Trigger Stick and other shooting sticks

[Andrew Leigh]

In two weeks time will be on my first walk and stalk.

I am looking at shooting sticks and have no clue which way to go. I have tried a monopod and cannot use them, would rather shoot out of hand. Bipods look good and tripods look clumsy.

Have looked at the Vangaurd and Bog Pod in tripod versions and we are well into the R 1000's terratory.

Also looked at something called a trigger stick which I think is totally Lekker and may be what I will buy but this is also just over a grand.

Then was wondering why not build your own and thought this particular version was very nice but not too sure of the practicality in the bush.

Any comments would be most welcome.

[Sean Murphy]

I use a bipod type and find it to be a huge help. If hunting with a guide I get him to carry them after giving a quick lesson on how I want him to deploy them. I have hunted by myself with it as well and while it can be a bit clumsy sometimes to carry and set them up quickly, once they are up and you are on them it is such a benefit that I would be very reluctant to hunt without them. I see you are in Alberton as well. Maybe pop in to my place some time and I will show you my methods of using them. If interested give me a call on 083-454-6742.


Sean.

[GameFarmer]

When we take clients to hunt Buffalo, the gun-bearer usually makes a tripod from three pieces of bamboo tied at the top. Opens easy and very steady to shoot from, but a pain to carry (with your rifle) if you're going solo.

I find these contraptions to be cumbersome and too fiddly, especially when hunting up close. By the time that you get everything aligned, the buck is long gone.

Trees work well, provided you're not hunting in the Freestate.

[Andrew Leigh]

I use a bipod type and find it to be a huge help. If hunting with a guide I get him to carry them after giving a quick lesson on how I want him to deploy them. I have hunted by myself with it as well and while it can be a bit clumsy sometimes to carry and set them up quickly, once they are up and you are on them it is such a benefit that I would be very reluctant to hunt without them. I see you are in Alberton as well. Maybe pop in to my place some time and I will show you my methods of using them. If interested give me a call on 083-454-6742.


Sean.

I most certainly will do, could we make it next week though?

[Andrew Leigh]

I find these contraptions to be cumbersome and too fiddly, especially when hunting up close. By the time that you get everything aligned, the buck is long gone.

I would be happy shooting out of hand up to 80 -100m. It is the possibility of anything over that which scares me a little.

Trees work well, provided you're not hunting in the Freestate.

[MyLani]

The tripods are by far the most stable, and aren't clumsy at all

[HoggerNaut]

Tripods are most stable but in uneavan terrain their a pita. Monopods are crap.
I prefer a bi-pod with a quirter twist lock telescopic feet. If made out of alliminium even better.

I use a Stoneypoint. Find it to be rock solid, very light and reliable.
This one to be exact: http://www.stoneypoint.com/products/...at_bipods.html

[GameFarmer]

Andrew, I agree with the longer than 100m shots, that one need some sort of support. I've often in the past ended up prone, amidst the ticks, for the lack of a tree or a tripod.

And I'm not particularly fond of ticks.

[HoggerNaut]

And I'm not particularly fond of ticks.

Me neither.
I had one on my ball once after a hunt.
Freakin hate them....

[Andrew Leigh]

Me neither.
I had one on my ball once after a hunt.
Freakin hate them....

Ah, the famed and dangerous Testicular Tick, unlike his cousin the Dick Tick which can be equally irritating.