Monopod: Practical or Tacticool?

[theLBC]

so talking about a rear monopod for a rifle (vs a rear bag)...

my rifle has a rail on the stock for a monopod (or bag rider...whatever) and i put a monopod on it so there was always something attached to the rifle for rear support (if i forgot to bring a bag or was fighting zombies and had no time for a stinking bag).

beyond it being there and riding on whatever bag i was using (which it does better that the pic rail) i had not used it much.

last friday at the range, with match ammo prices being what they are (if you can find any) i dedicated the day to m80 ammo and just what was attached to the rifle (bipod and monopod). i wanted to see what i could expect from m80 in a pinch (145gr PPU in this case).

because i was also trying out a new bipod, i did shoot some with a bag to get used to it, and then i put the bag away (and also off a tripod).

i must say that i am no expert shooter in the first place, but shooting with the monopod was actually pretty good once i got used to it.
i really had more issues with the bipod feet not holding on the carpeted benches at this range. when i was able get the bipod to stick, i was able to shoot some decent groups considering the ammo and my shooting.

i think i am going to keep shooting without a bag and see how consistent i can get with some cleated bipod feet on that carpet. the bench sucks but this is the closest driving time outdoor range to me (i think) even though it is still over an hour away without any bad traffic. (rte 66).

so is this practical or tacticool? i don't ever see people using monopods and since i don't compete against anyone but myself, i don't need every advantage to get the best shot and would rather be the best i can with as little extra equipment as possible (besides a tripod - because you can't always shoot from your belly or a bench).

[IVC]

The usual setup is that the front of the rifle is supported rigidly by bipod, bag or a structure, while the rear is supposed to allow you for fine adjustments.

This means that the rear will be either your shoulder alone, such as when shooting off of a structure, or it *should* be a bag that you can *squeeze* to change its height ever so slightly. This allows you to lean into the rifle (load the bipod) AND have a very stable micro-adjustment available by squeezing the bag.

If you use a monopod, you're adding rigid support to the back of the rifle. It would work if you're literally creating a sled-like setup, but if you are going that route (the way long range accuracy guys do), you'd be much better served with the true sled (which also allows micro-adjustments of the rear).

My vote is that a monopod on the rear of the rifle is counterproductive.

[theLBC]

The usual setup is that the front of the rifle is supported rigidly by bipod, bag or a structure, while the rear is supposed to allow you for fine adjustments.

This means that the rear will be either your shoulder alone, such as when shooting off of a structure, or it *should* be a bag that you can *squeeze* to change its height ever so slightly. This allows you to lean into the rifle (load the bipod) AND have a very stable micro-adjustment available by squeezing the bag.

If you use a monopod, you're adding rigid support to the back of the rifle. It would work if you're literally creating a sled-like setup, but if you are going that route (the way long range accuracy guys do), you'd be much better served with the true sled (which also allows micro-adjustments of the rear).

My vote is that a monopod on the rear of the rifle is counterproductive.

i can make micro adjustments with my pinky without changing by grip on on the monopod, much like you might squeeze a bag to adjust elevation.
the rifle is mostly supported by my shoulder pocket and it resting lightly on the monopod. the foot at the bottom is threaded and turns easily.
i can load the bipod (if it sticks) and make an adjustment if needed before taking the shot. the play in the atlas legs and the monopod allows the rig to rock with the recoil rather than sliding.
some people don't even lock the monopod but hold it at an angle and adjust elevation by adjusting that angle.
if i used an accu-shot monopod without the foot adjustment, i might do it that way.

[IVC]

That makes sense. It also makes it work like the bag, so it's good to go. Let's see what others point out.

[ohsmily]

I have found a rear squeeze bag to be far more stable than a monopod which surprised me when I first observed it. I thought they would be at least equal.

[unusedusername]

The cheaper rear monopods have several set heights. Those are pretty much useless.

Accushot and a couple of others use a threaded screw for the base. Those can be fine adjusted like a bag, but they are not as good on soft earth as a bag.

It’s hard to choose between a well designed monopod and a well designed bag. Both have things they do better then the other.

[Mute]

I keep a small rear bag with my long range rifles at all times. I find they work better than any monopods I've tried. Easier, quicker and more adjustable for tiny increments.

[theLBC]

agreed. i just want to see how consistent i can get if i dedicate myself to really using it, just in case i am in a situation where i can't use a bag or don't have one.

[smoothy8500]

Honestly, the only shooters that generally use monopods are the ones shooting off benches at public ranges. That's based on observations at PRS, F-class, or MidRange Tactical matches. Although shooters in the desert/BLM land might use it, but as mentioned it doesn't work well in the dirt.

[broadside]

I have an Accushot on my long range gun. It's used only when I am shooting prone and the angle allows for me to make use of it. It's fast to bulk adjust and easy to fine tune. Folds away when I don't need it.

Anymore though, I rarely use it.