Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ Review

First Thoughts on the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″

The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ promises a lightweight, portable shooting rest for ground-based hunting. Hunters Specialties aims to provide an easily adjustable and affordable solution for steadying your shot. This product immediately piqued my interest with its focus on portability and rapid deployment, essential features for any hunter on the move.

I’ve spent countless hours in blinds and on the forest floor, improvising rests with branches and my pack. Stability is paramount, especially when hunting elusive game like turkey. I was looking for a lightweight, adjustable rest that wouldn’t break the bank, offering a significant improvement over makeshift supports.

Upon unboxing, the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ feels surprisingly sturdy despite its lightweight construction. The aluminum shaft is coated in a matte black finish. The rubberized gun rest seems adequately contoured, while the foam handle feels comfortable in hand.

Compared to bipod shooting sticks or heavier tripods, the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick prioritizes packability and ease of use. Products like the Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Monopod offer similar functionality but come at a higher price point. Ultimately, the promise of a reliable, budget-friendly monopod won me over.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the materials felt somewhat basic, the design seemed practical, and the lightweight nature was immediately appealing. The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ appeared to be a solid contender for an essential piece of minimalist hunting gear, provided it performs under field conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ during a spring turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of Missouri. The terrain was varied, from open fields to dense underbrush, providing a good range of scenarios for the stick. I experienced both dry and damp conditions, as an unexpected rain shower moved through.

The stick proved surprisingly useful for quick adjustments. It was easy to extend and retract the aluminum shaft using the quick-release leg locks. Setting up in different shooting positions was relatively simple, going from kneeling to sitting in seconds.

The rubberized gun rest held my shotgun securely. However, I noticed that the foam handle became somewhat slippery when wet, requiring a firmer grip. The bungee cord for attaching the rest to the barrel seemed like a good idea in theory, but I found it slightly cumbersome to use in practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ has held up reasonably well, considering its price point. There are some minor scratches on the aluminum shaft from rubbing against rocks and trees. The quick-release leg locks still function smoothly.

The rubberized gun rest shows no signs of cracking or deterioration, although it has collected some dirt and debris. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Overall, the stick appears to be reasonably durable for light to moderate use.

Compared to previous experiences with heavier, more elaborate shooting rests, the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick excels in portability. It doesn’t offer the same level of rock-solid stability as a tripod, but the monopod design offers a significant improvement over shooting unsupported. It performs as expected for a budget-friendly shooting aid.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″

Specifications

  • The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick features a heavy-gauge, lightweight aluminum shaft. This construction balances durability with portability.
  • It offers an adjustable height range from 17 to 36 inches. This accommodates various shooting positions.
  • The stick has a rubberized, contoured gun rest. This is designed to securely hold your firearm.
  • It incorporates a foam handle. This provides a comfortable grip.
  • A wrist strap adds security and prevents accidental drops.
  • The included bungee cord is intended for attaching the rest to the barrel of your gun, although its utility is questionable.
  • The stick features a monopod design. This makes it lightweight and portable.
  • It utilizes quick-release leg locks. These allow for rapid height adjustments.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the stick’s functionality and user experience. The aluminum shaft provides a balance between weight and strength. The adjustable height range makes it versatile for different hunting scenarios. The gun rest and handle contribute to stability and comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ performs adequately as a lightweight shooting aid. It significantly improves stability compared to shooting unsupported. However, it does not offer the same level of rock-solid stability as a bipod or tripod.

Its strength lies in its portability and quick deployment. Its primary weakness is that its lightweight construction leads to some instability, particularly in windy conditions. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly monopod, offering a noticeable improvement in shooting accuracy over freehand.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price point. The aluminum shaft feels reasonably sturdy, and the plastic components appear to be adequately molded. The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick is lightweight and easy to carry.

The foam handle is comfortable to grip, though it can become slippery when wet. The quick-release leg locks are easy to operate, even with gloved hands. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s immediately intuitive to use.

Durability & Maintenance

With reasonable care, the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick should last for several hunting seasons. The aluminum shaft is resistant to corrosion. However, the plastic components could be vulnerable to cracking under extreme stress.

Maintenance is simple. Just wipe down the stick with a damp cloth after each use to remove dirt and debris. There are no user-serviceable parts, so repairs would likely require replacing the entire unit.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ comes with only the wrist strap and bungee cord. There are no readily available customization options. The rubberized gun rest could potentially be replaced with a different model.

However, due to the stick’s simple design and budget-friendly price, significant customization is unlikely. The stick is designed to be a self-contained unit, focusing on basic functionality and affordability. It doesn’t appear to be compatible with any accessories from other brands.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″

Pros

  • Noticeably improves shooting stability compared to shooting freehand.
  • Very lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry on long hunts.
  • Adjustable height accommodates various shooting positions.
  • Affordable price makes it accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
  • Simple, intuitive design requires no learning curve.

Cons

  • Lacks the rock-solid stability of bipods or tripods.
  • Foam handle can become slippery when wet.


Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″?

The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ is perfect for:

  • Turkey hunters who need a lightweight and portable shooting aid.
  • Hunters on a budget who want to improve their accuracy without breaking the bank.
  • Ground-based hunters who frequently change positions.
  • Hunters who prioritize portability over maximum stability.

Who should skip this product? Hunters who demand maximum stability for long-range shooting or hunters in extremely windy conditions may want to consider a more robust bipod or tripod.

A must-have modification would be to add a textured grip to the foam handle for improved traction in wet conditions.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″

The Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ is a decent, budget-friendly option for hunters seeking a lightweight and portable shooting aid. It improves stability over freehand shooting and is easy to use. However, it lacks the rock-solid stability of more elaborate rests.

The $12.99 price is justified for the functionality it provides. It’s an affordable way to enhance your accuracy in the field. It offers a tangible benefit for hunters who value portability.

I would personally recommend the Hunters Specialties Shooter’s Stick Gun Rest Aluminum Black 17″-36″ to budget-conscious hunters who need a lightweight and portable shooting aid for ground-based hunting. It is worth its weight in gold at its price. Pick one up, head to the woods, and steady your shot.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top