Monopod,Bipod, or Shooting Sticks?

DOGCALLR

DOGCALLR

New member
Just wondered what the general school of thought is on "gun support devices". Pros,cons. This one's great, this one's junk. Plastic vs wood vs metal. Etc,etc. Lookin for opinions and recomendations.
 
I have a Harris Bipod that mounts to the gun, and a set of shooting sticks I bought on ebay. For calling I like the sticks because they are quieter and easier to work with, and if you end up shooting at a runner you can simply knock the sticks over and have them out of your way. With the bipod, its just there, dangling and catching on brush or your legs if they are outstreched. Also if something comes from an unexpected direction it's harder to get re-situated without being busted when using a bipod.
I do like the bipod for big game hunting and prarie dog shooting since you don't usually have to swing the rifle much or very quickly.
Bottom line, it depends on what you are doing. sticks are more versatile, gun mounted bipods are slightly more steady.
 
Sticks for me. Just like Kickj said the bipod gets in the way. I like a solid stick rather than the ones that "fold down". You can use the solid stick as a walking stick, poking stuff with and slapping your partner in the rear, to get his attention and stuff like that.
 
Harris is the only bipod in my opinion. Have used them since day one and still have my orginal that works.

I use Stoney Point PoleCat shooting sticks along with my bipod. They cover all situations.

The Mono Pod is another good product but find it no good for predators. It is more in line for PD's off a bench. If your area allows prone shots most of the time, Mono Pod and Harris is the way to go for this.
 
I use all three. Each has it's own usefulness in different sitiuations as described above. The monopod I have is a telescoping one from Stoney Point. It is kinda like a walking stick with rifle rest on top. Practice with any or all will help you learn each tools strengths or weaknesses.

Redhound80
 
I have two of the Harris bipods the short and the long. I don't really like them because i just don't like the way they feel when attached to the rifle. I now use the Stoney Point Pole Cat which works perfect when sitting . I gave my Stoney Point shooting sticks to my hunting buddy. They worked great unless the earth was soft and the weight of the rifle would push them into the ground and when you need to move your rifle to a different position one side would come apart because it was stuck into the ground and then you would have to lift the rifle and try to put it back together which was a lot of movement, the pole cat solved this problem. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
Shooting sticks work great if your sitting on the ground, where i hunt the pole cat mono unit works better as some times i use a chair and sometimes stand do to brush, pole cat works great for me at night rest the shotgun with light clamped to the barrel on it and keep one hand free to call with.

Gary
 
I've used 'em all. I like the Predator Sniper Styx. (read review here)
I've recently used the extensions and the tripod conversion for the Predator Sniper Styx. I liked them so much I wrote an addendum to the original review. RiverRunner should have that addendum posted soon. I don't like bipods or jointed sticks for the same reasons stated above. A monopod isn't as steady as the other options.
 
TRIPOD... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I stole the idea for a "Sniper Saddle" from SniperCountry.

Basically, take an old camera tripod (or you can pick up a cheapie at Walmart or Target or wherever) and attach a piece of PVC pipe that had been cut in half (to get a U-shape)to the top of the camera platform. Line that with some neoprene (I used a double layer of old mousepads). A can or two of spray paint to cover the shiny metal legs later, you've got an uber-adjustable camoflaged rest. You can adjust heights from nearly prone, to sitting, to standing. If you monkey with it a little, you'll find the right combination of support/stability, and still be able to pan/tilt to track along on those running shots. And it all collapses down into a very small, lightweight package. Throw a loop of nylon webbing around it, and you can sling it over your shoulder for packing it in or out. It's a pretty slick idea, honestly....
 
I have a Harris bipod on my .223. Its great. Can use it prone or sitting. Love it for calling coyotes in the open country and for gophers. Almost as steady as bench shooting when I am prone.
 
Shooting sticks are very versatile, and provide excellent stability. I built my own several years ago and swear by them. Good plans are available on Varmint Al's website. He calls them 'bifur-pods'.
 
the stoney point pole cat with telescoping legs is the only way to go!!!. I place it pretty close to the trigger guard and it will move at least 120 degrees side to side, which is plenty for just about any calling situation. The legs are adjustable, but I usually just set it about right, and lean it forward of backward to fit the height of the terrain, if its sloping down etc, also when when I need to shoot I can just lean forward or backward to adjust the height of the gun as needed, fixed bipods have no place on a calling rifle. IMO they should only be used for shooting at rocks or praire dogs.

I also use the pole cat when glassing terrain, the rubber rest at the top is great for resting your binocs on, it allows you to study and area, maybe even spotting animals such as deer that are bedded down.
 
I'd have to recommend the Harris Bipods as well. They are simply ROCK solid. They are always right there when you need them, nothing extra to carry.
 
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