I think you have been reading my mail!
At my advanced age and decrepit condition, taken with the topography of country I hunt, I figure I need all the help I can get. Using sticks or other apparatus that facilitate correct shot placement does just that.
I have and continue to use a variety of different items.
Bog Pod Death Grip, Bog Pod tripod, Trigger Stix, Leader Accessories lightweight tripod shooting stix.
For several years I used the light aluminum foldable shooting stix that were connected with elastic shock cord. They work great when one needs something ultra light-weight and will be sitting on the side of hills or irregular surfaces. Just assemble, put the tips between the laces of your boots and you can immediately vary your point of aim by moving your legs in or out.. However with continued use the elastic in the cord would stretch to the point where they would not reliably stay together and I had several instances where I missed a shot because the stix came apart when preparing for a shot.
Primo's Trigger Stix (bipod)
They also work well, when they work. Two particular negatives I have found is, they are jointed, and being a bi-pod, they tend to deflect at that joint. Consequently the weight will tend to cause the rifle to sag one way or the other changing the point of balance. Also, after a fair amount of use, when the trigger is depressed the legs typically do not deploy or retract equally. That can be a bummer.
Leader Accessories lightweight tripod shooting stix
Height is the biggest negative on these, but if one is sitting, they work well
Caldwell dead shot field pod in ground blind. Not particularly portable, can't be used while standing, and not the best for use in a confined space, but they do work well in a ground blind.
give a steady platform for longer shots!
Bog Pod Tripod w/ Ball Head
These are the ones I probably use the most.
I first encountered them while on a spot and stalk bear hunt with Drummond Lindsey. They worked. Got my own set as soon as I got home.
They double as a camera tripod if you buy the ball head accessory. Also work well as treking poles.
Provide a steady two-point rest in a box stand.
Biggest negative is that they are not quick to adjust the height.
I've yet to try the Bog Death Grip. My AR's with night vision and/or thermal tend to be a skosh heavy. I figure the Death Grip unit should work well as a free standing unit that is self supporting. We'll see.
ya!
GWB