Cross Sticks

[4v50 Gary]

Cross sticks
I'm teaching a muzzle loading rifle class and part of the program calls for instructing the students in using shooting sticks. Well, it's confessional time.

My area of research is in the French & Indian War, American Revolution and most recently the War of 1812. I have read a number of books about the Fur Trade Era (the late one across the Great Plains & the Rockies) but never had an interest in the heavier Hawkins rifles like I have for the flintlocks.

Anyway, the class call for me to have cross sticks for the students to use and this was not something Daniel Boone, Lewis Wetzel, Simon Kenton, Samuel Baker, Daniel Morgan, Tim Murphy or Davy Crockett used. I never saw a need as none of my smoke poles were super heavy. Besides, I can always use a bench. My lack of interest in cross sticks meant I never bothered making them, until today. Not wanting to crack open any books, and finding the book with the instructions would take some effort since I'm long past the time when another huge bookcase must be built (preferably 4 feet tall by 8 feet long and 2-3 feet wide) so books can be reorganized instead of stacked in front of other bookcases, I went to U-tube.

Here's a video that makes it childishly simple so even me and my ten thumbs can follow the instructions:

 

[rodwha]

Funny you mentioned shooting sticks...

I haven't worked with it yet but wondered about a walking stick with a U channel on it to work with a handgun by bracing it against yourself. In theory it seems it should work...

 

[4v50 Gary]

A piece of leather twisted around the stock and the (single) stick would work, but that's not what I'm supposed to teach. All my students are taking the instructor class next week so they'll have to know what to teach when their time comes to stand at the podium.

 

[rodwha]

A piece of leather twisted around the stock and the (single) stick would work, but that's not what I'm supposed to teach. All my students are taking the instructor class next week so they'll have to know what to teach when their time comes to stand at the podium.

That is a bit interesting too, though it would seem a bit more tedious. I was speaking of a stick to rest a pistol on with a U channel to hold the frame steady. No rifle.

 

[4v50 Gary]

You were quite clear and it was done in the days of Gustavus Adolphus.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Today I demonstrated how to use the sticks to my students. Then I let them have at it. There were three pairs I made in the manner of the posted video. There was another instructor's "redneck" version (his words, not mine) made with baling wire and one with a nut and bolt arrangement. The students were encouraged to try all three types. Afterward, we were done but remained on the range to experiment and have fun. They played with the beer can mortar too and finally we cleaned everything.

I showed them how to clean it the old fashion way with patches and moose milk, another with a coffee can filled with soapy water and jag (pump action) and with an immersible pump. Before dismissing the class, I asked for feedback on the sticks and they unanimously preferred the leather bound ones I made. When asked why, they responded that it was adjustable.