Anyone here use the Stoney Point Steady Stix II or similar? Any other brands or models preferred? I want to get a versatile bipod that is not attached to the gun.

I just scored on a set of Safari Stix,but haven't tried them yet.I was in Sportsman Warehouse looking at em and a guy was stocking shelves.He said heres a good deal on a set of Steady Stix,$5 off because they'r missing the belt loop holder.I told him I'd rather have the Safari Stix.After he left I looked at them and they were Safari Stix for $28 rather than $48! Sold! I'll buy the carrying pouch later.They look like they'll work OK,kind of springy as they unfold to 72 in.The steady Stix are probably more stable.A few years ago I bought (mailorder)a Stoney Point Bi-pod, the tall one.When I received it I discovered while its sturdy and real stable to shoot from,it only retracts to a length of about 3 feet.Too long and bulky to carry(IMO).It took some getting use to,to shoot from.I discovered the best way for me,is with the rifle in the vee, exert slight pressure on the bipod,pulling it towards you.Otherwise I was getting forward and backward sway,if that makes sense.I passed up a shot on the only legal buck I saw last season.The shot was to iffy with out a rest ,but I think with the Safari Stix,I'd have a 3 point in the freezer.I'll get out in the next couple days and try these and let you know how they work.
Jeff

This is a very simple answer. I also don't like rifle mounted Bipods as they change the POI whether on or off the gun. They are way to heavy to pack around all the time for the few chances to use one.

However the absolute finest shooting aid ever invented by man is called the snipepod. This adds nothing to the weight of the gun, attatches in seconds and is a rock steady shooting platform. Only those who have seen and used one will fully understand the magnitude of this invention. It fully swivels and tilts. It's without question my favorite hunting invention in the last 15 years.

You can get to the web page for this product by going to the links section of my web page. I have no business interest in this product. I am not recieveing a penny for this endorsment. I just think it's the best most steady and functional device I have ever used to give me solid long range shooting. You have to see it to believe how great it works

I also don't give out praise like this very easily for products I review for the magazine. This one however exceeds all expectations!

The finest shooting aid is the marksmans sling and not the snipepod!

Millions of shots are fired each year with the marksmans sling. It's also useful to carry the gun!

The ratio of use of marksmans slings to snipepods must be high.

I have one Harris Bipod and have not used it in decades but I had it at the range a week ago to try it on a new rifle. The bipod did not level on the rifle and I did not have enough tape to even it.

JJHack,

That Snipe Pod looks interesting. Does your POI change if you remove that Snipe Pod attachment? In your experience, what's the most useful length. Have you ever tried Steady Stix for comparison's sake? Thanks.

Don with all due respect a sling does not even come close to the steady "bench rest" the Snipepod provides.

I have used this for 15 years and it's a rock solid dependable device. I like the one with legs about 28" tall. Sitting and using this bipod is like a portable bench rest. It will not change the POI on or off the gun. It does detatch in about 2-3 seconds though.

I like the Harris Bipods with the swival, allowing me to level them.

Yes they do add weight. I would not use one or have one on my rifle when hunting a thicket.

The POI didn't change significanly when I remove the bipod. Could be the type of gun I am using it on (free floated heavy barrel).

I have used harris bipods but think they are just to heavy. I made a set of shooting stix out of easton arrow shafts that self assemble, they are light and easy to use. Besides the price was right. I have several guy's now wanting me to make them a set. Go figure, maybe I should patent them and go into the business.

Don, s'cuse me but if I read what you just wrote correctly you are saying that a marksman sling is more conducive to accuracy than a bi-pod? Sorry I'm having a real hard time computing that. Maybe you shoot more accurately with a sling, but for me the bi-pid, shooting sticks, or Snipepod type rest's put me miles ahead. To each their own.

The Harris Bipods are butt-ugly, too. Note I didn't say they were no good.

I use Steady Stix, Harris Bipods, and Snipepod. There is an application for each. For example- The Stix work well with traditional-style muzzle loaders, which are not usually set up to accept attachments. The Harris Bipod is my favorite for western antelope hunting, where cover is usually low. I sight my rifle in with the bipod in place, and leave it there for the duration of the hunt. I have found that any slight change in POI is more than compensated for having a stable rest. The Snipepod is great, especially when sitting shots are afforded. It is steady as a rock, light, and easy to use. My last Colorado Mule deer was taken using my favorite rest of all- my backpack!

Talus--What do you think of a Harris bipod on a Savage?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Best to all--Vic

If you can afford it, the snipe pod is the best. If you want to go with an unattached pair of sticks I have a set of nylon sticks with shock cords and sockets (standing height) that I had custom made. I never use them though because my 9 lb rifle is too heavy for them so.... They might as well go to someone who can use them. Make me an offer.

When the Harris bipod does not level, unscrew the tightening screw so that the rifle rocks slightly to the left or right. Then, the rifle will adjust to any terrain. I have used this to take antelope and mule deer past 500 yards. It is still rock steady and does not change the POI. I, also, sight in rifles with this method and shoot for groups. It is very capable of sub one half MOA accuracy. I learned about this years ago in some varmint magazine. It also saved me the expense of buying self leveling bipods.

I've had one on a .308 Savage Tactical for about three years or so. I think it's a 110FP? It shoots better than I do. On a "good" day I've shot groups of five with all the holes touching at 100 yards. Now they sell them from the factory in a "Law Enforcement" package.

I have used the steady stix design last year for elk. At 250 yds it was no problem hitting a 6 inch pie plate with some practice. I don't remember the brand, but if you want more info email me.

joes

Best dern huntin' invention in years is my hat! Plop thet sucker down on a rock, an' you've got yerself a rock-steady, padded huntin' bench to place bullets in elk harts all day long. Course, it don't work when its rainin'. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've used both the prone and sitting model of the Caldwell bipod from Midway. They are much lighter and less expensive than the Harris, and they swivel and cant about 17 degrees, I think. While I agree that they are ugly, and can be ungainly, the sitting one works fine on a CZ 527 in .223 for wandering a field and shooting ground squirrels. I also shoot, by far, the best groups from the bench with a bipod.