This is topic Your thoughts on bipods...again... in forum Member forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on May 04, 2018, 01:14 PM:
I love bipods...but have always had a love/hate relationship for something like Harris pods attached to my rifle. I hate anything attached to the gun, but I do like a Harris when calling flat-ish country, but I get tired of it hanging out there when I hafta hoof it a ways. I usually use some form of shooting sticks...used most of em ..from bi to quad legged. Bog pods etc. Ive used em all...
What do you all like right now..if anything at all?
Mark
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on May 04, 2018, 03:55 PM:
Right now, I split time between a set of Verne Howey sticks and a Snipepod. The Snipepod is lighter and folds up where it can be stored away in a pocket or pack. I walk quite a bit so this can be a help. The SP goes with me when I hunt big game also.
The Howey set is more rigid, stable, and better in deeper snow, but not quite as handy to pack on long jaunts.
Nothing is perfect, but I use them enough to know the limitations and one of the limitations is me needing a rest to shoot well.
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on May 04, 2018, 04:31 PM:
Don’t like Bipods at all. Have been using Verne Howey Shooting sticks for probably 20 years. Wouldn’t leave home without them. Best sticks I’ve used...
Good Hunting Chad
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 05, 2018, 07:31 AM:
Lemme see? Paul, can you tell the Peanut Gallery the best shooting sticks for a dedicated calling rifle?
As far as "bipods" I can't stand those trapdoor springy contraptions called Harris Bipods. I have a Atlas bipod on a special use type of, (for lack of a better term) Weapon.
Good hunting. El Bee
PS it's kind of amazing how many are still using the Verne Howey sticks. Not knocking them.
Posted by Eddie (Member # 4324) on May 05, 2018, 03:58 PM:
I been using Stoney point shooting sticks for years they fold up to 11inches and fit in a pouch on my side
Never did like the Harris bipods on the gun, to much weight.
Got a hunting buddy the really likes the trigger stick in the bipod style.
Posted by Asmith (Member # 4636) on May 06, 2018, 04:32 AM:
Verne Howey Shooting sticks for me too. tried a lot of what has been mentioned already and they all work but verne howey suit my needs well.
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on May 06, 2018, 04:43 AM:
I like the Polecat they attach to a fitting you mount to your front sling mount and pop on and off with spring loaded bearings. been using them for years got tired of going back trying to find my shooting sticks that I would leave from time to time.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 06, 2018, 07:32 AM:
There you go!
That's what I have used for years. I have several others including homemade in Canada as an emergency, which I haven't used since, along with the snow shoes, but that attachment system really works for me and Paul. It stays put, too. Just plug it in and don't worry about the whole rig falling over, it takes care of itself. It had a detent swivel type of attachment to the stock and the only drawback is that you can't use it on any other gun. But, I notice that they are selling the attachment separately, so in theory, you can have several different rifles set up and only one set of telescoping sticks. Frankly, I'd be kinda lost without mine, been using it since before Africa and I ain't wore it out yet. Actually, I have two rifles set up for this system, I recommend it.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on May 06, 2018, 07:59 AM:
I buy the attachments separately and have them on all my rifles !
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 06, 2018, 12:56 PM:
Yeah, but how come nobody knows about a nice little system, as this is? Of course, I never bothered to tell anybody except Paul and he's gone crazy with it. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Moe (Member # 4494) on May 06, 2018, 04:06 PM:
After trying lots of other products I settled on Bog Pod. Worked for me.
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on May 07, 2018, 06:47 AM:
Don't remember the maker of the shooting sticks I use, but they work for me and have for many years. I never liked the attached bi-pods. One time I was in a situation where I had to stand and shoot off hand at a fleeing coyote and I had a bi-pod attached to my rifle. The coyote had stopped running but that damn bi-pod was swinging below my rifle and I could not hold steady for nothing. Decided then and there I'd never have attached bi-pod again.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on May 07, 2018, 06:58 AM:
Yeah, Leonards positive is my negative. Hate having sticks actually attached to the rifle like that. I usually like to stand up and shoot off my hind legs on any kind of mover. Just shoot moving targets better that way. Will not abide sticks stuck to the rifle.
Due to terrain and angles and such, bipods are more often an actual hindrance not a help for how and where I mostly hunt. The tallest ones are frequently not tall enough. Big move on a sidehill, they just suck ass completely. Carrying them sucks. Shooting runners with them sucks. I just say No to bipods.
- DAA
Posted by Brent Parker (Member # 4354) on May 07, 2018, 07:37 AM:
I have both. I have a Harris or Atlas attached to the front of my rifle and carry a set of Vern's sticks as well. For the areas I'm going prone I use the bipod and rear bag and the rest of the areas I use the sticks. But I also use those scopes with funky reticles and twist turrets!
My rifles on the heavy side around 12.5 lbs. but its what I'm used to also.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 07, 2018, 12:28 PM:
To each his own; no doubt.
One thing I might like to clarify about the situation where you might have to stand up for visibility or for a running shot, etc. It's not really a valid argument as far as the attachment causing a problem on the fore end. As you stand up, detaching the detent swivel takes less time than talking about it. I certainly wouldn't stand for a shot with that rig swinging around, when it can be detached so easily. Makes me think that Dave isn't familiar with this particular set up, or has something else in mind?
Good hunting. El Bee
edit: I'm still not sure words are adequate in some illustrative situations? This device is no more permanently attached to the rifle than a lens cover. Use what you are comfortable with or use nothing at all, but when detached, the receptacle is not even noticeable, as a hindrance.
[ May 07, 2018, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on May 07, 2018, 11:37 PM:
I have used Harris bipods since before I'd even heard of shooting sticks. I have them on 3 different rifles. I do not notice a difference in weight because all of my rifles have them once you get used to them. Not having them would feel almighty strange. I shoot deer and elk the same as coyotes...from my rear on the ground, knees up, and bi-pod up. I guess I have shot all from prone but not as often.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 08, 2018, 06:36 AM:
Wow! Loco makes a post without asking for his log in information!
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on May 10, 2018, 09:50 PM:
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
:#
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on May 11, 2018, 03:24 AM:
I like my Atlas bipods, with the QD throw lever. Course, that requires mounting a small rail up under the stock's nose, but the ability to slap it on/off is worth the effort...
As for stix, I'm a total tripod fag now. If I'm sitting on my butt, calling, my rifle is gonna be either cradled or clamped above a tripod...
Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on May 21, 2018, 03:44 PM:
I started using the Primos sticks a couple years back. I like them. They help hold the rifle up when sitting' otherwise the rifle or shotgun sits on my lap and I shoot with my elbows on my knees. Rarely I actually stand and shoot offhand anymore, except shotgunning.
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on May 22, 2018, 06:55 PM:
I make my own Howey knock offs, having made an improvement on them some time back. and I have a 9-13 Harris on each of my rifles. Been a number of times where I have had to go prone in a hurry and it only take a second to drop both legs before lining up on a runner going across short cover in the open. The improvement to the Howeys is a foot on each leg about an inch up from the point. Consists of a washer welded around a short sleeve that slips onto the leg and is epoxied in place. Acts like those doohickies on ski poles and keeps the legs from sinking into soft soil or sand. The inch of point keeps it from slipping out from under you.
I've heard all the arguments about why sticks are a bad idea and they just don't apply for me, I guess. My offhand shooting skills suck so I need the stability of sticks, and I've used them so much that shooting, then grabbing the yoke and forearm of the rifle and moving the whole kit-and-kadoodle to get on the next target is just automatic anymore. It's been several years and several hundred coyotes since I recall sticks costing me a shot. As was stated earlier, I never leave the truck without them.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 23, 2018, 07:17 AM:
Lance, those Harris bipods are something I couldn't tolerate.
I can count on one hand the number of times I have laid prone, in the field, with a rifle and intending to shoot some critter. In my experience, bad things happen on the ground, ants, scorpions, snakes and most of all, cactus. Those spines shed, and float and drift all over. There doesn't need to be a cactus nearby to get stuck. That's my story, don't lay down, you will be sorry.
You people that have grass out in the places you hunt are fortunate, as long as it's short grass! Most places I might lay down, you can't see a damned thing when you get there!
I will admit this, the one time I killed 6 coyotes on a stand, I was prone, but that's a story that has been told before.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on May 23, 2018, 08:58 AM:
Ok...…….. You want the ultimate bi-pod ??
Go to your local Thrift Store.
Buy a walker. They're cheap. And they fold up.
A little rattle can paint, some camo fabric and a bit of padding & you're good to go.
Did I mention cheap ?? If you have a few established stands, brush a walker in and leave it for the season.
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on May 23, 2018, 12:31 PM:
All good input...but Koko wins. Im off to get a walker.
Mark
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on May 23, 2018, 07:18 PM:
Aw........ You're making me blush.
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on June 23, 2018, 06:55 AM:
So..........How did the walker / shooting platform turn out ????
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on June 23, 2018, 07:00 AM:
Fantastic...except it gets caught in the brush a lot.
Mark
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 23, 2018, 10:47 AM:
They have wheels, right? you can rig up a handle and pull it behind you without too much trouble....or go back to the Harris bipod.
I might have mentioned before, I always had an immediate aversion for Harris bipods with all those stupid springs. Talk about something that snags on brush! Springs snag on brush!
Whatever, some people like'em. On the other hand, I like the clean lines of my Atlas.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on June 23, 2018, 10:59 AM:
I know I'm getting on board this thread late but here is my 2 cents. I like the small bipods that are used on a bench. They are good at giving me a way to set the gun down without it getting in the dirt. They are small and lite. I'm not leaning the gun up against fence lines, trees or brush. If open country I take shooting sticks. However, I'll tell the wife to watch for folding walkers at the Goodwill for my favorite stands.
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on June 23, 2018, 01:30 PM:
The thrift stores usually have several on hand.
Ask the price, and then inquire "Is that for one or all of them??"
Go for the volume discount.
Brushed in with a milk crate for a stool they make a passable blind that's cheap enough to leave for the season.
For that matter, I've found a couple of beater step ladders that somebody was using for tree stands.
Posted by WhiteMtnCur (Member # 5) on June 23, 2018, 02:35 PM:
Can anyone recommend a lighter/ultralight bipod equivalent to the Harris 9-13?
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on June 24, 2018, 12:46 AM:
Reading through page one, I thought Koko' was just being silly about the walker!! For real guys?? I won't knock it, I've never tried it. Seems like you would have to be up on both knees to shoot from it?? How does it work?
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on June 24, 2018, 12:58 AM:
WMC,
Just use the standard Harris and drill a bunch of holes through your stock to make it lighter!!😀
Fer real, fer real, after your first whole day out with it, you will get used to it. It feels normal to me. If its a long ways to the truck and starts to feel heavy, I just switch shoulders like probably everyone else.
Light weight? What could you save - a couple of ounces maybe? Just get one. They work well. You do have to lift the rifle and reposition it sometimes. If so, you usually have to only reposition once after you initially see the coyote. The areas I hunt, you usually spot the coyotes a far ways out and you have time to move without being seen. If coyotes show up closely in your areas, all bets are off. Sticks would be better.
[ June 24, 2018, 01:01 AM: Message edited by: Locohead ]
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on June 24, 2018, 04:59 AM:
Loco, it's more of a permanent stand type thing best used with a folding stool or a milk crate, or on an incline.
Just another tool in the bag of tricks.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 24, 2018, 07:05 AM:
quote:
Can anyone recommend a lighter/ultralight bipod equivalent to the Harris 9-13?
For what purpose? Daylight stands, on ground level, prone?
Around here, as soon as you lay down, your visibility degrades by a huge amount. Maybe on elevated ground? From a bench? I don't really know? But, as I have already mentioned, look up the Atlas bipod. It makes a Harris look like a Rube Goldberg contraption.
Good hunting. El Bee
edit: forgot to mention about the walker solution as a dedicated device for people that have a favorite ambush type stand that you return to frequently, like once a month? I have never made a stand in the same place, ever, so I don't know about that stuff?
edit: reminds me! Trevor, I owe you an email. Slipped my mind, due to iPhone
[ June 24, 2018, 07:10 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by WhiteMtnCur (Member # 5) on June 25, 2018, 04:03 PM:
I do a lot of my coyote hunting a few miles past and a couple thousand feet above the signs that say "no motorized vehicles beyond this point." So I'm pretty weight conscious.
That Atlas bipod shaves a couple ounces and looks superior to the Harris. Thanks.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 25, 2018, 07:23 PM:
Yeah, the Atlas is a little spendy, but it's really well made and should last a lifetime. Doesn't require preloading either. It's a favorite of the tactical boys. It's the only one I own, it has a lever for a quick disconnect from a separately sold picatinny rail.
Good hunting. El Bee
edit: as far as past the motor vehicle sign; don't you hunt on horseback?
[ June 25, 2018, 07:27 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on June 26, 2018, 04:14 AM:
A cool thing about the Atlas is the QD throw lever option. Quick on/off, as in like 3seconds. So, you don't hafta keep the bipod mounted on the rifle for every stand, just keep in in your pack, calling bag, or even in the truck when that stand doesn't call for belly flopping...
Or, if ya do wanna keep the bipod on your rifle, the Atlas' legs can fold up 180° astern, allowing them to tuck underneath the forearm. This allows the rifle to slide easily into a backpack scabbard, if you're hunting offf your back. OR, a horse?
I don't dislike the Harris bipod, a notched leg swivel version with a KMW pod lock added is a nice setup! But, the Atlas ergos and versatility have become my preferred means of front support for field prone shooting...
[ June 26, 2018, 04:15 AM: Message edited by: knockemdown ]
Posted by WhiteMtnCur (Member # 5) on June 26, 2018, 08:01 PM:
Most of my time in the roadless country is in the saddle, but whether there or on foot I still try to watch weight so I can carry (more of) other things.
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on June 27, 2018, 03:44 AM:
It is so cool to see all the diverse forms of this sport (if you will) from trucks with pop tops to walkers to horse riders to atv's I would love to have a horse but it is such an investment in time and commitment to the animal that I do not think I could do the job! I love the smell from both ends of a horse ! An animal that changed human history!
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 27, 2018, 10:17 AM:
Yeah....what's that they call a "trailer" on a horse? A travois, (French word, I believe?) is it? Which is an Indian invention, replacing the wheel. Anyway, a place to pile up a few carcasses and lunch.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on June 27, 2018, 11:31 AM:
A few years ago, I ran into a fence rider in S.E. Ore. who told me that he called coyotes from up on his horse with a Circe mouth call. He carried a .357 lever action rifle and used .38 special hollow points on anything smaller than deer. Swore that a coyote would come in close to a man calling on horseback. I'm not sure if he was pulling my leg or not but he had 'that look' and I for damn sure wasn't going to call him a liar. I suspect that he didn't get down into town very often.
You meet some interesting people way out in the sagebrush.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 27, 2018, 11:38 AM:
Well, that's absolutely true. For some reason, all game, not just coyotes look at a horse and rider as just a horse. Yes, there have been a couple accounts of a coyote attacking a rider but once you get out in the wilderness, hunting on horseback doesn't spook game very much, if at all. I do have an invitation to hunt with Trevor, wonder if I could manage a little bit of that "beyond the motor vehicle "sign?
Good hunting. El Bee
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