Shooting Sticks

[shootist~]

A bit OT, but in a pinch you can use them as a wall to mirror brace when gluing up the new mirror frame in the guest bathroom.

My wife (aka Hardware Girl) tends to need a "Project". Was quite happy to find out I had not one, but two sets of Bogpods (HD3s).

 

[Smitty]

Thanks for the video Philip! I brought my "Jim Shockey" sticks to Africa, and they worked well for me! Extra points to you for the 7 mag Tikka with 160 Barnes bullets. Exactly what I brought on my Safari. Very accurate rifle, and solid bullets. The Trigger sticks worked well for me. I carry my rifle with a sling and place the fore end of the stock in the cradle of the sticks with the sling stud directly in front. I use my right hand (I am left handed) with my first finger to pull towards me on the stud and sling. It provides a bit of back pressure and helps to tuck the rifle firmly into my shoulder while holding the front of the rifle down and reducing muzzle jump. It probably wouldn't work for heavy recoiling rifles, but for the 7 mag it was perfect.

 

[Fastrig]

Fixed height vs. flexible height...

You will like them
They are very strong and the ability to switch easily the Switcheroo head is great if you happen to be on a hunt in very open country/mountains where you use large 20x binoculars or a spotting scope.

I completely abandoned the Primos Trigger sticks. The ones I used in 2018 were owned by my PH and it was impossible to lean on them, even a little bit, without the clutch slipping and the head tilting and/or the legs retracting. I tried to use them for a few days and we finally reverted to bush-made wooden sticks... Sticks are worthless if you cannot lean on them...

I like the ASC sticks too, but the challenge with them - beside the $400 price although I notice that there is finally a more affordable $200 model but it is only a 2 sections model - is that they are very slow to adapt to a sitting situation and awkward to move around with detached sections...

Conversely, what I really like about the Bog Adrenaline is that:

• they are rock solid and stable - they will not collapse if you lean on them (maybe my opinion will change if they fail me, but so far so good...);
• they can be set at any height (the ASC sticks are essentially fixed height 2 or 3 sections);
• their height can be changed very fast, including when the rifle if on the sticks (the ASC sticks sections are slow to screw on or unscrew; you need two hands to do it; the rifle needs to come off to do it; and it is a pain to handle the unscrewed sections if you need to move around).

There is no question the ASC sticks win the romantic competition, but in my book the Bog Adrenaline win the practical competition. I have personally moved past fixed or semi-fixed length sticks toward flexible height sticks... I keep pretty reliably in the 6" steel plate out to 200 yards standing with the sticks, but I need to seat with the sticks to stay in it at 300 yards, and sometimes there is not much time to go from standing to seating... Admittedly, this may be irrelevant in dense bush, but it is really useful in open savanna, grassy plains or mountains sides...

Just my $0.02

I bought the ASC sticks that break down to 28" and have four sections....extremely flexible as you can configure them for a variety of shooting positions. I've tried most of the other options out there and haven't found one that compares to the ASC sticks. Pricey, Yes...but it's a one time purchase as ASC guarantees them forever.

 

[BeeMaa]

Have the large and the bag with sticks is around 26" if memory serves. They fit in my 30" rolling duffel without any issue whatsoever.

You told me they were 26" back on page 4.
Are these different sticks?

Jim at ASC said the longest section was 29" when broken down.
This is for the 3-section Super Compact size Large.

I'm just wondering.
Probably not getting the ASC sticks anyway.
They are beautiful sticks and have the lifetime warranty.
But I prefer the quick adjustability of the Bog sticks.

 

[African Sporting Creations]

This is Jim from African Sporting Creations. The longest section of the Large SuperCompacts are 25.5" when broken down. Add 2" for the XL model and since both come with a thick canvas carrying case add 1.5" as you will want to put them in that to protect your other items...... so 27" and 28.5" respectively. We have taken apart most other sticks on the market and a bit of sand/grit working its way into the adjustment mechanism is their Achilles heel.

 

[WAB]

Jim, I love the sticks I got from you. However, I have a set of big pod red legs that one of the twist compression joints won’t tighten on. Is there somewhere you know of that I can get instructions on how to disassemble and repair? Big Pod is totally unresponsive. Thanks! WAB

 

[African Sporting Creations]

They seal them so it is very difficult to replace parts and I broke the set I bought trying to see how they were made. I do not know of anyone repairing them and they only offer a one year conditional warranty so I am not sure they would provide any assistance if they were older than that.

 

[WAB]

@BeeMaa got me sorted out. He should be a BogPod service rep!

We put reflective tape on our shooting sticks for night time pig hunting. It makes them easy to find after wandering around finishing off the wounded from a sounder. No way I’m putting reflective tape on my ASC sticks so I’m glad to have the BogPods working again.

 

[African Sporting Creations]

He is a man of many talents!

 

[Rare Breed]

I have a brief rundown of the various shooting sticks here and discuss their application in preparing for your next safari. I believe shooting and hunting off sticks regularly is the best safari prep a person can do.
Regards,
Philip
PS Checkout how little recoil there is from my Tikka 7mm Mag with Edward’s Recoil Reducer, shooting Barnes 160gr.

Philip I took the French Bush 4 point stick to Africa and learned the following g:
1. On level ground it was unbeatable as I took my Impala.
2. On hilly ground it was an absolute disaster

 

[Fastrig]

You told me they were 26" back on page 4.
Are these different sticks?

Jim at ASC said the longest section was 29" when broken down.
This is for the 3-section Super Compact size Large.

I'm just wondering.
Probably not getting the ASC sticks anyway.
They are beautiful sticks and have the lifetime warranty.
But I prefer the quick adjustability of the Bog sticks.

Yes, typo there....26" Best sticks on the planet IMO. I have started using my ASC sticks pretty much all the time now....even us old dogs can learn to use something new

FYI, unless my tape measure is off, mine are 26" in the bag...I don't have the XL's, next size down.

 

[Philip Glass]

Philip I took the French Bush 4 point stick to Africa and learned the following g:
1. On level ground it was unbeatable as I took my Impala.
2. On hilly ground it was an absolute disaster

We used the quad sticks in Namibia last year and here at home a bit and didn’t have any trouble. It is a problem when an animal moves as you can’t swing with them with the quad sticks. That’s my only issue.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Philip

 

[BeeMaa]

BOG-POD Red Legged Devil (RLD-3) vs. BOG Adrenalin Tripod

I have received the BOG Adrenaline Tripod.
I also own 2 sets of the RLD-3 and wanted to compare them.

I’ll start with dimensions.
Collapsed length advantage Adrenaline.
6” shorter making packing easier.

Extended length, advantage Adrenaline.
Much closer but still an inch longer.

Minimum height with legs fully extended.
Advantage Adrenaline.
It comes out to about 7” of difference.
The Adrenaline leg is capable of a greater range of motion.

Weight, advantage RLD-3 by 342 grams.
I do consider this significant, especially on mountain hunts.
When every gram counts, something else might have to go.
Mostly due to the larger diameter of the Adrenaline.
Also have 4-section legs instead of 3.

The feet have changed.
RLD's on the left, Adrenaline on the right.
The Adrenaline feet can be screwed in to reveal the spike.
The RLD-3 need the booties removed to reveal the spike.
IMO, advantage Adrenaline.
They are easier to use and you can’t lose the covers.
Also the rubber on the RLD’s is much harder.
Not sure how this will play out for longevity.
The RLD’s slip easily on a smooth floor, the Adrenaline doesn’t.

They both use the Switcheroo system, so that’s a push.
If you already have those accessories, they convert.

On to actually using them.
Extending and closing the Adrenaline is much easier.
It’s also faster with the cam levers vs the tension screws.
BTW – If you need help fixing the RLD legs, send me a PM.

Stability is a push.
They both feel very stable.
Although the Adrenaline tubes are bigger.
If you grip them while shooting, this could be an advantage.
Or if you have small hands, a disadvantage.
Something you will need to try to find out.
I don’t grip the sticks, so it’s of little consequence to me.

Appearance which is also not of much consequence to me...
I like the Adrenaline out of the box better than the RLD’s.
Never understood the bright red legs that came on them.
I painted both of my RLD's with rattle can to hide it.
I ordered the Adrenaline in black vs. camo based on price.
Only the top leg sections are camo, the rest are the same.

After using them a bit, I prefer the Adrenaline.
Adjustability and ease of use are the major factors.
Also, they get really low to the ground for sitting positions.
The feet are nice but not a huge advantage in my book.
The weight of them is something I will have to deal with.

In the end, BOG did a good job with the upgrades.
I’m not getting rid of my RLD’s, but they will be playing second fiddle.

 

[Fastrig]

Thanks for the video Philip! I brought my "Jim Shockey" sticks to Africa, and they worked well for me! Extra points to you for the 7 mag Tikka with 160 Barnes bullets. Exactly what I brought on my Safari. Very accurate rifle, and solid bullets. The Trigger sticks worked well for me. I carry my rifle with a sling and place the fore end of the stock in the cradle of the sticks with the sling stud directly in front. I use my right hand (I am left handed) with my first finger to pull towards me on the stud and sling. It provides a bit of back pressure and helps to tuck the rifle firmly into my shoulder while holding the front of the rifle down and reducing muzzle jump. It probably wouldn't work for heavy recoiling rifles, but for the 7 mag it was perfect.

View attachment 376328

That’s a beautiful kit you got there...VERY clean!!

 

[shootist~]

@BeeMaa
Excellent review on the Adrenaline sticks.
Compared to my Bog HD3s at 57 ounces, the Adrenaline version are close to a pound lighter and more compact. And there is a Black Friday sale going on, directly from Bog.

I hope they are as stable. Will find out.

 

[TheWhitetailNut]

When preparing for my first safari I practiced extensively standing from the BOG pod I usually use for everything here (sitting). Given the time I prefer to to wrap my sling and load the tripod with pressure forward. I did this at least 1000 times in the preceding 60 days until departure. It actually worked against me, as both Phillip and Errens used the Viper style and when I would press into it I would just pivot.

Some of the worst shooting of my life..

 

[BeeMaa]

@BeeMaa
Excellent review on the Adrenaline sticks.
Compared to my Bog HD3s at 57 ounces, the Adrenaline version are close to a pound lighter and more compact. And there is a Black Friday sale going on, directly from Bog.

I hope they are as stable. Will find out.

My wife just pointed out another important factor.
The legs on the Adrenaline sticks have mechanical stops.
This makes the Adrenaline sticks much quicker to deploy.
But they do not have 1 inch measurements like the RLD's.

The RLD series do not have mechanical stops.
Just a mark on the legs telling you to stop.

My wife likes the Adrenaline sticks better for this reason.
Which means she does dry fire more often.

 

[shootist~]

My Adrenaline set have now been to the range a couple of times and have seen numerous dry fire sessions.

I marked the bottom section legs where they would normally be set for standing - assuming the top two sections are fully extended.

Alternative from that setting, but with the Middle section fully collapsed, I can use the two rubberized sections for a Two Point Hold from kneeling. (Forearm and buttstock both making contact with upper rubberized leg sections.) I like this position a lot, but need some live fire work at distance to confirm. Probably not the best position for a Large bore, of course. Guessing it will work for the '06 and maybe 9.3x62, though.

Or from the two point position setting, I can spread the legs out a little more and it's just right for conventional kneeling (single point contact using only the yoke).

So far it does seem about as stable as the 14 Oz heavier HD3s. A little more spring when leaning into, but that's not a bad thing so far. The HD3s are just heavy(er) duty - including the leg adjustment clamps.

From our PRS and 3-Gun range (no benches). Berms and steel are to the left and not visible in pic, btw.

 

[fourfive8]

"Some of the worst shooting of my life.."

I understand exactly! The audience is watching and the spotlight is on! There are soooo many variations and different field conditoins and people involved in the set up and shooting during hunting that it is nearly impossible to prepare or practice for each. Matter of fact it's likely impossible and may actually be counter productive to over do it. What may happen, and may commonly happen, is called a "double cross". Training and memory saying one thing, while the reality of a slightly different set up presenting another. Simplest recommendation may be to try not to overcook it or overthink it. But I do spend a lot of repetitive time practicing controlled trigger squeeze while relaxing the back and neck especially shooting the heavy recoiling rifles that I know are going to whack me- no matter if I'm shooting off the bench or off hand or off the sticks.

Before going on a trip I do practice a little with sticks at the range here. I don't take mine and just use theirs. After all they are the ones setting them up, are used to theirs and most are very good at it. When visiting with the PH, trackers and skinners before starting, I have them practice with me usually the afternoon of my arrival. It only takes about ten minutes. I have them, whoever does the sticks, set them at the height I'm comfortable with. It is going to be approximate anyway in field conditions no matter who's sticks are being used! After them practicing setting up at my preferred height and practicing a couple of set ups we're ready.

I like to stand a little more upright than some and have learned my steadiest hold is a very relaxed rest on the sticks. The only slight pressure is to the rear to make sure the butt is firm against my shoulder. I try to let gravity hold me and the rifle in place with the sticks holding the rifle up. I hold the forend from underneath with my support hand with the heel of that hand lightly feeling the front of the sticks. No more complex than that. Some days I'm pretty steady and I can, nearly 100% of the time, hold the wobbly, weaving crosshairs within the size of the vital area of an impala at 200-250 yards and some days not at all- not even steady enough for a 100 yard shot. I will only shoot if I can hold on the vitals. If not, I wait as there is usually some opportunity to work on a better rest.

The longest shot I've ever taken off sticks was not standing. We had the opportunity to set up for a sitting position with the stick's legs spread way out. We spotted a single bull oryx walking, heading somewhere, quartering slightly towards us. He did not see us. The wind was calm but squirrelly. At 260 yards, about the closest his path would be to us, he stopped for a second- maybe catching our scent. My crosshairs were very steady on his vitals. Squeeze-bang. Bullet went exactly where directed. The closest off the sticks was a buffalo bull walking toward at a sharp angle at 45 yards and closing. While it seems close enough for an offhand shot, my judgement said, "use the sticks!"... this angle requires an exact placement and the relative movement was not too great for the rifle to follow by staying in the sticks. Squeeze-bang and bullet went exactly where aimed.

 

[bonnevier]

Great video. I'm preparing for my first safari and one of the most common tips I get is to start practicing with sticks ASAP.