|
Author
|
Topic: Monopod or Bipod or a Better Technique???
|
Western Rifleman
Knows what it's all about
Member # 393
|
posted September 26, 2004 08:39 PM
Howdy All . . .
While coyote calling lately I figure I need to come up w/ a better idea for sudden shots off to the side(s).
I usually sit on a small camp stool in a good location while calling and used to use a Stoney Point Monopod for a rifle rest....the problem is I need to sit perfectly STILL for 30 min.; the rifle is resting on it pointed pretty much straight ahead, and my electronic call speaker is about 50-60 yds. out ahead of me. (I DISLIKE the idea of having some attached Harris Bipod hanging off the end of my rifle for Many reasons). Then I switched to a Stoney Point telescoping Bipod for a more steady rest (neither are attached to my rifle but I just lay the forend in the V at the top of the bipod)....but the Problem is that sometimes I may have to quickly traverse almost 90 degrees to either right or left for a shot....the bipod is kinda clumsy to lift up and swing and then re-plant on the ground for the shot when the coyote suddenly appears off to the right or left and a sudden wind shift causes him to bolt to get outta Dodge (its windy here), making it necessary for me to shoot NOW, (and sometimes the ground is uneven to boot). Much of this is wide open desert country. Anyway I'm sure you get my drift.
Any thoughts on what might be a better way to quickly get on these sudden far left or far right shots???
Cas in Wyoming
Posts: 26 | From: Wyoming | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted September 26, 2004 11:19 PM
I can relate to the Harris Bipod. I have never had the desire to hang one of those things on any gun I own.
I don't like to carry shooting sticks, either. Pretty much for the reason you describe, what if a coyote jumps up to the extreme sides and your sticks are pointed straight ahead. Makes for some clumsy shooting.
Last year, I used a stool a couple of times, and it was uncomfortable, just like shooting offhand, no support whatsoever. I think it caused me to miss a shot that I should have made.
I'm going to use a very short stool (4") with a back support, so that I can bring my knees into play, to steady my elbows. That's what works for me.
One other thing is to plan your stand to eliminate those surprises, as much as possible. Especially if it is windy, as is often the case in Wyoming. (ask me how I know)
I'd concentrate on hunting cover, select a crosswind position favoring your best movement, be it to the right or left. If a coyote still pops up on your bad side, let him run to the sound until he gets into your kill zone. Assuming you are using a machine and not hand calling. If hand calling, keep the series short and loud, and the pauses long.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32363 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Az-Hunter
Hi, I'm Vic WELCOME TO THE U.S. Free baloney sandwiches here
Member # 17
|
posted September 27, 2004 08:44 AM
Cas, loose the sticks, you have two perfectly good shooting sticks hanging off your shoulders:) I almost always use a stool unless there is absolutely no cover to back into, then I sit on the ground. From the stool, I bend at the waist, prop my elbows on my knees just as if I were in the sitting position, it's solid,stable and very flexible shooting position. I can raise my toes to adjust for elevation, and rotate my behind on the stool for lateral movement. The only application I have ever used sticks or bipods for is when pecking at prairedogs etc.
Posts: 1670 | From: 5 miles west of Tim | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
lyote
PAKMAN
Member # 235
|
posted September 27, 2004 06:59 PM
campmor ***** a folding chair that i have used for about 6 yrs. i just got 2 more for me and my son item no. 40687blk portable travel chair. you can shoot off your knees,and turn about 150degrees.i have also cut the legs on those cheap plastic outdoor chairs. but the folding chair is the best it gives you a back rest out of the brush and the bottom is 3 or 4 inches off the ground.campmor also has others you might like better. oh it only cost ten dollars.
Posts: 6 | From: utah | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cal Taylor
Knows what it's all about
Member # 199
|
posted September 28, 2004 09:50 AM
I am a firm believer in shooting sticks. I never go without them. But it's a different country up here than AZ. But I have called a little in northern AZ and used my sticks and got along fine. I don't really care for the Harris Bi-Pods. They are too klunky and heavy and noisy.
--------------------
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
FoxPro Field Staff Member
Posts: 1069 | From: Wyoming | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Rich Higgins
unknown comic
|
posted September 28, 2004 10:48 AM
I use ELK shooting sticks. My rifle is propped up and pointed in the most likely direction while I am calling. Sometimes if I expect a response immediately I will prop the buttstock up on my shoulder while both hands work the call. If a coyote pops up left or right, I simply swing the muzzel over on it and let the sticks fall. If they haven't seen or heard anything to alarm them yet, then apparently that motion and sound arouses their curiosity because they usually just stop and check out the minor commotion.
IP: Logged
|
|
Cdog911
"There are some ideas so absurd only an intellectual could believe them."--George Orwell.
Member # 7
|
posted September 28, 2004 11:32 AM
I used to not use them, and didn't have any real use for them. Then, I started using them and don't leave the truck without them anymore. But, my area, like Cal said, is different than AZ. Rather than being wide open like Cal sees, or mile after mile of ground level cover like down southwest, my area consists of broken habitat with a small pockets of sheltering cover here or there, allowing me to set up and almost predict with 100% certainty where a coyote might appear. I set up with my rifle lying on the sticks (ELK knock offs) and the butt in my lap. If things start popping, it's very easy to just raise the butt and get it into place, I can handle the call with one or both hands, and, as importantly, they keep my gun out of the mud. if I have to swing, not a problem. But, I do love them now.
As far as Harrises, I have a set on each rifle and am just use to them being there. They work great off the bench or when I can call from prone. They also serve well to keep the forearm end of my rifle stock locked into the rubber rest on the sticks.
[ September 28, 2004, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: Cdog911 ]
--------------------
I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
Posts: 5440 | From: The gun-lovin', gun-friendly wild, wild west | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
DAA
Utah/Promoted WESTERN REGIONAL Hunt Director
Member # 11
|
posted September 28, 2004 11:33 AM
I use sticks most of the time too. In pretty much exactly the manner Rich just described.
- DAA
--------------------
"Oh yeah, they're gonna talk to you, and talk to you, and talk to you about individual freedom, but they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em." -- George Hanson, Easy Rider, 1969.
Rocky Mountain Varmint Hunter
Posts: 2676 | From: Salt Lake City, UT | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Greenside
seems to know what he is talking about
Member # 10
|
posted September 28, 2004 12:48 PM
I use Shooting sticks almost all the time, but I do have Harris L swivels on all my calling guns just in case I have to go prone on certain stands.
I also like to keep two hands free when calling and like Lance said, Just prop the gun up and keep the butt in your lap or along your side.
The one thing I think about sticks is that there is sort of a learning curve on how to use them. Being able to open or close the sticks with just fingers and hand control is like trying to eat Chinese food with chop sticks. I know it took me some time to learn how to use them and also be comfortable with them.
When using sticks I almost always lock up on my knee or knees. Instead of holding on the forearm of the gun, I'm just holding on the v-notch just below the gun. Minor elevation changes is usually just a matter of leaning into the sticks or leaning out. The same with minor windage, Just lean alittle left or right.
I never have had any use for Monopods for calling< I think they suck.
Dennis
Posts: 719 | From: IA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Krustyklimber
prefers the bunny hugger pronunciation: ky o tee
Member # 72
|
posted September 28, 2004 02:28 PM
Rich,
Shooting sticks for a video camera??? You'd think that would keep the camera steady (eh Bomba?).
Just kidding. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
I actually use sticks, much the way Rich described too, when using a rifle.
I set the sling swivel just through the sticks, this keeps them from tipping away from me, and I often mount the gun, so I can rest my chin on the stock (helping me sit still).
I call with my left hand, if I need to "skootch" my way around I use my right hand, and keep the rifle mounted with my left.
I have never tried a bi-pod mounted to a rifle. I don't have any dislike of them, I just don't think they could be worth that much money, for sure, not that much of MY money. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
I gimp pretty badly, my shooting sticks are mostly used as a cane/walking stick even when shotgunning.
I slip the foot off of an old crutch onto them, for walking, and it helps me a lot extending my range, and therefore the amount of stands I can make in a day.
As far as any thoughts of the "bolters" to the extreme edges of your stand... what about a pistol? (Or I am thinking from the woods again?)
Krusty 
[ September 28, 2004, 02:31 PM: Message edited by: Krustyklimber ]
--------------------
Think about how stupid the average person is, then realize that half of them are stupider than that!
Posts: 1912 | From: Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Bofire
READ MY LIPS!
Member # 221
|
posted September 28, 2004 02:55 PM
I like the sticks, took me a while to get used to them. I try to set up pointing at the most likely area or where my partner and I are sharing area.
Left or right, out of the swing of the sticks?
Just let em drop, shoot off hand.
I love to practice shooting off hand, not many folks I know practice at it. I dont try to shoot bullseyes, but pop/beer cans, quart oil jugs filled with water, at 100 to 150 yards i can hit em real regular and fairly quickly.
Carl
Posts: 322 | From: Wild West | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted September 28, 2004 03:02 PM
Congratulations everyone, there is some good solid advice contained in this thread.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32363 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
brad h
Knows what it's all about
Member # 57
|
posted September 28, 2004 03:05 PM
I may be the only one who likes and uses a bipod exclusively, but that's fine. I use a Harris short swivel type. I've tried sticks, but never could get comfortable with it. There's rarely anything to lean agains where I call, and I found that I am a better shot off hand than sitting without leaning against anything. That actually seems to be the worst position for me to shoot from. I call prone 95% of the time, I really like the stability I get from leaning into the gun. The runoffs I've have usually cause me to get up and run over the hill I'm on, or around a tree, they end up being off hand shots. If I end up having to shoot a runner off a bad left to right or right to left incline, I've improvised by sticking one bipod leg in the dirt and holding the crosshairs square via pressure from my sholder and my left hand. Sounds ackward, but it works. The only problem I've ever come across has been calling in flat fields with grass taller than the gun. I've only come across that situation two or three times.
Brad
Posts: 346 | From: Glendive MT | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted September 28, 2004 05:49 PM
Brad, don't apologize! You find a bipod useful, that's what we want to hear.
For me, I gave up lying prone around snakes and cholla cactus a long time ago. In this type of cover, you can't see for beans unless you are at least sitting, and sometimes you have to stand.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32363 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Tim Behle
Administrator MacNeal Sector
Member # 209
|
posted September 28, 2004 08:47 PM
I use the 27" Harris bipods from time to time. I set on the ground and place the rifle butt in my right shirt pocket. When a coyote shows, it is just a matter of leaning forward and putting my eye behind the scope.
They aren't for everyone, but at times, they can't be beaten!
--------------------
Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take
an ass kickin'.
Posts: 3160 | From: Five Miles East of Vic, AZ | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Rich Higgins
unknown comic
|
posted September 28, 2004 10:24 PM
I hope Q weighs in on this. He carries both and has a technique that has to be seen.
IP: Logged
|
|
Western Rifleman
Knows what it's all about
Member # 393
|
posted September 28, 2004 11:39 PM
Well I tell ya What .... the experience and skill levels of the riflemen on this thread offering their help and advice makes a man break out into a grin and feel grateful to be within such company.
RIFLEMEN!!
That is a powerful, Patriotic and Proud word and our art in our midst has NOT died even though our culture has changed a bit in our country in the past half century.
As for me, my dabbling into using the Stoney Point Bipod (non-attached) for calling is about a month long so far --- and have still been a bit clumsy with it; its new to me. But I've been using the Ching Sling (I have 2) and IS (as Pete mentioned) the greatest thing since sliced bread...but for me to be slung up for 30 min puts a bit of limitation on my hands while trying to manipulate buttons to adjust volume and change sounds -- but it Can be done! :-)
Personally I have to use a small camping stool of some sort cuz I find that I can't sit perfectly still cross-legged on the ground without getting muscle cramps at about the 15-20 min. mark.
In any event . . .this has and IS a Blast to keep fine-tuning technique to get the most accurate first round hits under unexpected field conditions in the shortest possible time.
Learning and perfecting never stops!
Keep ur powder dry and have Lots of powder.
Cas
Posts: 26 | From: Wyoming | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Jon E
Knows what it's all about
Member # 403
|
posted September 29, 2004 04:47 AM
Greetings guys I'm new around here.
I have both experience with cross-stixs and a Harris bipod and like them both. But I have been giving Mobile Tech Roto Blaster Gun Rest ( You can see at http://www.cabelas.com ) a thought since it has 360* rotation and back support.
I got a bit to learn about Varment/Preditor shooting but I thought this would work.
Your thoughts
Jon
[ September 29, 2004, 04:52 AM: Message edited by: Jon E ]
Posts: 12 | From: Kalispell, Mt. | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Rich Higgins
unknown comic
|
posted September 29, 2004 06:10 AM
Greetings Jon, welcome.
One of the things you need to do on stand is make yourself as small and inconspicuous as possible. Pretty hard to do with that rest.. and the porter and bearer that tote it across the hills and mountains for you. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
IP: Logged
|
|
Greenside
seems to know what he is talking about
Member # 10
|
posted September 29, 2004 06:15 AM
Jon
Welcome to the board! Looks like it would work for PD'S, chucks and some other varmints. I'm not sure I could find a application for predators, although a guy might be able to make a strong argument for it in a How Far From the Truck thread. I usually deal with enough fence and distance issues to carry around an additional 18 pounds.
I must admit,I do like the cigar humidor and beer can holder option on the deluxe model!
Dennis
Posts: 719 | From: IA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted September 29, 2004 08:47 AM
Welcome to the New Huntmasters, Jon. Glad to have you on board.
I followed your link and all I got was the home page, so I don't know what you have in mind? If it's something you might use for ground squirrels and such; called coyotes, as opposed to those wandering around a dog town, they will spot you right away. Better to make your stand from the ground.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32363 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
UTcaller
NEVADA NIGHT FIGHTER
Member # 8
|
posted September 29, 2004 10:49 AM
I use some home made shooting sticks,and wouldn't even consider calling without them.For me personally 0-100 yards I might be pretty consistent in killing coyotes freehand but from 150-250 and beyond I sure like the shooting sticks.
I used to use harris bipods,but for alot of the same reasons that have been mentioned I don't use them anymore(weight,noise,and lack of manuverablity).Whatever works for you personally is the rule of thumb I guess.GOOD HUNTING C.O
Posts: 1708 | From: Utah | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
|
posted September 29, 2004 11:04 AM
Thanks, Dennis. yeah, that "drink holder" is a hoot.
As for Mr McCasland, at least he has a plan to deal with the brush. I never tried a ladder, but I can see the advantages.
Chad, if I had your conditions, I might have to go the same way.
Good hunting. LB
--------------------
EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32363 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Bill
Knows what it's all about
Member # 49
|
posted September 29, 2004 04:26 PM
Western Rifleman,
I've used all of the mentioned shooting aids and realize that they all have an advantage of stability but also to some degree or other have their disadvantage of lack of mobility and their problem of repositioning them quitely. When I know I'll be calling from the ground I'll use a Harris Bipod or Stoney Point Shooting sticks. When calling from a stool I'll use longer homemade shooting sticks. I'll use a monopod when call from my ladder but the really hard right or left hand shots are extremely difficult and exciting.
I recall seeing sometime back a monpod that attached to the hunters belt. I quickly scanned three mail order catalogues and didn't find it. Maybe this might be of some help to you, if it can be found.
Bill
Posts: 55 | From: Tucson | Registered: Jan 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic
