rear sandbag vs monopod

[JJRawr]

I picked up a monopod from a buddy (accushot) for $20 the other day and shot with it. It really helped me since I'm new to shooting and have been having problems keeping the reticle completely steady. I did feel as if I were cheating though. Felt as if I needed to put it away for later us so I can keep working on my fundamentals. Also didn't like the angle range available with the monopod. Would a sandbag work better?

Is using a rear sandbag or monopod detrimental to the learning process?

Sorry guys for flooding the forums with my noob questions. I've been searching before every post and the search engine always brings up random stuff. :x

 

[Dylan in AZ]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I personally think that using a rear rest is cheating yourself out of proper control. But that's not to say that they don't have teir purposes which they definatly do.

You did score a great price on that monopod though and I think as long as you don't abuse it and shoot much more often without it that you will see a personal improvement in your own shooting skills.

On the other hand, when something like that is available to you in the field when you actually need to pull off the best possible shot you're capable of, I think it's more acceptable to use.

On the sandbag thing, I have no clue. Someone with more factual info should chime in soon as my post is just opinion

-Dylan

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

No using a rear bag is not cheating. There is a point of accuracy that can not be obtained without the use of a rear bag. Most schools teach their students using a rear bag.

Are there times when you shouldn't use a rear bag... yes, but they are not when you are intending to send precision fire over long distances.

Not that being said, I feel it is important to practice using multiple different methods: with rear bag, slung, positional, hawkins, and on and on... the list never ends.

Use the tools that are available to you, the more tricks you have in you pack, the greater your chances of success.

 

[JJRawr]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

thanks for the positive response.

I think I'll keep using no support in the rear until I start getting confident enough to shoot over 300 yards. thanks

 

[Lofty]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I would say that using a bag is much more stable than a monopod....at least in my experience. Obviously a monopod has it's advantages.....it's always there.

As far as using either....I say use whatever you can whenever you can to improve your shooting. That is until it hampers your tactical advantage.

It would seem prudent to train both ways.

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I've never used a monopod, but I don't see how you could "tweak" minute elevation changes with one like you can by squeezing your fist around a rear bag. Guess I'm missing something...

 

[probablycause]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

there is also a padded shooting glove that is pretty killer that is offered by creedmore that you might check into.

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/store/product.php?productid=16144

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I have a rear bag (OD green sock filled). I have used someone else's (Mike Booshay) monopod and it work fine. Which one is better comes down to personally preference. I like the sock because I can use one for all off my rifles. However, I have grabbed a drag bag without a sock and I was SOL, when I needed it. The one I used worked great and has had me thinking about getting a few for my rifles. It just comes down to want you want and what you want to spend.

Jamie

 

[AKAce]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

Cheating ? I reckon using good Glass or a Accurate rifle is cheating also ? The object is to hit the targets. Using All the tools at your disposal to do it is Not Cheating.

 

[JJRawr]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

as far as a monopod not being able to adjust to a minute level, the one I have is VERY minute! You have a threaded thumbscrew on it that adjusts very precisely. It's just the fact that it's so big and I feel with a bag you can have it on or off your hand a lot quicker than you can with a monopod.

I agree that I should use everything at my disposal in a combat setting, but as far as competitions go, as long as I can use a monopod or rear bag, I think I might just stick with doing that for a while. I'll shoot without it occasionally to make sure I can, but why not practice what I'll be using 99% of the time.

I ordered the bag mentioned in the training videos and I guess I'll try them both out for myself and find out which one is best for me. Thanks for the input!

 

[hognuts]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: beck.jamie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a rear bag (OD green sock filled). I have used someone else's (Mike Booshay) monopod and it work fine. Which one is better comes down to personally preference. I like the sock because I can use one for all off my rifles. However, I have grabbed a drag bag without a sock and I was SOL, when I needed it. The one I used worked great and has had me thinking about getting a few for my rifles. It just comes down to want you want and what you want to spend.

Jamie </div></div>

I used one of the mono-pods in a match up in Wyoming (ITRC) a couple years ago and it sucked in rough terrain, it allowed a ton of side to side movement, it was one of the style that attaches to the rear sling mount. I tore it off and switched to a bag for the balance of the match. To me a bag is much more suitable unless you are shooting off of a very solid surface. On the same topic though, I have a Barrett model 99 and it shoots very well off of the mono-pod, but I think part of that is the shear weight of the rifle makes it more solid on the rear pod. That is my two cents for what its worth. I would stick with the bag unless you are shooting a 20lb plus rifle! (or shooting off a bench, and or a hard consistant surface)

 

[z71rat]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I went without a rear bag for a long time, and just used my hand as a rear support on my shoulder. I shot pretty good that way, until I saw a guy shooting with a rear bag at the range. I thought I would give it a try.

The difference was incredible. I had no idea that I had that much movement with my hand supporting the rifle to my shoulder. My shooting improved dramatically. I have been shooting with the rear bag, and then decided to try the Accushot Monopod. Yes, it has it's purposes, but it didn't suit me very well. I liked the adjustability of the quick adjust knob, but it just isn't stable enough for me. I actually prefer to use my rear bag. In fact, I just sold my Monopod yesterday.

It is really up to you whether you use it or not. Only you can tell what works best for your circumstances. I will be on the bag.

DK

 

[vman]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I prefer to use a rear bag. And no its not cheating.

I will however accept the fact that in the field you sometimes sacrifice the comforts in life and it is at that point that I use a monopod.

Rear bag for paper, Monopod for slaying beasts.

Both are an aid, and theres nothing wrong with trying to make your life a little easier

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wannashootit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've never used a monopod, but I don't see how you could "tweak" minute elevation changes with one like you can by squeezing your fist around a rear bag. Guess I'm missing something... </div></div>

You're missing the fact that you've never used one.

Yes you can make micro changes to elevation which for time rich shoots is a nice thing to have. It sucks off rough ground or when shooting in a timed match and that's when a bag is most useful. However, when a competition involves movement and firing at multiple ranges from multiple positions and rules dictate you can't add or remove anything from your rifle post the first shot both fall down and you have to be able to shoot without either, just as you have to standing or kneeling. All three approaches have their merits and drawbacks and it entirely depends on the purpose of the shoot.

 

[Highpoint]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I have both, used the monopod for about a month. Now its just rifle decoration, as its installed but not used unless, god forbid, I leave my rear bags at home.

 

[tullius]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

Rear bag just works better all 'round, try it and you'll see. Shooting solid and better is not cheating, unless you're doing a comp where a bag is explicitly prohibited, but that's very rare. Take the advantage, run a rear bag, reap the benefits.

 

[vman]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

What are your thoughts on the Accu-Shot monopod?

I dont actually use their monopod, only the Atlas. I run a Stinger on the rear of my AICS.

My main concerns for not liking it for more than one shot are because it does not absorb recoil like a bag does and tends to "hop" around, especially on a bench.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your thoughts on the Accu-Shot monopod?

I dont actually use their monopod, only the Atlas. I run a Stinger on the rear of my AICS.

My main concerns for not liking it for more than one shot are because it does not absorb recoil like a bag does and tends to "hop" around, especially on a bench. </div></div>

Are you grabbing it with your rest hand? I've used it this way and find it great (just not with bare skin on a concrete bench - you learn that once...). If I need extra elevation I hold it just below the middle of my palm and adjust by squeezing or loosening. Basically how Kasey told me to do it. Works well.

Never tried using the rear bag to absorb recoil though.

 

[vman]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I dont know if it actually does reduce recoil, but I perceive it that way.

I have grabbed it with my hand, and still prefer the rear bag.

I still think monopods have their place and are very useful bits of kit.

 

[ZULUTAC]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KNIGHT11B4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No using a rear bag is not cheating. There is a point of accuracy that can not be obtained without the use of a rear bag. Most schools teach their students using a rear bag.

Are there times when you shouldn't use a rear bag... yes, but they are not when you are intending to send precision fire over long distances.

Not that being said, I feel it is important to practice using multiple different methods: with rear bag, slung, positional, hawkins, and on and on... the list never ends.

Use the tools that are available to you, the more tricks you have in you pack, the greater your chances of success.



</div></div>

+1 totally agree. In the real world, I cheat every time I can. My eyes are always looking for something to manipulate into a better rest. My days were spent in Urban and somewhat wooded areas. I've used fences,curbs,tables,basketballs,pillows,door knobs if you can believe it, ladders, my buddy and on and on. I had to quickly find a hide and stay in it for hours and hours and hours. So with that said chose your hide wisely to include your method of support. If you aint cheating your aint trying.

But as was said don't forget to practice unsupported just as much as supported. But cheat even when you shoot unsupported, use your bodies natural shape. It don't matter if it looks ugly find the position which wobbles the least and SEND IT.

 

[GorbashUK]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I have used a fist, a shooting glove, a monopod on my AI and a Cadwell bag, and the bag is by far the best and most adaptable. If you get a bag dont fill it to absolute capacity, leave a little space in it then you can squeeze it for small elevation movement.
If it helps you hit the target and its allowed in the rule book then go for it, its not cheating.

 

[Lindy]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

I use a monopod as described by EventHorizon, by wrapping my support hand, wearing a nomex flight-crew glove, around the monopod. I make minute elevation changes by varying the pressure of my support hand.

The monopod also makes a great handle for panning the rifle when shooting moving targets.

I have quizzed lots of military snipers returned from the sandbox. Few have ever carried a bag with them. They don't often get prone shots, are moving a lot, and don't feel that it's worth the weight, or the time it takes to deal with it on a shot.

My advice is to equip yourself with gear suitable to the kind of shooting you plan to do, and train with it. If you're a range or tactical competition shooter, then the bag may be a suitable piece of gear. If you shoot a long gun for a living, to keep yourself and your buddies alive, you may want to train differently.

 

[JJRawr]

Re: rear sandbag vs monopod

Thank you all for the great advice.

I'm planning on keeping my shooting recreational. I'm in the army but I won't ever be using a rifle like that as I'm commo.

I tried the rear bag for the first time the other day and it felt a bit stiff. I'll keep practicin though. I enjoy shooting without any support other than a bipod and my shoulder and fist.

I'll just keep practicing both ways until I learn how to use it right