I'm not real interested in a bipod. For the monthly match stages that use a standing start, does the rifle have to start on the ground or does the rule just specify that you must start from standing?

So do you just want to use a sling for everything? Or will you be resting your rifle on a pack? You are more then welcome to use a sling for all the prone stages. Not sure why you would want to but what ever. 4ooyd prone no bipod should be fun!!! If the Rifle needs to be on the ground put it on your pack then get into position. Most of the time I dont think you will find anyone complaining if you start port arms for it.

If the stage is designed to start with the rifle on the ground and you choose not to use a bipod, you could certainly use a pack to rest the rifle on.
I have seen other guys do the same thing at other matches and we certainly would not have a problem with it.
If the stage is designed to start with the rifle in your hands and you move into position with it to begin the course of fire, you certainly are not bound to use a bipod for support.
It would be your option to use a sling or a pack to support the rifle if you so choose.

Generally speaking though, bipods are more stable than packs or slings and you want to be as stable as possible when given the option.

If you sling up and stay in the prone position, using a sling wouldn't be a real disadvantage. Palma guys do it for 1K matches, but...in a lot of our matches you are getting up and down from standing to prone WHILE BEING TIMED. In those cases a sling would be a great disadvantage due to the added time it takes to lock into position each time.

I think the timing factor would put me at a disadvantage. I've shot off a bipod twice but I've been using a sling since 1994.

higginsworksforme wrote:I think the timing factor would put me at a disadvantage. I've shot off a bipod twice but I've been using a sling since 1994.

What interests you in tactical shooting then? It seems like Palma is right up your alley. You should give the bipod or the pack a try. I think you will like it.

DirtRacer151 wrote:What interests you in tactical shooting then? It seems like Palma is right up your alley.

He probably wants to use a scope and shoot at different targets at different distances.
Palma is an iron sight game on round targets at only 3 fixed distances.

higginsworksforme wrote:I think the timing factor would put me at a disadvantage. I've shot off a bipod twice but I've been using a sling since 1994.

We did a stage last month that I first saw in new mexico a couple months ago.
You start standing behind the rifle, bolt open, but a cartridge in the mag or chamber.
The rifle is on a bipod and a rear bag.
The target was about 6" square at about 300yds.
You start with 17 seconds to get down behind your rifle and fire a single shot.
Then each string is 3 seconds faster so 14, 11, 8 and finally 5 seconds.
I was routinely making the shot in 4.5 seconds.

I watched a guy shooting off his pack (no bipod or rear bag) do his last pass in 3.9 seconds.
This is a guy with an aversion to bipods much like yourself.
He shoots EVERYTHING off of his pack.

So what really matters is what you are comfortable doing.
Get good at whatever works for you and just do it.

As mentioned, nobody is going to care if you forgo a bipod for a sling. But I think the OP's question were along the lines of if he wants to run a sling all the time, is he exempt from the "start with the rifle on the ground" rule, and get to start all slung up. I think the general consensus is no. With that said, some of the stages we shoot, like the one randall layed out in the above post, would be pretty hard to drop into position and sling up.

I think I'll bring a pack for the time-critical stages and use my sling for the others. I'm interested in Palma but I want to shoot as many disciplines as I can.

I can understand you wanting to play in multiple disciplines, but do not spread yourself too thin.

I try to shoot Highpower Service Rifle, Match Rifle, Practical Precision, and Sporting Clays. On top of individual History research with some of my professors. Neither get my full attention though, perhaps that is why I lack a lot of "free time".

I should probably just pick two and roll with it...