The ZP-1 monopod is an innovative product designed for rifles to shoot more accurately - hassle-free!
So what does ZP-1 stand for?
ZP – Zero Pulse, whether you’re talking about the shooter, with an elevated heart rate affecting accuracy, or the result down range when taking the trophy of a lifetime!
1 – is for the single stabilising leg!
The Journey
After many years of shooting and hunting, Gavin Lewis wanted to find a better way to enhance shooting accuracy without needing to carry sandbags or other accessories. After years of R&D and experimentation, the first functioning prototype of the ZP-1 monopod was ready for testing. The first version was designed to be integrated/fitted directly into the stock.
The first prototype was designed using a conventional strut, however it didn’t deliver the desired results. What it did confirm, was that by adding a third point of contact to the rear of the rifle, it would automatically respond and deliver stability during the normal target acquisition process delivering the potential Gavin had imagined. The strut just didn’t deliver the control and hold-on ability that Gavin believed was possible. Work then began on a better solution and a specially designed unit using hydraulic dampening was developed to meet the needs of ZP-1. Working with a German company, Stabilus, many prototypes were developed until the custom designed damper was delivering the results Gavin had initially envisaged.
The ZP-1 monopod was then put through hours of field testing with thousands of rounds of ammunition being fired with amazing results. During this testing the ZP-1 monopod confirmed that it made target acquisition faster, that it also improved accuracy, and it was something you could depend on to deliver unparalleled hold-on ability with confidence
The ZP-1 monopod’s patented design uses hydraulic dampening that has specifically been designed for carefully controlled rifle stabilisation, and to work seamlessly with a rifle bipod. The dampened reflex action provides fast, accurate and dependable results that has to be experienced to be believed!
This version delivered all the functionality and performance that Gavin had hoped for, however had limitations. Two main limitations being; ease of installation and model/stock profile options.
With the purpose of delivering a ZP-1 monopod to as many shooters as possible, meant the design needed to be challenged and pushed further. This is when work began designing the ZP-1 monopod to become a replacement option to existing recoil pads.
At this point after spending many hours discussing the ZP-1 monopod with Graeme Walker (a good friend and also a passionate shooter), a decision was made for Graeme to be involved in the journey. Together, Gavin and Graeme, focussed their energy on designing and prototyping the ZP-1 monopod to incorporate a recoil pad and fit to rifles with minimal change to the overall length of pull.
With the aid of 3D printing numerous designs were prototyped and tested until the final ZP-1 monopod design was settled on (mind you Gavin and Graeme never really minded having an excuse to go shooting!).
Another important component of the ZP-1 monopod is the recoil pad. The recoil pad that is incorporated into the ZP-1 monopod is made from rubber specifically designed to reduce shock absorption and felt recoil from high calibre rifles.
The ZP-1 monopod is designed as a direct fit to most Sako and Tikka rifles and fits most other brands by using a specially designed adapter plate. The adapter plate has been cleverly designed to be easily modified where necessary for various rifle stocks, fulfilling Gavin and Graeme’s dream to make the ZP-1 monopod available to as many shooters as possible.
Gavin and Graeme have spent the last few years shooting and hunting testing the ZP-1 monopod in all environments and situations. The results and responses from fellow shooters who tried the ZP-1 confirmed that it was time to take this game changing product to market