Monopod, Bipod, or shooting stix?

Recon Ops

Recon Ops

New member
I'd like to ask people's opinions on whether they prefer a nice monopod, free standing bipod, shooting stix, or attached bipod to their predator setup. I've been going back and forth and would like insight from others. I've also seen a few youtube videos on the matter.

I've really enjoyed my monopod in that I can maneuver it in any direction keeping my left hand around the area which supports the gun. However, I cannot leave the gun on it's own with a monopod. Please offer your preference and a few reasons why you prefer it. Thanks all.
 
I have used quite a few things over the years. Harris bipods, home-made shooting sticks, and here recently the Redhead (Bass Pro house brand) copy of the Bogpod sticks.

Harris bipod is the most steady of the bunch, but least adaptable IMO. Most of the models cannot be raised high enough if you are on the side of a hill and shooting cross-canyon, and don't adjust fast enough going from downhill, to side hill, to uphill on one stand. Basically, I only use a bipod on flat ground while sitting where I know the shots might be really long, or for prone.

Home made stick are pretty good, I have used several different versions. Much more quickly adaptable for different situations, and you can make them for whatever height suits you and your particular style. Sometimes they try and flip open on you though, and there are limits to the adjustability.

I had been looking at the Bog Pod sticks for awhile, and really liked the looks of them. I had decided they were probably the ultimate shooting stick for calling, and although pretty pricey, I wanted to try a set. But everywhere I went, seemed like all they had was either the monopod or tripod, neither of which was what I wanted. One day I was in Bass Pro though and they had the Redhead. I got to looking at it, and decided it had all the features I wanted, and was only like $35-40 or something, so I bought a set to try.

All I can say is, I love them! Legs will adjust rapidly from short sitting, all the way to standing height (which I have needed a time or two). There is a strap that keeps the legs from spreading too far, and the head swivels. Plus they are really light, which is a big factor to me for how far I walk. If I was buying just one thing for calling, they would be it. Or the Bog Pod version, if you have the cash.
 
Stoney point tri pod sticks for me. Just slightly bigger than the bi pod and they let me lean into the gun a little more than the bi pods do.
 
Last edited:
up till now free hand willie for me, with a light weight AR and tiny scope. Just put the black hawk traverse track sport bipod on my new rile though and it sure has worked good at the range sighting in and in the living room lol. Too windy, wet, and buggy to get out and hunt since I got it though.
 
I have tried most kinds you listed.

I carry a shotgun with feet on the end of the barrel to keep it out of the dirt.

I then put the rifle off to the side, on Shooting sticks.

I tried the bi-pods. They just don't rotate, and get in the way when folded up and then get in the way putting them in and out of the truck.

I like heavier duty sticks so that when i walk out there a ways, and need to haul a coyote back, i use the sticks to carry the coyote and keep it off me, so that i don't get covered with blood while walking back.

I also like the fact that i have pivoting head, and it helps when you are tracking an incoming coyote. The other issue i have with Bi-pods are that there is a height limitation. I hunt areas where it's everything from standing next to a cactus, to sitting on the ground in open grass, and need my rest to be able to assist me in those situations. If you are in Idaho, you have open area's, and may also have area's where sitting in a 3 legged stool would help in the sage brush. Sticks are the only ones that will help you no matter where you are at.

Good luck.
 
BTW..

I rattle can spray my sticks with tan and brown (so buying black isnt' an issue) on one side and white on the other so that i am good no matter if it's snow or not.

I also sprayed my foxpro too, and in the snow, i put the call in a white trash bag with holes for the speakers.
 
Bog pod has a new item out. It mounts to your sling stud with a drop pin that locks into their platform like their interchangeable yokes do. It's a ball and socket so it should allow for cant, swivel, and level change. I just ordered one and will convert my gen 1 trigger stick bipod to accept it. Hoping for the best of both worlds.
 
Make mine sticks. Most of my predator hunting is done sitting so swivel not too important to me. Even standing, don't have much trouble re-positioning sticks if needed. Also, never venture too far from vehicle so can choose proper height sticks depending upon situation, so prefer my home-made (cheap) , ummm, custom built sticks.
smile.gif
The 3/4" tall sticks are plenty sturdy to lean into, yet light enough to carry easily. The only advantage I can see of the store bought ones is if you walk in a long ways, as has been mentioned, they fold up for easy carry, but I use mine quite often to poke around in high grass before walking through in snake country.

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2181379

Another advantage, w/the cheapo sticks, I'm not hesitant to use them for a target frame to check zero if the need arises.
lol.gif


Regards,
hm
 
Over the years, I have used 2 different telescoping monopods. One was a "sitting" version. The other was a longer "standing" version.
I don't recall the brand, although I know both are the same brand.
Lightweight to carry.
Easy to maneuver while on stand.
Somewhat easy to pan on a moving target...but not a fast-moving one.
However, like stated, you have to keep holding them or the whole works falls over.

I also have made, and used a couple homemade versions of shooting sticks.
My originals are made from 3/8" vinyl-covered, aluminum garden stakes, and are approx. 36" long when not in use.
Light weight, easy to move in short grasses, and easy to pan in most directions.
But they suck in tall grass, because you have to lift them too much to move them.

The second set is made from the same type of garden stakes, but are 3/4" diameter, and stand about 5 ft, when not in use.
I made these a few years ago, for two reasons:
#1) I had gotten to the point that I could no longer sit on the ground, and had to always sit on a stool.
#2) It had become necessary for me to walk with a cane., So I made these long enough & stout enough that I could use them for a walking staff, in lieu of the cane.
I have to admit that I didn't get enough usage before having to stop hunting (health/weight), in order to give any decent feedback about them...other than to say that they do make a good walking staff. Hahahaha

Probably my favorite rest aid, is the old set of "original" Stoney Point Rapid Bipod sticks.
If you are unfamiliar with them, they are a telescoping "bipod" that work like shooting sticks (IMHO), but attach to the sling stud.
They detach from the gun when not in use (for carrying).
Given how they attach, they pan very nicely...up; down; side to side. Works great for moving targets, even running ones. And (IMHO), work well on any terrain, flat ground or hillside.
As with sticks, if you keep the butt of the rifle on your knee or shoulder while calling, they keep the gun up & at the ready.
Since the legs telescope, they work whether sitting on the ground; on a seat or stool, or kneeling.
Stoney Point originally made these in 3 different versions...Prone; Sitting; or Standing.
The ones I have are the Sitting version.
Since Stoney Point was bought out, I do not know if they still make all 3 versions.
I have also heard that the quality of the newer models is not nearly as good.
 
Depends, if the field of fire is wide, then monopod.
If it is narrow, then a tripod.
Both of mine are light wt camera style with an inexpensive "Y" adapter on top.
Like the monopod cause it doubles as a walking stick.
 
Lol, you asked for opinions & on this subject you will get many. All good !

After trying many it's Primos bi pod trigger sticks for me. Fast deployment & at any height you want. Just do a search on here on them. I think you will find many many many here love them.

Happy shopping or making whatever you decide on !
 
Originally Posted By: Pa. Mick...it's Primos bi pod trigger sticks for me. Fast deployment & at any height you want.

Yep, me too. Unless your butt's flat on the ground, they're perfect. Since I usually sit on something to give me elevation (stool, chair, bucket, etc.) or stand next to something with spines, I rely heavily on the Trigger Sticks.
 
I have bipods (13.5 to 27") mtd. on the gun as I sit on the ground most times in a Les Johnson seat that I can't say enough good things about. That being said, sometimes I am sitting on a 3 legged "Primos blind chair" because of cover or terrain & at that time I use the Primos gen 2 trigger tripod that extends between 27" & 40". If Primos made a trigger stick that went from about 20" to 40" I would probably remove the bipod.
 
Last edited:


Write your reply...
Back
Top