Hawke Tripod Sticks

Field shooting, whether with firearm or airgun, is a fine art where fieldcraft and experience all come into play. Being able to get into a solid, stable shooting position is half the battle, and we all owe this to our quarry, at the very least, in a bid to minimize wounding, and ensure as clean a kill as possible. Forays can take different forms, and a stake out, from a known distance, from a rock solid rest, can be highly productive. Many shooters however, enjoy the variety that rough shooting brings, where a gentle stroll through the countryside keeps you on the move. In this scenario, being able to carry a portable rest of some sort can really pay dividends.

Choice

These days, there’s an evergrowing choice of dedicated products, all aimed at making our lives easier, and on test here is a Tripod, which forms part of the Hawke Shooting Sticks range. The three telescopic legs are made from aluminium, and come with a practical matt black anodised finish. Large padded sections on each leg can double up as supports during use, or effectively comfortable carry handles. With the Tripod collapsible to 3.3ft, and weighing just less than 2lbs, it’s a highly portable design too.

Fully extended, the legs stand at 5.5ft, so most peoples’ standing height is accommodated. The Tripod comes supplied with a large allen key, which is to enable the removal of the top yolk, in order for alternative sizes to be fitted, and with a 1/4inch camera thread, optical kit can of course be utilized. However, as far as my test was concerned, the legs initially were slightly loose, having just been left a little slack at the assembly stage. I needed two other sized allen keys to set everything up. The leg adjusters are the fold and clamp type, which rely on the correct tension having been pre-set, before they fold and lock. A quick nip up with the allen key soon had everything in order, and thereafter, the full effect of the design could be appreciated. It’s a robust design too, with both the legs and clamps feeling well up to the job. Retractable spikes at the foot of each leg, are a great feature, enabling the legs to bite into ground for better purchase. If flat feet are desired, then the circular studs at the base of each leg just need to be gently twisted, until the spikes are completely covered - clever, neat and very effective.

The rifle itself sits within the ‘Twin Curve Yoke, and non slip contact comes with the rubberized finish. As for dimensions, for the record, the yolk should support rifles (or crossbows for that matter) with a fore-end up to 70mm wide. Whether standing, kneeling or sitting, the Hawke Tripod really does bring a whole new raft of possibilities, and I was mightily impressed. The Tripod from Hawke Shooting Sticks, is available from any Deben Group outlet, and retails for £54.95.

Contact Deben Group Industries Ltd on 01394 387762 or check out their website at www.deben.com for nearest stockists.