Gunsmithing ARCA-SWISS RSS Mount on hunting rifle?

[JoedirtPNW]

So im not a competition shooter but I bought me first tripod mainly for backpack hunts.

Whats the best way to mount an ARCA type rail to my hunting rifle? I do not need or want a full length rail (like the 419) just something small. No need for a new stock as mine is composite with aluminum bedding from the back to the front.

So far all I have found is a ARCA keyMOD mount from Field Optics Research. I was thinking about drilling and tapping the stock for this mount.

Rifle is a Sako A7

 

[mercracing]

Are you set on an ARCA mount or would a Hog/Pig saddle work?

 

[JoedirtPNW]

Are you set on an ARCA mount or would a Hog/Pig saddle work?

Ya im leaning ARCA for the simplicity of switching between binoculars and the rifle, also the weight.

 

[Bandit31]

I just did this not to long ago on my .22. Just picked up a small dovetail mount off Amazon and the Atlas fastner, drilled a hole and used a spade bit for the fastner to fit into.

 

[trob_205]

Fallowing

 

[JoedirtPNW]

I copied Bandit but with improvements. Drilled and tapped two 1/4-20 socket head cap screws. I spent a little more on the Kessler mount but the rounded edges feel better.

Kessler Crane Mini Kiwi Arca mount

 

[BallisticPrimate]

tag

 

[bogey]

I have installed simple t bolts in most of my stocks and the acra plate just screws to them.
super simple

 

[Fongman]

Anyone have a link to the right drill bit to use for installing the t nuts?

I found this thread which describes the installation process pretty well, though the pics have been removed, but can't figure out the right bit to use:
https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...-and-particularly-long-range-hunting.6258448/

Thanks in advance.

 

[JoedirtPNW]

I ended up going with the Leofoto LS-324C I like it better than the Feisol 3342 (for backpack hunting). It has 32mm legs, 3lbs, height 3"-51.4" (head + bino adapter = perfect height), folds up tighter 3.8" dia.

The only down side I guess would be you cannot run a bowl with leveling base which is fine becuase they are normally limited to -+ 15* degrees.....

 

[MarinePMI]

I'd just run a full rail were it me. This way a bipod is an option, in addition to the tripod. I think Sawtooth Rifles made one for @hic28 's rifle, and we installed that in about 30 mins. Just had to drill holes in the stock, and use a forstner bit to cut/radius the drilled hole larger for the fasterner to rest in. As with most things, proper prep work (measuring and marking) ensures a fast and easy installation.

 

[Wyfox]

I'm looking at using one of these, than use the RRS Mlok arca rail.
https://www.hendersonprecision.com/product-page/prs-m-lok-rail

 

[MarinePMI]

That's a pretty slick implementation of an ACRA rail!

 

[Ksracer]

If your stock is flat on the bottom, get one of the longer plates off Amazon and use 2 screws to mount it. Direct mount into a leveling base is alot more solid than a pig/hog saddle, plus it weighs less, and 15* is more than you think. The cheaper ball heads flex alot also.

 

[JoedirtPNW]

I'm looking at using one of these, than use the RRS Mlok arca rail.
https://www.hendersonprecision.com/product-page/prs-m-lok-rail

Thanks, I like some of those ideas!

 

[JoedirtPNW]

If your stock is flat on the bottom, get one of the longer plates off Amazon and use 2 screws to mount it. Direct mount into a leveling base is alot more solid than a pig/hog saddle, plus it weighs less, and 15* is more than you think. The cheaper ball heads flex alot also.

Ya im kinda limited being a hunting setup, leveling base compatible tripods are just to big and heavy. Taking a hit with the cheaper ball head. Not looking for "the best" precision, more like good enough. I took my weight hit on 32mm legs, I think a stable tripod is more important than the head.....

 

[Ksracer]

Ya im kinda limited being a hunting setup, leveling base compatible tripods are just to big and heavy. Taking a hit with the cheaper ball head. Not looking for "the best" precision, more like good enough. I took my weight hit on 32mm legs, I think a stable tripod is more important than the head.....

There are leveling bases on Amazon that mount on a 3/8 stud, same as a ball head.

 

[JoedirtPNW]

There are leveling bases on Amazon that mount on a 3/8 stud, same as a ball head.

I might have to pick one up. How well does glassing work with binos on a leveling base? I did find this leveling base it's has a lot more range than +-15°
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009POGCI...olid=264GYDNJKZNGC&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Ksracer]

Maybe I need to rephrase that. The cheap pistol grip ball heads (manfrotto style comes to mind) that add 6"+ above the tripod flex alot. I saw some short, stout looking ones at the bottom of the page in your link. RRS also makes a ball head that is very solid.

 

[JoedirtPNW]

Maybe I need to rephrase that. The cheap pistol grip ball heads (manfrotto style comes to mind) that add 6"+ above the tripod flex alot. I saw some short, stout looking ones at the bottom of the page in your link. RRS also makes a ball head that is very solid.

AHH ok, the one I have is a Leofoto 40mm low profile ball head. It looks like a RRS knockoff.

 

[BeAccurate]

AHH ok, the one I have is a Leofoto 40mm low profile ball head. It looks like a RRS knockoff.

What do you think of the Leofoto ball head?

 

[JoedirtPNW]

What do you think of the Leofoto ball head?

It seems pretty solid and holds a lot of weight. I did have to return it for warranty. The plastic bushing in the middle would turn with the ball..... Waiting for the new one!

 

[JS624]

Check out sawtooth rifles.
They have arca swiss rails for alot of different rifle configurations.
They also may be able to make you one specific for your application