How many of you out there have used the Snipe Pod in the field for game (big or small)?
Please share the kind of game, the type of gun using, distance(s), and shooting position(s).
I have read of one good report, but would like to learn more before laying down the cash. Thanks!
xphunter
P.S. If you are like me, you are always looking for a better field rest that is light, sturdy, and is easy to get into action quickly.

XP. I don't know about the snipe pod, but I have used a mono-pod, bi-pod, and extensively a tri-pod, with varying results. If the snipe pod is a mono-pod style, the best stance I found with mine is sitting on the ground end with one foot under me, the other slightly out front and angling the other end up at about 45deg. to create some tension in the hold. If you saw me do it, you would think I was Hindu. The upper end of mine has a forked end for the forend to rest in(say that ten times fast). But to achieve this your pod length needs to be adjustable. If this was all you had, It would beat nothing, but I wouldn't buy another one. I have used it with both of my center grips and it worked ok, but only to moderate ranges. Let me know if that helps. mvm

Here's a review.

http://www.handgunhunt.com/noframes/reviews/r2/index.html

pshooter,
I am really looking for a bi-pod, that would likely be used in the mountains for a close to inbetween shot (out to 250 yards).
Dan,
I read the article. Thanks. I'm still curious on how stable it will be with a sitting shot out to 250 yards or so. I guess I will just have to cough up the money and try it for myself. That is the only way I will know if it will work for me.
xphunter
P.S. If anyone out there has used the snipepod, please share your experiences.

XP, my experience with a bi-pod is that it's not stable enough for me out that far. Even sitting it still allows alot of movement, amplified by high scope powers and kills my shot confidence. The only thing I've found that really works out to those distsnces is a tri-pod. You'll have to make your own because no one has one for field use. I'm working on a model out of resin that I will make available hopefully in a few months. If it performs like my other one it should be perfectly suited for hunting. I just have'nt had enough time lately to finish the mold and hunting season is upon us! Keep us posted on your progress. mvm

XP,

I am sold on the Snipe Pod!!! I think there simply isn't a better way to shoot in the field with a Contender. Note that I mentioned using it in a post from several days ago when we were chatting about what handgun to use for deer hunting this fall.

Actually I became aware of the Snipe Pod last year during my mule deer hunt. My partner, Ted had one and pulled off a 180 yd one-shot kill on a very nice 5 point (western) mulie. I, on the other hand, had to take four shots to finally kill my deer at 250 yds simply because I was shooting a Contender off my knee and getting a solid hold was difficult at best.

Since that hunt I have bought a Snipe Pod and have set it up to use on both my Contender handgun (14" 308 Bellm) for deer hunting and on my Contender carbine. I haven't used the pod on big game as yet, but will this fall. I have used it on my contender carbine while walking for prairie dogs. I use an 18" Contender barrel with shoulder stock, carry a bucket to sit on, have a 34" Snipe Pod and when I shoot, I just sit on the bucket, extend the Snipe Pod at about a 45 deg angle forward, push forward to get the height I need and shoot. On the carbine it is about as good as you can get for a field shooting aid. I have also use it for "field target" shooting with the 14" Contender and do it the same way, except I sit on the ground, extend the legs of the pod forward, push forward and shoot. It is by far the steadiest device I have used.

When I ordered it, the guy who took my order tried to talk me into getting a much shorter model than the 34" one. I had seen from Ted's shot that the longer one is better, so I stuck by my original intent and got the longer one. Actually, by using the longer unit you can extend the legs forward and it is like setting the contender on a springboard. Then by pushing forward, you can get the height needed for the shot.

It does work,

Don Shearer

pshooter,
When you get your field tripod unit ready let me know. I would be glad to try it out with center-grip XP-100's and a MOA MAXIMUM.

Don,
You did a good job of describing how you get stability with the snipe pod and how the extra length is a benefit. I will definitely have to give it a try. I will primarily be using center grip XP's.
For longer shots sitting, even with a snipe pod I imagine that I will need a good back rest to give the stability for the longer shots. In fact, when stalking I am constantly looking for a good "set-up" to make the shot from. Of course, my first choice is prone, but many times that option is not possible. If I have a solid rest with my 284 Win. XP and know the range the confidence level soars. If I miss, I know it is me and not the gun--it is just too accurate. My goal is to to bring the closest thing to bench accuracy to the field while still being light and portable. I know I'm asking for alot, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
xphunter