shooting sticks or bi pod

S

Saws21

New member
Looking for opinions-pros-cons on using shooting sticks or bipods?
My opinion so far is bi pod, well its attached, so you can't forget it lol.
But shooting sticks maybe more versatile?
What do you all think?
I'm a newbie and have not had a bi pod before either.
Thanks
 
I do alot of coyote tracking in the snow,my pref is shooting sticks . They are liteweight and I can use them to check snow dept when crossing ditches and drifts. I shoot off them stitting or kneeling.
 
I prefer bipods, but have never used a set of sticks. To me, they seem like to big of a hassle to get setup and in the right position not too mention that I highly doubt they will allow you to be as steady as a set of bipods. Most of my shooting is done in prone position with 9-13" harris notched legs. I do occasionally swap them out for the 26"(IIRC) for some stands that don't offer a decent spot to lay prone but Im not nearly as steady and my effective range drops quite a bit. I also like the fact that my pods are always on the rifle and I don't have to carry sticks in my hand while im walking.

In the end I think it will boil down to personal preference, JMO
 
I'm a shooting sticks man. I tried the bipod and it wasn't for me. Just a personal thing. I feel I shoot better from sticks. Try them both and you will know right away what you like.
 
Shooting sticks....use them as walking sticks, they do a great job helping me walk in the rough terrain. Also can poke the coyote with them to make sure they are dead..:)
 
I have a short bipod on many of my rifles. They serve two purposes. First, if you have time to set up for a long deliberate shot, prone is a great option, particularly with the support of a good bipod. Second, and this is particularly true of my coyote rifle, the bipod is a great way to keep it up out of the dirt while I hold the shotgun. I don't think I've every killed a coyote off the bipod, but have shot many over sticks. I prefer the Primos trigger sticks since I hunt brushy country and often sit on a "dove bucket" rather than right on the ground. Plus, the trigger sticks work great for stands when you have to stand. The only rifle on which I have a seated height bipod is my prairie dog rifle. It's often hard to shoot prone in the grass, and I don't want to carry other heavy rests on walking varmint hunts.
 
Prone was great.........20 years ago when I could get up. At 77 years of age, I find it increasingly difficult to get up from prone or even sitting (on ground), not to mention that in the the terrain I hunt, everything either sticks or bites.

Therefore, sticks rule! As has been stated, they make excellent walking sticks, probes (no snow here but some comfort is derived when wading through knee to waist deep grass in rattlesnake country by "feeling" ahead of your footsteps).

Having seen several commercial stick (locks) fail in the field, I have settled on home built sticks and carry two lengths in the jeep to shoot from either sitting or standing, depending on the particular stand.




Proper set up and use of shooting sticks can provide near bench-rest stability from any position, is much quicker to shift positions when a target appears at an odd angle and can be ditched in a hurry to swing on a running target, not to mention the fact that they make a pretty nice field expedient target frame in a pinch.



Regards,
hm
 
I use a bipod. I haven't tried shooting sticks, but one advantage to them might be in getting off a second shot. I have noticed the bipod impedes me somewhat, trying to get on the second animal, which is a runner. I was thinking that with sticks, it might work better. No question that if I am prone, with bipod, dog down. I like that, and I can always go down the road to another set, and call in a single....maybe.
 
Thanks for the opinions! those are all great points.
The only thing I can think of bad with sticks are, in case the yote comes in from a diff direction then what you are set up for, does anyone make some where the legs stay spread when moving? (legs stay spread maybe inappropriate lol) but you know what I mean .
what do you all think about that then?
 
I use both.I have a short Caldwell bio pod for prone shooting when the opportunity presents itself and sticks for sitting and kneeling shots. Adds a bit of weight but it's assist than trying to sit prone with sticks.
 
Quote:The only thing I can think of bad with sticks are, in case the yote comes in from a diff direction then what you are set up for, does anyone make some where the legs stay spread when moving?

That's not a problem.

When a move is necessary, grasp the sticks & rifle forend and pick up as a unit to move. Becomes second nature once you get used to it. For most stable position, you grasp the sticks & forend and pull rifle into your shoulder as a unit anyway. I usually have the sling in that grasp as well. The rifle keeps the legs spaced properly during the move.

Regards,
hm
 
STICKS for me... My daughter uses a Harris bi pod on her little SPS tactial. She is 14 and they work perfect for her height. I use a set of stoney point shooting sticks I use them predator hunting and deer hunting when I am not in a stand. I have tried numerous bi pods and none seem to be the right height.

Try the sticks as far as I have seen they are cheaper to then most bipods. They work as well as walking sticks for the most part.

Trial and error pick what fits but if I was recommending to you it would be trying sticks first...
 
I've several different kinds, and I use my Primos Trigger Stick

They are very adjustable on the fly, so you can move from one kind of a set to another & the Primos Trigger Sticks will conform to a wider variety of sets up. And, they change in an instant.

My standard shooting sticks are OK, but aren't nearly as versatile as the Primos. My BiPods are nice also, but very one dimensional in comparison to the Trigger Sticks.

 
I bought a Harris bipod (13-27" with pivot) and put it on my .243 bolt gun. I've been using it for 4 months now on both deer and coyotes. Here's my take:
Good:
don't forget it as you mentioned
pretty versatile for many positions
quiet
very stable

Bad:
extra weight in the rifle
stick feet tangle ALL the time in grass
follow up on a moving target is difficult
if you have to shoot on a moving target quickly, the legs hanging down can catch or bump objects and cause misses
shiny, had to paint mine

After hunting with a partner for 14 stands, I'm about to switch to sticks.
 
I prefer sticks as they are not attached to the firearm, and so if they get tangled in snow or brush, and can still move the firearm if needed for a shot.

I can see where prone position might be easier with a bi-pod, rather than sticks.
 
I have been doing the same research, and although I cant speak on either, I think I have decided to go with the Snipe Pod. I have read nothing but excellent things on them
 
I've used a tall Harris Bipod for years. Works fine for me as far as height, but if something comes in from a different direction or have to move quickly it isn't the best for me. I've been running this set up this year: electric fence fiberglass rod sticks Not my video by the way.

Now thinking about a tripod from Bog Pod as the next move. Most of us will try both the bipod and sticks over time. I would second the motion to try the sticks first. Just because you spend more doesn't mean that you get more in real world field conditions.
 
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How far are you shooting? If you are shooting at ranges of 100 or less why don't you just learn to shoot from a decent sitting position? Those bipods etc are handy if you make long range shots but for called in coyotes I find bipods or shooting sticks just a P I T A to pack around or fiddle with.
I do use a harris bipod on my antelope gun but I am shooting at 300 - 500 yards and they do shine for that.
 
WaltB,
I was planning on shooting from a sitting position.
When you shoot from a sitting position do you just shoot offhand?
 


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