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How to Make a Shooting Mat

A shooting mat allows a firearms user to comfortably lay or sit on the ground while shooting his weapon without getting dirty. A variety of shooting positions are based upon close contact with the ground; being able to concentrate on the mechanics of shooting instead of other side concerns enables the shooter to get the best scores. A simple shooting mat that protects from dirt and provides comfort is easy and inexpensive to make. A basic skill at hand-stitching is necessary for creating the mat.

Things You'll Need

2 6-by-6-foot heavy duty plastic tarps
Batten
Nylon thread
Heavy duty sewing needle

Instructions

- 1
  Lay a heavy duty 6-foot-by-8-foot plastic tarp on the table.
- 2
  Arrange a batting such as a bed comforter that is not used any more on top of the tarp.
- 3
  Trim the batting with shears to the size of the tarp. The batting should cover just the inside of the tarp, leaving the grommets on each side free. A comforter that has been cut may need stitching up along the sides if it has filling inside.
- 4
  Lay a matching tarp on top of the batten, making a sandwich of the materials.
- 5
  Backstitch around the edges of the mat, sealing the two tarps together with the batten between them.

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