I'm looking for a climbing tree stand that can be used for rifle or bowhunting (meaning it has a detachable shooting bar) that costs around $250 or less. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Summit makes numerous good stands in that price range, take a look at either the cobra or the viper. I had a cobra and no many who have Vipers and we were all happy with them.

The Summit python may fit your needs. I know they will have a model that is just right for you. take a look at their lineup at www.summitstands.com They are high quality stands that are very comfortable, stable and quiet.

The Ol'man multivision, then you can adjust the bar for a rifle rest or out of the way for bowhunting....you won't be sorry.

another vote for the ol'man line-up

I'll give my vote for the Summit line .

nubo

When I was new to hunting, I bought the Cabelas Cable Elite SS climber. At the time they had 2 versions, one rated for 250# and one rated for 300#. I am a bigger guy so I figured with all my gear and crap I needed to 300 pounder. However I dont see that one on the website anymore. I think it was like $199. The 250 is much less, I think it was $140. They are a bit heavy weighing in at 32 pounds. But I fell pretty secure in mine. I also remedied any fear i have this year. I took one of those ratcheting tie down straps up with me and used it to tie the upper part to the tree. It was solid as a rock.

I bought a "non-typical" this year.
Positives is that it is incredibly secure and quiet.
Negative is that the seat is not that confortable, even for a med sized rear-end.
Anybody else have this problem..or thoughts on the non-typical..
Also, Cabelas is having a sale on many climbing models right now..

I really can`t` say any thing about the Ol`man i have never owned one. But i do on a summit viper. And i can say it is a very quite and very well built stand, and is easy to set up. I would highly recommend summit stands to any one.