Shooting sticks
- Thread starter lbo
- Start date
You're welcome - Just be sure to use a proper loop shooting sling (borrow one if you can) and not just a simple carry strap twisted around your wrist and elbow.
I think you will be impressed at just how steady and solid this setup can be for field expedient positions
I do own shooting sticks as well that I had bought to compare, but do not use them.
billbmcleod
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Back very close to Bruce County
Cut some sticks in the bush and tape up with electrical tape. Leave them where you sit for the next time. I have lots of them spread around Northern Ontario.
I have tried both often, and I have no doubt that a sling helps a lot, but I also have no doubt that shooting sticks provide superior accuracy. I expect that is why all the military snipers in the world are using bipods (really just shooting sticks attached to the gun) rather than snuggling down into a sling.
I just use a set of collapsible, shock-corded graphite shooting sticks... I use them when necessary and where applicable. One thing I will say, having guided dozens of hunters using sticks/bi-pods/tri-pods... don't be married to them... be prepared to move away from them and/or leave them behind if the situation demands. This past season alone, two bull moose walked away because the hunters were too restricted by the exclusive thought and practice of shooting off bi-pods and they did not move when the move was required. Another issue with some shooting sticks, particularly aluminum and to a lesser degree, fiberglass, is the noise created when moving through the bush... the "tinging and pinging" is a terrific deterrent to seeing game.
Again another good point in favor of shooting slings - wherever you go it is always with you and quick to deploy and get out of. A sling is a lot lighter than sticks and especially bipod (which tends to put weight on the wrong end of the rifle and unbalance it when carrying it in the typical N. American fashion).
The disadvantage is that the shooting sling requires technique and training to get the most out of it and that takes time and effort.
I still own sticks and bipods and I've eschewed all in favor of the shooting sling for hunting. Most people who say shooting slings are not as accurate have not really used one. They've used a carry strap that they've twisted around their hand and forearm and called that a shooting sling. It is not.
The other disadvantage of slings is that they only really work if I am shooting prone. I'm 72 so I may not remember everything, but I can remember only three times in my hunting life where I could shoot from prone. If you need to be, oh say, at least 4 feet off the ground to get a clear shot, sitting or kneeling behind sticks is way steadier than any sling.
billbmcleod
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Back very close to Bruce County
Agree 100%. Because almost everywhere I hunt if I was prone all I would see is grass and sticks. Sitting on a collapsible stool with shooting sticks is my choice these days.
No you have it wrong - Shooting slings work very well where the rifle sling is tight and the connection to solid ground is bone on bone to ground.
Sitting - tight sling to elbow (bone) on knee (bone) to ground
Kneeling - tight sling to elbow (bone) on knee (bone) to ground
Prone - tight sling on elbow (bone) to ground
Standing - tight sling to elbow (bone) to air - not near as steady as the other positions but still reasonably stable if the range is shorter - this is also the least preferred shot.
I can remember only twice I ever shot from standing because I've had no choice but the range was short. Most hunting shots I've taken were from a sitting position and a few were from prone where terrain allowed me to do that.
The whole idea is to get as close as possible and then adopt the steadiest position that the terrain allows. If sticks work for you fine - I just think the weight/handiness/speed advantage goes to the shooting sling, assuming one is competent in its use.
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I use the Primos standing height shooting sticks bipod. I got the Bog Pod adapter and use their wide yolk on it for a better cradle. Works good for me when walking for moose etc.
The only downside to the Primos sticks is they aren't very durable and when you get moisture in the locking mechanism of the legs they seize up quick.
The only downside to the Primos sticks is they aren't very durable and when you get moisture in the locking mechanism of the legs they seize up quick.
Attachments
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
I’m in the sling camp as well, I like the idea of sticks or a monopod but at the closer ranges I generally shot deer at a sling is quicker than trying to get sticks set up. If it’s a longer distance shot I’m generally already sitting and have my elbows supported off my knees or I’m standing with a tree beside me.
I can see the benefits of sticks but I don’t feel I have a real use for them, one less thing to carry around. I like to keep the gear to a minimum when possible.
I can see the benefits of sticks but I don’t feel I have a real use for them, one less thing to carry around. I like to keep the gear to a minimum when possible.
- Location
- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
This. You can cross the straps to make a bipod plus it makes walking easier.
i ended up going with the primos trigger stick bipod .was out shooting off the bar today worked pretty well. a couple more weeks to go then i will hopefully get to shoot off of them for real. thanks for all the responses and i am also going to try the sling as well lbo
blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
I have a pair I made with 50 cents worth of scrap material that I use from a sitting position in certain situations. Some scrap wood and a wing nut basically. Weighs like 1 pound, folds up small, cheap, works.
