Shooting Sticks

Here are four of the rifle supports that I use most often. They are all commercially made. Homemade shooting sticks can work very well but that's another topic. The prices are from memory, I'm sure that you can shop around and find any of them cheaper on sale.

From left to right;

BogPod bipod shooting sticks. They are adjustable from 23"-45". The yoke swivels 360. They are well built and lightweight.
I use them when I'm setting on a cushion or low stool, but they are usable up to regular chair height. These are the most versatile of the lot and are my favorite shooting sticks for predator hunting. $40.00.

BogPod tripod shooting sticks. They adjust from 32"-70". The yoke swivels 360. They are well built and fairly lightweight. We use these when we are standing up to predator hunt. They are really nice for standing because we can walk around the tripod when tracking an approaching animal in the scope. They are too tall to use setting on the ground but they can be used setting in a regular chair. $75.00

Harris bipod. This is the 25C model with 27" legs and a swivel head. I am not a real fan of a fixed bipod but it does have it's place. The advantage is that it is attached to the rifle so you won't forget and leave it in the truck or on a stand. The main disadvantage is that they are not adjustable for uneven ground, and the fixed legs can get caught up in vegetation if you have to re position for a shot. I do use them when I have to walk a long distance and I'm hunting open areas like pastures. They are too short to use from a chair, you have to set on the ground or on a cushion. $120.00

Caldwell DeadShot FieldPod. The legs adjust from 12" to 32". It swivels 360. This is a rock steady rest. I don't use it predator hunting because it is a little cumbersome to move if I have to re position for a shot. I do use it for ground hog hunting and I really like it for that. I think that it would also be excellent in a ground blind. It can be used while setting on the ground up to regular chair height. $100.00
 
I also use the Stoney Point bi-pod, but I have the old ones with the black rubber yoke. The newer ones by Caldwell with the grey rubber yoke are crap. I also like the Primos Trigger Stick. Nothing adjusts quicker on uneven ground.
 
I use and really like my Primos Trigger Sticks (GenII) on most stands. I never know when I leave the truck if I'll be sitting or standing, so it's nice to have the immediate adjustability. If they had the U-shaped top like the Bog-Pods above they'd be perfect.
 
I use a Harris Bipod but as previously stated, is not ideal but probably the best overall of those I use.
I also use the Primos Trigger Sticks, tri-pod in the Jim Shockey edition. The difference in this one over the 1st generation is that the legs will spread out so I can use from a sitting position all the way up to standing. What I don't like about it is it is just one more darn thing to carry whereas the bipod is attached and much lighter.
I use both though and they each have their place.
 
I use the Cabela's shooting sticks, they are a little heavier duty, and adjust from 29" to standing.
I never know if I am going to be sitting on the ground, in a stool because of sage, or have to stand due to the brush.

I like the thicker tougher ones, incase i am out walking and get a coyote that I now have to drag back. I use the stickes to hold the coyotes off of me so i don't get blood all over me before getting back into the truck.
 
Here is the best I have found. Cost is 29.99 free shipping
The Stoney Point Rapid Pivot Tripod system from Stoney Point delivers 360° shooting versatility. The legs move silently and independently on the flexible attachment yoke. Twist, turn and tilt on any terrain - this is an extremely versatile in-the-field shooting rest.

Extends from 25-43"
The quickest attaching tripod on the market
Snaps right to your rifle stock
 
I've bought a few different set of sticks and they all worked pretty good. Home made sticks are cheap and work quite well.

I'm older now and sit on a stool when calling and the Bog Pod bipod works great for this. They also have the capability of adjusting to a lot of different terrain like if you're sitting up in the rocks. I use the Bog Pod exclusively now.
 
I use a set of Cabela's shooting sticks bi pod model. Can use sitting or standing. Rest swivels 360 degrees. Had some bog pod camo leg devils in tripod. Nice but a little heavier. I liked the u shaped rest on it better though. I've tried the primos trigger sticks my buddy has. I really like how they expand and retract with the trigger if you have to adjust shooting positions quick it's nice. The ultimate in my opinion would be the strength and weight of my Cabela's bi pod sticks, the u shaped rest from the bog pod, and the quick adjustability of the primos.
 
+1. Too bad manufacturers don't consult with people who actually use their stuff, not just their paid "field testers" who are too busy blowing smoke up their butts to give a fair evaluation.
 
Primos Trigger Stick's are the ticket for me. My wife and I have 2 monopods, a short mono pod, tall bipod, and the Jim Shockey Tripod. I had used Stoney Point pods and Harris mounted bipods for ~10yrs before (and homemade shooting sticks for about 10yrs before that), but about 6-7yrs ago, I got my first Trigger Stick, and I've rarely used anything else for field shooting since.

We also have a lot of Harris (and harris knock off) bipods, a couple stoney point monopods and bipods, and bog gear bipod and tripod. The speed of adjustment for the Primos Trigger Sticks makes all of the others obsolete.

I use a 9-13" Harris bipod on my rifles to act as a kickstand to keep them out of the dirt, but my field shooting is done from the Trigger Sticks.

I do have a Bog Gear PSR head for a Primos Tripod as well for handgunning in the field, per recommendation of the PSR from Ernie Bishop. I bought the Bog Gear tripod to go with it also, but have found the speed of adjustment with the Primos tripod to be well worth the change over.
 
Trigger sticks Too heavy for me plus when i use them as a walking stick I always make a bunch of noise banging it into [beeep]. Rapid pivots all the way.
 
I have multiple sets of every length of the older Rapid Pivots with the black rubber that does not split, and like them a lot. Doubt they are recommended to be used as a walking stick, and I would never use mine that way as they are irreplaceable. For relatively level ground they are great. Since moving to an area that is very hilly, the Trigger Stick is the real deal. NOTHING adjusts both legs at once quicker than the Trigger Stick. My rifle support of any kind stays folded and strapped to my seat that has a back with a large flexible twist tie (no noise) until I am setting up. You cannot go into a set with calls on a lanyard clanking around your neck or your ecaller remote whacking your caller either, and few rifle supports are meant to be used as a walking stick (only one I can think of and it has other issues).
 


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