by Dr. Jim and Mary Clary
Los Lunas, NM -(AmmoLand.com)- There are almost as many shooting sticks, bipods and tripods on the market as there are riflescopes. And, as with riflescopes, you get what you pay for.
Over the years we have tried out a variety of shooting sticks and bipods, ranging in price from $25 to $75. They all worked….. well sort of.
Most were so poorly constructed that they wobbled or bent at the joints. They were constructed of such thin aluminum that they resembled the shock-corded supports on cheap dome tents. They were anything but stable.
As a result, we gave up on trying to find a solid, yet portable shooting platform for years. That is, until we saw the BOG-POD TAC-3S Tripod. After examining their tripod at a recent show, I knew that we had to get one.
If you are looking for some kind of bargain basement platform under $100, then read no further. It just isn’t possible to construct such a piece of equipment in today’s economy. But, if you value quality at a fair price that will last you a lifetime, keep reading.
The BOG-POD TAC-3S Tripod legs are constructed from high strength aluminum that is very resistant to bending (we tried); yet, it is light weight.
Each three-section leg can be adjusted independently and locked into position with their “rapid-adjust” level locks.
The legs can be adjusted out to a 75o angle.
That adjustment is very positive due to the user’s ability to set the tension with the Allen wrench tool included with the TAC-3s.
Even when extended to their maximum height of 42″, there is no wobble or bending at the joints. The inch markers on the middle leg sections permits one to quickly set up the tripod to your preferred height.
The rubber feet screw up to expose a steel tip for better grip on ice, snow or soft ground. That is a feature you can only appreciate if you have used other shooting sticks which didn’t have them.
As one would expect, the universal shooting rest swivels a full 360o and is covered with rubber to prevent damage to the rifle’s forend. In case you wish to use the BOG-POD TAC-3S Tripod for a camera or spotting scope, you can order their SCA (standard camera attachment) which replaces the shooting rest. Although the SCA isn’t cheap ($79.99), it is manufactured to the same high quality as the BOG-POD TAC-3S Tripod.
Bog-Pod refers to the variety of the top mounts for their tripods/bipods which they call the “Switcheroo Shooting System.” You can even get a Bog-Pod Cover to set up a portable blind in the field (TIPI-G). That attachment only costs $39.99 and is well worth the money.
We ordered the TAC-3 short version, which allows the legs to be adjusted from 6″ for prone firing all the way up to 42″ for kneeling positions. I don’t know of many hunters that would take the time to spread the legs out to a 6″ height, but it is an excellent capability for tactical shooters. For the rest of us, the TAC-3 is perfect for sitting or kneeling positions.
Bog-Pod has two series of tripods/bipods. The CDL and TAC models, with the only difference being the finish on the legs (camo vs. black).
With an MSRP of $159.99, it isn’t cheap, but I found the BOG-POD TAC-3S Tripod on Amazon for $89.99. https://tiny.cc/1opk1x
Quality products usually aren’t but because this unit will last a lifetime and maybe more, it is worth the investment.
James R. Clary, Ph.D.
Contributing Editor, Guns & Shooting Online
Field Editor, Universal Hunter Magazine
Associate Editor, N.A. Muzzleloader Hunting Assoc.Mary H. Clary, B.S., R.N.
Women’s Editor, Guns & Shooting Online
Associate Editor, N.A. Muzzleloader Hunting Assoc.
Field Editor, Universal Hunter Magazine