Like a lot of things in life, once you find something solid you usually stick with it. I’ve been that was about the Steady Stix I’ve been using for squirrel hunting all these years. They are lightweight, compact, and quick to maneuver into position. Other than needing a little height addition, and being able to shoot standing they offer a great platform to improve accuracy in the squirrel timber.
The new shooting rest story goes something like this. LaBrad James gets a pair of these Primos Trigger Stick Tripod’s to try to increase his woodland accuracy. After a couple trips out with them he’s digging them. I get a chance to try them out, and I find they are very useful and steady. Yada, yada, happy birthday, and Labrad gets me a pair. Appreciate it buddy!
I’ve been hunting with the Trigger Stick Tripod for almost a half a season and thus far I’m very happy with my results. That third leg really gives you a solid platform. The aluminum/plastic construction gives you a relatively light package, if you so happen to be a slow stalking squirrel hunter.
The trigger system excels in the uneven terrain of the woods. If two legs are on the same plane, and the third needs to be longer, just press the trigger, and that leg will lengthen until it makes contact with the ground. The rubber cleats on the legs will dig into the terrain to help lock you into position. The yoke mechanism will spin 360 degrees for shooting in any direction. Low, parallel with the ground shots, are done with ease. All that is needed is to turn the brown ring above where the top of the legs attach, pull one leg out to hold the ring in place, and then all legs can be spread for a really low shot.
Shots high up in a tree are no issue either, just make sure you can put your back to a solid surface, and it’s usually good night squirrel. How about standing shots where you can’t get to a tree or you’ll risk spooking the squirrel? No problem, spread the legs, press the trigger, and you’ve got a more solid rest than free-handing. You’ve gotta appreciate when the design team, and the in field users collaborate. I believe they have almost all bases covered.
Downsides, yeah I’ve got a few to cover. First is the “Y” yoke that saddles your rifle stock. I would like something that is almost like a sandbag, but not with the added weight. I’d like something that “bites” the stock, meaning just to hold it in place more steady than what’s offered. If they were to go this route offer different attachments for the head of the tripod. The heads are already removable so, cross your fingers they make some new attachments.
Another nit pick is the noisy aluminum legs. I wrapped mine with black athletic tape (thanks Danny for the tip) and that helps to subdue the noise. The way to fix this, and check off two boxes is, carbon fiber. That kills the noise, and reduces weight. That’s a win/win.
This shooting apparatus isn’t cheap like the Steady Stix. They are anywhere from $100-$170 currently (12/17/2019). What I can tell you is, like a suppressor, the cost will melt away after that first shot. They will make you more accurate in the field. I’ve already proven that to myself this year. So, if you are in the market for a set of sticks to make you a more accurate shot in the woods, look no further than the excellent Primos Trigger Stick Tripod Gen 3.
