Whats the preference for you guys. I usually find a sticked fork in the woods, but I am contemplating putting a bi-pod on my rifle to save the headache of finding the perfect stick.
Steve
I had a bipod on my 22-250. I used it once and then I took it off and whipped it as far as I could. Actually Rick223 took it so I didnt have to whip it.
I hated it. There's no way to pick the gun up and move to the left or the right without making a big scene with a lot of movement, the legs are caught in the weeds, stuck in the snow, the ground is rocky and wobley and uneven....
I think they'd be great for out on a prairie or someone relatively uniform, but that isnt here.
I use a pair of Reubs Sniper Styx now and I love them. They adjust to almost any terrain the instant you set your gun on them. If I need to shoot to the left or right, I gently lift the rifie and the styx fall back on my knees which are less then a couple inches away...movement virtually undetected.
I use sticks. I use them to hold my gun in a ready position,Rifle or shotgun it doesnt matter. Now as far as shooting ,I shoot off hand most always. My shots are always 75 yards or less because of the way and location I hunt. RP
I have a set of sticks that I really like, but I am thinking of switching to a monopod. Anyone have any thoughts on that? :shrug:
Hey, thanks for the info...you guys just saved me a hundred bucks or so, I will look into the sticks instead. They seem to be more versatile. I'd also be curious to see if anybody has any experience with the monopod too.
Steve
Steve
Sticks are better than a bipod.
If another person is doing the calling a monopod works great. CCP let me use one of his at the lbl and it was every bit as good as a set of sticks.
Mike
I have both and leave the bi-pod on for groundhogs. There really aren't many surprises with them. Field of beans, eaten out patch, set up facing the patch. Right now it is hog season around here. If you don't know where they would be going it would be a different story.
Jerry
I have used Bi-pods and hated them. Like said above they maybe good for flat land but here they dont work well for me. Stix are the only way to go for me.
Brent
I made a Bi-Fur-Pod (shooting sticks) that are described on Varmint Al's site.
http://www.varmintal.com/abifu.htm
Total cost was about $7.00 and they work great.
Semp
Look at some of the mono pods They work the best for me. You can turn any way you want without having to move the base. I used sticks for years and never really liked them for anything other than flat wide open ground.
When I would have a coyote charge in suddenly at close range to my extreme right or left. I would have to drop the sticks or pick them up to move that far.
The mono pod allows me to just turn any direction naturally.
QuoteCCP let me use one of his at the lbl and it was every bit as good as a set of sticks.
I was wondering where my mono pod went :laf:
I use the extra tall Harris, swivel/pivot model, on all my rifles.....I started out with sticks....used several different styles....hated carrying them and setting them up.....'course I had been using Harris bipods for 20 years or so before that, so I guess I am just partial to 'em...
To me they have a short-coming or two, but far outclass the sticks for convenience/accuracy...
Just my .02 and I seem to be in the minority on this one :shck: :confused:
Joe
:laf: Joe yer not the only one I use a bipod most of the time although I do use stix as well .. they both have there place
Mono pod gets my vote, when I use anything. It just feels like I get the most freedom of movement. Awhile back I found a set of adjustable ski poles on sale for a few bucks somewhere. I replaced the handles with a V shaped piece, painted em camo, and there ya go, two mono pods. ( I know, :hahaha: tight wad, right :biggrin: )
I have a Harris bipod i use for open country. I made a set of sticks, 5/8" hardwood dowels 4 foot long held together with 2 ball/loop bungies, that i prefer for most eastern hunting.
Use a shot gun, call them in close and leave the accessories at home :nono:
I'm with CCP. I like a mono pod, but I use sticks quite a bit when I am by myself calling. It helps keep the gun up.
i tried the bipods, have a couple different kinds, one a Caldwell that piviots and swivels. Sittng height,. Waste of money for me.
Right now I am working on a walking stick that has an adjustable bracket on it that you use like a monopod. Seems to work well at the range, and we will see what the real world tells us this fall.
Al
THO Game Calls
www.thogamecalls.com
Wal-Mart has a good Mono pod for $10. Brand name is Allen. It's not quite as steady as my sticks, but works OK. I still use my sticks most of the time.
I come pre- equipped with a knee :biggrin: Jimmie
Now this has been a very useful thread, thank you everybody. I think I will try making a pair of sticks first and see how that works out, I can progress from there. It really seems to be a matter of preference, and Arky you seem to be standing out as an oddball :wo: I won't count out the bi-pod just yet, but I will work my way up to it. If I do get one and it doesn't work on my new toy, I have a .223 that it would work nicely on for chucks :eyebrow:
Steve
Me and the lil-man used sticks till this past season. I got the Allen mono-pod weedwalker was talking about and love it. Lil-man still uses the sticks as they give him a better support for now. Bi-pods are only used for ground hogs and since the sticks, they are used to collect dust.
I never could see any sense in the units you mount on your rifle for the same reasons others have posted. They just don't work in this part of the country. I have made several kinds of shooting sticks, all worked, from the simplest to the most complex, but none could compare to the Stoney Point product. I use the longer model, which allows you to sit up on a fallen tree or stump and have the length to have a steady rest. They even offer a stabilizer leg to convert it into a tripod which gives you total stability with the option to pivot the entire set up on the pivot leg. The rubber padded yoke keeps your rifle from slipping, but does not prevent you from panning at nearly any normal shooting angle that presents itself. Light and stable, fool proof operation for over 8 years with one set. I keep my sticks adjusted to the right length for kneeling down shooting, with a good rubber band around the two legs at the very bottom, making it function like a monopod, but the rubber band will easily break if you are in a hurry to change to the bipod setup. Each leg independently adjustable makes it easy to make a level setup on any terrain. A simple carring strap made of your choice of materials makes it convenient to carry with quick access. Mine is made of parachute rope and works fine. Great product worth the money.
As far as a multi use product goes, MTM makes a combination walking cane, with an adjustable gun rest that effortessly slides up and down the shaft and locks in place at your chosen height. The shaft is pointed on the lower end, making it easy to stabilize you when walking steep hills or to make a solid shooting setup. It is constructed out of virtually indestructible material, flat black, and only costs around $20.00.
CCP
QuoteYou can turn any way you want without having to move the base.
Could you explain ?
You can tell more about it by going to their site and looking and reading, but basically, the tripod adapter leg will swivel independently of the two bipod legs. You can sort of tilt the whole setup, with just the tripod adaptor leg touching down, pivot, and then resume your bipod or tripod stance. Here is the link to their site: http://www.stoneypoint.com/
I will second what possumal said. I have tried 4 different types of shooting sticks and they all work ok. However I
use the Stoney Point bipod system now and am very happy with it. I have adapters on all my rifles and use the one set of bipods for each rifle. It is easy to use and very steady at the shot. It beats the sticks in my opinion.
Bob
If you are calling prone, the short bipods are a must.
Randy
QuoteI was wondering where my mono pod went :laf:
Me and my big mouth. :biggrin:
QuoteCCP
Quote
You can turn any way you want without having to move the base.
Could you explain ?
I think he meant that you don't have to lift the monopod off the ground and reposition it. The monopod gives you a greater range of motion without having to adjust the base/bottom of the pod. Right?
Quote from: Bob D on June 27, 2007, 03:49:20 PM
I will second what possumal said. I have tried 4 different types of shooting sticks and they all work ok. However I
use the Stoney Point bipod system now and am very happy with it. I have adapters on all my rifles and use the one set of bipods for each rifle. It is easy to use and very steady at the shot. It beats the sticks in my opinion.
Bob
Bob D: You are using a different Stoney Point system. I use the bipod sticks that let out the longest. I use that one set for any gun I am hunting with. I can come off them immediately if the need presents itself and rest against a tree, my knees, my pack, whatever. I don't want anything attached to my gun. Different strokes for different folks. I was trying to explain the advantages of the tripod adaptor you can purchase to use with either of the bipod sticks.
I tried to explain several times in writing but it just didn't sound right. So I went outside and shot a short clip. This was a fast put together no second takes but I think it explains a little of why I use the Mono pod. BTW I am not affiliated with stony point.
The clip is at the bottom of the page.
Good video clip Rich. I especially liked the ole "Hey Jim" you threw in there. :roflmao:
Great clip Rich
Now to the real debate.....Cute fat woman or Thin ugly woman. :shrug: :eyebrownod:
Very enlightening...thanks for the visual display, it really opens up the eyes.
cute fat women or ugly skinny women :wo: :wo: Hmmmmm How many of those Moosehead can I drink first :holdon:
Steve
[ [/quote]
Bob D: You are using a different Stoney Point system. I use the bipod sticks that let out the longest. I use that one set for any gun I am hunting with. I can come off them immediately if the need presents itself and rest against a tree, my knees, my pack, whatever. I don't want anything attached to my gun. Different strokes for different folks. I was trying to explain the advantages of the tripod adaptor you can purchase to use with either of the bipod sticks.
[/quote]
I'm using the Stoney Point Rapid Pivot Bipod system. It snaps on and off your rifle in a flash. Works for me.
Harris short. I call prone, it's the only way I roll.
If they catch me off guard and throw me a curve, I'm pretty good at improvising.
Brad
Very Good Clip Richard :congrats:
Nice clip, Rich! I especially like that Remington Nylon 66. That's one of my favorite .22's. :yoyo:
Good clip Rich.
The only problem I have with my mono is it's not tall enough to use standing up unless I bend down a bit. I wish the guys & gals that make this stuff would consider the fact some of us are tall.
I have never tried the monopod but i have owned sevral sets of harris bipods.I never owned a set of the pivoting ones.I personally prefer a good set of sticks for coyote.For groundhog i use a good homemade sandbag.
:roflmao: He's like " hey Jeem" :yoyo:
I thought that was neat at the end. I am guessing a story in there.
I use sticks during the day. at night I use a tripod system for the rifle. If I do not use that it is a shotgun all the way. no need for a rest with that. last weekend I shot off one of the stoney point shooting sticks that extend from 25" all the way up tall enough for a standing shot with me. I liked em and are planning on buying a set. mainly because I do not like the added weight of the bipods. for ground hogs I use sticks or if I am in a field that I can lay down in I use a short bipod.
Rich: Great video clip. Like you said, it is hard to make a post that really explains it like a video. I guess that is where the old adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" comes from. When you use the tripod adaptor leg with the long bipod sticks, it enables you to do some of the same pivots you showed with the add on tripod leg doing the pivoting. I don't have the tripod adaptor at this time, but I know how it works. I'll post some pictures after while showing the versatility of how I operate with the long Stoney Point bipod sticks. I am not a representative for Stoney Point either, but wouldn't mind being one if they'd keep me supplied with equipment :roflmao:
I bought and tried on of those stoney point mono-pods just when the came out. After ten or twelve stands I realized they were not for me, and haven't used them since. My problem with them is that when I'm on a stand I do to much work with two hands, like using both hands to cup and work the call, attaching a megaphone on my calls etc, monopods were just not convenient . More like a pain in the ass.
Short Harris( L model swivels) on all my calling rifles for prone work and home made sticks is the way I go.
Rich and the gang: Here is a series of pictures showing how I use the Stoney Point bipod sticks. First picture shows the rifle resting by itself. You can't do that with a monopod. Second picture shows use sitting on a cushion. Third picture shows sitting on a folding stool. Fourth picture shows using it as a monopod for a quick shot you come across on way to stand. Fifth picture shows using it as a monopod with both legs together (twice as strong as one leg). Sixth picture shows standing up using as a tall bipod, much steadier than a monopod. Seventh picture shows how tall a two legged monopod it can be (Right at 6 ft.). Eighth picture shows how I carry it with the parachute cord strap and a rubber band around the bottom, ready to use for a kneeling monopod shot or break the rubber band or remove it, and change to a bipod use. I have wrapped the upper, non movable sections with green felt, secured with camo tape, making it much more comfortable to hold in extreme cold and making it quieter for transport on a sneak. As Bugs Bunny would say, "That's all folks". :yoyo:
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks002.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks003.jpg)
IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks004.jpg[/IMG]
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks005.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks006.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks007.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks008.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e280/Possumal/StoneyPointsticks009.jpg)
Good idea about wrapping the top section. :wo: I like those summer hunting shoes too. :yoyo: They do sell camo socks too you know. :eyebrownod:
Quote from: weedwalker on June 29, 2007, 10:53:34 AM
Good idea about wrapping the top section. :wo: I like those summer hunting shoes too. :yoyo: They do sell camo socks too you know. :eyebrownod:
I was just signing on to modify my post to keep your wise butt from making some smart comment about the poor old possum, wearing sissy sandals and white socks after a foot operation yesterday. I am surprised you didn't jump on how fat I look there, you hairy faced, weed walking fool you! You knew I had to pull those camo clothes on over other clothes to take those pictures, but you show no mercy, even on a buddy. Just remember, paybacks are hell! :roflmao: :roflmao:
Quote from: possumal on June 29, 2007, 11:09:26 AM
wearing sissy sandals and white socks after a foot operation yesterday.
I can understand why you're wearing them on one foot, but your just a sissy for wearing one on your other foot. :roflmao: :roflmao:
You got me on that one, Weedwalker! :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: That will add to the severity of the payback though, so beware of the old possumal. He might jump out of a tree on your sorry butt right at daylight.
Great pics, Al! Pics are definitely worth more than words. :congrats:
Ya might consider a face mask to go with those shoes though. Ya don't want to scare off the yotes (as well as us FnF'rs) :roflmao:
Just kidding. I hope I look that good when I get THAT old. :roflmao: :roflmao: :biggrin:
Quote from: Semp on June 29, 2007, 01:35:42 PM
Great pics, Al! Pics are definitely worth more than words. :congrats:
Ya might consider a face mask to go with those shoes though. Ya don't want to scare off the yotes (as well as us FnF'rs) :roflmao:
Just kidding. I hope I look that good when I get THAT old. :roflmao: :roflmao: :biggrin:
O.K. Semp, you've joined the ranks with old Fuzzy Faced Weedwalker, and have a payback coming. :laf: I have a burlap bag that will cover me pretty good, with eye holes, a nose hole, and a mouth hole, but somebody might think I'm trying to start some new secret society or something. :roflmao: As far as the age part goes, if I get up in the morning and I'm still on the right side of the grass, I feel like I have it made these days. Darn, I hate hot weather!! I do hope the pictures showed the versatility of the long sticks. The way I carry them, they are the first thing I can get real quick if the need arises, and I keep them the right length to make a perfect kneel down monopod. It is just a stronger monopod with two legs. :yoyo:
Quote from: possumal on June 29, 2007, 07:33:21 PM
It is just a stronger monopod with two legs.
You might have a good idea there Al, :wo: A Mono-pod with two legs :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
I couldn't help it. I know you meant with the legs together :roflmao:
Quote from: weedwalker on June 30, 2007, 03:55:51 AM
Quote from: possumal on June 29, 2007, 07:33:21 PM
It is just a stronger monopod with two legs.
You might have a good idea there Al, :wo: A Mono-pod with two legs :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
I couldn't help it. I know you meant with the legs together :roflmao:
Hmmmmmm. That means you knew it is not a bipod until you spread the legs out. High intelligence personified, you fuzzy faced rascal :roflmao: You probably had your mind on other legs. :roflmao:
I have no use for a bi-pod that attaches to forend of my rifle. It would be too slow getting the rifle into shooting position on running coyote at close range. I almost have never used shooting sticks either. I understand the value of shooting sticks out in open country with no tree, rock or anything else solid, that I can use as a back rest when I park my butt down on a calling stand. I call from sitting position with my left knee up. Resting my left elbow on my leg makes a really handy rifle rest.
Hey Rich: That is why I wanted that seat we put together at your place. My low back won't let me sit long and certainly not as still as you need to be with nothing to rest my back against. Even without the seat though, I could never get anywhere near as steady using my knee or knees as a rest compared to these particular sticks. Of course, that is more important on the longer shots than under 100 yds. A lot of the country I hunt up here in "Kaintucky" gives you longer shots which I like. Probably a throw back to my groundhog hunting days, where distance with accuracy is what we worked on all the time. A good range finder is of great importance. I always use the few minutes of quiet time when I first sit down to range several landmarks of the area I am watching in case the long shot is what presents itself. These sticks are so quick to adjust to whatever terrain you are on and that is one of my main likes about them. I am 100% in agreement with you on attached bipods though, as they just don't fit my methods. If I was hunting a lot of flat country and doing a lot of prone shooting, I am sure they would be fine. Another good product for the guys who want to use their knee came out of turkey hunting equipment development. I think it is Hunters Specialties that makes a padded "V" shaped knee pad that works like a worker's knee pads, allowing you to rest your rifle in it, and have your hands free for using binocs, etc. There are a lot of strokes for different folks available, which keeps it interesting. :yoyo: We have lots of trees to rest your back against up this way, and I usually use just a bunsaver type cushion, and don't need the seat apparatus.