A few months ago, I got the notion to start doing more shooting away from the bench ... a more realistic approach to shooting. At that point, I had only an old wool blanket in between myself and the concrete slab of the firing line. I was also (and still am for the most part) using a Starlight Rifle Case to transport the rifle to and from the range. Great protection, but lugging that beast from the truck to the line can be a chore.
Hence, I came upon the idea of buying a dual purpose shooting mat / soft case. Most shooting mats roll up like a sleeping bag, and many soft rifle cases aren't really good shooting mats.
Enter Blackhawk's Stalker Drag Bag. A tri-panel designed, padded shoooting mat that can be folded around the rifle and secured via 4 latches located evenly accross the top. The rifle is secured inside the bag via the same type of latch. Weighs about 3 lbs, alot lighter than the Starlight. The inside panels have a pocket for ammo (with elastic straps to secure the 10 rounds it can hold) and a larger pocket for ear plugs, data / log book, pens, Britany Spears pics, whatever. 1/2" foam padding. 46.5" X 23.75 - 32"...doesn't completely pad my legs... The carrying strap is attatched with those snap clip hooks, similar to the old 782 gear. This is a good thing: it can get lost, but you won't be lying on it while you're shooting. If the strap is lost, theres a handle strap on the two sides of the bag.
It's made from the usual Blackhawk mil-spec nylon, available in OD or black...get the OD: black will make you think you're in a suana if you're not in the shade. I have no complaints about the workmanship yet...that may change.
Price is $US119, plus shipping.
The Stalker Drag Bag does what I've asked it to do: carry my rifle and pad my gut from the cold concrete. Is it a must have piece of equipment: NO. Is it convienient: I would prefer to have more pockets on the outside, but it'll do. Is it grunt-proof: so far. Will it handle stalk after stalk, day after day, for weeks on end: I don't know. I can't really see me putting it through enough of a trial for a valid comment. For the average shooter, I don't think it's a bad deal...just nothing to write home about.
There are some other drag bags out there: Eagle Industries is made in the U.S.A., whereas BH stuff is now manufactured in Vietnam. London Bridge Trading Co. also has one. Both of these bags can run $US200+.
In all honesty, this bag isn't bad...HOWEVER, if I REALLY needed a good Drag Bag,or any other of this "Tactical" equipment there's Mike Dismuke's company, Desert Specialties, over at Sniper's Hide making this kind of stuff one at a time. He can pretty much put out anything you want, for probably alot less.
Overall, it's a good product, maybe great, but there are better bags out there, and some of those are easier on the wallet.
My 2 cents...
Regards,
S.
Hence, I came upon the idea of buying a dual purpose shooting mat / soft case. Most shooting mats roll up like a sleeping bag, and many soft rifle cases aren't really good shooting mats.
Enter Blackhawk's Stalker Drag Bag. A tri-panel designed, padded shoooting mat that can be folded around the rifle and secured via 4 latches located evenly accross the top. The rifle is secured inside the bag via the same type of latch. Weighs about 3 lbs, alot lighter than the Starlight. The inside panels have a pocket for ammo (with elastic straps to secure the 10 rounds it can hold) and a larger pocket for ear plugs, data / log book, pens, Britany Spears pics, whatever. 1/2" foam padding. 46.5" X 23.75 - 32"...doesn't completely pad my legs... The carrying strap is attatched with those snap clip hooks, similar to the old 782 gear. This is a good thing: it can get lost, but you won't be lying on it while you're shooting. If the strap is lost, theres a handle strap on the two sides of the bag.
It's made from the usual Blackhawk mil-spec nylon, available in OD or black...get the OD: black will make you think you're in a suana if you're not in the shade. I have no complaints about the workmanship yet...that may change.
Price is $US119, plus shipping.
The Stalker Drag Bag does what I've asked it to do: carry my rifle and pad my gut from the cold concrete. Is it a must have piece of equipment: NO. Is it convienient: I would prefer to have more pockets on the outside, but it'll do. Is it grunt-proof: so far. Will it handle stalk after stalk, day after day, for weeks on end: I don't know. I can't really see me putting it through enough of a trial for a valid comment. For the average shooter, I don't think it's a bad deal...just nothing to write home about.
There are some other drag bags out there: Eagle Industries is made in the U.S.A., whereas BH stuff is now manufactured in Vietnam. London Bridge Trading Co. also has one. Both of these bags can run $US200+.
In all honesty, this bag isn't bad...HOWEVER, if I REALLY needed a good Drag Bag,or any other of this "Tactical" equipment there's Mike Dismuke's company, Desert Specialties, over at Sniper's Hide making this kind of stuff one at a time. He can pretty much put out anything you want, for probably alot less.
Overall, it's a good product, maybe great, but there are better bags out there, and some of those are easier on the wallet.
My 2 cents...
Regards,
S.