Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ Review

The Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of gun mats. However, the Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ instantly stood out. It promised a durable, spacious, and visually appealing workspace for maintaining my AR-15 rifles.

I needed a reliable gun mat to protect my workbench and firearms during cleaning and assembly. My old towel just wasn’t cutting it anymore. It would slip, provide little padding, and soak up solvents like a sponge. I was looking for something purpose-built, durable, and easy to clean. After researching various options, the Midwest Industries mat seemed like the perfect fit.

The mat arrived rolled neatly and securely packaged. Unrolling it revealed a vibrant graphic of an AR-15 exploded view. The heavy-duty rubber base and soft, heat-bonded polyester surface felt instantly premium. Compared to cheaper, thinner mats I’ve used in the past, the Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ exuded quality. I had considered a similar mat from Real Avid, and another basic black one from Wheeler, but the Midwest Industries version won me over with its distinctive design and lifetime warranty.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The size, construction, and design surpassed my expectations. I was excited to put it to work.

Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ to the Test

First Use Experience

I immediately put the Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ to use during a deep clean of my primary AR-15 after a dusty day at the range. I set it up on my workbench in the garage. The non-slip rubber base held it securely in place, even when I was applying considerable force while disassembling the rifle.

The spacious 36″x12″ area provided ample room for all my components and tools. The padded surface protected the finish of my rifle from scratches. I was very pleased that the oil and solvent resistance claims were true. Nothing seeped through to my bench.

There were no immediate issues. I was very impressed with the mat’s performance during its first use. The ease of cleanup was a welcome change from my old towel setup.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ has held up remarkably well. I use it at least once a week for cleaning, maintenance, or minor modifications to my AR-15s. It still looks and performs as new.

I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear, even with regular exposure to solvents and oils. The dye-sublimation printing remains vibrant and hasn’t rubbed off at all. Cleaning the mat is incredibly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild soap is all it takes to remove any residue.

This mat has far exceeded my expectations for durability and ease of maintenance. It significantly outperforms my previous makeshift solutions and some cheaper gun mats I’ve used in the past. Its longevity and performance make it a worthwhile investment.

Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″

Specifications

The Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ features a spacious 36″x12″ work area. This provides ample space for disassembling and cleaning most AR-15 rifles. The mat is constructed of 1/8″ vulcanized rubber with a soft heat-bonded polyester surface. This protects your firearm from scratches and provides a non-slip base.

The printing is done using a dye-sublimation process. This ensures the image won’t wear or rub off, even with frequent use and exposure to solvents. The mat is also solvent and oil resistant. This adds to the overall durability. Finally, Midwest Industries backs this product with a lifetime warranty. This demonstrates their confidence in its quality and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ performs its primary function exceptionally well: protecting your firearm and work surface during maintenance. Its spacious size, padded surface, and non-slip base make it a pleasure to use. It truly is a significant improvement over using a towel or other makeshift solution.

Its strengths include its durable construction, ample size, solvent resistance, and ease of cleaning. A minor weakness is that the polyester surface can stain slightly if certain harsh solvents are left on it for extended periods. But overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. Midwest Industries uses high-quality materials that feel durable and well-made. The mat lays flat and provides a stable, comfortable workspace.

There’s no learning curve involved. Just unroll it and get to work. The exploded view of an AR-15 can even be helpful for referencing component locations during reassembly, especially for newer gun owners.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ is built to last for years with proper care. The vulcanized rubber and heat-bonded polyester are both highly resistant to wear and tear. As described, maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down after use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″ is a standalone product and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with any AR-15 cleaning kit, gun vise, or other maintenance tools you might already own. It does not offer specific customization options, besides choosing between the Midwest Industries Alpha Series or the AR-15 Series design. However, the primary function of this product is not customization, but rather a dependable and practical workstation.

Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries AR-15 Series Gun Mat 36″x12″