Hunting monopods are lightweight and fast to set up.
There are plenty of shooting sticks available on the market. Which one is best? That depends on which features are most important to you. Here are some of the main differences between types of shooting sticks, including monopods, bipods, and tripods.
Hunting Monopods
Monopods are the lightest weight shooting sticks available. Their biggest attraction is for hunters who hike in to remote spots. Since it doubles as a walking stick, the monopod is not just another piece of equipment to carry on your back but it makes the hike easier, whether you’re headed to your favorite hunting spot or just enjoying a day hike in the woods. Because the monopod has only one leg, it’s fast to set up for quick shots, and there’s no need to adjust leg length to compensate for uneven or unstable terrain.
A hunting tripod offers the most stability.
Hunting Bipods
A bipod offers more stability than a monopod and often adjusts to a shorter height than most monopods. These types of shooting sticks are preferred for crouched or prone positions and bench shooting. The legs can be adjusted for use on uneven ground. Bipods are somewhat of a compromise between a monopod and a tripod. A bipod is lighter in weight and less cumbersome than a tripod, but having two legs gives it more stability than a monopod.
Hunting Tripods
Tripods offer the most stability of all three types of shooting sticks. They give you the steadiest shot in windy conditions, and they offer the most support for your firearm. Tripods take a little more time to set up, but with practice, you’ll be ready for the shot in no time. Another bonus for tripods is their freestanding capability. Monopods and bipods require you to hold them up, but tripods can stand up on their own three feet.
Place the forearm of the rifle over the cradle of the tripod.
Shooting sticks—monopods, bipods, and tripods—are a great way to steady your shot in the field, on the range, or from inside a
hunting blind. They are quick and easy to set up and use for a solid gun rest no matter where you are shooting. With a little practice, using
shooting sticks will become second nature.
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How to Properly Use a Tripod, Bipod, or Monopod:
Place the forearm of the rifle over the cradle of the shooting sticks. Don’t balance the rifle at its center; instead, place the gun over the cradle at a point well forward on the forearm.
The experts at Rifle Shooting magazine recommend that the best way to use a shooting stick is not to let the rifle rest directly on the cradle. Instead, using your non-shooting arm, wrap your hand around the shooting sticks where they intersect and allow the rifle to rest on your hand rather than the cradle. Your forward hand should be holding both the shooting sticks and the gun. This position is more natural and stable than simply grabbing on to the leg of the shooting sticks and letting the rifle rest directly on the cradle.
Make sure the shooting sticks are set at the right height. If you are standing, the intersection of the tripod legs should fall just below your shoulders when your feet are in a wide stance. The rifle should be level when pressed into your shoulder. Lean into the rifle with your body, and pull back on the shooting sticks with your forward hand.
Summary:
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.
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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
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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
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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
