Best Shooting Bags – What The Pros Use
The Evolution of Shooting Bags
Shooting bags have significantly advanced in the past decade, transforming long-range precision shooting. Today, shooters have access to specialized bags tailored for various shooting scenarios. The 200 top-ranked shooters in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) have seen firsthand how innovations such as the Game Changer Bag Design and the transition to sand-filled bags have transformed shooting stability and precision in competitive environments.
The Game Changer Bag Design
The Game Changer bag, introduced in 2016 by Clifton Reasor of Reasor Precision, revolutionized shooting bag design. Its unique V-shape allows for enhanced stability, particularly when shooting from barricades and props. The introduction of this bag forced match directors to reduce target sizes because shooters achieved unprecedented steadiness.
Sand Fill Bags
The past five years have seen a shift towards sand-filled bags, especially in improvised shooting positions. Comparatively, sand-filled bags offer more stability than their lightweight counterparts, significantly reducing rifle wobble. PRS champions consider these bags essential for competitive shooting, emphasizing their superiority over other fills for positional bags.
Waxed Canvas Bags and Maintenance
Waxed canvas has become the preferred material for shooting bags, with its flexible and responsive texture enhancing grip and stability. Regular maintenance, including rewaxing, is crucial for optimal performance. Professionals like Austin Buschman recommend frequent rewaxing to maintain the bag's grip on various surfaces, which contributes to shooting accuracy.
How Many Bags Do You Carry At A Match?
A survey of the top PRS shooters showed that 85% carry either two or three bags to matches. This typically includes a larger rear bag and a smaller positional bag filled with sand. Interestingly, 64% of shooters use the same bag model for both rear and positional purposes, although top shooters like Austin Orgain and Austin Buschman prefer distinct bags for each role to maximize stability and ease of use.
Best Rear Bag
Brand & Model
Over 99% of top PRS competitors use either the Armageddon Gear Game Changer or the Wiebad Fortune Cookie as their rear bag. These models offer versatility and stability, with multiple sizes available to suit different shooting scenarios.
Fill for Rear Bag
The choice of fill is predominantly sand, used by 67% of top shooters, due to its superior stability. However, lighter fills like ultralight beads are also popular for rear bags. The weights of these fills significantly impact the bag's performance, dictating the level of support and steadiness they provide.
Best Positional Bag
Brand & Model
In terms of positional bags, the Armageddon Gear Game Changer remains the top choice for 71% of professional shooters. The Wiebad Fortune Cookie is used by 28%, reflecting its unique advantages for specific shooting positions.
Fill for Positional Bag
A staggering 93% of the professionals choose sand fill for their positional bags. This fill type is integral for achieving the stability needed in precision shooting, aligning with the preferences of the sport's top competitors.
Plate Bags and Waxing Techniques
Plate bags, crucial for efficiency in multi-positional shooting stages, attach directly to the rifle. They are especially advantageous in transitioning between positions quickly, a strategy employed by elites like Austin Orgain. Waxing techniques are an essential part of maintaining bag integrity and performance, with waxed canvas providing superior durability and grip.
FAQs
Q: Why is sand fill popular in shooting bags?
Sand fill offers superior stability, reducing wobble and providing a more solid shooting platform, which is preferred for both rear and positional bags by PRS shooters.
Q: How often should waxed canvas shooting bags be maintained?
Regular rewaxing, ideally before competitive stages, is recommended to ensure optimal grip and performance, as suggested by top shooters like Austin Buschman.
Q: What makes the Armageddon Gear Game Changer a preferred choice?
Its V-shaped design offers enhanced stability on barricades, and it allows for customizable fill, making it a versatile choice across various shooting positions.
Meta Description: Discover the top shooting bags used by PRS shooters. Learn about innovative designs like the Game Changer and preferences for sand-filled, waxed canvas bags in precision rifle shooting.
