I'm telling you; it will dramatically add value to your shooting experience! They're a little salty (sorry); but you'll wonder how you ever got by without it, I promise.
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I seek input for a buying choice
- Thread starter Saltlake58
- Start date
Marcella69 - I went to Sportsmans Warehouse today and looked at a tripod shooting sticks. Expensive, but intriguing. The trigger mechanism and the independent legs would take some time to get used to, but to be honest all of the other "shooting sticks" from other vendors just look like camera tripods with a gun rest on top, and I have tripods galore!
I think it just went on my want list. Crown or Impact first though . . . . .
Great suggestion
I think it just went on my want list. Crown or Impact first though . . . . .
Great suggestion
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Salt, there's really nothing to get used to. You simply depress the trigger on the stick with your non-shooting hand (to keep your shooting hand on your gun) and the legs automatically drop to just the right relative independent length to give you a level, stable platform at just the right height; no matter how uneven the terrain. You can keep the trigger on the stick depressed until you fine tune the position adjustment. NOTE: Get the "tall" model (24" - 62"); that way, you can shoot standing up as well (which I do 99% of the time). I'm telling you; you'll be tickled pink! Try it; if you don't like it, just return it. I would also highly recommend the two-point rifle rest adapter. It really is like using a benchrest while hunting. (And, no; I don't own stock in Primos!)
This vid illustrates the adjustablity of the Trigger Stick (the model reviewed is the exact model I have):
So, you narrowed it down to the Crown or Impact? You can't go wrong either way. If her not being a bullpup is a deal-breaker, I would definitely pick the Crown. She is less expensive, has all the adjustability of the Impact, and has the added feature of variable twist-rate barrel inserts. Plus, IMO, the Crown is a heck of a lot more aesthetically pleasing. I can understand the bullpup thang, though. That used to be a deal-breaker for me as well until I discovered this 'lil bit 'o kit:
https://shop.opticsplanet.com/eberlestock-g2m-gunslinger-ii-military-pack.html?_iv_code=8G-PP-GSLIIPCK-G2MC&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=CjwKCAjw7dfKBRAdEiwAch0egYhruukqixcNWXy_4g4J_HtfLbBS6RudZDyBCkaXxxgrGd19HCnT9BoC-TYQAvD_BwE
This vid illustrates the adjustablity of the Trigger Stick (the model reviewed is the exact model I have):
So, you narrowed it down to the Crown or Impact? You can't go wrong either way. If her not being a bullpup is a deal-breaker, I would definitely pick the Crown. She is less expensive, has all the adjustability of the Impact, and has the added feature of variable twist-rate barrel inserts. Plus, IMO, the Crown is a heck of a lot more aesthetically pleasing. I can understand the bullpup thang, though. That used to be a deal-breaker for me as well until I discovered this 'lil bit 'o kit:
https://shop.opticsplanet.com/eberlestock-g2m-gunslinger-ii-military-pack.html?_iv_code=8G-PP-GSLIIPCK-G2MC&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=CjwKCAjw7dfKBRAdEiwAch0egYhruukqixcNWXy_4g4J_HtfLbBS6RudZDyBCkaXxxgrGd19HCnT9BoC-TYQAvD_BwE
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The only getting used to is the independent legs. Most tripods have fixed stops for the legs. One Bogen I have is extremely flexible (and strong enough for me to stand on), but does have fixed angle stops. Where each leg is completely independent and no fixed stops. As Mr. Rack & Load sais, quite impressive!
The Crown has one other advantage other than being a rifle configuration and, yes, not a bullpup. The barrels are supposed to run about $100 each. Not sure about the probes. So from the cheapskate mind set, I can have the gun in .177, .22 ,.25, and .30 for under $2200 where the Impact barrels are over $400 each, pushing the total for a .24 and .30 to $2400 and another $800 for the .177 and .22. I'm also a bit OCD and like things in complete sets!
Leaving for Mapleton in an hour or so to go visit Utah Airguns. We'll see what they have in stock.
The Crown has one other advantage other than being a rifle configuration and, yes, not a bullpup. The barrels are supposed to run about $100 each. Not sure about the probes. So from the cheapskate mind set, I can have the gun in .177, .22 ,.25, and .30 for under $2200 where the Impact barrels are over $400 each, pushing the total for a .24 and .30 to $2400 and another $800 for the .177 and .22. I'm also a bit OCD and like things in complete sets!
Leaving for Mapleton in an hour or so to go visit Utah Airguns. We'll see what they have in stock.
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IMO, the Crown platform is a substantial improvement over the Impact in both function and price point. Without independent leg extension in a shooting tripod, it is prohibitive to achieve a level platform on uneven terrain. The efficacy of the Primos Trigger Stick is that the relative length of the legs automatically lock in position as soon as the trigger is released. My understanding of the operation of the Bogans is that each leg must be manually locked in position. This aspect is problematic in the dynamic environment of achieving a sight picture while hunting. But, to each his own, I suppose. I guess the only way to find out for sure is to actually try each system out in the field. Good luck 
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The Bogen's have a fixed default stop, then a couple subsequent fixed stops on the legs and yes, you do pick the stops manually. The trigger stick I played with doesn't have any fixed stops at all You just put the feet into the ground and it holds. That's the main difference. Trigger stick is fully flexible where the current tripods have fixed stops along the way to angle the legs. Yes, with a Bogen, I can have legs at different lengths and angles, but it's based on a series of presets.
The mention of "getting used to" is that I've had Bogen's for many years. The Trigger stick is different, and for the application, I believe superior. However, just 'cause it's better doesn't mean I get used to it immediately. I'll have to learn how to apply the better features.
The mention of "getting used to" is that I've had Bogen's for many years. The Trigger stick is different, and for the application, I believe superior. However, just 'cause it's better doesn't mean I get used to it immediately. I'll have to learn how to apply the better features.
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Just got back from Mapleton and Utah Airgus. Great group, but a very small storefront. Look carefully as you driver by (thank heavens for Google Earth)
Very small storefront, but very knowledgeable and nice folks down there.
Let me shoulder an Impact, Bobcat, Wildcat, Streamline and Royal among others. Let me shoot his personal Royal. The Impact was his personal Impact with custom finish, so don't go trying to order it, they are out.
Bullpups are OK, Streamline felt good on the shoulder, but the Royal took first prize. Sort of when I bought my last pistol, tried gun after gun after gun until one just said, "I FIT YOUR HAND". The Royal sort of did that. It just fit, balanced, and shot incredibly well. I think one of the most impressive things after shooting the marauder was the ease of cocking. The marauder bold compresses a 10lb spring. Don't know what the cock on the Royal does, but it's sure smooth and effortless. Not to mention the trigger! It's a LONG gun, but I might have to sacrifice length on this one to get the gun that works for me.
Now, see everyone thinking about getting into the pool on what I might buy would be wrong. Wildcat didn't feel that good to me, but the Royal did. That's why I wanted to hold 'em before plunking down $2000 hard earned cash. Still looking but right now, Royal is on top of the heap.
Very small storefront, but very knowledgeable and nice folks down there.
Let me shoulder an Impact, Bobcat, Wildcat, Streamline and Royal among others. Let me shoot his personal Royal. The Impact was his personal Impact with custom finish, so don't go trying to order it, they are out
. Bullpups are OK, Streamline felt good on the shoulder, but the Royal took first prize. Sort of when I bought my last pistol, tried gun after gun after gun until one just said, "I FIT YOUR HAND". The Royal sort of did that. It just fit, balanced, and shot incredibly well. I think one of the most impressive things after shooting the marauder was the ease of cocking. The marauder bold compresses a 10lb spring. Don't know what the cock on the Royal does, but it's sure smooth and effortless. Not to mention the trigger! It's a LONG gun, but I might have to sacrifice length on this one to get the gun that works for me.
Now, see everyone thinking about getting into the pool on what I might buy would be wrong. Wildcat didn't feel that good to me, but the Royal did. That's why I wanted to hold 'em before plunking down $2000 hard earned cash. Still looking but right now, Royal is on top of the heap.
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Bogens are high end, but mine were cheap, even by today's cheap tripod standards. Found both at a Thrift Store. Paid $12 for one and $5 for the other. The $12 tripod required a set screws (About $.50), and some quick release plates all from eBay. The $5 model is bigger and heavier, but required $50 in parts and an evening of work putting it all back together. Been wanting Bogen's since mid 1970's for my camera gear. Under $100 for both. Can't beat that.
So, in total, I have three now, two with pan heads and one with a ball head for whatever life throws at me. Third one came from eBay for cheap as well. I'm too chinsey to pay $300 or $500 for a good tripod.
Best part is when I put my little 3 ounce point and shoot camera on one of the monster tripods. I've converted several for 3D, and a couple just for Infrared. IR is really easy if you know how. About 15 minutes of surgery, toss the IR filter from inside the camera, and instant IR camera.
Now days, these are such serious overkill it's not funny. These were designed for heavy studio cameras, and my little DSLR's just don't put any stress on these at all. Did use the smaller of the two in Yellowstone for my spotting scope. Absolute ROCK SOLID. really made using the scope easier and nicely adjustable for my wife. Got to watch Grizzly Bears at 400 plus yards, and it worked fantastically.
Great tripods for cameras Could be adapted for rifle rest, but not as flexible as the Trigger Sticks.
So, in total, I have three now, two with pan heads and one with a ball head for whatever life throws at me. Third one came from eBay for cheap as well. I'm too chinsey to pay $300 or $500 for a good tripod.
Best part is when I put my little 3 ounce point and shoot camera on one of the monster tripods. I've converted several for 3D, and a couple just for Infrared. IR is really easy if you know how. About 15 minutes of surgery, toss the IR filter from inside the camera, and instant IR camera.
Now days, these are such serious overkill it's not funny. These were designed for heavy studio cameras, and my little DSLR's just don't put any stress on these at all. Did use the smaller of the two in Yellowstone for my spotting scope. Absolute ROCK SOLID. really made using the scope easier and nicely adjustable for my wife. Got to watch Grizzly Bears at 400 plus yards, and it worked fantastically.
Great tripods for cameras
Could be adapted for rifle rest, but not as flexible as the Trigger Sticks.Upvote 0
I can see using such an uber-stable platform for hands-off still photography work, where quick re-adjustment of the platform is not a critical issue. The Trigger Stick system is designed for on-the-fly hands-on position adjustment for the fluid nature of acquiring a sight picture on a moving target; apples 'n bowling balls.
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Gotta agree with you on the trigger stick being better for hunting type situations. Let's see, to open a trigger stick, pull legs, position, shoot.
More traditional sticks based on a camera tripod, or in my case, Bogen.
Get out the bright silver tripod (pretty aluminum) so the quarry sees you doing something.
Unsnap locks on three legs times two locks each. Make lots of noise. Find right height, snap each clamp and make more noise
I think you see where I'm going here. Bogen's and traditional tripods are much better with cameras than hunting.
Then if you have to adjust the height, Trigger Sticks, pull trigger, drop to proper height silently. With tripod, unsnap leg clamps, find a height that's pretty close, snap clamps, then curse when the legs are different lengths or the whole thing is at an angle in rough terrain.
Yes, trigger sticks are on the want list. . . . . .
More traditional sticks based on a camera tripod, or in my case, Bogen.
Get out the bright silver tripod (pretty aluminum) so the quarry sees you doing something.
Unsnap locks on three legs times two locks each. Make lots of noise. Find right height, snap each clamp and make more noise
I think you see where I'm going here. Bogen's and traditional tripods are much better with cameras than hunting.
Then if you have to adjust the height, Trigger Sticks, pull trigger, drop to proper height silently. With tripod, unsnap leg clamps, find a height that's pretty close, snap clamps, then curse when the legs are different lengths or the whole thing is at an angle in rough terrain.
Yes, trigger sticks are on the want list. . . . . .
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Yeah, that's exactly it. What I find awesome about Trigger Sticks is that I can simply position the Vs (where the rifle will cradle) of the stick to align with my line of sight to the target, and pull the trigger on the stick while maintaining my line of sight. The legs will automatically drop independently to make contact with the terrain, then release the trigger. My line of sight through the Vs (I use a two-point rifle rest adapter) is now hands-off stable. I can then unsheath my rifle without worrying about losing sight of my target. I can simply use the Vs as a de facto sight finder to reaquire the target. If the target has moved, I can easily move the Vs around with my non-gun hand to find the target again. Works like a charm. I guarantee you'll be hooked after the first bunny you bag!
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