Long-distance shooting often takes us to places far and wide, albeit not always with a steady groundwork for gun shooting.
Besides, there is no guarantee that you’ll get to use your desired equipment during a hunt. But there is one essential object that is equally handy, a shooting rest.
Shooting rests provide a steady platform for prone position shooting. We also love to put it under our thigh or arm while sitting or kneeling. The additional support reduces muscle strain and fatigue to a great extent.
There is a variety of shooting bags available in the market. But not all of them are worth your money. Hence, we have reviewed some of the top-selling shooting sandbags that will help you get to the best shooting sandbags.
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Best Shooting Sandbags in 2022
Here is our take on the most popular sandbags for shooting. This list includes some of the best shooting rests that are currently available in the market.
1. Twod Outdoor Shooting Rest Bag | Front and Rear Support Sandbag
If you’re looking for a hunting rest bag that is versatile yet budget-friendly, then the outdoor shooting rest bag from Twod might be the one for you.
The set includes a front and a rear shooting bag. The bags ensure that you get a consistent and solid platform for range shooting no matter where you are. They will provide optimal support for rifles, shotguns and even pistols.
Another feature that we love about this product is that how easy it is to carry around. The bags are small and lightweight AND have shoulder carrying straps.
Also, you can fill these bags with sand, cat litter, lead shot, plastic pellets and so on.
The bags are made with durable and water-resistant 600 denier oxford fabric. And the velvet top protects the finish of your gun. The bags feature easy filler openings. The folded wide Velcro closures ensure that everything stays put.
Most Liking Features
What we love about this product is that at such an affordable price, these support bags offer very good value for money. The support that they provide for rifles are on par with many high-end brands.
Probable Drawbacks
While the bags are made with durable polyester fabric, the single stitch might not be strong enough to hold a heavy filling in the long run. They are more appropriate for light duty work.
Key Features
- Material: 600 Denier Oxford fabric
- Size of front bag : 10″(L) x 8 1/2″(H) x 6″(W)
- Size of rear bag : 5″(L) x 5″(W) x 4.5″(D)
- 10 pounds of filling is sufficient for the two bags
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
2. Caldwell DeadShot Boxed Combo | Front and Rear Shooting Bag
Caldwell is one of the pioneer manufacturers of shooting supplies. The quality of this brand speaks for itself. It is one of the most trusted names for buying shooting rest.
The DeadShot shooting bag combo will give you a steady shooting system anywhere and anytime. It can be used on pretty much any surface and can be adjusted to any position during use.
The bags are made of durable and water-resistant 600 denier polyester. The top nylon is non-marring and can handle aggressive rounds of practice.
They sport a quick-connect heavy-duty poly clip and D ring that attach the front and rear bag for easy transport.
You can use any filling of your choice for these bags. We recommend plastic pellets, cat litter, pine shavings or dried corn husk. A bag of 10-12lb filling is enough to fill the two bags. They cost under $5 and are available in your local Walmart.
Most Liking Features
Despite all these features, the Caldwell DeadShot Boxed Combo bags come at a surprisingly reasonable price. The durability and versatility of these bags are mind-blowing.
Probable Drawbacks
We love almost all the features of these bags. But we would have preferred if the mouth of the filling hole was a bit bigger. However, a funnel can solve this issue perfectly.
Key Features
- Has a green body with black top
- Dimensions of front bag : 10” (L) x 8” (H) x 7.5” (W)
- Dimensions of rear bag : 5” (L) x 5” (W) x 4.5” (D)
- Material: 600 Denier Polyester
- Will hold up to aggressive quad rails
3. Hiram Front and Rear Shooting Sandbag | Army Green Color
Hiram is another popular manufacturing company for their sports and hunting accessories. They are known for providing high quality gears at a super affordable price point.
These shooting bags are made of durable 600 Denier Oxford fabric. The tough and water-resistant bags are perfect for hunting and gun shooting in any environment. The non-marring and non-slip top protects your rifle finish.
These sandbags will support any type of rifle or shotgun and minimize recoil.
We love how versatile and convenient these bags are. They make great additional muscle support for elbows and thighs while using other gun rests such as bipods.
The front and rear bags are lightweight and small. The bags have a Quick-Connect system that attach the bags together. Additionally, they sport shoulder carrying straps on both bags for ease of transport and maximum comfort while hunting.
Most Liking Features
Both of the bags come unfilled but are easy to fill by yourself. They feature a funnel shaped tube that can be extended and filled effortlessly. The folded Velcro closures ensure there are no spills during action.
Probable Drawbacks
Even though the bags are made with durable canvas fabric, the seams might wear out over time. We recommend not to drag it along extremely abrasive surfaces.
Key Features
- Size of front bag : 9” x 4.5” x 7.5”
- Size of rear bag : 5” x 3.9” x 5.9”
- Has shoulder carrying straps
- Has Velcro Closure System
- Great value for money
4. S2Delta Tactical Rear Squeeze Bag | Long Range Shooting Rest
S2Delta is a veteran-owned shooting equipment manufacturing company. They combine engineering expertise and operational experience to formulate mind-blowing gear and equipment at a great value. They make some of the best shooting sandbags for precise shooting.
Their field expertise is apparent in their equipment. The Tactical Rear Squeeze Bag is a solid rear rest that provides sturdy support but is flexible enough to ensure precise shooting. The removable inner-bag of filling can be adjusted to the preferred amount.
You get a choice of a prefilled or unfilled bag while ordering. Besides, the bag features a practical and easy-to-fill zipper closure system. So, you can replace the filling whenever you want. And you don’t have to worry about any mid-hunt spill!
The bag is made of durable 1000 Denier textured nylon. It is resistant to water, abrasion, and fading. The loop handles can be attached to your gears and make convenient transport. Its adaptability and versatility are unmatched.
Most Liking Features
This rear bag might cost a bit higher when compared to the other bags in this list. But the superior quality of the materials and the versatility are worth every penny. There is no doubt about its resilience and endurance.
Probable Drawbacks
This is not a probable drawback per se. But many users have found that this shooting bag might be a bit on the smaller size. But its solid support more than makes up for its size.
Key Features
- Material: 1000 Denier Nylon
- Has Zipper Closure System
- Provide heavy-duty
- Dimensions of the bag : 5” (L) x 2” (W) x 6.5” (H)
- Lightweight and easy to carry
5. Sandbaggy Burlap Shooting Bag | Multifunctional Sandbag, Unfilled
Sandbaggy is a well-known name in many households for providing durable and hardy sandbags. They rank highest in selling sandbags across the internet, and rightfully so. They are trusted by government and nonprofit organizations alike, including the US Army and Red Cross.
Burlap bags are a classic form of rest used for gun shooting. They are made naturally from jute or hemp plants and have no synthetic materials. Hence, they are 100% bio-degradable, eco-friendly, and have no carbon emissions.
These bags come unfilled and have a weight capacity of 50lb. You can use any filling you want without worrying about the weight. The 14 inch wide mouth makes for easy filling. And the pre-attached tie string ensures no spill.
The shooting bag minimizes recoil and provides a solid platform for long-range shooting. It can be used for any rifle or handgun. These tough sandbags are multifunctional and can be used for various purposes.
Most Liking Features
The heavy woven fabric sports a double stitch, hence there is no fear of ripping if dragged on rough surfaces. It is a heavy-duty sandbag that is suitable for extreme environments. The amount of filling can be modified according to desired amount.
Probable Drawbacks
Burlap sandbags are sturdy but made of porous fabric. Thus, fine filling such as sand might leak out of the bag. In this case, we recommend gravel, construction, or all-purpose sand.
Key Features
- Made with 100% biodegradable natural fabric
- Pre-attached string tie system
- Size of the bag : 14” (W) x 26” (H)
- Long lasting and heavy duty
- Great value for the price
Things to Consider Before Buying Shooting Sandbags
Expense
Contrary to popular belief, a high price does not always equate to high quality. You can find many high quality sandbags at an affordable cost. In fact, some of the best sandbags for shooting come at a mid-range price.
Thus, you don’t always have to blow your budget to get a stable shooting rest. You may also like some of the rear bag for benchrest shooting from our list, so take a moment to check them out.
Manufacturing Details
The durability of a sandbag can be interpreted by observing its manufacturing details. Fabrics that are thick and heavy will form a stout and long-lasting bag. This also ensures that your bag does not rip when dragged through abrasive platforms.
Additionally, look out for the stitching that the bag has. No matter how strong the fabric is, the bag wouldn’t hold out if the stitch is flimsy.
Single stitching often wears out during long periods of use. Some are even prone to tear when filled with heavy fillings. It is better to look for thick or double stitches that will ensure the longevity of your bag.
You do not need a heavy-duty bag if you plan to use it for a few rounds of range shooting practice. A simple canvas bag will suffice. However, if you plan on hunting in an extreme environment, opt for a bag with sturdy material and finish. For more amazing products like this, check out our guide to the OWB holster for M&P shield 9mm.
Easy Filling
Filling a sandbag is one of the first jobs that you have to do after you buy it. Even if you choose a prefilled bag, you have to refill it at some point. So make sure you choose a bag with a convenient opening. Especially if you are a beginner.
You can go for a bag with a wide mouth or an extended funnel-like opening. If you are using fine material such as sand or cat litter, be prepared for a little bit of dust. Make sure to wear safety goggles and materials when working on a windy day.
Easy Transport
Small and lightweight bags make the perfect shooting rests. They are versatile and easy to carry around. Shooting sandbags with straps are more convenient and can often be attached to your gear for excellent precision.
Closure System
The closure system can play a great role in the adaptability of your bag. They also ensure that the filling of your bag is secured and will not spill amidst action.
We are fond of the folded Velcro Closure system. It makes a wide and simple opening for filling. Upon folding it, the insides are secured and nothing is at risk of falling out.
Zipper closures are also a practical system. They allow you to adjust the inner part according to your desire. And once closed there is no opportunity for any leakage. But make sure that your zipper is intact at all times.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. Should I choose an unfilled sandbag?
There is no rule regarding the choice of a filled or unfilled sandbag. However, unfilled sandbags are usually preferred because it gives you the liberty to choose your filling.
Besides, it saves you from paying the extra shipping cost that comes with the weight of the filling.
2. What is the best filling for my sandbag?
In most cases, you can use any filling you want. But if you are concerned about the resilience of your bag, select a light filling such as plastic pellets, pine shavings, or cat litter.
Also, avoid using uncooked rice to fill your bags. It attracts rodents very quickly and is more expensive than other fillings.
3. How much filling do I need?
This depends on the size and weight capacity of your bag. A standard-sized bag needs somewhere around 5lbs-12lbs of filling. For better adaptability, it is better not to fill the bag up to the brim.
4. Can I use sandbags for smaller guns?
Yes, you can!
Sandbags can be used for big and small handguns alike. They provide optimal support for rifles, shotguns, pistols and so on.
5. Are sandbags better than bipods?
Yes, they are.
Bipods react according to the platforms they’re on. On the other hand, sandbags will provide a consistent and staunch support no matter where they are. The best target sandbags for shooting provide long-range accuracy at all times.
Final Words
The topmost quality of materials helps you find an excellent product. We have reviewed and listed some of the aspects of the best shooting sandbags in the market. And we hope that this list will clear out all your queries.
The ideal shooting rest bag will help you enjoy the thrill of a successful hunt and accurate marksmanship spontaneously without breaking your bank.
