Limited practice time at the range, shooting long distances, buck fever and other factors can transform a steady reticle into a blurry, migraine-making mess. And that’s why it’s important to always use a solid rest when shooting at deer. It’s your responsibility to make a lethal shot to the vitals, and a shooting rest can help. Here are some of the best options to go from shaky to solid.
Military and law enforcement agencies worldwide lean toward the adjustable bipod for a stabilized shot that accentuates sniper-like precision. Most models secure to the forend swivel stud, and allow a sling to be attached to the bipod with no change in the rifle’s zero.
The legs fold down for deployment or up and out of the way if you need to take an offhand shot. Springs retract to extend the legs in models such as those from Harris Bipods, and the head swivels to accommodate uneven ground. If you prefer a short bipod for shooting prone and shooting sticks for the sitting or knelling positions, the folded bipod provides a solid base to nestle into deployed shooting sticks for added stability.
Bipod Options
Harris Bipods brought the concept of attaching a bipod to hunting rifles as a standard article of equipment. The company offers more than a dozen models today, but are not the only players in the bipod business. Caldwell, Swagger, Primos, Accu-Tac, Vanguard and others provide models to fit any firearm or hunting style. For more versatility, you might want to consider bipods that extend and retract to accommodate prone, sitting and knelling shooting positions.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to spend a few extra minutes searching for ambush sites that can accommodate a bipod setup. But it will be worth the trouble; the stability you experience will instill confidence that will extend your lethal shooting range.
Shooting Sticks
Some hunters might not want the added weight of a bipod on the end of their rifle. In this case, shooting sticks are a good option. These simple shooting aids have been around since the invention of firearms, and were popular with colonial soldiers as well as buffalo hunters.
Modern shooting sticks, such as those from Primos, Bog-Pod, Stoney Point, Versa Pod and others, feature padded rifle grips in various heights. The various models either telescope for extended length, are a fixed length or collapse, and are kept together using tent-style, shock-cord technology. A few models even accommodate standing shots when extended to their maximum height.
Deployment speed should be a key consideration when utilizing shooting sticks, especially if you are still-hunting or bump into a buck on the way to your stand. The Primos Gen 3 Trigger Stick is the leader in this field — the shooter simply pulls its trigger to quickly adjust the height.
Another option is a tripod that locks onto a rifle’s buttstock and fore-end, providing near bench rest stability. Caldwell answers that challenge with its DeadShot FieldPod and FieldPod Max. These portable rests cradle the entire length of the firearm on an adjustable track platform, all stabilized on adjustable tripod legs. The Max model weighs 6½ pounds and the original FieldPod weighs only 5 pounds, which means you can take them anywhere.
If you’re watching a food plot, a powerline right-of-way or a hillside opening, it’s a great rig, especially if extended-range shots are expected. And with the explosion of permanent ground blinds it’s a no-nonsense item to add to your blind. Leave it there to ensure your rifle is always pointed in the right direction and locked down for the shot.
To make steady shots, it’s important to have a steady rest. You’ll be able to shoot farther and more accurately. That’s what you call a win-win situation.
