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Shooting Straight with African-style Shooting Sticks

Brad Swadley - The Big D, Texas
August 02, 2007

Shooting Sticks by Long Grass Outfitters
The author found these African-style (tripod) shooting sticks to be just the thing for his trip to Africa. After very little practice, he was able to keep shots inside two-inches at 100 yards.

“Live the dream, become the legend.”

So states the website of Long Grass Outfitters based in San Antonio Texas. Looking for some shooting sticks to take to Africa with me, I had come across this site via word of mouth and through numerous articles in different sporting magazines. My wife purchased a set for me last Christmas, just for my trip.

When I opened the package, the instructions were there, as well as a nice carry bag. The African-style shooting sticks in an American hardwood had a nice, hand-rubbed finish as advertised. The burnished copper ferrules that hold the legs together were a bit tight fitting, but loosened up just enough after use. The two back legs had a yellow stripe on them so it was easy to identify the lead leg.

I finally got out of the house to shoot off of them about a week before the trip. Rain has poured from the sky for the past few weeks here in Texas setting all kinds of records. This is what Jimmy Ray Vaughn meant when he sang “I’ts flooding down in Texas, all the telephone lines are down”.

This truly described the last couple of months here in the Lone Star state. So it was nice to have a dry, sunny day show up.

I started out on the 50-yard range. I set the sticks up, then maneuvered the unloaded rifle into the leather-covered “V” to get a feel for it. After some adjusting, I finally hit a nice comfortable spot. I then cycled a round into the chamber and fired. Well, the first shot was about 1” to the right of the bullseye. After the third shot, I noticed that there was a better way to grip the rifle while using the sticks, so I started to hold it consistently that way. I ran about eight rounds through the gun and the sticks performed well. I moved to the 100 yard range and the last three shots had a nice 2” pattern to them. Not too bad for shooting off sticks for the first time.

While it does take a little getting used to, the sticks were very stable. Although they would seem bulky, during use you really don’t notice it. There are rubber stoppers on the bottom of the sticks, and they added more stability during the shooting phase and also helped to keep them from sinking into the mud. They come in a variety of sizes, but for me, I could go with a standard size. You can have Long Grass cut them to size based on your height, or you can do it yourself as well.

I recently met the Long Grass folks at the Safari Club International show in Dallas and picked up a Tilley hat which will travel with me to Africa as well. They were very nice during both transactions and a good source for information. My wife even commented on their quick shipping and good customer service.

Overall, I am very happy with this Christmas gift and would recommend getting a set should you need some.