Summary:

• Shooting monopods are fast, quiet, and steady.
• Bipods are best for crouched or prone positions and bench shooting.
• Shooting tripods offer the rock-solid stability.

For some hunters, a shooting rest is the key to a one-shot kill. It not only keeps your shot steady, but it lets you rest your gun while you wait. The three types of shooting rests are monopods, bipods, and tripods. Each type has its pros and cons. Which one is best for you depends on your hunting style and personal preference.

Monopod Shooting Stick

Hunting Monopod

Pros:

• Quickest to get in place for the shot
• Most compact shooting rest option – fits well in tight quarters
• Easiest to use in unstable and uneven terrain
• Doubles as a hiking stick

Cons:

• Not as stable as a bipod or tripod

Hunting Bipod

Pros:

• Ideal for a crouched, prone, or bench shooting position
• Adjusts to a shorter height than most monopods
• Better stability than a monopod

Cons:

• May need to adjust the legs for use on uneven ground

Tripod Shooting Stick

Hunting Tripod

Pros:

• Best stability of the three shooting rest models
• Offers the most support for your firearm
• Taller tripods can be used in the field and shorter tripods for bench shooting

Cons:

• Requires adjustment for uneven ground