point and shoot Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 I have a big rabbit problem to address and because of the location (close to houses) I can only use the air rifle. It's an old BSA Mercury in .22 and I can see that I need some support sticks to improve accuracy when standing. My question to you experienced air rifle hunters is what configuration of sticks will give me the most steadiness when aiming. Looking at the adverts it seems that anything from one to four sticks will do it! Your thoughts and suggestions please gents. Thanks Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew f Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 Quad sticks will be best. Even though I use a tripod version for all my shooting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euget123 Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 Have these ones myself! There a great job, there made out off b&q garden canes, very easy to do, but if your not that handy £40 dosent seen to bad. http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quad-Shooting-Stalking-Sticks-Rifle-Rest-Fox-Deer-/161804483025?nav=SEARCH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisjpainter Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 If you have a wander round You tube and search for HuntersVermin, he's got a vid explaining how to make said shooting sticks. pretty straightforward and effective Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Good shot? Posted August 27, 2015 Report Share Posted August 27, 2015 Have these ones myself! http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quad-Shooting-Stalking-Sticks-Rifle-Rest-Fox-Deer-/161804483025?nav=SEARCH Quad sticks as Euget123s' post are perfect for the job and do not cost a lot to make. I use them for air rifle and rimfire. I would not be without them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftycarper Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 (edited) I use this for my rimfire, the bees knees, not cheap but a fantastic bit of kit. In fact I would probably say get yourself a pre- charged rifle, it does make a hell of a difference Edited August 28, 2015 by craftycarper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
point and shoot Posted August 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 Thanks for that chaps. Seems the quad sticks are recommended. They look quite precarious. How easily are they brought on target, It looks quite a challenge with four legs and two fixed points holding the rifle. How easy is it? Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 You can make your own cheap enough, but these ones are excellent value for money, especially as they have been reduced in price. They are easy to set up and are very sturdy. The top swivels 360 degrees too. http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/product/224e5f5e35c2fb6065276234/HSF+Tripod+Shooting+Stick/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew f Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 You can make your own cheap enough, but these ones are excellent value for money, especially as they have been reduced in price. They are easy to set up and are very sturdy. The top 360 degrees too. http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/product/224e5f5e35c2fb6065276234/HSF+Tripod+Shooting+Stick/ I have these and I haven't managed to break them yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasechicken Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 I got a tripod from eBay for about £30-40 .. works fine and is adjustable from full height to sitting position, with a swivel support on top. I now have a PCP but had a BSA springer before and, although a lot of people say you shouldn't use sticks with a springer, I found it worked ok. Only thing is if you need to walk about a lot it's annoying and I tend to find fence posts and trees instead for support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euget123 Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 Thanks for that chaps. Seems the quad sticks are recommended. They look quite precarious. How easily are they brought on target, It looks quite a challenge with four legs and two fixed points holding the rifle. How easy is it? Les Like anything there abit fiddley at the start! But ul soon get the hang of them with a little practice!They can also be used as standard bipod sticks for closer shots when no time to deploy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bladerunnertoo Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 with an old BSA ,you might be better off learning to hold the gun right, an your range is going to be limited (around 25yds at a guess) its just that i think the sticks might not shock absorb the recoil, Thoughts anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftycarper Posted August 28, 2015 Report Share Posted August 28, 2015 As said the primos sticks I use are quiet, easily adjusted by pull of a trigger and the beauty of these is that the head completely rotates 360 degrees with the gun in position so no need to keep lifting and relocating legs which often spooks the rabbits, especially at the range your gonna be shooting with that old BSA springer. Failing that if you want cheap and the ground is suitable just buy a shooting/ bean bag thingy to rest the gun on and get down on the floor and have them. See if you can pick up a cheap pcp, believe me you will put more bunnies on the table Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitetail Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 I think blade runner has a very valid point in that spring/ piston rifles tend to shoot to a different zero when rested on a hard surface, it's something you will need to try. Maybe having your hand between the rifle and sticks would work. If the Mercury is in good condition it should be fine to 30 yds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
point and shoot Posted August 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 I think blade runner has a very valid point in that spring/ piston rifles tend to shoot to a different zero when rested on a hard surface, it's something you will need to try. Maybe having your hand between the rifle and sticks would work. If the Mercury is in good condition it should be fine to 30 yds I hadn't heard about that before. Do you know the science surrounding it? Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 If you have a wander round You tube and search for HuntersVermin, he's got a vid explaining how to make said shooting sticks. pretty straightforward and effective hello, made mine from same vid a 5ft and 4 ft about a fiver each and very handy and use mine a lot, recommended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 Save your money, buy a tin of pellets, dig some tins out of the recycling bin and shoot at them until half the tin of pellets has gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bladerunnertoo Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 I hadn't heard about that before. Do you know the science surrounding it? Les i dont know the science , but even in the airgun mags ,they say you have to hold them right, a lot of pictures have the front hand just supporting the gun (not gripping it tight) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitetail Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 I don't know the science behind it but spring guns are known to be hold sensitive . I would imagine that the pellet is still in the barrel when the affects of the recoil are taking place . I practice with a piston rifle most days and I find it a good training tool because everything has to be spot on to shoot well with it , even down to wearing the same jacket summer or winter. I hunt with a pre charged and you can get away with some much more that you would be punished for with a recoiling rifle . Don't let what I've said put you off trying shooting the Mercury off sticks, I would cobble some garden canes together and try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Good shot? Posted August 29, 2015 Report Share Posted August 29, 2015 Thanks for that chaps. Seems the quad sticks are recommended. They look quite precarious. How easily are they brought on target, It looks quite a challenge with four legs and two fixed points holding the rifle. How easy is it? Les Yes four legs but only two in contact with the ground and easily pivoted to get on target. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
point and shoot Posted August 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2015 Well that about seems to cover it. You have answered my questions and given me a lot of good advice. I feel now that I stand a chance with the springer and sticks. If I don't succeed with the springer I might need to consider a PCP. Thanks gents. Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted August 30, 2015 Report Share Posted August 30, 2015 You may need to change your handle! How about err, fiddles with sticks then points and hopes there is still a shot. :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
point and shoot Posted August 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2015 Hi chaps, thanks for your advice and suggestions. I think I stand a chance of success with the springer. If not I can follow your advice and look for an alternative gun. All the best. Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.