NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC Review

The NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC Made a Bold First Impression

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my share of shooting mats. The NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC promised a compact and comfortable prone shooting experience at an enticing price point. My initial reaction leaned towards skepticism, as budget-friendly options often cut corners, but I was genuinely curious to see if this mat could deliver.

My primary need was for a lightweight, easily portable shooting mat that wouldn’t break the bank. Many of the mats I’ve used are bulky and expensive, making them impractical for quick range trips or carrying into the field. I needed something that offered a decent level of comfort without adding significant weight or bulk to my gear.

Upon unboxing, the NcStar shooting mat presented itself as a simple, no-frills design. The tan PVC material felt reasonably durable, and the roll-up design was undeniably compact. I immediately noticed how light it was, a characteristic highlighted by other user feedback; the almost too light feeling was definitely present.

I considered other mats like the Creedmoor Sports Deluxe Shooting Mat and the MidwayUSA Pro Series Shooting Mat. The Creedmoor option, while top-notch, was significantly more expensive. The MidwayUSA mat, while a closer competitor in price, seemed bulkier based on online images. I chose the NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC for its purported portability and value.

Initially, I felt cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design was appealing, but I wondered about its stability in windy conditions. The build quality seemed adequate for the price, but only real-world testing would reveal its true potential.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC at an outdoor shooting range on a moderately windy day. I was primarily shooting a .308 bolt-action rifle from the prone position. The ground was a mix of hard-packed dirt and short grass.

The mat provided a noticeable improvement in comfort compared to lying directly on the ground, but the wind was immediately an issue. Even a slight breeze caused the mat to lift and shift, requiring constant readjustment. I also found that the PVC material became quite slick in the dusty conditions, making it difficult to maintain a stable shooting position.

The adjustable shoulder strap, meant to secure a bipod, proved somewhat useful, but it wasn’t a game-changer. It helped a little with forward movement of the rifle, but the mat itself still slid around. After the first use, I was left with mixed feelings; comfortable enough, but the lack of weight and grip were significant drawbacks.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, primarily at the same outdoor range, the NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC has shown some signs of wear. The PVC material has scuffed and scratched, but it hasn’t torn or delaminated. The stitching along the edges remains intact, which speaks to the overall construction.

The mat’s lack of weight continues to be its biggest weakness, especially in exposed areas. Cleaning the mat is relatively easy; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. Compared to heavier, more durable mats I’ve used in the past, the NcStar mat definitely falls short in terms of stability and wind resistance, but excels in portability.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC

Specifications

• Dimensions (Unrolled): 69″L x 35″W. This provides adequate space for most shooters in the prone position.
• Dimensions (Rolled): 19.5″W x 8.5″H. The compact rolled size makes it easy to transport and store.
• Material: Water and chemical resistant PVC. The PVC construction offers some protection from moisture and spills.
• Padding: 0.30″ thick. This provides minimal, but noticeable, padding for comfort.
• Color: Tan. The tan color blends well with many outdoor environments.
• Features: Adjustable shoulder strap/bipod securing strap, slip-resistant elbow/knee panels, hook and loop straps for securing the rolled mat. The slip-resistant panels are a nice addition, but their effectiveness is limited by the mat’s overall lack of weight.

These specifications matter because they dictate the mat’s primary functions: portability and comfort. The lightweight design and compact rolled size make it easy to carry, but the thin padding and lightweight PVC compromise comfort and stability. The adjustable shoulder strap, although useful, can only compensate so much for these limitations.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC primarily functions as a barrier between the shooter and the ground. It accomplishes this basic task adequately, providing a slightly more comfortable shooting experience than lying directly on dirt or grass. However, it’s far from perfect.

The mat’s biggest weakness is its lack of weight, making it prone to shifting and lifting in windy conditions. The slip-resistant panels offer some grip, but they’re not enough to compensate for the mat’s overall instability. While the pad meets expectations for minimal protection, heavier material that adds weight is needed for more difficult environments.

Design & Ergonomics

The mat features a simple, straightforward design. The tan color is practical for outdoor use, and the roll-up design is undeniably convenient. The build quality is acceptable for the price, but the materials feel somewhat cheap.

There is virtually no learning curve involved in using this mat. Simply unroll it and start shooting. The addition of the shoulder strap offers a tactical advantage in keeping the rifle from moving too far forward.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the PVC material and basic construction, I don’t expect this mat to last for years of heavy use. However, it should hold up reasonably well for occasional range trips or light-duty applications. Maintaining the mat is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC comes with an integrated shoulder strap and two hook and loop straps. There are no further customization options available, and there aren’t accessories designed for this particular mat.

Pros and Cons of NcStar CVSHMR2957T Roll Up Shooting Mat Shooting Mat Tan 69″L x 35″ H PVC