ab2506: I've used my homemade wood dowel sticks just like you made for years: however I bought some of the black hot water foam insulation for the outside for padding and also put some screws into the bottom of the legs, then ground them sharp so they somewhat stick into the ground to prevent slipping. Never go hunting without them: coyote calling, deer hunting, and even took them along to Alaska: couldn't have been steady enough to take my bear without them: 213 yards downhill front end shot. Can't image store bought ones being any better. Like mule deer said, with legs tilted slightly back, with your back against a tree, ROCK solid rest. Also, super light weight.
