A retractable stand comprises a base, two ribbons, and a locking mechanism. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions have a curved cross-sectional shape positioned in opposing relation to each other. The locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position where the at least one ribbon is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the base in at least one direction. The locking mechanism can comprise an auto-locking member biased toward the locked position. The locking mechanism can further comprise a trigger mounted on the base and accessible by the user to move the auto-locking member to the unlocked position. Preferably, the retractable stand further includes a manual locking mechanism that can be manually selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to selectively lock and unlock a position of at least one of the ribbons relative to the base.

A retractable stand comprises a base, two ribbons, and a locking mechanism. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions have a curved cross-sectional shape positioned in opposing relation to each other. The locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position where the at least one ribbon is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the base in at least one direction. The locking mechanism can comprise an auto-locking member biased toward the locked position. The locking mechanism can further comprise a trigger mounted on the base and accessible by the user to move the auto-locking member to the unlocked position. Preferably, the retractable stand further includes a manual locking mechanism that can be manually selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to selectively lock and unlock a position of at least one of the ribbons relative to the base.

A portable, quick-release shooting stabilization assist clamp designed for quick and easy, single-handed attachment and detachment on to a shooting rail or similar solid object. Once attached to an object, the clamp supports a firearm fore-stock, forend, frame, stock, or barrel allowing the user a steadier aim for more accurate shot placement. The clamp provides the capacity of a rapid attachment and detachment by using a spring clamp design. In its preferred embodiment, the clamp provides a rest with two angled prongs, above the pivot of the spring clamp, to help to easily place and retain the gun on the clamp. In alternative embodiments, multiple rests are provided as well as movable, pivoting rests. In addition to assisting shooters and hunters, the clamp could also be used to stabilize a camera, telescope, small video camera, or other device that is enhanced by stabilization.

A gun rest assembly that includes: a top bracket; a post supporting the top bracket; a connecting pivot at a distal end of the post; a connection clamp integrated with the connection pivot; and a release integrated with the connecting pivot, where the release and connecting pivot are adapted to open the connection clamp for placement on a stationary object based upon the depression of the release. The connection clamp preferably includes a beveled inner surface, where the connection clamp includes a first arm and a second arm. The gun rest assembly may further include a vertical extension, where the vertical extension is adapted for attachment to the connection clamp.

A gun rest assembly that includes: a top bracket; a post supporting the top bracket; a connecting pivot at a distal end of the post; a connection clamp integrated with the connection pivot; and a release integrated with the connecting pivot, where the release and connecting pivot are adapted to open the connection clamp for placement on a stationary object based upon the depression of the release. The connection clamp preferably includes a beveled inner surface, where the connection clamp includes a first arm and a second arm. The gun rest assembly may further include a vertical extension, where the vertical extension is adapted for attachment to the connection clamp.

A weapon mount for controlling targeting of a weapon includes a base, an arm that extends from the base, and an attachment component that is rotatably coupled with the arm. The base is attachable to a platform and is rotatable to control a yaw of the weapon relative to the platform. The attachment component is configured to couple with the weapon and is rotatable to control a pitch of the weapon relative to the platform. The arm is positioned relative to the base so that a recoil vector of the weapon is within 0.5 inches radially of an axis of rotation of the base.

A weapon mount for controlling targeting of a weapon includes a base, an arm that extends from the base, and an attachment component that is rotatably coupled with the arm. The base is attachable to a platform and is rotatable to control a yaw of the weapon relative to the platform. The attachment component is configured to couple with the weapon and is rotatable to control a pitch of the weapon relative to the platform. The arm is positioned relative to the base so that a recoil vector of the weapon is within 0.5 inches radially of an axis of rotation of the base.

A firearm sling includes a shooting rest. The shooting rest may include a bifurcated cavity filled with deformable media. The bifurcated cavity defines a trough along at least a portion of a length of the shooting rest. The firearm sling may be coupled to a firearm to facilitate carrying the firearm over a shoulder or across a torso, the shooting rest providing padding for comfort in carrying the firearm as well as a support for the firearm to improve marksmanship.

A dry and wet land gear holder for supporting equipment for a hunter or wildlife observation enthusiasts. The holder includes an upper and lower support members that are telescopically extensible and retractable relative one another. The lower support member has a plurality of outwardly extending legs supporting the holder in a vertical orientation. A plurality of pegs for supporting the user's gear. The holder may be configured with an accessory that is received within a top end of the holder. The accessory may include a camera mount, a sighting rest, and a horizontal support platform, which may be configured as a work surface or a seat. The legs and bottom end of the lower support member may have ground penetrating tips to secure the holder in an upright position relative a ground surface.

A retractable stand comprises a base and two ribbons. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions of the ribbons have a curved cross-sectional shape and are positioned in opposing relation to each other. Preferably, the curved cross-sectional shape of each uncoiled portion defines a convex surface and a concave surface, and the convex surfaces are in facing relation to each other. In one embodiment, the retractable stand further comprises a foot brace secured to free ends of the ribbons. Preferably, the foot brace includes an arm movable relative to the ribbons. The present invention further provides a method of supporting a device above a surface using the above retractable stand. The method includes uncoiling the two ribbons, resting the brace on the surface, and supporting the device on the retractable stand. Preferably, the step of uncoiling includes moving the brace away from the base.