Airgun World – Summer 2019

72 AIRGUN WORLD http://www.airgunshooting.co.uk

THE RIFLEMAN 2 TRIPOD

the old-fashioned way.
However, this means that as I find a
squirrel, I’m quite likely to be standing in the
open, without support. I soon learned to carry
the tripod set at just below shoulder height so

that I can minimise my movements as I
change the length to be the perfect height for
the shot.
Exactly as I’d hoped, I found the support
and stability of the tripod was making me far
more accurate and I was able to take shots
successfully that I’d never try offhand. I still
get seen as I make adjustments and bring the
rifle to bear, but far less often then when I’ve
tried to relocate to find support.

HUGE DIFFERENCE
The seated set-up has also proven effective. I
noticed squirrels crossing a ride back and
forth as they raided a pheasant feeder, so I
settled down with my back to a tree and the
rifle in the rest, pointing at the spot they’d
been emerging from. After a short wait, the
first one scampered across too quickly for me
to get a shot, but on its return trip it stopped
on top of an old lump of wood and my pellet
found the spot, dropping it instantly. I’ve
learned that squirrels will walk past dead
animals, so I didn’t break cover to collect it.
The next hour saw two more meet the same
end, and losses from that feeder were
reduced.
At the other extreme, I was ghosting along a

ride in a thick wood when a squirrel ran past

me and shot straight up a huge pine tree.

Instinctively, I extended the tripod to its

maximum, and put the rifle to my shoulder.

Just as I’d hoped, the squirrel appeared on a

high branch to have a look back at me. The

angle was ridiculous, so I made my best

trajectory calculation and gently pressed the

trigger. The squirrel landed almost at my feet.

I’d never have made that shot without support

and I was very glad to have had the tripod to

hand.

Over the winter, I used the Rifleman Sticks

more often than not, and I have complete

confidence that my hit rate improved

dramatically. It’s not often that one piece of kit

can make such a huge difference to a day’s

sport, so for that reason I give this product my

highest endorsement. 

RRP £80.00, although they were offering a

discount at time of writing

Rifleman 2

UK Shoot Warehouse

http://www.ukshootwarehouse.com

“I can minimise my movements as I change the

length to be the perfect height for the shot”

I’d never have

bagged this squirrel

without the tripod.

Set low like this, I was

able to leave the rifle on

aim whilst I waited for

the squirrels to reappear.

Even ridiculous angles

remain fully supported

with this superb product.