The Versatile BOG-POD RLD3

by Ron Spomer

I've been shooting off bipods ever since I discovered the convenience of jointed, lightweight aluminum cross sticks some 15 years ago. The BOG-POD-3 (tripod) is even better because it’s more versatile. It doesn’t add weight and unbalance a rifle as attached pods do. It can be carried for instant use as a classic bipod if two legs are extended an inch or more longer than the third, which then rides out of the way. Tie all three together with the Velcro strap and you’ve got a walking stick for balance. Spread the two longer stems completely and tweak their length to provide a comfortable sitting height. Slightly closed, this same length should be ideal for uphill angles and kneeling shots. I’ve found the sitting position best for most hunting. It raises the muzzle above rocks, grass and brush. Your butt stays firmly grounded, and you can rest your elbows inside your knees for even more control. Lean your back against a tree, post, cut bank or even a backpack and you’ve almost got benchrest stability.

If you find yourself with plenty of time to set up the tripod, spread all the legs, level them and enjoy even more stability for those really tough shots. Personally, I rarely use the third leg unless I’m varmint shooting from a fixed location or shooting while standing, which is when you really need a stable platform. Because your torso will be swaying, the three legs provide a solid counterpoint, anchoring the rifle fore-end. The sticky rubber yoke even grips slightly, reducing fore-end slide. Try it. Then practice, practice, practice.

Bonus uses include support for binocular, camera and spotting scope. Just rest each in the yoke. The guys at BOGgear are adding a standard 1/4x20 bolt to the head so the yoke can be screwed off, cameras and scopes screwed on.By the way, those red rubber grips insulate your hands from the cold aluminum and make the tripod easier to find in the grass. I’ve lost four black and camouflaged shooting sticks over the years, but never a BOG-POD. And don’t worry about the red grips; they add a nice safety feature and not even coyotes at shotgun range notice the red.