Shooting Sticks?

[BradCa]

Does anyone have an opinion on using shooting sticks?  I'm used to deer hunting in relatively thick cover with 150 yard shots being on the long side, but since I drew my antelope tag I've been practicing shooting at longer ranges in very open country.  My rifle is now dead on at 200 yards. It seems to me that shooting sticks would definately help on longer shots but they also seem a little awkward and noisy.  Stoney Point makes some that look pretty good.  They also have a nice monopod but it doesn't seem to be quite as stable.  What do you think?

 

[DanV]

BradCa,

Anything you use to steady your shot is a plus, shooting sticks are a BIG PLUS! We used them varmint (ground squirrels) hunting this year. 200 yd. shots were almost a given and 300 yds were pretty common, at 300 your misses were so close, most oy the time my spotter would not be able to give me a correction. Definately will be using them deer hunting this year, don't hardly ever miss a shot on deer , but don't always hit where I want to. This year my confidence will be even better knowing I will be within a couple of inches at the most from my POA. Don't worry about the noise, they are as quiet or noisey as you make them, beside that ,odds are your shot at them antelope will be on the long side. They will spot you a long time before you are heard.

What zone did you draw for your hunt ? Might be able to give you a idea or two if you drew East Lassen. Good Luck on your hunt!

 

[Trikstr]

I've been using shooting sticks for about 6 years now and can't imagine not having them now. I like using them alot better than the Harris BiPods I've tried. They have done more for my shooting success than about anything I've tried. I use the Underwood Shooting sticks. They are shock corded/collapsable and come with a heavy duty belt pouch. They weigh 5 oz.. The Stoney points are copies of the Underwood's. When I called them I asked to be set up as a dealer. I get them cheaper. I have sold about 3 dozen.

http://www.underwood@underwoodrests.com/

(Edited by Trikstr at 7:32 pm on July 21, 2002)

 

[Bishop]

Bradca:  Check our "Homemade" forum.  There's some plans to make your own for about $6-8.00.  

 

[huntducks]

I have been using a long ski pole, it also helps me to walk as I have a serious knee problem.

 

[PotatoWhisperer]

I've used a Harris Bi-pod for a few years and love it. But unfortunally it got stolen. So I'm looking for a replacement. So I'm pondering either to replace it with the same thing or the sticks by Snipe pod that swivel or shooting sticks. Any suggestions??? I like how the bi-pod attached to the gun and the weight doesn't bother me...but any real life experience is welcome!

 

[BradCa]

Thanks for the tips everyone.  I took your advice and made my own sticks.  I am really happy with them.  I took my time and did a good job and I think they are better than the ones I've seen in the stores.  All that for about 1/4 of the price.  One tip you might find useful is to take about a 4" piece of 5/16" inside dia. rubber fuel line and stretch it over the top ends of the sticks.  It's hard to get on 3/8" dia. sticks, but makes a soft, quiet, and nice looking rest for your rifle.  I painted my sticks with several coats of olive drab camo paint (except for the black rubber rest).  They look great!

Dan, I drew my tag for the Likely Tables zone.

Thanks again!
Brad