Shooting sticks ( tripod ) or mounted bypod?

[deerslayer64d]

Have a mule deer hunt booked for nov here in TX and thinking about the different shooting situation so I may find myself in , standing/sitting/ kneeling/ prone , prone would probably just use my backpack as rest but for the other situation which would be better a mountain bipod such as Harris or Hatch or a set of adjustable shooting sticks or tripods? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences.

 

[stinky]

Bipods are the best, for accuracy. The Q, can you really use them, frequently, they aren't high enough to shoot over the brush around you.

I shot my last Antelope using 3' of 1"x2" sticks that I made myself. Less than 5 bucks from the hardware store. For sitting, this is pretty darn good. Sitting gets you above the brush/grass.

The one before that, I used fiberglass tent posts....you wire and then tap them together....adjustable height, and collapsible. When you are going to have to shoot standing, this is real good.

My grand-son used an aluminum monopod camera stand last year. That is what I am going to use for elk....less than 10 bucks from the thrift store. This is so-so....but way better than off-hand.

 

[deerslayer64d]

Thank you for the ideas as both are lagit and I 100% agree about a mounted bypod.

 

[jhibbs]

I have a set of the tripod style trigger sticks and love them. They are relatively light and quickly adjustable. They can be a hassle to carry if you move around a lot, so I attached a gun sling to mine for ease of carrying when I’m on the move.

 

[D_Hoyt]

I like my Harris bipod. It has yet to not be tall enough.

 

[deerslayer64d]

I’d like to not have to shoot distance from a standing position if possible but if I must I think a trypod is the way to go , got about 26 days to figure it out and get something ordered ?‍

 

[HntHrdr]

I second the trigger stick, have taken 2 standing shots at the last 2 bucks I’ve killed. They can be cumbersome, but I use mine as my bino tripod, and when you need it you just need it I would prefer a prone shot off a pack or a weapon mounted bipod, but often I don’t get those shots, hopefully this year is different

 

[Angry Chair]

I use my pack tripod- Slik 634 w/Wiser Precision Nighthawk head. I keep one of these V-rests in the head (requires Arca plate) when I'm not glassing. while I'm hiking, I'll often have the legs extended and height set for standing shots. This year I used it to kill a buck that by chance came in without ever seeing me. For long range shots, there is usually time to set the tripod low for prone shooting position and use a rear bag.

Amazon.com

 

[BroadHead]

I’d like to not have to shoot distance from a standing position if possible but if I must I think a trypod is the way to go , got about 26 days to figure it out and get something ordered ?‍

I had the same dilemma this year trying to figure out between a bipod and shooting sticks for my antelope and elk hunt.

I took a chance and lugged my shooting tripod and bipod stick. I took both antelope and elk standing up with this setup. Turns out it was actually just as stable as laying prone. I used the tripod to support my rifle's fore-end and the bipod stick as a rear rest. It was very solid and felt like my rifle was on a vice.

The con is, this setup is heavy and will add a few precious seconds to your shot preparation.

 

[deerslayer64d]

So I ended up ordering the trakiom aluminum adjustable tripod and it should get to me 11-2-2023 giving me plenty of time to practice with it sitting and standing, figured a tripod would be more stable then shooting sticks but like mentioned above will require a little bit more time in setting up for the shot!!

 

[Muleman1]

Hatch out west has a great mounted bipod

 

[Homer]

I use a pillow on the hood......

 

[deerslayer64d]

I use a pillow on the hood......

Will be a spot -n- stalk hunt and don’t believe I can carry my hood very far ?‍

 

[Togwotee]

For serious shooting a mounted bipod is the only way to go. I've been using Atlas and the taller Harris that works sitting and they work well. Gunwerks just came out with a new one 9"-19" that looks great but they're being shipped as they're built so I'm waiting.

If you're standing maybe carry one of the 10,000 semi-useless devices for that in addition to a good bipod. good luck shooting very far wobbling around on a stick or two.

 

[deerslayer64d]

For serious shooting a mounted bipod is the only way to go. I've been using Atlas and the taller Harris that works sitting and they work well. Gunwerks just came out with a new one 9"-19" that looks great but they're being shipped as they're built so I'm waiting.

If you're standing maybe carry one of the 10,000 semi-useless devices for that in addition to a good bipod. good luck shooting very far wobbling around on a stick or two.

I bought a tripod that seems very steady, I will find out tomorrow morning just how steady

 

[Wiszard]

My Dad uses a BogPog tripod thing and he's always got it in his hand.....its not good if you lose your balance or need that extra hand to grab a tree branch or something like that. I prefer my Harris bipod......I've never let an animal get away not being able to get into a good shooting position. Everything takes practice though.

 

[Stubaby]

Hatch. 100 percent. Just keep a pic rail on all your guns and this thing can slide on or off to whichever one you are using. Easy pack away and it goes on in a split second.

This item can make or break a hunt!!!

Whenever I see the crew on Fresh Tracks or any other show start laying the rifle down over a backpack it makes me want to !!

 

[Wiszard]

Hatch. 100 percent. Just keep a pic rail on all your guns and this thing can slide on or off to whichever one you are using. Easy pack away and it goes on in a split second.

This item can make or break a hunt!!!

Whenever I see the crew on Fresh Tracks or any other show start laying the rifle down over a backpack it makes me want to !!

They are very nice....and can be put in many, many positions. I thought about buying one but that $475 price tag kept me from pulling the trigger. I use a Harris bipod on all my hunts. I've got 2 of them and they are easily switched from one gun to another without adding a pic rail. To each his own....I agree with you, the Hatch bipod is very nice.

 

[Stubaby]

When you are on a side hill and in a sitting position—-they are worth every penny.

The fact that you can lower each side at the blink of an eye makes it worth it.

 

[Wiszard]

When you are on a side hill and in a sitting position—-they are worth every penny.

The fact that you can lower each side at the blink of an eye makes it worth it.

Do you have a 50% off code?

 

[deerslayer64d]

I went and shot out to 600 yards with the trakiom tripod and it was very steady sitting and standing, if I have to lay down to shoot I will use my backpack even though that’s makes some people feel sick lol , 8 days until I head out on my mule deer hunt , it’s going to be a long week next week lol

 

[earlyriser]

The only problem I have with Harris is the attachment to the stalk. It tends to dig into my back/shoulder when hiking around. Rock solid bipod and happy with the performance otherwise.