I've had lots of questions about this setup and how it works, how stable it is, is 15 degrees enough, how do Feisol's legs compared to RRS legs, ect. So I'm starting this thread to hopefully answer some of those questions. I hate reading long threads as much as the next person. Pictures explain most of it further down.
First off let me say I am in no way shape or form involved with any of these companies. I am just throwing this out there to hopefully help others make informed decision about tripods and heads for rifles.
I believe I was one of the first to start using the Feisol 3372 and discovered that the RRS head would work quite well on this setup. I originally ran a ballhead and pigsaddle which I found to be a terrible solution. I quickly discovered that anything with rubber would allow for a lot of wiggle when behind the rifle. So I set out to improve this without spending RRS money and with the help of some others in the photography world found the current setup I am running. This full setup runs around 800$ (can be had for much less if you are willing to look) which is about 1/2 the price of RRS legs and RRS head. While the RRS legs are very, very good they are quite expensive for most. I believe Feisol fills this gap very well with the 3372. (I do not own RRS legs but have spent significant time with some to feel that I can give a solid comparison).
The 3372 is a carbon fiber 3 leg section tripod with twist locks very similar to RRS. I honestly believe the only downfall with Feisol are the twist locks. If they are not secured semi tight they will slide a little. Now if they are tight, I can literately hang from the tripod (I am about 190 lbs- the tripod is rated for 66 lbs). These legs are very tall (66" I believe) and can be very compact. They will get down to about 3" off the ground (I'll show a picture of this later). They are quite light at around 3.5 lbs. I believe the only thing that would make this tripod better would be a larger center piece which could allow the fitment of the RRS TA-2/3 leveling heads. I honestly think they are a touch better than the universal head. The Feisol 3372 does have on thing that I actually like more than the RRS tripod. When you need to change leg positions on the RRS tripod you have to push the lock out from the inside of the leg, then move the leg to the needed position and push the lock back in. On the Feisol there is a little lever that you push down to move the legs. It is simple and easier to move than the RRS counterpart. An added advantage here is that if you are prone or in a sitting position and need to go to a standing position quick you you can just grab the legs and pull them to the required position and then back to the nearest locking position (notch) which the spring loaded lever will automatically lock into.
RRS TA-U-LC is a universal leveling head with a QD LC (Locking Clamp). Its super simple, compact, light and easy to use, I think one thing that RRS doesn't tell people is that is that the head can be adjusted for tension. It is a nice feature of you don't like its stock settings- which I did not like. There are 4 allen head screws that hold the clamp on, after removing those you will find a nylon threaded nut which is what can be used to adjust tension on the head. The head had a silver knob which turns about 90 degrees to adjust tension on the head. it locks up rock solid and can be adjusted to allow movement with some tension unlike the Feisol leveling head which is either rock solid or all over the place loose. The head overall is very good!
One of the questions many people have asked is how do I attach the tripod to my rifle? Heres a quick video of the head and a direct mount to a rifle (definitely not the best video, sorry). Then the first 2 pictures show my new setup with the RRS JAE-700 adapter installed.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3zTA0QfdG4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
To do this I used a 1/4-20 insert (amazon.com/gp/product/B002QUZNV8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and drilled my stock (Manners). I epoxied the insert into my stock and simply use a D ring type screw with a 70 mm acra swiss style plate and attach it to my rifle. It takes all of about 2 seconds to do. I keep the plate in my bag when I am not using it.
If you guys have any additional questions let me know! Hope this helps
Here are some pictures:
Prone- This is insanely stable. Its almost easier than bipod and rear bag. It sits at about the same height as a typical harris/atlas bipod and works great! The difference here is recoil. The whole tripod will move a little which doesn't really allow you to see bullet holes at 100 through recoil like I can with a bipod and bag and solid fundamentals. Shooting prone like this takes a little getting used to.
After they are removed you'll see a nylon threaded nut. Tighten or loosen this to adjust tension on the head. Once I found a tension setting I liked I removed the screw and put a drop of blue locktite on the nut and put it back on. I'd highly suggest adding a drop or two of locktite on this nut. The only issue I have ever had with this head was the nut coming loose and then tension not being very tight. Easy fix though.
If you guys have any questions about this setup, parts, or anything else related to tripods and shooting. Let me know, I'll answer as best I can.
First off let me say I am in no way shape or form involved with any of these companies. I am just throwing this out there to hopefully help others make informed decision about tripods and heads for rifles.
I believe I was one of the first to start using the Feisol 3372 and discovered that the RRS head would work quite well on this setup. I originally ran a ballhead and pigsaddle which I found to be a terrible solution. I quickly discovered that anything with rubber would allow for a lot of wiggle when behind the rifle. So I set out to improve this without spending RRS money and with the help of some others in the photography world found the current setup I am running. This full setup runs around 800$ (can be had for much less if you are willing to look) which is about 1/2 the price of RRS legs and RRS head. While the RRS legs are very, very good they are quite expensive for most. I believe Feisol fills this gap very well with the 3372. (I do not own RRS legs but have spent significant time with some to feel that I can give a solid comparison).
The 3372 is a carbon fiber 3 leg section tripod with twist locks very similar to RRS. I honestly believe the only downfall with Feisol are the twist locks. If they are not secured semi tight they will slide a little. Now if they are tight, I can literately hang from the tripod (I am about 190 lbs- the tripod is rated for 66 lbs). These legs are very tall (66" I believe) and can be very compact. They will get down to about 3" off the ground (I'll show a picture of this later). They are quite light at around 3.5 lbs. I believe the only thing that would make this tripod better would be a larger center piece which could allow the fitment of the RRS TA-2/3 leveling heads. I honestly think they are a touch better than the universal head. The Feisol 3372 does have on thing that I actually like more than the RRS tripod. When you need to change leg positions on the RRS tripod you have to push the lock out from the inside of the leg, then move the leg to the needed position and push the lock back in. On the Feisol there is a little lever that you push down to move the legs. It is simple and easier to move than the RRS counterpart. An added advantage here is that if you are prone or in a sitting position and need to go to a standing position quick you you can just grab the legs and pull them to the required position and then back to the nearest locking position (notch) which the spring loaded lever will automatically lock into.
RRS TA-U-LC is a universal leveling head with a QD LC (Locking Clamp). Its super simple, compact, light and easy to use, I think one thing that RRS doesn't tell people is that is that the head can be adjusted for tension. It is a nice feature of you don't like its stock settings- which I did not like. There are 4 allen head screws that hold the clamp on, after removing those you will find a nylon threaded nut which is what can be used to adjust tension on the head. The head had a silver knob which turns about 90 degrees to adjust tension on the head. it locks up rock solid and can be adjusted to allow movement with some tension unlike the Feisol leveling head which is either rock solid or all over the place loose. The head overall is very good!
One of the questions many people have asked is how do I attach the tripod to my rifle? Heres a quick video of the head and a direct mount to a rifle (definitely not the best video, sorry). Then the first 2 pictures show my new setup with the RRS JAE-700 adapter installed.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3zTA0QfdG4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
To do this I used a 1/4-20 insert (amazon.com/gp/product/B002QUZNV8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and drilled my stock (Manners). I epoxied the insert into my stock and simply use a D ring type screw with a 70 mm acra swiss style plate and attach it to my rifle. It takes all of about 2 seconds to do. I keep the plate in my bag when I am not using it.
If you guys have any additional questions let me know! Hope this helps
Here are some pictures:
Prone- This is insanely stable. Its almost easier than bipod and rear bag. It sits at about the same height as a typical harris/atlas bipod and works great! The difference here is recoil. The whole tripod will move a little which doesn't really allow you to see bullet holes at 100 through recoil like I can with a bipod and bag and solid fundamentals. Shooting prone like this takes a little getting used to.
After they are removed you'll see a nylon threaded nut. Tighten or loosen this to adjust tension on the head. Once I found a tension setting I liked I removed the screw and put a drop of blue locktite on the nut and put it back on. I'd highly suggest adding a drop or two of locktite on this nut. The only issue I have ever had with this head was the nut coming loose and then tension not being very tight. Easy fix though.
If you guys have any questions about this setup, parts, or anything else related to tripods and shooting. Let me know, I'll answer as best I can.
Attachments
Last edited:
