Monkey Sticks !!
- Thread starter Monkey Spanker
- Start date
I did indeed make some the day after I replied to this thread. Not yet finished and I had to diversify/improvise dependent on the materials I had available to me.
My greatest saving of the day was on my way to buy the sticks I found a tenner on the road!
That was a couple of weeks ago and I still have to finish them. (long story) however they are now still in 'prototype' and semi-functional. - basically I could use some bailer twine to set the gap of the two pairs of sticks like the last post. It will do just fine. However, my neighbour is an upholsterer and I know I can get some leather but he's been on holiday these past two weeks. Back now!!
I borrowed a pcp air rifle tonight and had a first trial in the garden at my small deer target (I'll try to post piccies).
First impressions are good. Sturdy, and light. Just want to use some leather as a nice touch and should come for free!
My greatest saving of the day was on my way to buy the sticks I found a tenner on the road!
That was a couple of weeks ago and I still have to finish them. (long story) however they are now still in 'prototype' and semi-functional. - basically I could use some bailer twine to set the gap of the two pairs of sticks like the last post. It will do just fine. However, my neighbour is an upholsterer and I know I can get some leather but he's been on holiday these past two weeks. Back now!!
I borrowed a pcp air rifle tonight and had a first trial in the garden at my small deer target (I'll try to post piccies).
First impressions are good. Sturdy, and light. Just want to use some leather as a nice touch and should come for free!
Monkey Spanker
Well-Known Member
Did I manage to convert anyone with this thread?
MS
MS
Hello MS,
I'm new to stalking, and had been practicing with twin sticks before I read your thread.
I made a set based on yours, but using some aluminium fruit cage poles I had lying around. I also bolted the joints through rubber spacers. The first time I tried them the difference was truly amazing. I have also made a shorter set for sitting shots for rabbiting.
I still need practice at quicker deployment, but yes, you've converted me.
Thanks for your thread.
Richard
I'm new to stalking, and had been practicing with twin sticks before I read your thread.
I made a set based on yours, but using some aluminium fruit cage poles I had lying around. I also bolted the joints through rubber spacers. The first time I tried them the difference was truly amazing. I have also made a shorter set for sitting shots for rabbiting.
I still need practice at quicker deployment, but yes, you've converted me.
Thanks for your thread.
Richard
Last edited:
Bertie Leblanc
Well-Known Member
Made these last year for the trusty .22
Unfortunately they are too small for the .308 and another set is in production.
(Its my assistant in the photo not me BTW)
Bertie
what do you mean too small? If its the opening issue move the string to the bottom section as you will only need a few inches to get a wide opening.
Bertie Leblanc
Well-Known Member
Did I manage to convert anyone with this thread?
MS
Not a "bump" then !
Like many walk-and-shoot'em I started with a single hardwood stick and still carry one if the terrain demands it.
I've never been a prone-'n-bipod, for me it's just looks like too much clutter and unnecessary weight. Really prefer the satisfaction of a good freehand shot.
Tried for a while with a commercial tripepod, reduced it to a bipod whilst sitting on a bank and left it there, no loss at all.
Been shooting a quarry recently and made a set of MS double sticks ; black gorilla tape and rein stops, 26mm geriatric stick ferrules (http://www.stickmaker.com/stickmakingshop.htm#Ferrules) for the stealth approach, work a treat and a real pleasure to use.
I'll be making a quad set as you can never have too much kit !!
Bandit Country
Well-Known Member
Did I manage to convert anyone with this thread?
MS
Er... nope. Gave it a go but just can't get on with them. Passed all the bits to another site member who has used this setup elsewhere and loves it.
I ended up making two sets. The first I gave to my dad as I was so impressed with the stability leaving me with none so I made some more. You would think the MK2 would be better over the prototype MK1 but in fact they are not so good! Hole alignment has caused the sticks to rub at the bottom so they don't spread easily, coupled with me joining them a little tight so I need to re-make the joints. I wrapped self adhesive camo tape to the tops to protect the rifle stock just cause I could. Need more practise to set them quickly and quietly but generally impressed. I'm only using them for rabbits but saves me going prone and gives me chance to take a shot in fields with longer grass than off my bipod.
Can't really fault it, only my own craftsmanship!
Can't really fault it, only my own craftsmanship!
where can you get these poles ive tried homebase and wickes with no luck,
Atb Matt
Atb Matt
palmer_mike
Well-Known Member
b&q!
thanks will have to find out my nearest B&Q
got them, now to put them together
atb Matt
atb Matt
JonnyWhitters
Well-Known Member
Must say two things in relation to this thread...
1) Big thanks for sharing the design - simple and easy to put together and feels sturdy enough. If my living room trials are anything to go by, they'll perform well with the punching paper test in the field on Saturday morning. Just hope my handiwork will stay true for my DSC1 test next weekend...
2) Apologies to the poor girl in B&Q tonight who had a fair few metres of rope to pick up after the end fell off the spool and deposited half their stock on the floor. Clean up in aisle 27...
Seriously, thanks to Monkey Spanker for the tips.
1) Big thanks for sharing the design - simple and easy to put together and feels sturdy enough. If my living room trials are anything to go by, they'll perform well with the punching paper test in the field on Saturday morning. Just hope my handiwork will stay true for my DSC1 test next weekend...
2) Apologies to the poor girl in B&Q tonight who had a fair few metres of rope to pick up after the end fell off the spool and deposited half their stock on the floor. Clean up in aisle 27...
Seriously, thanks to Monkey Spanker for the tips.
Monkey Spanker
Well-Known Member
Good luck for the DSC 1!!
The standing shots are easy, but the sitting or kneeling with these may take some practice to perfect. Try and spread the legs and dig them in so that the top 'V' is about waist height. Then open them up, but not quite as wide as shown in my photos or they will be awkward to use. (Try it and you'll see what I mean). Best to have the front sticks in the normal position as far forward as possible (but never touching the barrel!!) and the rear ones just behind the pistol grip part of the stock. I prefer to 'stand' on my knees with my thighs vertical, but kneeling whilst sitting back on your feet is also very stable. Try various methods and see what suits you best. You will soon discover the best height to set the sticks whilst stood up with reference to your belt buckle.
Most DSC 1 shoot test failures are from shots either knelling or sitting at 70m, mainly because folks haven't bothered perfecting their technique!! With practice, you will breeze the test with these sticks.
MS
The standing shots are easy, but the sitting or kneeling with these may take some practice to perfect. Try and spread the legs and dig them in so that the top 'V' is about waist height. Then open them up, but not quite as wide as shown in my photos or they will be awkward to use. (Try it and you'll see what I mean). Best to have the front sticks in the normal position as far forward as possible (but never touching the barrel!!) and the rear ones just behind the pistol grip part of the stock. I prefer to 'stand' on my knees with my thighs vertical, but kneeling whilst sitting back on your feet is also very stable. Try various methods and see what suits you best. You will soon discover the best height to set the sticks whilst stood up with reference to your belt buckle.
Most DSC 1 shoot test failures are from shots either knelling or sitting at 70m, mainly because folks haven't bothered perfecting their technique!! With practice, you will breeze the test with these sticks.
MS
JonnyWhitters
Well-Known Member
Ah right, sounds feasible and better than I had planned to be honest. I'll take a bin bag with me to keep my backside dry in the field on Saturday and have a play.
At the moment it's all about the smooth mounting for me. Plenty of practice in the next few days!
Thanks again
At the moment it's all about the smooth mounting for me. Plenty of practice in the next few days!
Thanks again
Dougster
Well-Known Member
I have always been sceptical about quad stick, surely they couldn't be that much better than a pair? Oh well, I thought to myself, I'm going to the farm suppliers anyway, I have 5m of heavy duty elastic, I'll give it a whirl. I haven't shot off them yet - I think I'd lose them in the mud, but after setting my rifle up I'm already convinced. I can't wait to get out and use them properly. Thanks for the instructions, it gave me the impetus.
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