Monopod time?

[DLFant]

One of the first things I have realized in just about anything you do and especially most types of hunting or fishing there is never a one size fits all anything. When it comes to predator calling conditions often dictate a number of variables. Rifle, shotgun? Sitting, standing, and kneeling? Freehand, bipod, monopod and so on.
In my experience it is not as often that I use a Monopod, but to me in certain conditions it is the ticket. One instance is in really thick brush I prefer to find a good place to stand up, nestled against a tree trunk. For one thing you can see and move better. That is when a Monopod comes in handy especially on a shotgun because in really thick stuff you may only literally have a second to make your shot. If you have to raise your gun before you shoot it can be too late.
The last stand I was on. I found a really good spot but, I had walked a good way from the truck and brought the rifle and left the shot gun and monopod. I should have set up differently or went back and switched. Sure enough about the 7 min mark Wiley showed up I saw him about the time he winded me. I only had about 2 seconds to make the shot. No chance with the rifle sitting across my lap.
I have seen a number of post for various type both store bought (which can be quite expensive) and DIY ones. I came up with a decent idea for DIY one a while back that has proven to work really well. I am going to make a few extras and I thought I would share a how too step by step. You can make this one for around 10 dollars and in less than 15 minutes I made mine for around 5 dollars. It will take me a lot longer to type and post this than to actually make several of them. I will do this in installments added to this post as I go.
Here is what the finished product looks like: It telescopes, and can be made to extend from 28 inches to 8 feet however I make mine to extend to 5 feet.
I hope some will find this handy

 

[DLFant]

Ok here is part 2
You can pick up these golf ball retrievers online or most sporting goods stores. I got mine at Academy Sports and outdoors they come in different lengths 8' for $10 and 12' for $20 but I got the 12 foot ones on for half price $ 10 and actually made 2 out of one so I was out 5 bucks per each. This is what they look like.








To make the one shown I cut it into at 5' from the big end which is also ¾" in dia. It has a grip on the end kinda like a ski pole it doubles good for a walking stick.



Next thing used was a pair of spring loaded mini needle nose pliers. You can find them at most any hardware store or home center from 5 to 8 dollars a set of 5. Here is a link to a example on amazon.

Amazon.com - Blue Moon Beads Mini Pliers Tool Set, 5-Piece - Jewelry Tools

I actually had some that were broken on the point so they were throw away.

I then inserted the nose end of the pliers as for as they would go. Then punched and drilled a 1/8 inch hole about a 1/8 of an inch from the cut end right behind the spring on the pliers to hold them in place.



I then used a 1 inch 4 -40 slotted screw and nut inserted in the hole

Put thread lock on it and ground it off flush.


Then I wrapped a piece of ¾" electrical tape around the ends of the screw just to keep from hanging on stuff.

It can be used by just laying the barrel in the vee, or you can slide it on the forend of the stock, the curve in the handles will hold it in place if you raise the gun,


A bit of cammo and there it is.

It took less than 15 minutes to make.

 

[HarryN]

Neat, thanks for sharing.

 

[tt35]

Cool idea. I have a set of standing height sticks but the monopod idea may actually work better. I like it.

 

[Tnwhip]

Pretty neat idea. I too like making my own stuff