Film: Spotting and shooting sticks

[Roe]

Here's a short film I made that briefly touches the subject of spotting rifle shots and how to use shooting sticks/ tripods.

Tripods are a great tool for hunters as it allows you to use a lot more shooting opportunities accurately. Hunters would definitively add versatility with shooting sticks in the toolbox.

Film spotting/shooting sticks

 

[K22]

After using a Harris bipod for years, I switched to shooting sticks about ten years ago for all my varmint and predator hunting. I use a homemade cross stick type constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum bar stock, one end cover with 1/2 inch I.D. rubber heater hose, with the sticks bound by 1" velcro strapping. I use the sticks in combination with a light weigh sportsmen's chair.

I found this system more effective since I can make adjustments in elevation within seconds and I have a better field of view giving me more opportunties for shots. While sitting on the chair with my elbows on my knees, one hand locked on the sticks, the other on the pistol grip of the rifle, I have a very stable rest - easy portable in the field.

Once you lean to use them you'll be surprised with a little practice how accurate you can shoot off this system. Shooting in the 1 moa range is not difficult at all.

 

[Roe]

I wholeheartedly agree with all you are saying.

It is a really underestimated "horsepower-tool" for hunters.
Better shooting - more opportunites possible - more game killed - more experience for the hunter and so on.

Considering how little such a tool costs and how much it can do for you...

 

[M700]

Roe - I enjoyed your well-made video. Thank you. I enjoy using shooting sticks.

Consider if you will, taking a more firm grip of the rifle's forearm with your left hand. This will prevent you from having to constantly move the left hand in order to cycle the rifle. Your rapid fire should become faster and more accurate.

Also, when operating in a spotter-shooter team, consider having the spotter close alongside the shooter, so that corrections can be whispered instead of shouted.

Regards, Guy

 

[Roe]

Thanks. I'll try the firmer grip in the standing position, but kneeling it'll just be too much balance on the thighs. Sitting it is the best grip though so I guess it should work if I put my backpack under the butt?

I usually spot for 2-3 shooters and stealth is no concern, so it is easier to be behind. Besides, the climate and moderators (almost everyone uses it here) puts out too much of a puff/smoke obscuring the view so you have to be behind to be truly effective.

 

[Brush]

This has nothing to do with the shooting part but I would like to tell my experience with Primos. I tipped my four wheeler over which resulted in the one leg of my Primos trigger stick getting bent. I emaled them asking if they would sell me a new leg. They replyed to just send it in. I called because all I needed was a new leg. They said send it in and we will send you a new one free of charge.It wasn't their fault but they sent me a new one anyway. That my friends is customer service.