Shooting Sticks for Competition Use

[afate45]

I've been reading around this site and others about the various shooting stick options. I think I've narrowed it down to a few choices, but I'd like to get some feedback before opening my wallet.

Primos Trigger Stick looks awesome, but I have a few questions about it...

• Can I use the PRS rest on the Primos Trigger Stick? Something like the SSP-2 from PRS...I guess I could use the standard V-block head it comes with, but the PRS would be a perfect fit for my AI AE. Opinions on this are welcome.
• What height should I get? This would be used for competitions like the Snipers Hide Cup...not hunting, just purely in competition. Should I get the short one, or the regular one?
• It seems like the overall length when collapsed is virtually the same between the short and regular size...around 24 inches, but the regular expands to 60ish and the short expands to 30ish inches.

Now the real question is this...how often do you find yourself needing to use shooting sticks at a match? I know the match down in Raton, NM has a stage that pretty much requires shooting sticks, at least that's what I've been told. I plan on shooting this match at least 3x per year.

Any advice is appreciated. I'm also not married to the Primos sticks...I just like the idea of being able to rapidly adjust the height. I know some guys like the BOG bipod, Stoney Point, etc.

 

[LawnMM]

I find it infrequent that you MUST have a set for a shot, but it does happen. There is a cheaper version than primos where you can unscrew the cheap plastic head and stick on a PRS SSP-2 in its place, that's what I did. I'd look for something that lets you kneel comfortably as far as height. Generally they scale the ranges based on the difficulty of the shot. So if you HAVE to stand and shoot off hand the distance isn't so far and target so small as to make it impossible.

 

[afate45]

I find it infrequent that you MUST have a set for a shot, but it does happen. There is a cheaper version than primos where you can unscrew the cheap plastic head and stick on a PRS SSP-2 in its place, that's what I did. I'd look for something that lets you kneel comfortably as far as height. Generally they scale the ranges based on the difficulty of the shot. So if you HAVE to stand and shoot off hand the distance isn't so far and target so small as to make it impossible.

Good info, thanks for the advice!

 

[bunsen27]

The "Y" or yoke of the Trigger sticks can be unscrewed and it has a 1/4"-20 threaded post for attaching common camera and optics equipment. I have both height sticks. The shortest works nice for lower shots while the tall version covers the mid to standing shots.

 

[6.5 GUY]

If you're serious about using something in a Match, buy a HOG or PIG Saddle and mount it to a good tripod..... you'll be light years ahead of two sticks in the ground!

 

[JC Steel]

I have the primos trigger stick as well!

I really like it. For me I find that there is 1 or 2 stages during a match I can use them. But when they can be used, they usually a big advantage.

Like a stage that has 4 shots standing, 4 shots sitting, etc. etc.
The 4 shots standing are much easier.

 

[Steve1]

I've never shot in competition, but I've used a variety of shooting sticks for the past twenty years hunting. I've tried to come up with a set that are easy to pack around, and quick to employ. What I often use is just two pieces of wooden dowel held together at the appropriate height with a heavy rubber band. I also tie a piece of light cord below the rubber band, so the bipod won't open up too far.

I carry this by shoving it into my belt. I can whip it out when I need it, with my left hand. Packing it around is somewhat of a pain, but it works okay once you get used to it. Mine are usually about twenty inches long. You can make them longer or shorter.

Being a right hander, I rest my rifle on the bipod and rest my right elbow on my right knee, which is up. The other knee is down. This is extremely accurate. Shooting prone is probably a little more accurate, but there are times when you can't see above the brush, snow, or whatever, when you are laying down.

When I still hunt whitetail I use a type of walking stick bipod. It is a pain to carry around, but if you use it as a walking stick it isn't so bad, and it will help you make a tough shot when you have to shoot through a hole in the trees. I took a straight piece of lodge-pole. A thick piece of dowling would work. Rip it straight down the middle on a table saw. Then put a bolt and nut through where you want it to hinge open. With a flick of the wrist it will open. I again tie a piece of string below the hinge point so it won't open too far. I can kneel with this bipod, if I rest on the side of one of the legs.

Both these rests work great. They will make a tough shot, easy! I've never found a store bought bipod, that I like as well.....

 

[bunsen27]

If you're serious about using something in a Match, buy a HOG or PIG Saddle and mount it to a good tripod..... you'll be light years ahead of two sticks in the ground!

A HOG on a Manfrotto tripod is a great piece of kit and super sturdy. However, it's not the fastest to deploy nor adjust once the timer starts. The trigger sticks are hands down the fastest in that department and MUCH lighter to pack around all day.

 

[opeagle]

When needing something light and quick, I use three wood doll rods with leather lash straps. Not as stable as a high quality tripod and a HOG saddle, but lighter and quicker in certain scenarios.

Or, this is an article where the author uses three fiberglass markers to achieve something similar but lighter than the wooden rods I typically use.

DIY Shooting Sticks | ADAPTIVE DEFENSE CONCEPTS

 

[delfuego]

Primos Trigger Stick looks awesome,

+1 for the Primos Tripod.

I RO'd for the winner of the Rocky Mountain Steel Quest in WY, he had them and they are fast. When the clock is running time flies! Seconds count and my PRS was way too slow. I learned a lot watching him and competing and ordered a set of Primos for the Steel Safari. They are heavy and long but speed is more important in this type of match.

 

[KevinU]

+1 for the Primos Tripod.

I RO'd for the winner of the Rocky Mountain Steel Quest in WY, he had them and they are fast. When the clock is running time flies! Seconds count and my PRS was way too slow. I learned a lot watching him and competing and ordered a set of Primos for the Steel Safari. They are heavy and long but speed is more important in this type of match.

Which height did you get?

Thanks

 

[delfuego]

Which height did you get?

I got the Tall "Jim Shockey" model.

 

[GONE BAD]

Stony Point Quick Pivot. I got mine after a "train-up" at JC Steel Challenge with Carl Taylor. They are pretty cool. Mine are a little longer than his but I can cut them down if need be. So far I've left mine long, 24"-48", so that I can use them hunting. I think they'll work better that way on mountain slops? Quick attach and detach, 360* pivot and easy leg adjustment. I think Primos makes them also.

 

[HodgdonExtreme]

These look pretty good:

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-d-i-y/190840-diy-shooting-sticks.html