Help me set up a tripod with a leveling base

[TheGerman]

I have a Manfrotto 055 with the Manfrotto 'bike brake' head on it that uses a hog saddle and have had this setup for years. It's quick and it works but it does have its shortcomings; it also has a center column so a leveling base for this one is out. I also have a Feisol 3372 that is basically just sitting around and I only use when someone needs to put a spotter on something.

Was considering getting a leveling base for the Feisol to replace the Manfrotto with as the tripod I'd shoot off of, but I have no idea how all of these things go together as well as what to get/what not to get.

So a few questions right out the box:

- What leveling base to get that works with the Feisol? I was looking at the RRS TA-3 but have no idea is this is the one to use, if it would work, or if there is something better to go with due to it not holding enough weight, not fitting, etc

- How do I 'attach' the gun to the leveling plate? Everything I shoot off a tripod has a pic rail (MRAD, KAC M110K, Mk12) except my 22LR which is in a Manners stock. How do you get these guns to lock into the leveling plate? I see some guns that have what looks like a metal block on the rail (not sure if thats for the leveling base) but whats the best way to get it locked in? I'm assuming it needs to be a Arca Swiss type dovetail as well?

- How can I get this to work with a regular Manners stock as well as a Hensoldt Spotter 60?

I've stopped understanding all the new shit with tripods and tripod heads and accessorieis somewhere around the time Manfrotto and Gitzo were the coolest shit on the planet, so I'm lost on this. Feel free to basically go window shopping for me and link me what I have to buy

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

@TheGerman I am pretty full up this weekend to talk but call me on Monday and I’ll try and help you get this figured out if you’d like. We just moved so I have a handful of used/demo/marketing stuff that I can sell for a lower rate.

Michael H
RRS SOAR Division Manager
805-548-1534
[email protected]

 

[backcountryguide]

You can buy a leveling base fro RRS that screws on to your frotto as seen here. I also run a RRS stuff plate on the bottom of my pan head because I prefer to glass in this manner. RRS sales a pic rail adapter that slides right into the leveling base no problem

 

[backcountryguide]

Pan head to RRS leveling base

 

[canezach]

1. For the 3372, the RRS TA-U-LC works fine. I believe the TA3 does as well, but I have the TA-U-LC and have no complaints. Either will do just fine.

2. Mounting your rifle is either simple or more complex, depending on your stock. MPA's dovetail rail on their competition chassis drops right into the clamp. For my DTA and AX, I bought the RRS adapter plates, which just bolt on to the chassis and the adapter plate sits in the leveling base clamp. For something like a Manners, you'll need a separate rail drilled into your stock., like this: http://www.area419.com/product/area-419-universal-arca-rail/

or this http://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/BDBM-for-Manners-MCS-DBM

3. For a spotter, what I use is a plate that screws into the scope, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Harwerrel-Un...&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=arca+swiss+plate&psc=1

 

[TheGerman]

Thanks guys. Ironically I looked and I have the RRS plate on the Spotter already as I have the ARCA SWISS adapter on my Ashbury tripod we use for it, so thats taken care of.

Will call Michael on Monday and see what you have. I'm guessing from what I've read and seen here, that I need either the TA3 or TA-ULC (not really sure what the difference is) and the NATO DVTL since all of the guns have a pic rail.

 

[Stpilot12]

I also use the 3372 and the TA-U-LC.. Could not be happier, its SOLID. Im sure Michael will explain the difference between the TA-3 and the U model. It's my understanding that the TA-3 will "work" on the Feisol 3372, but it doesn't fit as good as it should, leading to possible damage to the head from the mounting screws. Yes, lots of guys still use them and or shim them. Not something I wuold do with $7K+ rifle and scope on top. my 2 pennies...