bipod for hunting ?
- Thread starter sako40
- Start date
I use shooting sticks as I didn't have the cash for a full blown bi-pod at the time. I can also use it with my shotgun, rifle or crossbow without any issues. I find it keeps my firearm at the ready and allows for less movement when game comes in range. The only con I see is the extra weight if you were to shoot free hand, but if you practice a bit you're fine anyway. Just make sure you practice a bit so you know the feel/weight of your firearm and are comfortable using the bi-pod before heading to the field for the hunt.
I have a bipod very rarley use it. I found it made my rifle a little top heavy when slung over my shoulder but if I plan on sitting around for awhile to watch an area it's great I set it up to the height put it infront of me and ready for action
I've used home-made shooting sticks to good effect. I haven't used a bipod and probably won't try one because I expect them to be heavy and awkward and to help most when I need it least - i.e. when shooting from the prone position.
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Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
I use a short harris and shoot prone on varmints, it is a great tool.
Go to a hardware or home-improvement store and buy a couple of lengths of wooden dowel. Assemble with a bit of string. You'll find instructions on the interweb. Paint or stain optional. Very cheap and you'll soon know if you like the idea and then you'll be equipped to judge for yourself if any of the manufactured ones for sale are worth getting. Or you may realise they offer nothing you need that your home-made ones don't provide.
Plus, it won't hurt as much if you lose them.
I don't know how I managed that. 
I think they may be in my old truck that I sold.
One more vote for home made shooting sticks. I have several of varying lengths and materials that are used for different purposes.
I don't like bipods because they are slow, heavy to carry, and often produce a "canted" scope if the ground is uneven, and they cost way too much. Shooting sticks are fast, allow for moving shots, work just fine on uneven ground, can be used as walking sticks for balance, but best of all - they're cheap. They also work just as well as a bipod for actual shooting.
I have a hunting partner, however, who would never give up his Harris Bipod for my sticks. It is a personal choice.
Go to the local building supply and find yourself some dowelling or small dimensional wood to make a set or two. Try them out and make your decision.
I don't like bipods because they are slow, heavy to carry, and often produce a "canted" scope if the ground is uneven, and they cost way too much. Shooting sticks are fast, allow for moving shots, work just fine on uneven ground, can be used as walking sticks for balance, but best of all - they're cheap. They also work just as well as a bipod for actual shooting.
I have a hunting partner, however, who would never give up his Harris Bipod for my sticks. It is a personal choice.
Go to the local building supply and find yourself some dowelling or small dimensional wood to make a set or two. Try them out and make your decision.
saskgunowner101
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- middle of Sask
I probably have a bipod hanging off my rifle half the time or better and all my hunting is done with feet and a heart beat.
I had a harris bipod on my gun for bear hunting this year. Worked great in areas where I was sitting overlooking large areas. Altho I shot my bear freehand I liked having the bipod there. It doesn't add much weight
Ive had mine for a while, it isnt the best system and I think for most hunting the shooting sticks would be better.
Here's the problem, regular bipods min and max lengths put the rifle a little high for shooting laying down, and then you often have grass or stuff in the way obstructing your view. They seem to be a little tall for shooting laying down, and too short for sitting.
The longer bipods are a bit better for sitting down, but you have to still find a position to sit and shoot where there is nothing 2-3' tall obstructing your view.
The shooting sticks avoid this and can be out into use quickly, but take a bit of practise in handling a rifle and sticks simultaneously.
Here's the problem, regular bipods min and max lengths put the rifle a little high for shooting laying down, and then you often have grass or stuff in the way obstructing your view. They seem to be a little tall for shooting laying down, and too short for sitting.
The longer bipods are a bit better for sitting down, but you have to still find a position to sit and shoot where there is nothing 2-3' tall obstructing your view.
The shooting sticks avoid this and can be out into use quickly, but take a bit of practise in handling a rifle and sticks simultaneously.
I have a small harris bi-pod I use lots on what ever I happen to be shooting. You get used to the small amount of extra wieght at the forend. I have a longer one thats sits in the truck, but I've never used it since I bought the smaller one.
Cranky Pants
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I only use a bipod on my coyote rig. I'm sitting on the ground watching a large area and being winter, the grass and vegetation is low so I like it for that.
I do agree that uneven ground makes their use difficult, 1/2 the time I just throw my pack in front and it works as well as the bipod.
I do agree that uneven ground makes their use difficult, 1/2 the time I just throw my pack in front and it works as well as the bipod.
I recommend the Harris bipods. Their model S helps with uneven ground as it swivels. Solid built and reasonably light. The extra weight factor is up to each individual's preference and terrain.
I only use shooting sticks when hunting. Tried a bipod but didn't like it because it adds weight and get stuck in branches and twigs when walking in thick bush. My sticks are plain and simple, two wooden sticks with a heavy duty rubber band on top but they're very light and silent.
