Bipod or shooting sticks

[Randle]

Over the last few years I have missed afew deer shooting kneeling and sitting, so I have started using shooting sticks , what a great improvement. But I find they are alot of movement to deploy (3 segment shock cord poles) and kind of a pain to carry open all the time.
So Happy birthday ,to me I bought a bipod that is adjustable 12" to 23 " I am going to see how I like that.
Anyone have pros and cons to both setups or maybe something you are using that you have found to be better?

 

[Takeem406]

I've been using home made sticks made from electronic fence "posts" and rubber bands for probably a decade. Hunting the open prairie I've only shot one deer off hand.
I have a bipod on my 22-250 but I still even carry my sticks with me. I'll use small bipods for prairie dogs though.
Thinking about getting a trekking stock monopod for mountain hunting though.

 

[hunting1]

Sticks win for weight and portability but no comparison for accuracy with a bipod. The penalty is the added weight. I have tried a few different brands but always come back to Harris.

 

[jarheadhunter]

Depends on how far I am shooting. If it's a couple hundred yards or under I use the sticks. Anything over that I use the Bi pod because it is much steadier.

 

[boom]

i have a Harris Bipod. (my brother does as well). i have the shortest model. pretty much prone-only. i have had this thing since 1990ish. it was so cheap back then. had to be for me to buy it on my college budget. it is bombproof.

i always try for a prone shot. always. i havent missed an animal yet. the bipod folds down fast, and at the shortest setting, it is perfect. bonus..when i stop to glass, i put the rifle on the bipod. saves the rifle from scratches i would get laying it on the ground. rifles come and go..but that bipod is never for sale.

i use the bipod for field rifle cleaning as well.

 

[colonel00]

I like shooting sticks as you can have more adjustment and flexibility. However, if I was confident that I could shoot from a low or prone position all the time then I might lean more towards a bipod.

Also, check out my thread below which may make shooting sticks a little more appealing.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?10666-Trekking-pole-threaded-insert-mod

 

[elkmtngear]

Also, check out my thread below which may make shooting sticks a little more appealinghttp://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?10666-Trekking-pole-threaded-insert-mod

Cool adaptor Brad. The SLIP System has the threaded insert already built into the handle, so it can be used that way, or in a kneeling (or sitting on a small seat) position. The gun rest comes with the unit, as well as an adjustable mini-ball camera adaptor, for video or still cams.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I tend to use my hiking poles since I generally have them with me anyways.

 

[WonkyWapiti]

I started using a Harris bipod this year on my Knight muzzleloader and my Winchester .270. The bipod came in really handy during my Wyoming antelope hunt this year. My bipod extends out in 3 sections so I can use it while sitting. This year I took one antelope off hand since it was so close then my second was taken using the bipod which worked great. I shot my mule deer using a bipod after I crawled out to a spot to get into position for the shot. My blacktail this year was too close (25 yards) and I shot him off hand. I don't mind the extra weight of the bipod out front while shooting off hand as it seems to help steady the rifle.

I tried a 2 leg trigger stick but it was harder for me to steady my rifle on it. My buddy let me try his three leg trigger stick and that seemed to work really well. My other buddy had his 11 year old son use the 3 leg trigger stick to kill his first deer and it really helped the kid out.

 

[Randle]

Thanks for the info, The bipod I bought the legs Spring retract I don't know if I like that yet because they are fast and noisy if you are not holding them when you release them
I see harris bipods say they spring extend is that correct? Seems like that could be a problem also.

 

[boom]

Thanks for the info, The bipod I bought the legs Spring retract I don't know if I like that yet because they are fast and noisy if you are not holding them when you release them
I see harris bipods say they spring extend is that correct? Seems like that could be a problem also.

If it close enough to hear me, I didn't need the pods.

 

[squeekieslayer]

i have had the same little stoney point shooting sticks forever. I have killed tons of big game, predators and varmints with them. Not as good as harris bipod but those babies weight about 5 pounds and dont fit in my saddle scabbard.

I have been looking at snipe pod... anyone had any experience with them?

Joe

 

[squeekieslayer]

Cool adaptor Brad. The SLIP System has the threaded insert already built into the handle, so it can be used that way, or in a kneeling (or sitting on a small seat) position. The gun rest comes with the unit, as well as an adjustable mini-ball camera adaptor, for video or still cams.

No offense.... there is no way in hell i would ever sit behind a decoy in rifle season... ever.

Joe

 

[Randle]

If it close enough to hear me, I didn't need the pods.

I was thinking more about when I am getting ready to change locations and the noise of them scaring something that is the area just of eyesight.

 

[AZ Vince]

I use a Harris bipod that can accommodate prone or sitting.
If I need to be higher I have a tripod that I mount my binoculars on that can double as a shooting platform.

 

[tstowater]

The key is getting comfortable and stable. I've used about everything manmade or natural to shoot off of. The best is a big flat rock that you put something on, but make sure the barrel clears the rock. Bad experience with that on a sheep hunt. I would highly recommend practicing with what you are going to use. On my New Mexico Oryx hunt this year, I used a set of standing sticks (like they use in Africa). These were the guides and I had never used a set before. Definitely a different experience and I wasn't terribly confident with doing this and it showed. I got lucky and shot the Oryx in the perfect spot, but I almost think was more luck than skill. I need to get a set just to practice with and take on a prairie dog hunt to use to get familiar. Also, remember that the conditions, terrain and vegetaion may control the ability to use any of the options, so you do need to be willing to improvise. I have my rifle set up for a Snipe Pod and carry it along in case something else doesn't work or is available. It is a really good back up option, but I prefer other options first.