durability and resistance to wear. This hardware contributes to the mat’s overall longevity and ensures it holds up under heavy use.

  • Double-Stitched Seams: Reinforced double-stitching along the seams enhances the mat's strength, preventing tears or fraying over time. This is an important feature for shooters who frequently train in rugged or outdoor environments.

Size and Dimensions

  • Full Size: 89” x 41”

  • Padded Area: 56” x 41”

  • Dust Mat: 33” x 38.75”

  • Folded Size: 19.5” x 19” x 3.5”

  • Padding Thickness: 0.3”

The generous dimensions of this mat ensure plenty of room for both you and your gear, while the padded area provides ample cushioning for long shooting sessions. Its compact folded size makes it easy to transport, and the 0.3” padding thickness strikes a good balance between comfort and portability.

Training

All that being said, training with a shooting mat is ideal as it helps to get you used to your gear. Think about it, your firearm is going to be a foreign object to you if you are placed in a situation where you need it, but have never fired it. The same goes for gear like your duty boots. If you do not train in them and break them in, you’ll have a hard time adjusting when you need them most, and that can be a life or death situation.

If you are looking for other training courses to get used to your gear like your boots, then check out Core Vision Training. Whether you want medical or close quarters, or even some night vision courses, Core Vision Training has it all. In order to be a well rounded individual that knows how to survive and win in multiple different environments, scenarios, and more, then these courses could be your new best friends. 

Core Vision also offers different fitness programs for you to choose from, so when you are out in the field and need to maneuver with all of your gear on, you won’t be out of breath too quickly.

Conclusion

A shooting mat is more than just a comfortable place to lie down – it’s an essential tool for improving your shooting stability, protecting your gear, and ensuring consistency in your shooting technique. The Savior Equipment Folding Shooting Mat offers all these benefits and more. Its durable construction, thoughtful design features, and portability make it an excellent choice for both casual shooters and professionals alike. 

Whether you’re spending a day at the range or participating in a shooting competition, investing in a high-quality mat like this one will make your experience more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable.

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