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Guest
Guest
Great information in the last topic concerning shooting sticks.
My question concerns the bucket. Is there a preferred height of the seat?
Mitch
My question concerns the bucket. Is there a preferred height of the seat?
Mitch
Don't know about a 'preferred' height but most folks I've seen shooting hunter used standard 5 gallon buckets. Some just flipped over and sit on the base of the bucket, others sit it upright and have a thin improvised seat cushion. I've seen buckets in buckets for a little extra height and I've seen some cut down and reinforced. Me, and its been a while since I went to a FT shoot but I still use it at home, I use a 3.5 gallon bucket with a pad on top. The taller versions usually mean that the shooter, while sitting, still has the rifle in hands and on shoulder only. I like the shorter 3.5 gallon bucket as it gives me just enough leeway to put 1, if not both, elbows on my legs.
Although I haven't seen them in a few years, some used to use 'turkey seats' (I still have mine but my belly gets in the way) or just sit on the ground with a pad.
Folks argued for the removal of the height restriction a few ago, and its gone. I prefer as low as I can bend my body into around my belly... all adjusting shooting stick height as required.
Although I haven't seen them in a few years, some used to use 'turkey seats' (I still have mine but my belly gets in the way) or just sit on the ground with a pad.
Folks argued for the removal of the height restriction a few ago, and its gone. I prefer as low as I can bend my body into around my belly... all adjusting shooting stick height as required.
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In most cases, best is the lowest that you can get comfortable/stable. I often sit on a mat.
Except - when you encounter a target that is down/behind something - then a seat that is high enough to see the target clearly. 14"-15" (5gal bucket height) is usually adequate.
Except - when you encounter a target that is down/behind something - then a seat that is high enough to see the target clearly. 14"-15" (5gal bucket height) is usually adequate.
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I think it would depend on your height, I’m using a five gallon bucket but thinking about getting a taller one or stacking two like JCD mentioned as I have long legs and am 6’3”. I feel somewhat cramped on the five gallon bucket at times.
A friend of mine has shorter legs and he cut a five gallon bucket in half to suit his needs.
A friend of mine has shorter legs and he cut a five gallon bucket in half to suit his needs.
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Guest
Guest
I am 5 ft 10 inches. So far I found sitting on a 6 inch box allows me to rest my elbow on my knees.
This is the most stable for me.
Mitch
This is the most stable for me.
Mitch
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I also prefer a milk crate as opposed to a tall bucket. It allows me to switch to the elbow on the knees or other WFTF style shooting positions. I also feel a shorter bipod to be more stable than a tall setup.
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Good point. Is there a height limit for hunter class? I know no arm rest or seat back allowed.
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I like to be low. The lower you sit the shorter your shooting sticks can be and I think that translates to less wobble. I also like to be low so my knees come up to meet my elbows so I can rest an elbow on each one. More support points means less wobble. You'll also present a lower profile and be less affected by wind if it's blowing. How low is low or high is high depends on your build.
This is what works best for me and where I'd recommend someone start.
Good luck.
This is what works best for me and where I'd recommend someone start.
Good luck.
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+1
A bucket makes it easier to get in position, but:
If you sit on the ground, or a mat, with your legs crossed, you can get your elbows on each of your knees. If using a bipod in that position, it will need to be short (probably about 12"-15" for most shots). Like said above, lower in the wind gradient, and possibly more stable than a higher position.
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Though I HAVE used plastic buckets such as Home Depot type, I consider plastic buckets dangerous unless specially re-enforced, since sunlight eventually kills them and they can split open. There are a number of decent metal, wood, or composites that are easy to carry and store, and I feel they are safer.
Hunter and Freestyle class allows buckets and seats of any height, other classes are limited to 6" or less.
I prefer a folding seat of around 11", and use it both for shooting and waiting between lanes.
Hunter and Freestyle class allows buckets and seats of any height, other classes are limited to 6" or less.
I prefer a folding seat of around 11", and use it both for shooting and waiting between lanes.
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For me it's all about comfort, and being able to rest both elbows on my knees, I also prefer not to have to get up off of a really low seat which gets tiring by the middle of the match.
Our bodies and our level of limberness are all different. I've got a short torso, have never been limber, and bending over forward too much restricts my breathing, and puts strain on other parts of my body, so as long as I'm high enough to be comfortable I'm able to take a quality shot.
I'm 5'6" and use a Home Depot bucket and have been fine so far. I like putting water and snacks or whatever in it to carry around too.
You'll need to experiment to see what works best for you.
Our bodies and our level of limberness are all different. I've got a short torso, have never been limber, and bending over forward too much restricts my breathing, and puts strain on other parts of my body, so as long as I'm high enough to be comfortable I'm able to take a quality shot.
I'm 5'6" and use a Home Depot bucket and have been fine so far. I like putting water and snacks or whatever in it to carry around too.
You'll need to experiment to see what works best for you.
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Guest
Guest
Well, so far a milk crate is working out the best for me. Down the road , Perhaps a cut down bucket will do so It can also multi task for me.
Thank you all for the replies.
Mitch
Thank you all for the replies.
Mitch
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Yes, no more than 4 to 5"! State & National FT Hunter Class titles captured from a bum-bag.
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