what bi pod do you guys recommend to use for the sitting position? want one that pivots and rotates both if they have one. needs to be quiet too. Have Harris but that is so loud when you try to move it around.
bi pod
- Thread starter model 12 toby
- Start date
Been varmint hunting for more years that I want to admit 
and I've tried just about ever kind of shooting support system except portable benches so I'll share my experiences with you:
The newer Harris style bipod with the "cant" capability when shot in the prone position are the most accurate in my experience but less so in the sitting position. I've found that attempting to adjust the height to be cumbersome when stalking and quick shots are needed.
Using bipods was not the best system in the terrain where I hunt since I often had to pass up shots because I couldn't see the critter, i.e not enough height - restricted view of view.
So about 12 years ago, searching for a better system, I began experimenting with shooting sticks. I tried several commerical versions and found all of them lacking for my needs: didn't anchor adequately in the ground, not stiff enough, too cumbersome to adjust quickly, too unstable - too much flex, insufficent height. In addition, the sticks alone didn't solve the problem of the restricted field of view.
Continuing to search for a better system I purchase a portable, lightweight sportsmen's chair then build my own shooting sticks. The sticks consist of 1/2" diameter solid aluminum rod cut to 43" in length, shaped to a point at one end. On the other end I placed 12" of 1/2" ID heater hose and bound the sticks together with 1" black industrial grade velcro about 5 inches from the top of the heater hose. Total cost under $20.00.
What I ended up with was a shooting system that is very stable, adjusts for height easily within seconds simply by changing the spread of sticks, lightweight and easily carried and above all capable of very high accurate shooting when used in conjuction with a lightweight folding sportman's chair so you can sit on the chair and support your elbows on your knees with one hand on the sticks and the other on the rifle (four points of contact - elbows on knees - feet flat on ground - gun and sticks locked to together into shoulder with non trigger finger hand.)
The other advantage to this system is that by sitting higher, you have a much greater field of view making shoots possible that are not with a bipod either in the prone or sitting position. Also, you don't have sit on the ground and risk the ticks getting on you which is a real problem in my area.
I've shot 1,259 ground hogs with this system and can attest to it's capabilities out to 300 yards. However for shots beyond 300 yards for varmints, it's less desirable since it's not as stable as a bipod in the prone for precise shooting. Incidently, approximately 40%of those kills would not have been possible with a bipod because of terrian issues.
If you like to stalk and move around a lot and the majority of your shots are 300 yards or under at varmint size targets, then this system will work very well. However if you like to set up where you have an advantageous field view and have shots over 300 yards I'd opt for the Harris Bipod with the cant device and shoot in the prone. Field of view is not normally an issue at longer ranges.
and I've tried just about ever kind of shooting support system except portable benches so I'll share my experiences with you:The newer Harris style bipod with the "cant" capability when shot in the prone position are the most accurate in my experience but less so in the sitting position. I've found that attempting to adjust the height to be cumbersome when stalking and quick shots are needed.
Using bipods was not the best system in the terrain where I hunt since I often had to pass up shots because I couldn't see the critter, i.e not enough height - restricted view of view.
So about 12 years ago, searching for a better system, I began experimenting with shooting sticks. I tried several commerical versions and found all of them lacking for my needs: didn't anchor adequately in the ground, not stiff enough, too cumbersome to adjust quickly, too unstable - too much flex, insufficent height. In addition, the sticks alone didn't solve the problem of the restricted field of view.
Continuing to search for a better system I purchase a portable, lightweight sportsmen's chair then build my own shooting sticks. The sticks consist of 1/2" diameter solid aluminum rod cut to 43" in length, shaped to a point at one end. On the other end I placed 12" of 1/2" ID heater hose and bound the sticks together with 1" black industrial grade velcro about 5 inches from the top of the heater hose. Total cost under $20.00.
What I ended up with was a shooting system that is very stable, adjusts for height easily within seconds simply by changing the spread of sticks, lightweight and easily carried and above all capable of very high accurate shooting when used in conjuction with a lightweight folding sportman's chair so you can sit on the chair and support your elbows on your knees with one hand on the sticks and the other on the rifle (four points of contact - elbows on knees - feet flat on ground - gun and sticks locked to together into shoulder with non trigger finger hand.)
The other advantage to this system is that by sitting higher, you have a much greater field of view making shoots possible that are not with a bipod either in the prone or sitting position. Also, you don't have sit on the ground and risk the ticks getting on you which is a real problem in my area.
I've shot 1,259 ground hogs with this system and can attest to it's capabilities out to 300 yards. However for shots beyond 300 yards for varmints, it's less desirable since it's not as stable as a bipod in the prone for precise shooting. Incidently, approximately 40%of those kills would not have been possible with a bipod because of terrian issues.
If you like to stalk and move around a lot and the majority of your shots are 300 yards or under at varmint size targets, then this system will work very well. However if you like to set up where you have an advantageous field view and have shots over 300 yards I'd opt for the Harris Bipod with the cant device and shoot in the prone. Field of view is not normally an issue at longer ranges.
i don't know if you guys watch long range precision but that one with the predators that bi pod the coyote hunter had looked wonderful. I'll think about shooting sticks. be nice If I could just carry around a hay bale with me. shot a coyote off a hay bale this morning. ;D
alf
Silver $$ Contributor
I've given up on the Bipods for coyote hunting, and have switched over to the Bog-Pod tripod. This model will go from prone to kneeling heights, and all models will swivel 360 degrees for the runners.
I originally was using a bungee cord to hold it in place, so I didn't have to hang on to the gun while calling. Since then, I cut two pieces of Ethafoam wedges for either side of the V support, and wrapped them in black tape. They now have the perfect fit for the forend in the rest and I still don't have to hang on to the gun while calling, but can now grab and go if I have the need.
I originally was using a bungee cord to hold it in place, so I didn't have to hang on to the gun while calling. Since then, I cut two pieces of Ethafoam wedges for either side of the V support, and wrapped them in black tape. They now have the perfect fit for the forend in the rest and I still don't have to hang on to the gun while calling, but can now grab and go if I have the need.
that looks like a viable option. how heavy is that thing? is it easy to carry? hate to carry more stuff.
that bog pod looks nice. which heights does it go to? is it a pain to carry?
I ordered one. can't wait to try er out
RandyD said:
I wrapped the velrco two times around the sticks forming a loop that binds the sticks together about 5" down from the top of the sticks. This loop of velcro can slide up and down the sticks to adjust for height although I rarely need to do this since when I need to adjust for height, I merely spread the sticks either further apart or closer together.
I've experimented with bolting the sticks together and this works fine - actually give you a more secure binding of the sticks together. The reason I don't use this approach is that on high angle uphill shots I have to adjust the elevation of the stick higher that can be achieve just by moving the sticks closer together; I have to move the velcro loop up the sticks so the rifle rest higher. Probably need to do this only about 5 to 10 % of the time but I hate to pass on a shot on a hog boy
so I want the capability.This system has worked exceptionally well for me and it's much more pleasant sitting on a chair than on the ground. Mine has a back and sometimes I take a snooze waiting for the hog boys to show themselves.
You'll also be surprised, with a little practice, how accurate you can shoot using this system. If you go this route make sure you get an aluminum chair preferrable one with a back. I got mine at Cabela's. It's quite simple to attach a metal ring to one end and place a hook on your belt - it make an easy way to toke it in the field. I'll sometime cover 5 to 6 miles roaming back and forth over the hay fields searching for hog boys. This is probably more that you wanted to know
but I very passionate about varmint hunting. ;DI wish I could post a picture but for some reason my stone age computer won't let me do it. Sorry.
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