I know we've discussed this before, I remember one of you even had a primer on how to build them. I am alos aware Stoney Point also makes a set, but I don't care for the hard shalow "v" it employs. When I was in africa last month, my PH had a set similar to the Stoney Points, but this one cradles the rifle in some sort of webbing. Like the Stoney Point, it also employed telescopic sticks. Any ideas as to where I might find some here state side? jorge

Long grass Outfitters has the nicest pair I have seen Long Grass Shooting Sticks I bought two Bamboo poles at the Home Depot Garden Center and wrapped them together with a bike tire tube and they work great for about $10.00.

For those interested in making their own [from the
Tips & Packing List]:

Shooting sticks are widely used in Africa. Some PHs use bipod shooting sticks and some use tripod shooting sticks. You can make your own and acquire invaluable practice before you go. Go to a home improvement store or garden department and buy five bamboo poles (6 feet long poles) along with a two vacuum cleaner belts (Eureka F&G size). Your total cost should be well under $20.00. To make the tripod shooting sticks, put three poles together and wrap one of the belts around the poles three times. Roll the belt down about 6 inches from the top. Use the same procedure for the bipod set, just wrap the belt around the poles four times.





You may want to wrap the top portion of the shooting sticks with something soft (leather, cloth, etc.) so as to protect your rifle. I have also seen tripod sticks where one of the poles (above the belt) has been cut off, so as to make it easier to support your rifle.


Regards,

Terry

Looks like the Belt works better than a bike tube! I may have to change mine.

I just KNEW Terry would come through . Unfortunatley, the Home Depot here in Orange Park does not carry that length of bamboo sticks. The best I could ever find was around 5' long. jorge

jorge

if you have a "Pier 1 Imports" it's a home furishing store, they have all sizes. I got mine there, two bucks each.

Jorge,

Try those 6 foot green metal poles (plastic covered) that they sell at garden centers.

Others have asked about the shooting sticks with the webbing cradle, I have never been able to find those on the internet. Maybe someone here knows where to find them. Shooters Ridge Steady Pod seems to have some sort of "device" that supports the rifle, but I have never seen one in person or know of anyone who has used one.

Regards,

Terry

Terry....Those look good!!

Jorge.....Here is the closest I could find to what you described. I just got the Long Grass sticks and really like them.

Here is the link to the ones from Dean Industries: Dean Ind. Link-Shooting Sticks


Bob

Here are the sticks I used in TZ this month:

This can also be lashed with cord. See BSA link for details.http://www.4thtyldesley.co.uk/skills/lashings/lash003.htm

How about cane fishing poles? Keep the big end.

Terry's bamboo pole set-up is just about perfect You can wrap the tops with the rubbery material used to re-wrap tennis racquet handles. They make a similar material for golf clubs but it's a smaller width (more wraping).

Also, make a few wraps around each leg about a foot from the bottom, it will keep them from clicking together when they're being carried.

One of the things I like about the Long Grass Outfitters sticks is that they break down for easy transport - to and from shooting, in a suitcase or guncase for a trip, etc. I also think they are extremely reasonable in price for the product you get.

Count me as another member who's very happy with the Long Grass shooting sticks.

BobTx: Those are the ones! thanks! jorge

Jorge,

Looks like you've found them!!! I wanted add my comments about the sticks from Long Grass. Ordered them a couple weeks ago and used them yesterday for the first time. They work very well and have leather wrapping at the top to protect the rifle stock - and makes a nice surface as well. Service from Long Grass was top notch - I am very pleased.

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by tradewinds:
Looks like the Belt works better than a bike tube! I may have to change mine.

But there is a certain authentic appeal to the bicycle inner tube !

Best,

JohnTheGreek

Shooting sticks are a great advantage for all the african game..except close-in shots. I used them to kill most of my game in 95

Have stoney point standing and sitting lenght sticks; they work,but they were a bit unstable for my taste, so made several sets of both lengths using the Kmart garden stakes. These work great, but are somewhat less portable than the stoney points.

Here is a link to plans for some folding sticks:

Shooting Sticks

Regards,
hm

If I understand what I'M reading, you guys are resting the forend of your rifle directly on the sticks. I've always used the sticks to steady my left hand as I hold the rifle.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by JohnTheGreek:

quote:

Originally posted by tradewinds:
Looks like the Belt works better than a bike tube! I may have to change mine.

But there is a certain authentic appeal to the bicycle inner tube !

Best,

JohnTheGreek

That was my thought when I made them.

nopride: There are no set rules for the use of sticks. I felt more comfortable placing the forend of the rifle directly on the web "cradle" of the shooting sticks and I hold the forearm wit my left hand. Works well for me. jorge

I have three sets of shooting sticks. I have a homemade set done ala Terry Carr, a pair of Stony Point bipods and I just got a set from Long Grass yesterday.

The Long Grass set is a "take down" tripod type and can be used sitting or standing. Plus they are cut to your height. When I ordered mine Melody graciously asked my height so they could be custom fitted. Very nice touch! I got a nice hat with them too. Thanks Melody!

QUOTE]Originally posted by budman5:
Shooting sticks are a great advantage for all the african game..except close-in shots. I used them to kill most of my game in 95[/QUOTE]

Man! You guys from Alaska are really tough! Using the shooting sticks to kill African game!
Dave