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Normally I shoot rabbits with a bipod on my 22 and for the longer range shots it works well. However if the grass is a bit long and/or on flat paddocks it doesn't work and also I don't like how it affects the rifle balance on freestanding shots. So I was thinking about getting a shooting monopod or shooting sticks so I can take the longer shots standing or sitting and be able to see over the long grass.
Has anyone got any experience or recommendations with these, good or bad?
The more points of contact you have with the ground, the more stable you are.
The lower you are to the ground, the more stable you are.
That said, I use sitting height shooting sticks for virtually all my field shooting these days. I find them the best compromise between stability and flexibility of shooting position. About the only time I use the bipod these days is at the range.
The downsides are that they are a little more sensitive to your body position and can increase felt recoil, as it's a little harder to brace into them. (not a problem with just a .22, of course). They can be a little fiddlier than a bipod to get set up, but once you're practiced with them, it becomes fairly smooth. I have great success with my 223 using them and have also been fairly successful with a 25-06 off them on the few occasions I've used that combo, but they may not be best suited for high-recoiling rifles. (Bear in mind I handle recoil like a china cabinet, so your results may be much better)
For the positives - They're a lot easier to pan with, to track moving game etc. Adjusting shooting angle is also a lot easier, either by leaning into or away from the sticks, or for best stability, adjusting the width of the legs, which moves the front of your rifle up and down. They are a lot more flexible in regards to shooting position than a bipod, as you can shoot from almost any ground you can think of. At times, I've made successful shots from steep hillsides with one leg vertically into the ground, the other leg stuck into the hillside horizontally. Because the rifle is not fixed to them, you can simply rest it on top, keeping it upright at all times. If you think of shooting sticks as an adjustable brace rather than as something anchoring your rifle to the ground, it probably gives a more accurate picture.
About the only terrain they suffer in is extremely rocky terrain where you can't find anywhere to wedge the feet, as ideally you want even a small patch of soil to spike them into. Although, if you were in that terrain, would you rather be able to take your shot from a sitting position, or lying on your belly on the rocks!
The model I use is made by Stoney Creek, I think they're called Steady Stix?
I've also used a monopod once or twice, however I found it difficult to keep the front of the rifle centred with that method.
Just my experience with the gear in question, but hope this helps.
Cheers.
iv been meaning for about 3 years to make myself a "bi-fur pod" (google it) but still haven got around to doing it, which would suit my shooting
on the up side my freestanding shooting and quickly assumed position shooting is getting really good.
i just sit and brace off my knees with my elbows and try make it is bones all the way to the ground.
last walk i went on i shot a magpie at 95yards freestanding and his mate at 115 yards with my ruger running subs.
Build you're own. Two sticks and a bolt. Done.
Or
Two sticks, one with a hole and a bit of string.
If you want something a little fancier you could look at a snipepod.
Hey @StrikerNZ is this what you mean? Stoney Point Safari Stix Black F5B72R1X STPF5B72R1X. Stoney Point Bipods.
For US$28.49 it sounds good but shipping to nz is another us$39.95!
I'm tempted to try bodging my own out of plastic tomato stakes and bike inner tube.
That looks like the standing height version rather than the sitting height. Think the Safari Stix are for standing, Steady Stix for sitting. It's possible they don't make them anymore, mine were a second-hand pair off trade-me.
Could be a worth a try making your own though! I've looked sideways at the tomato stakes with that in mind too. Especially if it's just for a .22, could be all you need.
I used to use two bits of Cedar about 45x14 bolted together, I used to use a bit of baling twines closed between them & chuck it over my back off I would go after the Hares.
I even used to take it up the tops after Deer, worked brilliantly, I remember losing one once...
I just use bipods now, short & I have one tall one I take occasionally.
I'd like a good sturdy walking pole that can double as a shooting stick. Haven't really seen anything that takes my fancy.
Have a Harris Bipod and it's really good, but it's not often the terrain suits it.
Make yourself some "quad sticks", they take a bit of getting used to but they are very stable. You can make them shorter if you prefer to kneel/sit.
Have a look on you tube there are loads of vids on how to make them.
I have a Vanguard Shooting Stick Pro M62 which I got from Serious Shooters. It's okay but the folding tripod (sitting position) sticks I got are slightly more fiddly but way better as far more stable. As mentioned earlier in this post - more touch points the better. Vanguard make a sitting/kneeling folding tripod. Could be worth a look.
Thought I would try the 2 sticks thing. Drilled a hole in a bit of drift wood and manuka, jamed in a bit of No8, bent the ends, slapped a rag on top and viola... fricken awesome. The MkII won't be so crude.