Need more advice

[sdnative13]

OK so I was just wondering if more people rely on a bi-pod that is attached to the rifle via the front swivel screw/rail OR do more people prefer to use a shooting stick (mono, bi,tripod, etc) for stability purposes. I sure there is some personal preference that comes into play but generally speaking which is preferred?

 

[cjack]

I like the bipod attached to the gun. I feel that I have enough to lug around when out in the field. In most cases I feel if I need to take a standing shot there is usually a tree that I can prop against but in the open field I'm going to want to shoot from a prone position. My daughter took her deer this fall from an open field with only sagebrush, the shot was 250yds and the gun mounted bipod gave her excellent stability. JMO

 

[BigSurArcher]

Attached for sure! You ever tried shooting past 50 yards off shooting sticks? IMO, shooting off the knee while sitting is way more stable than the shooting sticks. A tripod would be pretty stable, but like cjack said it's just another thing to carry. The only time I use my Harris bipod is for varmint hunting. Otherwise I prefer laying my pack down and shooting off of it.

 

[Deleted member 33033]

I completely disagree. Here's why:

1. In denser brush, even long bipods are useless.
2. On hillsides shooting sticks work where bipods don't.
3. You can use shooting sticks for support when climbing, moving snakes and numerous other things (and bipods often weigh more)
4. A bipod is not "more stable" except that it forces the shooter into the prone position but sticks can be used in any position.
5. The way to Carnegie Hall is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Go to the range and practice with sticks...I did and the results were fine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzLGcHmOcNY

 

[cjack]

Good point BSA, the sitting knee support is very effective if as Bruce said you "practice". Always looking to lighten the load especialy in the backcountry. When backpacking in I will remove the bipod because nothing beats the pack in the prone position as you can always find the right height by flipping the pack and every ounce counts at my age! I think the most important skill to practice is off hand shooting for the quick shots when you often don't have time for sticks or any other kind of support for that matter.

I guess it depends on what type of trip your on and what terrain and folaige you're going to encounter.

 

[sdnative13]

ok 3 say attached one says shooting stick. but what I do not get is if you guys use your packs as a bipod then do you even take a bipod into the field?

 

[cjack]

I remove the bipod when backpacking and weight is an issue. For day outings I leave the bipod on.

 

[slanttop357]

I use a pack, Tree, Rock, Log. Just my 2 bits.

 

[jackrabbit]

I like the bipod. Since the success rate in my area is not really great on public land, I carry the rifle, and glass, a lot more than I shoot. In all types of weather the bipod is great for setting down the rifle, at the ready for firing, as I glass for game. No leaning it on brush, on granite boulders, dirt, snow, or anything else yukky. I can shoot it offhand with the bipod just as well if the bipod was not attached. And yes, I can still use whatever other rest is available in an elevated position.

 

[BigSurArcher]

A Harris bipod works great on hillsides. It's really simple to extend one side to whatever length is necessary to level the gun and lock it down. You can also shoot while sitting... not just prone.

 

[Live2hunt]

I'd say shoot off whatever you got. Bipods, tripods, stick, tree, rock, pack, logs, knees.......whatever it takes to make that shot count. Hurry up that buck is getting AWAY!!!

 

[sdnative13]

So for those of you who do use an attached bipod what is the general concensus on leg heights? 6-9 inches (bench rest), 9-13 inches (standard), or 12-25 inches?

 

[nickman123]

My 2 cents: any sort of shooting stick/bipod is only really useful for when you are forced to take the shot from a standing position. If you can go prone (which is always best if possible), use your pack as a rest. its just as good as a bipod/shooting stick. A kneeling or sitting shot in my opinion doesn't require assist, you just rest on your knee. So if you're gonna carry a bipod/sticks, they should be long enough to assist a standing shot and to me one that big is an awful lot to have attached to your rifle. seems like it would make your rifle awful heavy and bulky. Just my opinion. BTW, last season my 13 yr old son shot his elk at 230 yds thru the lungs from prone using his pack as his rest.

 

[Deleted member 33033]

A Harris bipod works great on hillsides. It's really simple to extend one side to whatever length is necessary to level the gun and lock it down. You can also shoot while sitting... not just prone.

If you're sitting on a 30-45 degree angle slope (as you might for predator calling so as the sun rises behind you, so you're concealed in the shade)...even a 27" Harris bipod isn't long enough to support the rifle. I know, I tried it and was hugely disappointed. This rifle has that bipod on it in the fully extended position. It's barely tall enough to use in the sitting position unless you're a midget. That's when I went to the sticks. Instant adjustment on any terrain just by spreading em apart...no adjusting a locking leg and wasting time. On a slope you will need 3' to 5' long legs to support the rifle. The steeper the slope, the longer the sticks must be. And try using a bipod standing up! If you walk up on something, sticks rock!

 

[FTTPOW]

I do my shooting offhand. If you practice enough to be proficient without support, you can improve your shooting immensely by taking advantage of what's available whether it is with a bipod, shooting sticks, pack, log, tree, rock or whatever else is available. Once you know the gun's ability off of a bench, practice, practice, practice offhand until you've honed your shooting skills and capability. Your shooting ability should not have to be dependent on what the Sporting Goods store sells. When you're confident in your knowledge and ability, it makes all the difference when taking the once in a lifetime shot. A shooting support will only enhance your ability. The point is to not have to rely on a support, only to take advantage of one.

 

[Deleted member 33033]

I do my shooting offhand. If you practice enough to be proficient without support, you can improve your shooting immensely by taking advantage of what's available whether it is with a bipod, shooting sticks, pack, log, tree, rock or whatever else is available. Once you know the gun's ability off of a bench, practice, practice, practice offhand until you've honed your shooting skills and capability. Your shooting ability should not have to be dependent on what the Sporting Goods store sells. When you're confident in your knowledge and ability, it makes all the difference when taking the once in a lifetime shot. A shooting support will only enhance your ability. The point is to not have to rely on a support, only to take advantage of one.

I agree...unless you're still hunting, then having the gun resting in the shooting position is everything and offhand is no bueno. (Turkey hunting, predator calling, etc)

 

[sagebrush]

I don't use a bipod. Any place a bipod will work, your pack will work. I've laid my pack on rocks and sage brush to give me enough elevation for uphill, sitting or kneeling shoots. I always have my spotting scope and tripod in my pack and if I need to make a standing shot, I use that tripod. Way better than shooting sticks. I can't think of a real hunting situation where a bipod has any use whatsoever except calling pedators, but never on elk.