SPORTING ANSWERS

Shooting sticks or a bipod?

TECHNIQUE

Q Which is best, shooting off a bipod or shooting off sticks?

A It all depends on the shot you’re taking. Shooting off a bipod is the most accurate and is best for long-range shooting or zeroing, yet it may not always be possible in a hunting situation. Dropping down to a prone position may well be too much movement to make while under the watchful eye of a fox or deer.

Also, more often than not, you may not be able to maintain a line of sight when dropping down low, with long grass or foliage blocking your view. In these situations, a quick shot from a set of sticks can offer by far the most practical rest. Also, as we get a little older, wanting to lie down in a field, particularly in mud or sheep droppings, becomes less appealing, strengthening the case for the use of sticks.

I always much prefer the stability of a bipod but when shots are likely to be closer, such as when shooting at night, I favour carrying a set of sticks or, in my case, the very sturdy Rekon tripod system from