Hog saddle shooting rest

RSR

RSR

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 21, 2003
1,421
407
Carlsbad, NM
#1
I came across this (not sure if it was posted before) but thought it was a nice option. Definitely at the upper end of the price scale but you get what you pay for:

http://www.hogsaddle.com/

K_side1.jpg



Features

•CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum
•Black oxide stainless steel bolt and guide rods
•Hard anodized finish (a resilient surface which serves as an excellent base coat for custom camouflage paint)
•1/4-20 stainless steel mounting threads and 3/8-16 back up threads
•Heavy-duty torque knob
•Stainless steel noise dampening tension spring
•1/4 inch thick, recessed urethane pads specifically engineered to absorb rifle recoil and reduce muzzle jump
•Superior resistance to corrosion
•Weight: 16 oz

hs_bottom_angle1.jpg
 
#4
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tburkes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just placed an order this morning Scott. It looks like a really well built piece of equipment. We'll see how it performs when it gets here. </div></div>

It looks well thought out, only 16 oz. too, I can't wait to hear what you think about it.
 
#6
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

Hey RSR, nice pics!
laugh.gif


I was planning on writing a post next week to introduce the Hog Saddle to the Hide.
An article in Soldier Systems came out last night so I might have to expedite my plans and get some product information you guys sooner. (With pics of course)
My web store opened yesterday and I have definitely hit the ground running.


A little bit about myself.
I'm a former Marine Scout Sniper who transitioned to the civilian world a couple years ago. I designed the Hog Saddle while in the Marine Corps and started making the rest for other snipers I had previously worked with. Production has steadily increased since then and I am now offering the Hog Saddle rifle rest outside of the tight-knit sniper community.

Feel free to PM me with any inquiries.
 
#8
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

It seems to be a very well done rest , I just placed my order , and some other fellow shooters from Italy are doing the same , we are going to T&E it very soon ,

PP out
 
#10
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

What kind of tripod do you run under it? I have a Manfrotto 190CX with a 222 head(squeeze grip). Would that setup hold up under recoil?

Good looking system....glad to see another USA made product!!

Thanks for your service!
 
#11
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of tripod do you run under it? I have a Manfrotto 190CX with a 222 head(squeeze grip). Would that setup hold up under recoil?

Good looking system....glad to see another USA made product!!

Thanks for your service! </div></div>

I prefer either the 190 or 055 variant Manfrotto models with cam lever leg adjustments. As for heads, I like the shorter ball heads such as the Midi, Compact, and the new Magnesium models. But that's just user preference. The Hog Saddle has been designed to adapt around a user's existing tripod kit.
Your 222 head will be able to handle the recoil. I have noticed that the Manfrotto pistol grip heads made a few years ago handle rifle weight better than new ones today.

If you are unhappy with your head's stability, I would take off the head and mount the Hog Saddle directly to the base of your 190cx tripod. Your tripod will still be able to horizontally traverse and vertical adjustment will be possible by loosening the Hog Saddle's grip and re-tightening once in desired position.
Many of my Scout Sniper customers don't even use a tripod head with their tripod kits.

Here is a link to additional frequently asked questions about the Hog Saddle.
http://www.hogsaddle.com/HogSaddle_FAQ.html


Below is a user with similar pistol grip set-up who has reported successful results with his Hog Saddle.
DSC00271.jpg
 
#13
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jester308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the tension knob made of plastic or metal??

Cheers

JJ </div></div>

The torque knob is made of a high strength polymer similar to what a Glock frame is made of. We have not had any issues reported with this knob.

For those who prefer the feel of metal, I will be offering a machined aluminum torque knob in the next month or two as an accessory upgrade.



There are several clamping mechanisms on the market today that are made to mount to tripods.
A few things that set the Hog Saddle apart from the crowd are that the rest is CNC machined and not cast.
The mounting threads are stainless steel and not just threaded aluminum. This prevents cross threading and over torqueing of the threads in the field.
The pads on the Hog Saddle are not made of rubber. Rubber transfers recoil and can sometimes even magnify tripod hop. The urethane pads on the Hog Saddle have been specifically engineered to absorb recoil and to drastically reduce the transfer of recoil to the user's tripod. This gives the user the opportunity to make rapid follow up shots.

The Hog Saddle has been designed around military sniper specifications with years of research and development behind it.
 
#15
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMTeam4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking forward to hearing your feedback PP.
</div></div>

solid copy , no prob !

PP out
 
#16
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

I just ordered and received a Hog saddle shooting rest. It seems very well engineered and very solid. I tried it out on 2 different tripod settups. One was with a Manfroto fluid drive head. It will NOT work with this head. There is not enough clearance for the tension knob. It does however, work great with the pistol grip 222 head. I think the 222 is ideal because you can grip the lever and move the gun alignment easily then lock it. Seems that the long handle on the fluid drive head would not be as convenient to adjust alignment with, and then it would not be as convenient to lock the head tight in position.
I cant wait to get it into the field and use it. I have a 190 serios Manfroto tripod, but will try it first with a Speedmaster carbon fiber 5 section model which is very light wgt and compact. Fits in a back pack much better than the 3 section 190 series.
 
#18
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

Steeldinger-
Don't give up on your fluid head just yet. The fluid heads are pretty popular with snipers in the Army. They have been doing two things to mount the Hog Saddle to their fluid heads.
Either they use a spacer puck to give the torque knob clearance or they take a hacksaw and remove the protruding, peninsula shaped metal that is used to secure the panning stick.
Most shooters remove the panning stick anyways so you wouldn't be losing any function out of the head. Or like I've said earlier, try out the Hog Saddle without a head. You might wind up liking it better.
Send me a PM if you want to go with the spacer puck option and I'll mail you one. Glad to hear you're happy with the rest. I'm sure you will bring home a lot of meat this year.


Jester308-
I just finished another run of units. Will keep an eye out for an Aussie order.
 
#23
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: berm shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats on the muzzle of the rifle in the pic?</div></div>

Tapered and notched for slip-on quick detach suppressor.
 
#24
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sandbogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lowlight and steeldinger, do you think the hog saddle would grab on to a rounded for end like an A-5 or a PSS?

</div></div>

yes it will work with just about any stock...it's got grip and strength on its side.

You can tighten it down and the urethane pads will hold.
 
#27
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any chance for a group buy? </div></div>

+1. Definitely interested!!!
 
#28
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StanwoodSpartan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any chance for a group buy? </div></div>

+1. Definitely interested!!! </div></div>

Stand by and I'll post a Group Buy today or tomorrow.
My margins are already pretty tight due to machining costs but I will see what I can do for Hide members.
 
#29
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

Just got mine today. Mounted it up on a Manfrotto 190 and took my Monolith .308 AR out for a spin. This gadget works great! No bounce (on an admittedly heavy package), really easy to make aimed/controlled follow up shots.

If I had more than one good pod I'd spring for another.

Thanks for the great work
 
#30
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

Good to hear Speeddog!
It's really amazing how much recoil the 1/4 inch thick, recessed pads can absorb.
A couple months ago I mounted a Remington 870 shotgun to go skeet shooting. Shooting off of tripod/ball-head while standing, I was consistently hitting doubles.
I don't think skeet shooting off of a tripod is very practical but it was a good recoil management and tracking exercise.
 
#33
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StanwoodSpartan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">tag. Just need to find one to buy now </div></div>

Hog Saddles are <span style="font-weight: bold">IN Stock</span> and ready to ship.
 
#36
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

Well I got one on the way, and now have to choose between the Manfrotto 190xprob and the 055proxb, having problem choosing between all the heads... Trying to decide between the 222 head and the 322RC2 head
 
#38
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

I am going to put mine on a 438 manfrotto compact leveler....won't allow for a ton of movement, but think it will be more solid than the 322rc2 for the heavier stuff.
 
#39
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

I'll start with tripods first.
Both the Manfrotto <span style="font-weight: bold">190XPROB</span> and the <span style="font-weight: bold">055XPROB</span> tripods are my preferred models to use. There are other great choices also but these are two models I know from experience that work well.

The 190XPROB is smaller than the 055 series and packs better for long hikes. This is one of the most popular models with the Marines and will easily handle the weight and recoil of an 18lbs 300WM.

The 055XPROB is a little larger of a tripod with longer and thicker legs. This is the model I used in the Marine Corps and is my favorite to shoot off of. I like this model because I can really put my body weight into this tripod while shooting.
This tripod is great for rapid follow up shots with semi autos. It too will easily handle the weight and recoil of an 18lbs 300WM.

The three main features I like about both models are:
The adjustable cam locking levers for extending the legs. The twist-lock legs, such as on Gitzo tripods, can have trouble staying locked.
The legs are able to move 90 degrees, allowing the tripod to get low for prone shooting.
Both models have the Horizontal Center Column feature which allows the user to mount the center column horizontally. This isn't a "shooting" feature but is convenient at times when using a spotting scope.
R_SS.jpg


Of the two heads you are considering (222 head and the 322RC2 head) either will work fine. I would choose the 322RC2 just because the weight of the rifle will be closer to the ball joint. The 322RC2 is also capable of being a left handed unit by remounting the QD plate on the reverse side.

Below are three ball head models you should also consider by Manfrotto.

<span style="font-weight: bold">486 or 496 Compact Ball Head</span>- this is what i had in the Marines
<span style="font-weight: bold">054 Magnesium Ball Head</span>- this guy is a monster but it can hold a cannon. This is what I currently shoot off of
<span style="font-weight: bold">498 Midi Ball Head</span>- I own one of these too and it holds an 18lbs rifle fine
 
#44
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Robe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In the photo with the camo tripod holding the tan colored AI chassis rifle, which ball head is on that camo tripod? </div></div>

The head is an old Manfrotto 486 Compact Ball Head. Its listed load capacity is 13.23 lbs but it has worked great on 16 and 18 lbs rifles. The painted up tripod and head is the one I used in the Marine Corps.
 
#48
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StanwoodSpartan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the advice Josh. I just plced an order for the 055XPROB bipod and 496 Compact head. I can't wait to get all three put together and hit the range!!! </div></div>

^This
Thanks as well, I just left your site and purchased a Hog Saddle and then hit up Amazon.com for the Manfrotto 055XPROB bipod and 496 compact ball head as well.
 
#49
Re: Hog saddle shooting rest

Looks good PP!
laugh.gif
Nice rifle too.

I was waiting for someone to mount a Hog Saddle to a Vector LRF kit's tripod.


If you use that pistol grip ball head on the left side regularly you can remount the QD plate's base on the opposite side of the head making it more ergonomical.
This way you can depress the grip with your fingers instead of your palm.
The pistol grip ball heads are made to be able to mount the QD plate for either left or right hand use. You can even mount the plate on the end of the handle to make it look like a vertical grip head model.
 
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