Let’s be honest….accuracy off the sticks

[Russ16]

Here in the UK up to the 1990s we deerstalkers used a single stick to take virtually all shots off and rarely shot beyond 125 yards. In the early 90s some bipod sticks appeared and allowed us to consistently shoot a bit further, the late 90s tripods came along and 200 yds odd was achievable.

Around 2005 the first quad sticks appeared and currently I'd say 95% of all standing shots here (and in Europe) are now taken using quads. Many experienced stalkers will consistently take deer out to 300 yds off them. I can shoot 1" groups at 100 yds from them.

When I first hunted PG in Africa I found some of the ranges the PH set his tripod out for too rangey so I took my quad sticks the next time and was much steadier.

I hunted buffalo in Zim last year and was pleasantly surprised to find my PH had a set of quad sticks and said he'd converted quite a few clients from the US to them. I'd also taken my Viperflex Journey sticks (that fold down to go in normal baggage.) The advantage of my sticks over the PH's Stable4sticks is you can shoot off the Viperflex from kneeling (either angled or shortened) and that was useful in the thick bush we were hunting in in the Zambezi Valley. My PH was admiring my sticks but the import costs (from Denmark) were too steep.... so I gifted him my set. He has said since they have had a lot of work.

If you need a quick shot the sticks can be used as a mono or bipod of course.

If you haven't tried quad sticks I'd highly recommend giving them a go.

Are the viper flex the only model easily used sitting or kneeling?

 

[375Fox]

Are the viper flex the only model easily used sitting or kneeling?

No, GunStix are extremely adjustable anywhere between sitting and standing. 4 stable sticks mountain sticks are adjustable too, but aren’t easily adjusted at the time.

GunStix

 

[BeeMaa]

Are the viper flex the only model easily used sitting or kneeling?

I have the Viper-Flex Styx Pro To Go (3-section carbon fiber) and they are easily adjustable for sitting and kneeling.

However, I've found that most of the time when I'm in those positions, it's because I'm turkey or predator hunting. In those cases, I usually use a set of bipod BOG-POD sticks. They seem to fit the bill better for those specific purposes.

Obviously the VF sticks can be used as a bipod (or quad, or mono) and if I were forced to have just one set of sticks, those are the ones. I like the 3-piece sections because the breakdown small for easy travel. Carbon fiber because they are light, yet durable and don't chill my hand like aluminum in the colder weather.

For the record, I have the VF (quad) sticks, three sets tripod BOG-POD sticks, one set of bipod BOG-POD's and at least three different mono sticks/walking sticks. Who the hell just has one set of sticks?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

If sitting was an option, I wouldn't mess with sticks. Sling and traditional sitting position is quick to set up and very stable.

 

[Russ16]

Thanks. I have a chamois hunt in November and and looking for something that can be used in a variety of positions and uneven terrain and can collapse small enough to be strapped to my daypack.

I’ve also looked at the wiser precision quick stix attachment for tracking poles. They’re cheap and look like a nice option to have if you’re going to be carrying poles anyway.

Plan to pick something up soon so I can practice over the summer.

 

[thriller]

I would have liked to see your pics of the various types of sticks mentioned, bogs, quads, african, ect. I havent purchased any yet , but considering it , my PH used a quad set, but im more of a miniamlist.

I am getting bog pods soon