shooting sticks

[preachnhunt]

I am going on my first elk hunt this fall in NM. I bought a rem. 700 SPS,300win mag. topped with a 3x9 leupold scope. I tried a bipod but it seemed too heavy to lug around all day so I sent it back, and got some Stoney point shooting sticks. My question is does anyone have experience in a similar situation with shooting sticks? Should I practice with them and take them or would I be just as well off leaving them home and using an improvised rest? I would appreciate your opinions

 

[dmazur]

I believe they come in two different lengths. The full-length ones are obviously for standing, but I'm not sure what the shorter ones are for.

I tried the shorter ones and they were too long for a sitting position. So, I shortened them, keeping the elastic cord feature and the bottom pointed end. Maybe it you use the shorter ones for shooting from a kneeling position they would be the correct length.

I would definitely practice with them. You'll find they are not as stable as a bench rest (well, that's obvious), and they tend to fall over after the first shot.

You are correct, they are definitely lighter than carrying a bipod mounted to the foreend all day.

 

[Gator]

I haven't used the fancy store bought sticks, just real sticks . But they work very well, much more stable than offhand. Definitely practice with them first, and take them along.

 

[missoulaz28]

My brother and I both use the Stoney Point sticks, the shorter ones for sitting or kneeling. They work great, we have both taken deer at ~400yds with them, way better then shooting freehanded. I would recommend practicing with them and taking them along, I'll never go out without them again.

 

[Ifishsum]

I highly recommend them for hunting. A bipod is pretty much useless in the field, and it adds weight to your rifle and digs into your back when the rifle is slung. The shooting sticks deploy quickly and work well for a kneeling/sitting position. Practice a little, I think you'll find them worthwhile. I shot an elk last fall at 280 yards using mine. I've never had them fall over after the shot, but I grip the rubber X on the sticks with my non-shooting hand and put a finger over the barrel to lock it in.

 

[the recoil junky]

I use home made sticks for big game hunting as well as varmint hunting. I have 2 sets. One for use while sitting in a lawn chair (varmint hunting) and a shorter set for when I'm sitting on the ground. Wouldn't leave home without them.

RJ

 

[preachnhunt]

Thanks everybody. That's what I needed to know.

 

[22-rimfire]

I tried the shorter stony point shooting sticks and found them wanting unless you were sitting down to shoot. I have settled on a monopod as my choice. Trying to remember the model.. it says polecat on it and I seem to remember it is the expedition model. Raises to about 5 feet or so and makes a good walking stick if you poke around for snakes (especially if they are still out during hunting season). I use it mostly for handgun hunting. I find it quite useful and easy to carry especially if you carry your rifle on your shoulder most of the time.