Author Topic: opinions of monopods for hunting (Read 811 times)

baitwaister · « **on:** September 19, 2003, 05:16:13 AM »

Does any one use monopods to hunt with? I have been considering one instead of stix or other types of rests. I would like the pro's and con's. They look like that they would work well as a walking staff and rest. Any info is appreciated.

KYODE · « **Reply #1 on:** September 19, 2003, 05:34:58 AM »

there's a couple good articles at www.handgunhunt.com on homemade shooting cross stix from fiberglass tent poles, and a newer article about one made with three legs out of bamboo.
i am using a set of the cross stix made from tent poles. they work great and are light packing. i even took an old bowie knife sheath, cut of the bottom half, and use it to pack the folded stix on my belt. my next project will be to use the fiberglass poles to have three legs. i think each time you add a leg, you will probably get noticably better hold. any rest at all will definately help out the situation. the mono-pod would probably provide the least steadiness, but like you said, it could double as a walking stick. the range you intend to take your game would also dictate how much steadiness you actually need.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #2 on:** September 19, 2003, 12:11:51 PM »

I have used a Mono Pod for a few years. While it worked OK for a Rifle, I didn't like it for a Handgun. Since I have made a set of crossed shooting sticks, and in my opinion they offer a much steadier rest. I borrowed one of my Daughters elastic Pony Tail Holders and use it to hold the two feet together when I use it as a walking staff. Once I get to my stand I remove the elastic holder and set my sticks up.

Mine are made out of two sectios of telescoping alluminum tubing with a friction nut to hold them to the proper length. When fully extended mine are long enough to use as a walking staff.

I agree with KYODE in that every time you add another leg you get more stability, but have not felt the need for a tripod type of arrangement, at least so far.

Good luck

SD Handgunner

jhalcott · « **Reply #3 on:** September 19, 2003, 04:07:56 PM »

Several of the African guides use a 3 legged tripod to rest the hunters gun on. I have used bipods and home made rests for years with great success. I broke an ankle a while back and need some form of walking stick/crutch to get around now. I bought a Safari stick from Bass pro that is over 5 feet long when extended and less than 3' when closed. I will try this thing out while I am ground hog hunting this weekend. I don't expect it to be as good as a bipod or tripod, but intend it to be more of an aid for walking and getting these old bones up off the ground when I sit or go prone. Funny thing ,I can not remember the last shot I took at game offhand! must be crs or alzheimers??? jh

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #4 on:** September 19, 2003, 05:27:36 PM »

JH, you're not alone. I too do not remember the last time I took a shot at game off hand unsupported.

SD Handgunner

cap'n bubbleoff · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2003, 08:46:08 PM »

Hi Guys,

First time I've tried to post but I've been reading here awhile w/ great interest. Drinking from the deep well of knowledge so to speak.
On the subject of mono-pods/walking sticks/shooting sticks check out Varmint Al's bi-fur-pod @ www.varmintal.com/abifu.htm.
I made some last winter and think they're the neatest thing since shirt pockets. Used them mostly w/ 10/22 carbine and other rifles until recently, when ,with my newfound confidence (read stability), I decided to try this Contender thing again.
Thanks everybody for the sharing of your knowledge and experience.
Ole.

Dave1 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2003, 01:14:12 AM »

BW

I am fresh off my first full year of Contender deer hunting and have some feedback for you. I am the worst about steady offhand holds so it was obvious that I needed something very portable to help. I searched and read about all of the products, searched here and read all of the information and feedback and then bought the three section Stoney Point mono-pod with a "Y" shaped gun saddle.

The mono-pod was a great help but left alot to be desired. The mono-pod was light, easy to carry, worked fairly good in many different situations. The problem is that it is not as steady as you need because it is on one leg. I had to brace it against something to steady it up trying to stop the side to side movement. Still, it was much better than nothing.

The one leg concept did cradle and support the gun but allowed side to side and forward and backward movement. Because the gun is supported only at one point (on the forearm), the gun also pivots around. The mono-pod did help alot but there has to be something better that will help take much of that movement out.

I am now considering a bi-pod or tri-pod arrangement because they would be more steady and would eliminate the side to side movement of the rest but am thinking that having to adjust multiple legs for height might be too much trouble and time consuming in the heat of battle.

The tri-pod sticks thing has much merit but because I hunt both on ground while walking and also in tree stands, I think I need something that has adjustable height legs.

What I would really like to come up with is a portable hunting style rest that supports the gun on forearm and the butt like we use when at the range and on a benchrest. The two points of support would really help if it could be fabricated where it was light, portable, quick and easy to use in hunting situations.

Dave1
davisalf@aol.com

rickyp · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2003, 03:00:42 PM »

the best mono pod that i have seen and used was when went in the woods and found a nice small tree or limb that formed a "y" at one I would gut it to the lenth I want and trimm the excess off the "Y" end so i have about 2 inche sticking up. this set-up is fast and easy to make if i loose it i am out nothing and can make one while hunting if needed and it is already in the best camo pattern you will ever get.

Dave1 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2003, 01:28:26 AM »

Last night I tied three sticks together just to try the tri-pod concept for a Contender/treestand hunting setup. With all three sticks spread out and on the ground it was definitely more steady than either the mono or bi-pod.

The length of the sticks and where they are tied together determines the spread of the sticks at top and bottom and is a factor when trying to use them on a small platform style treestand. I will keep experimenting with the setup and see what I can come up with.

Dave1
davisalf@aol.com