23 replies to this topic

[Bennie]

I started on a set of Varmint Al's shooting Sticks. I have wanted to make a set for a long time. So far I have $8.01 in to them. I think I am going to really like them for a couple of light weight rifles I have that do not have Bi-Pods on them. I used 4" heavy duty screws in the bottom to grab the ground instead of epoxying in nails. I can replace them if they get bent. I predrilled the screw holes to keep from splitting the wood. I may file or grind a point on them. Right now they stick right in the ground.I used the cut off buck skin from a buck a buddy is mounting to protect the stocks. I may shave the hair off. I still have to glue the hide to the sticks. I don't have any water proof glue at home right now. I used some short screws with a big head at each end of the hide to hold it on right now.Here they are now. I am going to paint them camoflage. They are a lot stiffer and more solid than some fiber glass sticks that I have paid a lot more for. I think I am going to really like them. May put a carrying strap on them to.

[Braz]

Really nice looking sticks, but are you sure you can afford them?

[Rimrock]

Looks good. I did the same thing with the screws. If you hunt where the ground is hard you will probably sharpen the screws. Otherwise they tend to slide at the worst possible moment.

[OrneryOlMofo357]

Mine are much the same. except I used Big nails. Cut the heads off and epoxied thm into the legs of the stix. If Al had a patent, he'd be rich! Thanks for the help Al!

[.22guy]

Where did you find the wood? I looked around Lowes and all I saw was lumber. Closest thing I found was 1" by 2" planks. Might work, but a little wide I think.

[Bennie]

I found some 3/4 x 3/4 x 4' oak at Home DePot in Yuba City. I bought the last two straight pieces they had.

[sportyg]

nice sticks

[ShooterJohn]

They look good Bennie.

[Varmint Al]

What, no spoon! Makes a great carrying clip and doesn't dig into your backside.Good Hunting... from Varmint Al

[Bennie]

I might put a Spoon them Al or I might put a piece of mule tape from work on them for a strap. It is a master piece I copied from you in progress. And Thanks for the idea and your site Al. It is full of good info.

[Truckeedan]

I'll bet the coyotes just love to see the sun reflecting off that bright shinny spoon! Great set of sticks though, I'm on my second set.

[Owl Cricker]

The sticks work great. For more versatility I made mine longer and drilled a series of holes about three inches apart for the hinge bolt. With a wing nut and lock washer the height can be changed for various shooting positions. Seated for coyote sets and kneeling gophers in tall grass. You will get a lot of use out of them. Good shooting. I have made 8 sets from scrap oak for myself and buddies.

[Thumper Dunker]

Got mine free out of the back of Gunnuts truck . He had an extra set they still work great and are several years old.

[Shoot-it]

Looks good you used real fur to cool....I am on my second set I lost my first one.I have used them to beat down a rattler and hold his head down for a kill shot.

[Bennie]

Finally finished them I think. Got the hide glued on with some water proof contact cement. Trimmed up the hair with a pair of scissors so they open a close real easy. Sharpened the screws with a file and rattle canned on a quick paint job. Here is the finished project.

[BPS]

Looks good Bennie.

[oz_fox_hunter]

Nice work.. I could have done with a set of those today.

[andy1621]

Nice job (& pics). Thanks for sharing.

[Frank]

Good job, Bennie! Shooting stix like that are near perfect for predator work IMHO... even though mine are a more flimsy aluminum (commercial) type. lolWhat is the over all length of your stix btw?Frank

[sasquatch200269]

great idea i love it, i found a tripod at a salvation army for 3 bucks and turned into a tripod for a gun, but its a little heavy to lug around, i love your idea

[Bennie]

Finally used these sticks a couple of weeks ago. They are great. More stiff and stable than the fiber glass ones I have. I made some good shots with them on a few squirrels with my air rifle that does not have a sling stud. Well worth the little bit of time that I put in making them

[Hutch]

Those look almost like mine. I sanded the outside edges almost round, and it made a huge difference in comfort, while carrying them.Nice work.

[lenny]

how long did you make them?

[Bennie]

37" of oak with 2" of screw out the bottom for a total of 39". Hits me right at my hip bone.