Bi pods or Shooting sticks

Very impressive!!!

huntsman22 said:

Two-legged sticks are more than stable, when used properly...

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Man I'm a 3 legged pod and not always stable...... get it

Shooting sticks are great for the buttstock while shooting off the tripod. You can mark the legs for the correct height, to make the set up faster. Notice the "prone" bipod is attached even at the range. It gives you a ton of options, but the terrain and time available dictates which option you choose.

I've never been a fan of dragging crap threw the woods, but last year I was hunting with a buddy who had a tri pod and I couldn't believe how sturdy they were. He also had trigger stix but the 3 legged is the way to go.

If a choice was to be made, unless you are specifically planning in long range precision shots from the prone position, with terrain/brush that enables a clean shot, I would be inclined to go with a set of good shooting sticks that could accommodate accurate sitting through standing shots. Should the prone opportunity arise, it can easily be accommodated with a back-pack, or coat. IMO.

I run an Atlas bipod on my rifle and nearly always have a tripod to glass from. I often shoot from my glassing tripod. Depending on the hunt I may have trekking poles with me as well. Trekking poles turn into shooting sticks really easily by hooking the wrist straps together. I much prefer to shoot from my glassing tripod over shooting sticks though if at all possible. However to the OP, it's not a question of one or the other. A bipod is an essential part of rifle shooting. Without one you are limiting yourself. A bipod will almost always be more stable than any other field rest. But the bipod is not always the right tool for every shot in the field so having the flexibility of a pair of sticks or a tripod is very handy.

I teach a long range hunting course and we focus on front and rear support for the new students who don't much have experience with positional. This year I was demonstrating the use of a tripod and my back pack for rear support. Its surprisingly easy to ring a 12x12 plate at 800 for the students once they set up right.

Whether using a shooting a stick or tripod it is still important imho to get the rear of the rifle stabile.

I use a fiesol 3342 carbon fiber tripod and a feisol 50mm ball head with arca swiss rail. I have my spotting scope and bino's set up for the tripod as well. The whole thing is 3lbs!!! At the school I went 4 for 4 at 1000 standing with a trigger stick for rear. The plate was large tho. 21x20.

I borrowed a Primos Gen 2 Trigger Stick tri-pod for a shot at an Alberta Whitetail a couple years ago. I made a 390 yard one shot kill with my .257 Wby Mag that was the best shot of my life. I could not believe how stable it was. I ordered one for myself from Cabelas when I got back into camp later that night. LOL.

I have bi-pods but have never shot at anything while they we attached to any of my rifles. I think they bring my bad luck. LOL. They also make my gun heavier and harder to handle.

I also have a Bog-Pod which works well for me when I'm in a blind.

Gibbshooter43 said:

I've been hunting and shooting for probably 60 of my 75 years. I read all I can to improve my skills. And now I am trying to decide on the purchase of either a bi pod or shooting sticks. In the past I have relied on using the best available rests: trees, fence posts, cushioned rocks, and the list goes on. Which rest do you use - bi pod or shooting sticks - and why?

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I do alright with a sling sitting and prone (HPR service rifle competition) but, since my heart attack and pacemaker implant, my heart beats 80-90 beats per minute and shakes me to my core. My standing unsupported has gone down the drain this summer. I'd go with shooting sticks bi or mono. There is a mono with a trigger that could be useful, I am looking too.

For stalking or still hunting sticks. For varmint bipod.

When it's all said and done, ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Sticks or bipod doesn't really matter so long as the user is comfortable with the equipment. That said, more than one gent here has outlined pros and cons to either option while others have simply said 'different tools for different tasks'.
Personally, I run a Harris S25-C 13.5-27 for big game, coyotes, and Prarie Dogs while a combination of bipod and sticks are handy for gopher (Richardson Ground Squirrels) slaying trips

I have them all but I've really gone to the tripod as more stable and solid. In Africa I had a hunt on an Eland where I had to hang a big 9 Lb. rifle on the sticks for about 8 minutes and that seemed like and eternity. He was close and simply couldn't move a muscle...couldn't have made that shot with any other kind. The new trigger sticks are lightweight and adjustable from standing to sitting. You can also use them for a spotting scope or camera.

Gibbshooter43 said:

I've been hunting and shooting for probably 60 of my 75 years. I read all I can to improve my skills. And now I am trying to decide on the purchase of either a bi pod or shooting sticks. In the past I have relied on using the best available rests: trees, fence posts, cushioned rocks, and the list goes on. Which rest do you use - bi pod or shooting sticks - and why?

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I have used bi pods for years and wouldn't be with out one. In recent years have been using shooting sticks. A 3 legged extendable one. If I am out big game hunting the sticks are what I carry. There are times when you are just over the crest of a hill or other circumstances like taller vegetation where a bi pod just will not work. Shots can be made from a standing position if you have practiced and know your limitations. Sometimes you just need a higher shooting position. Also, they can be spread out enough to shoot from a sitting position. You will find they also are a great support for glassing. The sticks can also make a great walking aide. As for predator hunting where I know I will be sitting the bi pod is what I use. With all that being said if I had to choose just one I would probably opt for the sticks because of greater versatility. Just my 2 cents worth.

I'm 64, do mostly coyote hunting, as it's less climbing than deer or elk anymore. I went through the Harris's, pole cats, etc. And they all work, at different times in my life.I have now gone to the tripod with quick attatch rail mounted on my rifle. It's a little heavier(tripod) but once the rifle is set up on the tripod, I don't even have to support the rifle....twist one knob, and I can swivel, and adjust up down with whatever amount of force I like. I wish I had gone carbon fiber instead of aluminum for the weight, but I still have more wants than money....the rifle in the picture weighs around 10-11 lbs, the tripod holds it at any angle, no problem. I find with coyote's, movement ruins the hunt more than anything....this reduces moving the gun into position alot...just another option....rsbhunter