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.

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.

KillZone Hunting has added a new line of shooting sticks to their product line. The Shooting Stick Monopod and Shooting Stick Tripod in Wooded Camo are both top-of-the-line hunting sticks.

The Shooting Stick Monopod in Wooded Camo serves a double purpose as a hiking stick and shooting rest. It’s not just an extra hunting accessory to carry, but it’s a welcome support on rough terrain and backcountry treks. This monopod rest is made of lightweight aluminum material, weighing in at less than a pound, and includes a dual telescoping body with height adjustments from 24 to 46 inches.

The “Y” gun rest is removable, and a comfort grip handle and adjustable wrist strap add a plush touch to this shooting monopod. A carbon tip and rubber tip cover are included. The Camo Hunting Monopod is currently available for a low price of $34.99 (free shipping!).

The Shooting Stick Tripod in Wooded Camo gives ultimate support and stability for your gun or camera. The telescoping legs are adjustable for stabilizing the tripod on rough ground, ranging from a height of 26 to 47 inches. The “Y” gun rest is mounted on a quick connect 360 coupling that easily swivels to adjust your shooting angle.

Comfort grip handles and rubber tip covers are included with this hunting tripod. The Camo Shooting Tripod is currently available for only $49.99 (free shipping!).

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.

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

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