Let’s be honest….accuracy off the sticks

[Hunting Hitman]

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I have an inability to shoot confidently from a tripod. I just can’t get the consistent accuracy. However I have practiced to be fast with my stable sticks (quad sticks). I can confidently shoot a ” group at [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]] yards and a [emoji6]” group at [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]] yards and sometimes better than that.

This is the kind of accuracy that I’m having as well. Never needed more than that.

HH

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I shot better from a tripod than I did from the 4 stable sticks platform, but the sample size is small.

For my first trip, in 2021, I bought a Bog-pod tripod because that seemed to most closely approximate what my PH used, and that worked very well. I was 10 for 10 and the last 8 were one shot kills.

I used the same tripod when practicing for 2023, only to discover that my PH had gone to the 4 stable sticks model. Maybe it was just that it was new, maybe it was psychological... but I struggled more than I did on a tripod. I still killed 8 animals but a couple of them weren't as clean as my previous trip, and it got in my head.

 

[Green Chile]

Two things.

1. Be sure the PH knows how high you like them set. I am 6' 3" and like them up a bit.

2. Be sure to settle into them with a slight lean forward to steady the sticks. The "long" stick goes out in front and you are basically inbetween the back two sticks. Lean in a bit and use your non-trigger hand to hold the rifle.

That's my basic approach with maybe one slight difference. My left hand has the rifle fore end and the sticks. I have found that keeps my rifle from slipping on the sticks and I can quickly adjust or pick up the sticks to move forward or sideways instead of someone moving the sticks for me and slowing it down. I can also load the sticks without pushing them over or having the gun slide in the sticks. Of course, each set of sticks is different but that works well for me.

Also, I don't know why this confuses people but if the sticks are setup for a shot and it's wrong and you can't adjust yourself to it, make it right. Just squeeze them to get more height or adjust them quickly. That's not to say they need to be perfect but if they are way tall then fix it quickly. Don't ask...just own it. It's your shot. Also...do NOT be forced into making a shot that doesn't work for you. The PH saying shoot, shoot may not work out that time. I will say there's a tree blocking my shot...or I need to be left or right a bit to make it work. These things happen quickly but please don't shoot if it's not right.

On the other hand, this is what makes PHs frustrated with clients when they can't settle into and get a shot off quickly. That's why I practice this more than any other thing. But I won't be pressured into a bad shot. The final call is always the client's to make within their abilities.

 

[cwpayton]

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.

 

[PARA45]

I shot better from a tripod than I did from the 4 stable sticks platform, but the sample size is small.

For my first trip, in 2021, I bought a Bog-pod tripod because that seemed to most closely approximate what my PH used, and that worked very well. I was 10 for 10 and the last 8 were one shot kills.

I used the same tripod when practicing for 2023, only to discover that my PH had gone to the 4 stable sticks model. Maybe it was just that it was new, maybe it was psychological... but I struggled more than I did on a tripod. I still killed 8 animals but a couple of them weren't as clean as my previous trip, and it got in my head.

TT, you can thank me for that, I gave Wik those quad sticks.

 

[Flipper Dude]

I don’t shoot groups off of sticks. I shoot groups off of the bench to verify my rifle is shooting as I like. Then I put up paper plates at various ranges off to the sides down a woods trail and have someone walk with me to set the sticks, hurriedly. I get on the sticks ( however haphazardly they set them) and get a shot off as close to the center of the plate as I can. One plate, one shot. Move to the next. Occasionally work the bolt quickly and put two in it. When I’m comfortable with that, I’m good to go. It’s usually the first session.

Works for me.

 

[Flbt]

The “stolen valor“ thread got me thinking about accuracy and lies, “off the sticks”

Of course, shot placement is always important and, of course, in Africa shooting off the sticks is going to be important.

I see a lot of hunters practicing before their trips and stressing immensely over their group size. I think a lot of the nervousness and worry is because of Internet snipers.

I see a lot of gentlemen on this forum, claiming impressive feats with rifles shooting free hand or off sticks.

I practice shooting at a silhouette that has a 6 inch center cut out. On my range at the house which is about 120 yards where my tripod sticks are set up, I’m good for 8 or 9 out of 10 inside that 6 inch inch steel. The others land within 8 inches typically… 4 inches from the bull’s-eye.

Maybe I’m a horrible marksman, I don’t know, but I see a lot of guys claiming they are shooting tiny groups at 100, 200, 300 yards off the sticks.

Now the way I see it a good rifle for hunting purposes is shooting a 1.5” group or thereabouts hopefully less at 100 yards off the bench with a solid rest.

That’s 3 inches at 200 yards off a bench with a solid rest… So, my question is this how many of you are actually shooting those kinds of groups off of sticks? Let’s be honest.

Idk
When I give how a rifle or load shoots for me
It’s off a bench at 100yd and a ransom or lead slead
Most of the time for range I is the 6 in paper plates if it’s on the plat it’s good to that range
But also now and has been. For a few years I don’t really shoot off hand shooting house with benches and rest most of the time
And stands with rails to use the rest of the time

Back when I walked hunting and dog hunted most off shots were with end buckshot range and most rifles were 357 mag,44 mag 30-30 and the such

 

[Marcus bock]

I've find that shooting at "bullseye"targets can be different than shooting at paper targets of animals. Much easier to settle on a circle dot than a spot on an animal where you have to distinguish locations based on angles and body parts. Plus, I try to settle fairly quickly on the sticks and make the shot. My limit is 150 yards in the bush. Also, I prefer a bi-pod as I can shift the sticks back into me should the ground or PH make the tripod etc. a bit too high for a quick set up/shot. Works for me....38 for 38 in Africa (knock on wood).

 

[Russ16]

They seem expensive but has anyone used the fly-eye version from African sporting creations? I looked at them as the show and they were very stable but also wasn’t sure how durable they would be.

 

[crackerman]

Based on advice here and other sites I have been practicing off of sticks. I am getting decent and my PH has liked my photos over whats app.

The shoots below are at 200 yards off of the tripod sticks in the second picture. Practice getting on the sticks and multiple shots. Overall about 1.5 MOA so I am plenty happy with the shooting for my Safari.

The slightly low and right is where I rested my thumb on the barrel so I need to be careful with that.

The two low and right are just me jerking the trigger like an idiot. Probably recoverable tracking shots but yeah got to be better.

 

[Green Chile]

It's great practice and you are also learning what NOT to do. Accuracy in the field is a perishable skill. A tune up before each trip is a good idea.

 

[MTA]

Is that not the same thing? If you are shooting 10 inch groups at 200 yards you’re probably of wounding goes way up. Groups = confidence level and ethical shots to take for me

Getting on the sticks and taking the same shot every time consistently with a bench accurate rifle is what drove my success in hunting in Africa. The shots group themselves but I am not sitting there slow firing on sticks. Big difference in my mind

 

[Hogpatrol]

I watched my hunting bud and fellow member Trogon, take a small springbok at a little over 400 meters off the Rudolph sticks that Nick Bowker uses. He had previously hunted with Nick and was very familiar with that setup. I have a set and prefer them over other stick styles but either way, it's all a matter of practice.

 

[375Fox]

I shot better from a tripod than I did from the 4 stable sticks platform, but the sample size is small.

For my first trip, in 2021, I bought a Bog-pod tripod because that seemed to most closely approximate what my PH used, and that worked very well. I was 10 for 10 and the last 8 were one shot kills.

I used the same tripod when practicing for 2023, only to discover that my PH had gone to the 4 stable sticks model. Maybe it was just that it was new, maybe it was psychological... but I struggled more than I did on a tripod. I still killed 8 animals but a couple of them weren't as clean as my previous trip, and it got in my head.

I’ve offered it to other established members, but I made some good videos for @BeeMaa to show what I think is proper technique off 4 stable sticks that I could send. Most videos I’ve seen of people using them I consider the wrong way. Too slow to get on and holding them in a way that unnecessarily limits mobility. They really do take a different style than a tripod to be fast but once you learn to use them the difference in consistent accuracy is unbelievable.

 

[375Fox]

Getting on the sticks and taking the same shot every time consistently with a bench accurate rifle is what drove my success in hunting in Africa. The shots group themselves but I am not sitting there slow firing on sticks. Big difference in my mind

I see no difference. I practice off sticks they way I’d hunt with them. I’ve made a lot of fast and accurate shots while hunting and attribute it to practice at the range and confidence at those distances.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I’ve offered it to other established members, but I made some good videos for @BeeMaa to show what I think is proper technique off 4 stable sticks that I could send. Most videos I’ve seen of people using them I consider the wrong way. Too slow to get on and holding them in a way that unnecessarily limits mobility. They really do take a different style than a tripod to be fast but once you learn to use them the difference in consistent accuracy is unbelievable.

I absolutely acknowledge it was user error - I just wasn't prepared, and maybe it was psychological. Given a choice, I'd have been hunting off a tripod. I am sure the 4 stable sticks are fabulous, but as with anything practice is helpful. In the end it meant a couple of tracking jobs and finishing shots.

 

[fourfive8]

No matter what, you have to be honest with yourself about range limitation for each shot. Under good conditions, with enough time and under minimal stress, I can, with a good accurate rifle, consistently keep POA/POI within the vital zone of an impala off regular tripod sticks that are commonly used to about 220 yards or less. Larger animal slightly farther, smaller animal slightly closer. Also after a hit, all bets are off so as many shots as needed while doing your best to shoot as accurately as possible. Very sad to see the current ego sniper trends where a few years ago 500 yards was the bragging threshold now has been stretched to 700 yards.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Last time I had the 22 and the sticks out I was hitting a 4” plate pretty regularly at 100 yards. Probably missed one every 5 or 10 rounds. I could do about the same on a 6” plate free hand.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I consider myself a pretty decent rifle shot.
Most of my practice is from a prone position with a bi-pod on the rifle. I have placed 5 shots into a 4 inch area on a gong at 750 yards. (prone with a bi-pod)
I'm not bad on the sticks. Giraffe, down to Bushbuck etc, etc all taken out to 300 yards with various rifles and calibers. No issues.

After this last hunting season where I missed a deer at under a hundred yards while leaning on a barbed wire fence post. I now sincerely wonder if I still know how to shoot at all.
I may have to be sent to a boot camp to review some fundamentals. Including, using sticks to shoot.
Apparently, the skill requires constant maintenance.
Good luck with your shooting.

 

[MTA]

I see no difference. I practice off sticks they way I’d hunt with them. I’ve made a lot of fast and accurate shots while hunting and attribute it to practice at the range and confidence at those distances.

Eh i wont argue with you