Shooting sticks or bipod? What brands?
- Thread starter roky0702
- Start date
For big game hunting (which is mostly spot and stalk or still hunting for me), I use Stoney Point sticks. For predator calling, I frequently use my swivel-top buck in the brush, so I just got a set of long Primos trigger sticks. So far I like them real well. They work well when you have to stand because of heavy brush too.
I'm not so sure about standing shots...doesn't sound like me. I think I would rather be sitting/prone. I have access to a tall harris non-swivel bipod but don't like the fact that you can't pan your rifle very well without having to pick it up off the ground. I really like the Stoney Point 16-38" and Bogpog SB-2 17-39" for $50. The Primos Trigger Stick 32" bipod is similar...ooo nevermind those are expensive. Oh, I don't know! I guess I'll just ask for one of them for Christmas, quit bit-ching, and be happy. Hopefully Bogpod will offer a PM member discount (cough, elbow, wink). The Bogpod can swivel with stock in the rest or easily pan with the Stoney Point, so they seem about equal to me. I think the Bogpod would just be more of a hassle having to get rid of the red grips somehow.
What would you prefer and why out of the Stoney Point and Bogpod?
What would you prefer and why out of the Stoney Point and Bogpod?
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Bax
New member
I hope my new guy comments dont come off as a know it all type thing, but I am kind of a gun nut and am always looking for equipment that meets my needs.
Here are my observations:
A bi-pod is great for sitting on a hill and taking shots at targets in front of you (like prairie dogs), but its range of motion is limited in the sense that it limits the effective area covered by your rifle by panning from left to right. So you have to pick up the rifle and re adjust if you are trying to shoot outside of the angles it provides. One thing I like about them is that it really is a stable platform for quick shooting. One thing I dont like is that it makes a rifle heavy in the front end and really throws it off balance, which makes for a difficult off-hand shot.
Shooting Sticks really provide a fair amount of versatility and freedom when taking a shot that you need stability with, but can be cumbersome to carry.
My other point to consider is quality. I have two friends that both went on the cheaper side for a bi-pod and for shooting sticks. Both of them broke the first day they used them. I learned from them and bought a Harris Bi-Pod and have never had a problem with it (BTW it doesnt swivel, and I dont think it was worth the extra money). And with the shooting sticks, after seeing my buddy fidget with them for a few minutes, I decided that it just wasnt worth the frustration for me personally.
Here are my observations:
A bi-pod is great for sitting on a hill and taking shots at targets in front of you (like prairie dogs), but its range of motion is limited in the sense that it limits the effective area covered by your rifle by panning from left to right. So you have to pick up the rifle and re adjust if you are trying to shoot outside of the angles it provides. One thing I like about them is that it really is a stable platform for quick shooting. One thing I dont like is that it makes a rifle heavy in the front end and really throws it off balance, which makes for a difficult off-hand shot.
Shooting Sticks really provide a fair amount of versatility and freedom when taking a shot that you need stability with, but can be cumbersome to carry.
My other point to consider is quality. I have two friends that both went on the cheaper side for a bi-pod and for shooting sticks. Both of them broke the first day they used them. I learned from them and bought a Harris Bi-Pod and have never had a problem with it (BTW it doesnt swivel, and I dont think it was worth the extra money). And with the shooting sticks, after seeing my buddy fidget with them for a few minutes, I decided that it just wasnt worth the frustration for me personally.
sharkathmi
New member
I've used Harris bipods most of my adult life. Never had a need or desire to use sticks.
Then I found out that using a bipod in brushy, grassy, uneven, rocky terrain was a real pain in the ___!!
So I tried sticks and at first I hated them and I would go back to the bipod and experience my troubles all over again.
I finally got used to sticks and now I really like them. Because they are not attached to the rifle you can rotate your rifle counter clockwise or clockwise and I can get the rifle level fast. The other thing I can do is pivot the rifle left or right, a lot, and I don't have to worry about tweaking the legs on a bipod.
I never had the swivel type of bipods, but even if I did it would help me on the left or right swing of things. You'd still have to pick up the bipod and move the legs a bit or risk bending them.
JMO
Then I found out that using a bipod in brushy, grassy, uneven, rocky terrain was a real pain in the ___!!
So I tried sticks and at first I hated them and I would go back to the bipod and experience my troubles all over again.
I finally got used to sticks and now I really like them. Because they are not attached to the rifle you can rotate your rifle counter clockwise or clockwise and I can get the rifle level fast. The other thing I can do is pivot the rifle left or right, a lot, and I don't have to worry about tweaking the legs on a bipod.
I never had the swivel type of bipods, but even if I did it would help me on the left or right swing of things. You'd still have to pick up the bipod and move the legs a bit or risk bending them.
JMO
I have a Harris 6-9" w/ notched legs for sighting in/prone shooting and my stepbrother has the tall for hunting, but I agree about the panning from left to right so I will get some shooting sticks. Now my decision is buy the short Stoney Point, Bogpod, or DIY my own pair (pvc, wood, etc.) Also the Stoney Point has a V rest which I like but I don't know about the Bogpod SB-2's U-shaped rest. It seems a little constricting for movement...but maybe that's good. I would still have to get rid or paint the red grips [beeep]. How many people have made their own and what materials? Would most of you spend your money on nice sticks or save some money and DIY?
Thanks for all the opinions!
Thanks for all the opinions!
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mark shubert
New member
Being a simple man, when I forgot my homemade sticks - I took 2 pieces of broken sucker rod (windmill) and a piece of inner tube, lashed 'em together and got by. Most anything will work!
Mark
Mark
Lonnie
New member
I don't like any type of crossed sticks for predator calling. If I am sitting in weeds, they get caught and are hard to move quietly...especially if I have to turn 90 degrees or so. I like a monopod with a forked rifle rest on top. If my back it to a tree or fence post, it is all the support I need to make a good shot out to 300 yrds. With the Stoney Point monopod, I can adjust the height when I sit down. I have tried several types of bipods and shooting sticks and they just aren't practical for me when predator calling. My 2 cents. You can see my shooting stick in this pic.
NYyotekiller
New member
I used to use a bipod but switched to predator snyper styx. i found that you get more versatility with them especially when the snow gets deep up here in the north east.
http://www.topratedadventures.com/Mfg/PredatorSniperStyx.htm
http://www.topratedadventures.com/Mfg/PredatorSniperStyx.htm
Varmintnv
New member
Originally Posted By: nitisI found a great compromise in the stoney point rapid pivot bipod. It is flexible like stix yet more stable and quickly detaches if you desire and is not heavy like a bipod.
Love mine
+1
I switched from a Harris to the Rapid Pivot this year. So far, I'm really liking the flexability of it.
Love mine
+1
I switched from a Harris to the Rapid Pivot this year. So far, I'm really liking the flexability of it.
mtnkid85
Member
I have a harris 6-9" bipod on my gun. Pretty much worthless in the sage brush I usually hunt.
I also made a set of shooting stix out of old tent poles I had and rubber bands.
So far of the couple of coyotes Ive killed Ive shot them all off my knee! The little bipod I have is awesome when the terrain allows it, but is just too short most of the time. I can also see how having a taller one would be a major pita when swinging left-right.
My shooting stix... meh, my rifle with the B&C medalist stock just doesnt sit on them very well. I feel like they are alway about to fall over, or my rifle tips over in them clanking against them. And the ONE coyote I shot at using them I missed...
Ill keep tring the stix, but so far I havent been terribly upset with just my knee. I sit in a crazy creek chair, kinda leaning back so I can make my knee just about the perfect height, no matter the terrain Im sitting on.
I will say though, once I was watching two Coyotes ~400 yrds away through my scope off my knee. There was just too much movement for me to be comfortable taking a shot at that distance from my knee.
I also made a set of shooting stix out of old tent poles I had and rubber bands.
So far of the couple of coyotes Ive killed Ive shot them all off my knee! The little bipod I have is awesome when the terrain allows it, but is just too short most of the time. I can also see how having a taller one would be a major pita when swinging left-right.
My shooting stix... meh, my rifle with the B&C medalist stock just doesnt sit on them very well. I feel like they are alway about to fall over, or my rifle tips over in them clanking against them. And the ONE coyote I shot at using them I missed...
Ill keep tring the stix, but so far I havent been terribly upset with just my knee. I sit in a crazy creek chair, kinda leaning back so I can make my knee just about the perfect height, no matter the terrain Im sitting on.
I will say though, once I was watching two Coyotes ~400 yrds away through my scope off my knee. There was just too much movement for me to be comfortable taking a shot at that distance from my knee.
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3807patriot
New member
I think as you can see already it is going to come down to personnel preference. I have tried Harris bipod great for PDs but dont care for them for coyote I have the 23" and dont think there tall enough for me personnel preference(PP). I have made 2 sets of sticks from electric fence rods from fleet farm cost me about $3-4 per set one set is a little taller then the other reason being is I prefer to sit flat on a butt pad but at times find a stool easier to see over short brush and one stick height doesnt work for both styles of sitting.
Start out with the fence rods from FF a couple of rubber Orings a piece of innertube or a piece of cord to lash them together and then try and tweak to your own personnel preference.
Plus side of makeing your own there cheap and it gets you started and gives you a reference to figure what you do or dont like with out spending a bunch of money on stuff you dont like.
Start out with the fence rods from FF a couple of rubber Orings a piece of innertube or a piece of cord to lash them together and then try and tweak to your own personnel preference.
Plus side of makeing your own there cheap and it gets you started and gives you a reference to figure what you do or dont like with out spending a bunch of money on stuff you dont like.
Yeah I wouldn't feel comfortable with my knee. My body is awkward and I'm not flexible in the least so some type of shooting stick is the answer for me I think. Might just go cheap with PVC or something.
For the crazy creek chair, are you talking about one of the canoe models? Where it's just the butt pad and back support held together by straps on each side?
For the crazy creek chair, are you talking about one of the canoe models? Where it's just the butt pad and back support held together by straps on each side?
HPW
New member
I have made my own sticks. I'm on version 4.1 as I like to call it. If you have the patience and enjoying doing things yourself as opposed to buying them then why not build your own. Each time I make some changes to address something I think can work better. I don't always use them but I usually have a few in the truck in case I want to. I have a bipod, but really not practical to me for predator hunting.
The plus side in having the sticks is they get handy for other tasks as well. Testing the depth of a creek before crossing, poking in sage brush for snakes before sitting down next to it, keeping aforementioned snakes at bay after realizing that wasn't the bush to sit down next to, etc.
The plus side in having the sticks is they get handy for other tasks as well. Testing the depth of a creek before crossing, poking in sage brush for snakes before sitting down next to it, keeping aforementioned snakes at bay after realizing that wasn't the bush to sit down next to, etc.
harris1980
New member
I like sticks for shooting cause they adapt well to most calling spots i pick, and for walking in sliding down hills or not testing water and ice thickness they are pretty handy. Mine are stoney point although i think there are better ones.
3807patriot
New member
Sorry to hijack but if I could find a bipod that worked closer to my wants I might prefer a bipod.
What I would like
Adjustable height between 12-36" give or take one inch either way.
Tilt and pan
Quick disconnect something thats not any more complicated or slower then lifting the rifle from a set of sticks.
And all this at a reasonable price I dont consider the $100 range reasonable for what your actually buying.
What I would like
Adjustable height between 12-36" give or take one inch either way.
Tilt and pan
Quick disconnect something thats not any more complicated or slower then lifting the rifle from a set of sticks.
And all this at a reasonable price I dont consider the $100 range reasonable for what your actually buying.
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3807patriot
New member
Roky try makeing a set however you want but I believe if you try 1/2" pvc youll find them to be whimpy and anything much larger dia unwieldly, The fiberglass fence rods from FF are about 3/8" and appx 36" long or even a set of old broom handles will get you started or you can purchase dowel rod in various dia from most any home improvement or hardware store.