A Shooter’s Guide to the Best Support Bags

Stability is one key to accuracy when rifle shooting. Even the best rifle and scope setup can suffer from instability caused by recoil, shooter fatigue, or uneven surfaces. That’s where shooting support bags come in. 

What are shooting support bags, and why do you need one?

At their core, shooting support bags are filled pouches or cushions crafted to stabilize a rifle by absorbing vibrations and reducing movement. They come in various sizes and shapes, each designed to address specific shooting needs. 

They’re tools for shooters to improve their stability, accuracy, and overall shooting comfort. These specially designed bags provide a steady platform for your firearm, reducing movement and allowing for a more precise aim. 

For example, rear shooting bags provide fine elevation adjustments, while larger options deliver maximum stability for long-range shooting.

How Different Shooters Use Support Bags

1. Precision shooters: Support bags help stabilize the rifle to give long-range shooters the accuracy they need for their long-distance shots.
2. Hunters: Compact and versatile options provide the stability hunters need without adding bulk.
3. Competitive shooters: In competitions like PRS (Precision Rifle Series), support bags offer stability and adaptability in fast-paced environments.

Features to Look for in Support Bags

Quality and functionality should be at the top of your list when choosing a shooting support bag. 

1. Materials and durability: The materials used in a support bag determine its durability and performance in challenging environments. Look for bags made from rugged, weather-resistant fabrics that handle repeated use.
2. Fill types: Lightweight fill maintains portability without compromising stability. These are great for hunters or shooters who prioritize ease of transport. Heavier materials provide a rock-solid base for precision and long-range shooting. These bags absorb recoil and prevent rifle movement for maximum accuracy.
3. Portability and weight considerations: Portability is important whether you’re carrying gear to a hunting site or packing for a precision rifle match. The right balance of portability and weight will depend on your shooting environment and how much gear you’re carrying.

Types of Support Bags

Choosing the right bag depends on your shooting environment, position, and level of stability required. At Cole-TAC, we offer a diverse range of support bags designed to meet the needs of all types of shooters. 

Rear Support Bags

Rear support bags help stabilize the rifle’s buttstock, allowing for fine adjustments and improved accuracy. These bags are essential for long-range shooting, prone shooting, and bench setups.

Woobie Bag, Waxed Woobie Bag, & Woobie Bag Stretch – These cylindrical bags provide smooth and precise elevation control for consistent aim. Their lightweight polymer fill provides a comfortable grip and easy maneuverability.

Trap Bag & Waxed Trap Bag – A versatile trapezoidal bag that conforms to various surfaces to offer stable rear support in different shooting positions. It also functions as a front rest when needed.

Front Support Bags

Front support bags provide a stable shooting platform by supporting the rifle’s fore-end. These bags help reduce movement and improve accuracy.

Flat Bag & Waxed Flat Bag – Thin and durable, these bags are excellent for shooting off barricades, ledges, or small openings. Their polymer fill prevents water absorption, making them perfect for outdoor use.

Boss Bag – A highly adaptable bag that can be used for both front and rear support. The adjustable strap allows height customization, making it a versatile option for shooters.

Positional Support Bags

These bags are designed to fill gaps between the shooter’s body and their rifle for additional support in unconventional shooting positions. Unlike traditional rear or front support bags, positional support bags help stabilize the rifle by conforming to the shooter’s body or shooting position.

Cuddle Bag & Little Cuddle Bag – These lightweight bags help stabilize the shooter by filling the space between their arm and body or between the knee and elbow in kneeling positions. Their multiple height options and elastic straps allow for quick adjustments.

Mega Bag – A large support bag that fills gaps in complex shooting positions. It provides stability when shooting from awkward angles or resting against barricades.

Specialty & Multi-Use Bags

Specialty bags offer unique designs ideal for specific shooting applications, such as barricade shooting, PRS competitions, and dynamic environments.

Tricorne Bag & Waxed Tricorne Bag – With three individual chambers, these bags provide stability by locking into tripods, tank traps, or posts on three sides. The waxed canvas option adds durability and grip.

Bitty Bag – Designed for pistol hunters and competitors, this ultra-compact bag provides a reliable rest for micro-adjustments. It’s also useful as a minimalist rifle rest for pack-in hunters.

For more information on shooting bags, check out Choosing the Best Lightweight Shooting Support Bag and Heavy Support Bags: Maximum Stability for Long-Range Shooters.

Support Bag Frame

For shooters looking to maximize stability and bag placement, our Backbone Bag Frame provides an innovative mounting solution. 

Our Backbone Bag Frame eliminates the need for straps over the rifle or optic, securing the support bag to a Picatinny or Arca rail. It’s compatible with several of our bags, including the Cuddle Bag, Little Cuddle Bag, Flat Bag, Tricorne Bag, and Trap Bag.

How to Use Shooting Support Bags

Knowing how to set up and position shooting bags helps you get the most out of your gear. 

Using Support Bags for Bench Shooting

Bench shooting emphasizes precision and consistency, making stability the top priority.

1. Setup tips: Use a heavy, stable bag like the Mega Bag or Boss Bag under the fore-end of your rifle to create a rock-solid foundation. For fine elevation adjustments, a Woobie Bag or Trap Bag in the rear will help you dial in your shot.
2. Shooting position: Keep your rifle’s weight distributed evenly across the support bags, and check the bags conform snugly to the rifle’s shape to minimize movement.

Using Support Bags in PRS Competitions

PRS competitions require adaptability since shooters encounter various obstacles and shooting positions.

1. Setup tips: Use versatile bags like the Trap Bag or Waxed Woobie Bag for barricade support, rooftops, or uneven surfaces. The Backbone Bag Frame increases stability by securing the bag to a tripod or rifle stock.
2. Shooting position: Practice proper body alignment and bag placement to reduce wobble. Use the bag to stabilize the rifle and your position on uneven surfaces.

Using Support Bags for Hunting

Hunters face uneven terrain, variable weather, and the need for quick setups. Shooting support bags make all the difference when lining up a shot.

1. Setup tips: Lightweight options like the Flat Bag or Bitty Bag are perfect for hunters who need to travel light. These bags are easy to carry and adapt to natural rests like rocks, logs, or uneven ground.
2. Shooting position: Place the bag between your rifle and the rest to create a steady shooting platform. For prone positions, a small rear bag like the Little Cuddle Bag will help stabilize the buttstock.

Choosing the Right Bag for Terrain and Shooting Positions

The terrain and your shooting position play a role in determining which support bag to use.

1. Flat, stable terrain: Heavy bags like the Mega Bag provide maximum stability for bench setups or long-range shooting.
2. Uneven or rugged terrain: Lightweight and versatile bags like the Bitty Bag or Trap Bag adapt well to unpredictable environments and natural rests.
3. Dynamic positions: For shooting on the move or in unconventional positions, choose bags like the Waxed Woobie Bag, which handles diverse uses.

Elevate Your Shooting

Whether competing in PRS, sighting in at the range, or taking aim in the field, having the right shooting support bag provides consistency and control with every shot.

Explore Cole-TAC’s full range of support bags to find the perfect fit for you and upgrade your shooting setup today!