What shooting sticks do you use? Reccommendations please thanks

Bog Pod! Sturdy and stable.

I made a set out of bamboo. I use them quite a bit, only problem is the inner tube will start to slip if you leave them in the weather, but they were literally free.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Bog Pod! Sturdy and stable.

+1

I've got the Long Grass sticks. They work well for me.

I've made my own out of bamboo and a vacuum cleaner belt. I also own a set from Long Grass. Both work like a charm. My PH used a Bog Pod but it kept "slipping" and only came into its own for seated shooting.

Bog Pods work well, you have to fully tighten them to suit your standing height before starting your stalk.

If you need to collapse and transport your sticks or would just like top quality I would suggest African Sporting Creations. Attached is an item by Chuck Hawks.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/asc_shooting_sticks.htm

Good shooting.

Mono pods are about worthless
Bipods are steady side to side but not front to back.
Tripods are the only way to go. Shooting sticks look "Africa" but I use a Bog Pod as it is quickly adjustable and the top allows large diameter double riles to be used easily.
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Mono pods are about worthless
Bipods are steady side to side but not front to back.
Tripods are the only way to go. Shooting sticks look "Africa" but I use a Bog Pod as it is quickly adjustable and the top allows large diameter double riles to be used easily.
Cal

I agree monopods are pretty worthless.

I use a Bog Pod standing bipod here in the states, but use whatever is available in Africa. Yes, tripods are steadier, but if you can't hit a ten inch circle at 200 yards standing with a Bog Pod bipod, you need to practice.

I have seen more and more tripods with the rifle cradle complete with retaining strap. For heaven's sake, how many animals are going to stand around waiting for you to get into that abomination? Useful for the leopard blind maybe, but no place in the field while stalking.

I have not been to Africa yet.

I made up the green tomato stake version for my 416 Rigby & after 6 or 7 sessions at the range I noticed that they were flexing a bit & not helping my stability & accuracy.

I then got the broom handles from the local store and they are very solid. I am shooting a lot better - no flyers, no flexing & wobbling when holding really tight etc. It is easier to hold firm and stable with a heavy recoiling caliber.

Most of the commercial models are either not available locally or cost $200!

bamboo works well

I have the lightweight sticks from Africa Sporting Creations, as others have mentioned. They work very well.

The carbon fiber tripods from Ultrec Engineering are also very nice.

The ones the PH puts in front of me.

I have a pair from long grass safaris, about 100 bucks. I don't take them with me. they are tripods and very similar to what the Phs have had when I am hunting. They are great to practice off to put yourself in a real hunting/shooting situation. I also use them to hunt while stalking wild pigs or shorten ,them by disconnecting the bottoms for shooting out of a ground blind. I have been very pleased with them

I am going to join the chorus and recommend the Bog Pod. You can easily travel with them and there are a multitude of accessories that make them a very versatile tool.

There are those who say that you can always use whatever sticks the PH has which is true. However I have seen quite a few pairs that have made me glad that I brought my own.

What really makes the Bog Pod stand out is the ability to add different attachments to suit different needs. I have an extra large U shaped rest for my double rifle, a platform type rest that is great for varmiting, and a swivel head for cameras and spotting scopes.

I think being very familiar with your own personal sticks is one of the keys for success when shooting game.