Crossbow sales continue to increase as more firearm deer hunters look to extend their opportunities in the field. Gun deer hunters are quite familiar with using shooting rests, so they will certainly be receptive to the idea of using a shooting support when aiming and firing a crossbow. While the same shooting rest they use for their firearm might work with a crossbow, there’s a decent chance it won’t because of the yoke’s length or shape. In other words, the yoke could interfere with crossbow string travel, with is very dangerous.
The three shooting rests discussed below will work well with most crossbows. Consider adding them to your inventory and then explain to your crossbow customers the need to aim and fire a horizontal bow with aid of a shooting rest.
Primos Trigger Stick Gen3 Crossbow Tall Monopod
Monopods are the least stable shooting rest because there’s only one point of contact with the ground. That said, using one is far better than shooting freehand. I’ve used several monopods through the years with crossbows and my favorite is the Primos Trigger Stick Gen3 Crossbow Tall Monopod (MSRP: $85.99; below).
I like the shooting stick’s smooth panning action, and the wide but short V-Yoke provides quick and stable support for my crossbow without string interference. This 2-pound monopod quickly adjusts with the pull of a trigger (hence, Trigger Stick) from 33 inches to 65 inches, making it ideal for sitting or standing shots.
BOG Havoc Bipod
The BOG Havoc Bipod (MSRP: $49.99; below) features a Universal Shooting Rest (USR) yoke that swivels 360 degrees, and it has rubber padding that holds a crossbow solidly.
The lightweight aluminum legs use twist locks to adjust height independently; height adjustment is 20 inches to 40 inches, so this bipod is ideal for sitting butt on the ground, kneeling or sitting on a stool. I especially like the fact this bipod weighs just under 1.5 pounds.
Vanguard Quest T62U Tripod
The Vanguard Quest T62U ($79.99; below) is actually a tripod, bipod and monopod all in one, meaning you can remove its third leg to turn the T62U into a bipod, or you can use only the third leg to make it a monopod.
The legs are made from heavy-gauge aluminum alloy; quick-flip leg locks make it easy to adjust the height from 27 to 62 inches. I like the Quest’s soft-foam, contoured hand grip, as well as the yoke’s rubber fins, which grip my crossbow. The U-shaped yoke swivels smoothly 360 degrees, and it can be removed if you want to use the tripod for mounting a video camera, spotting scope or DSLR camera. Even with all three legs attached, it weighs just a bit over two pounds, which is outstanding considering the tripod is tall enough for standing shots.
