Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

[robertsodt]

I'm a newly assigned SWAT sniper on a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team just outside of Chicago. We are just starting our sniper program and I could use some help with finding good affordable gear since half of it will be out of my pocket. I need to find a tripod I can use for a rifle rest, a vest to hold my soft body armor, radio and a couple of pouches and a backpack suited for a snipers gear. If anyone has ideas for me it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ghettoswatsniper

 

[NOMAD]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Welcome to the hide!!! You are in good hands among fellow LEO's.

Their are a ton of great vendors here on the site that can help you out you will see are names are orange so you know who we are.

Take a look at Triad Tactical they carry a ton of sniper related products you will need.

As for a tripod depending how much you want to spend there are are some option. Check out lone star for tripods.

If you need data books, mildot masters and other stuff check us out at www.impactdatabooks.com

Stay Safe
Tony

 

[ORD]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

For the tripod...look no further than Precision Rifle Solutions (PRS)! Member platypus (Danel Jenkins) is the owner/operator of PRS and he is a frequent contributor to this site. His tripod offering are second-to-none, incredibly reasonably priced and well-built units. Here is a link to his site:

http://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/

He offers a couple different cradles/rests depending on which rifle you are deploying. I'd recommend the medium size tripod as it offers the most flexibility in terms of being able to be grounded at around 7" off the deck and up to around 44" tall. It also collapses into a very small size that easily fits into most drag bags or packs for ease of transport/setup.

 

[Super Bee 950]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Does anyone find this post kinda fishy other than me?

 

[marduk185]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

when im in a jam and need a good tripod i look no further than mr happy. just flop him out there and lean forward. i think you can usually find plenty of nice sweater vests at any local thrift store.

 

[brutus1776]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

PRS has good tripods.

i currently use a manfrotto 190xprob. it is a great tripod, especially with the ball type head grip i have on it. you can run a camera, spotter, rifle, etc all on it. you'll need a cradle if using with your rifle. either from PRS or you can make yourself if you are crafty. piece of U shaped steel stock, wrap it with padding and cordura and run a tap through the bottom to match the threads on your tripod mounting plate attachment.

if you need the tripod to be lighter weight... go carbon fiber. much more expensive but its half the weight. not sure about the load capacity though on the carbon fiber model.

 

[SDeadeye]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Super Bee 950</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone find this post kinda fishy other than me? </div></div>

I was just kinda curious as to why a guy selected to be a 'swat' sniper doesn't already have his gear figured out. Seems as though someone being put in that position would have a lot of shooting experience already...

 

[CK_32]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Super Bee 950</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone find this post kinda fishy other than me? </div></div>
+1 first thing I thought of when I saw "Sniper" asking for help.

 

[CK_32]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Double post..

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Shooting experience yes, precision rifle experience, not necessarily. Many of the guys on my team had never shot a scoped rifle before joining the team. Lots of training undertaken before they're able to lay behind a long gun on a operation.

 

[jakhamr81]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CK_32</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Super Bee 950</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone find this post kinda fishy other than me? </div></div>
+1 first thing I thought of when I saw "Sniper" asking for help.</div></div>


Exactly, why would anyone with the title sniper be going to a website called snipers hide? He already knows everything their is to know about snipering.

I'm keeping an eye on this fella, I'm not sure what he's up to but it can't be good. Maybe he's a Russian spy trying to figure out what kind of gear and tripods we are using. I know his type, I just watched Red Dawn again last night.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

As Cory said, there are a lot of guys that get placed into a Sniper billet that don't have any precision rifle experience. Smaller departments don't have a huge pool of skills to pull from.

What usually happens is a guy is selected. Handed a rifle or told to buy one, then he gets sent to a state or private course to be certified. THAT is where they learn a vast majority of their skills.

Those of us that come into the job with military training or extensive experience are usually in the minority.

It is also not at all uncommon for guys who have been a trained sniper for several years to still not know what equipment is out there. They know what they need to know to do the job.

To answer the OP's question:

There are tons of good reviews on the PRS tripods (http://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/). I have not had a chance to try one myself, but I will be changing that soon. The DLWC tripod from Alamo Four Star is the gold standard, but good luck getting one.

I don't wear a "Sniper Vest" when I am on a callout with the long gun. I just wear my pistol in a tac holster and my soft body armor under my BDU's. All my necessary gear is in my ruck. I just find it easier to operate in a variety of situations like that.

For a pack I use an Eagle A-III MOLLE. It's large enough to carry all the crap to sustain you and the rifle for an extended callout. It large enough to contain all my crap and still throw in a bunch of bottles of water before I leave the car. When it's loaded out it's large enough to use it as a rest.

 

[Super Bee 950]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest


If he is for real, he needs to drop the mall ninja language.

 

[CK_32]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Wow just cought his SN... ghetto swat sniper?

Red flag for sure.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Could be a very poor choice of a sig for him, it may be referencing that he works for a very "ghetto" department that will not purchase his equipment.
He is not asking for handouts, he is asking for directions to find affoadable but quality gear.
I work for a department that does not fund ANY of my equipment for my longrifle, the duty ammo also comes out of my pocket. I have to look around and shop vary carefully as it is rather hard on my pocketbook.

If he was asking for handouts, it would certainly seem to be shady, but he is not.

 

[jakhamr81]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

You're not fooling us commie!!

 

[az-k9]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

My team doesnt use a tripod....

 

[christian77]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ghettoswatsniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I need to find a tripod I can use for a rifle rest, a vest to hold my soft body armor, radio and a couple of pouches and a backpack suited for a snipers gear.</div></div> <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Your punctuation sucks</span></span></span>

 

[opeagle]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Maybe the OP is or is not for real but thus far they are not really asking anything sensitive IMO. We will see if they pop back in.

My. 02

 

[jakhamr81]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doorkicker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ghettoswatsniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I need to find a tripod I can use for a rifle rest, a vest to hold my soft body armor, <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">radio</span></span></span> and a couple of pouches and a backpack suited for a snipers gear.</div></div><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Super Bee 950</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone find this post kinda fishy other than me? </div></div>Not at all...most departments have their officers go out and buy their own radios

<span style="font-size: 20pt"><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">FAIL</span></span></span></span></div></div>

I believe he is saying he needs gear to carry his radio, not saying he needs a radio, same for his soft body armor.

 

[jakhamr81]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Biased_Obser</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My team doesnt use a tripod.... </div></div>

I knew it!! this is a scam for sure!!

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Biased_Obser</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My team doesnt use a tripod.... </div></div>

I would bet that is because you have not been taught how versatile they are. They are almost an essential piece of equipment if you work in an urban environment and incredible useful in a rural environment. I wouldn't think of doing a school type stalk or concealment without one.

I do agree that the OP's sig is a bad idea.

 

[robertsodt]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

I understand how many of you question if I am authentic or not. I have been on a multi-jurisdictional swat team for the past five years when the team was created. We are a small team comprised of suburban towns on the border of a large city. Our team only has about 28 operators, many of which are new to the team. Although we have been a team for five years we have very few call outs and up until a couple months ago did not have a sniper team in place. I along with another member of the team were picked for the position. We were ordered basic weapon systems and sent to the US Training Center(midwest) for our basic sniper training. That's about the extent of what was done for us. Our team has very little money for equipment and training. We have to put on a yearly fundraiser just to have money for any extra training and equipment we need. Because of that we call our team the ghetto swat team. I was basically putting a feeler out there for help on what equipment I will need to start up this position. Like I've already stated I've been an operator for the past five years and was just put on as part of the team's first sniper team. Thank you to those who responded with help.

 

[marduk185]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jakhamr81</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doorkicker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ghettoswatsniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I need to find a tripod I can use for a rifle rest, a vest to hold my soft body armor, <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">radio</span></span></span> and a couple of pouches and a backpack suited for a snipers gear.</div></div><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Super Bee 950</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone find this post kinda fishy other than me? </div></div>Not at all...most departments have their officers go out and buy their own radios

<span style="font-size: 20pt"><span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">FAIL</span></span></span></span></div></div>

I believe he is saying he'S A gear QUEER WITH his radio, not saying he needs a radio, same for his AIRsoft body armor.


FIXED IT FOR YOU. </div></div>

 

[marduk185]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ghettoswatsniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I understand how many of you question if I am authentic or not. I have been on a multi-jurisdictional swat team for the past five years when the team was created. We are a small team comprised of suburban towns on the border of a large city. Our team only has about 28 operators, many of which are new to the team. Although we have been a team for five years we have very few call outs and up until a couple months ago did not have a sniper team in place. I along with another member of the team were picked for the position. We were ordered basic weapon systems and sent to the US Training Center(midwest) for our basic sniper training. That's about the extent of what was done for us. Our team has very little money for equipment and training. We have to put on a yearly fundraiser just to have money for any extra training and equipment we need. Because of that we call our team the ghetto swat team. I was basically putting a feeler out there for help on what equipment I will need to start up this position. Like I've already stated I've been an operator for the past five years and was just put on as part of the team's first sniper team. Thank you to those who responded with help. </div></div>

did you get promoted gecko45?

 

[Super Bee 950]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

You keep calling yourself an Operator. Are you with the phone company SWAT team?

 

[Foemen]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Take a look at Ewing Sniper Tactical Tripod. Their website is www.SniperScopeStand.com. They promote discounts to police customers.

Someone had mentioned on a recent posting on this site that he had bought a modified scope stand from Ewing and was told that Ewing has a new (cheaper) lighter improved sniper tripod.

I would also suggest looking a Ray-vin but it's been posted that he is closing shop. Ray-vin made a good special ops tripod.

 

[az-k9]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Biased_Obser</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My team doesnt use a tripod.... </div></div>

I would bet that is because you have not been taught how versatile they are. They are almost an essential piece of equipment if you work in an urban environment and incredible useful in a rural environment. I wouldn't think of doing a school type stalk or concealment without one.
</div></div>
Let me be clear in that I'm not a "sniper" on the team but I share a cubicle with one in the office and shoot with them on occasion, didn't mean to imply that. With regard to training, we have a part time team and training is always lacking, so is gear. The team was approved for new rifles and promptly got new Rem SPS Tacticals with the Hogue stocks. They did get new Leupold glass though. Most training is spent prone on a flat range.

Local Federal team doesnt seem to use tripods either...sooo.... There is plenty of education to be done, I'll start reading.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

Lots of teams train prone at the range every day. It's comfortable and they can make itty-bitty groups.

It just isn't realistic.

 

[jaym_100]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lots of teams train prone at the range every day. It's comfortable and they can make itty-bitty groups.

It just isn't realistic. </div></div>

I was very suprised how true this is.


Also, lots of teams don't have any money and you have to buy your own stuff.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

True.

And some of the issued stuff out there is scary old because the department can't afford to replace it.

 

[300snipe]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

This whole thread makes me sigh. I get that some places have less revenue / funding than others but I just don't believe someone saying that they have to buy their own gear to be on a "sniper team". How often does a rural community need a sniper for anything? "Ghettoswapsniper" sounds like this guy was the one at the range with a tacticool mosin.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

I'm not surprised at all that team members must purchase their own equipment. Government is government, and we all get our gear from the lowest bidder or have to submit 10 requests before one makes it through all the approvals. Coming up through the Marine Corps, we had to buy a lot of our own stuff. Tripods, ghillie, compact binos, rucks, and so on were all self purchased or built with no unit funds to support. I know it isn't quite so bad now with that, but it still exists quite a bit.

As for the OP, definitely check out Triad for the gear. They have quickly become one of my favorite vendors out there. I also suggest doing some inquires with the other established teams in your area. Nothing quite like a face to face review of equipment.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

remember queer eye for the sniper guy, that you are already equipped with a storage area for all your snipery objects, it's built right in, known as your delta force rucksack, or prison purse. As far as tripods, save the money, have your spotter put himself in the hucklebuck and use his asscrack for a field expedient rifle rest. good luck in your endevours, toodles

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300snipe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This whole thread makes me sigh. I get that some places have less revenue / funding than others but I just don't believe someone saying that they have to buy their own gear to be on a "sniper team". How often does a rural community need a sniper for anything? "Ghettoswapsniper" sounds like this guy was the one at the range with a tacticool mosin. </div></div>

I am guessing you don't know a whole lot about SWAT teams or the tactical situations that warrant their deployment.

 

[Pete E]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the tripod...look no further than Precision Rifle Solutions (PRS)! Member platypus (Danel Jenkins) is the owner/operator of PRS and he is a frequent contributor to this site. His tripod offering are second-to-none, incredibly reasonably priced and well-built units. Here is a link to his site:

http://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/

He offers a couple different cradles/rests depending on which rifle you are deploying. I'd recommend the medium size tripod as it offers the most flexibility in terms of being able to be grounded at around 7" off the deck and up to around 44" tall. It also collapses into a very small size that easily fits into most drag bags or packs for ease of transport/setup. </div></div>

I'm not a sniper of any description, but I've ordered one or two items from PRS, and was very pleased with both the products, and their very good service.

 

[sjb269]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

FWIW My .02 The connotation of Ghetto is a negative one.
If the senior staff of my Agency/Department (not Law enforcement) caught wind that I was soliciting Job related advice on a public internet forum and my Handle was "Ghetto Anything"... It would be considered unprofessional. The people I serve would not appreciate me publicly calling their neighborhood "Ghettos"

Heres how it goes down,
God forbid you ever have to pull the trigger on someone, ( let's say he/she is Black or Puerto Rican) the now dead/injuried bad guys estate files a law suit for excessive force... you are called into court to justify/defend your actions. O.K. let's say you are cleared, it's still not gonna look good when they post a 2 foot by 3 foot picture of your "handle" GHETTOSWATSNIPER
Something to think about.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

The above is a valid point.

It may not be allowed into a courtroom, but the media rarely cares about that.

 

[socalsheepdog]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ghettoswatsniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a newly assigned SWAT sniper on a <span style="color: #FF0000">multi-jurisdictional</span> SWAT team just outside of Chicago.</div></div>

Isn't the whole reason for doing multi-jurisdictional teams to save money. I find it hard to believe that several cities can't pull some funds together to outfit it's team. That being said, my wife often bitches about the money I spend on gear for "duty use". She is always asking "why doesn't the dept issue that to you". I tell her, because the department doesn't require me to have a flashlight on my handgun, I want one. The department doesn't require me to have a collapsible baton, I want one. The department doesn't require me to have a drop leg holster for my X26, I want one. I don't think this guy is being told by his superiors that he needs a tripod, it sounds like he wants one.

Most Cops are gear junkies, I am no different.

I agree, get rid of the ghetto in your user-name.

 

[Aqua Mark]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

I saw this last week in training, it looked very sturdy...

 

[Chiller]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Storm Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I saw this last week in training, it looked very sturdy...

</div></div>

Catch up with the Jeff at US Optics and he can get you square on one.

 

[Maelstrom]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

I am not SWAT just a road patrol officer. When I was in corrections I was a part of ERT. All we were issues were helmets, our wing pins, and patches to put on our uniforms. We had to buy our own BDUs, flashlights, and knee/elbow pads if we wanted them. We had a 12 man team and we shared chest protectors and other gear. The holster for our TASER could not be used by someone wearing the protective gear. We ended up pooling our own money to by a better holster for the TASER so whoever carried it could still use the protective pads. When I made the switch to road deputy it was not much better. If I want to carry a flashlight we buy it. If I want a second pair of handcuffs or additional restraints I pay for them out of my own pocket. Probably 90 percent of the long guns carried in our cruisers are personal purchases. The cage in my cruiser I paid for out of my own pocket because the agency said they did not have the money to pay for it. It doesn't get any better with specialized units. A lot of agencies don't have the money to buy the newest or best gear. Money is tight and not getting any better. Unfortunately as long as people are willing to spend there own money the agencies are not going to have to spend the money. The only things on my duty belt that are agency owned are the handgun, magazine pouch, magazines, ASP holster, and ASP. Everything else I have paid for myself. My issued belt, holster, handcuff pouch, and 1 pair of handcuffs stay in my closet next to my class A uniform so they look presentable when needed.

 

[Sumpter Steve]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

I will also be contacting the fellows at (http://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/). It looks like a nice setup that they offer.

 

[Aqua Mark]

Re: Need info on a tripod and sniper vest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Maelstrom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not SWAT just a road patrol officer...</div></div>

God Bless the patrol cops. When I worked patrol in SoCal, a local banker donated big bucks on several occasions to buy us REM870 for the cars, and he donated a lot of money for SWAT, K9, and Horse Unit too. He was a superb gentleman, and this private funding source helped us do our jobs better and safer. I was issued a Ruger P90 at the academy and handed it right back. I guess I was a handgun snob, preferred the S&W5906 and SIG P226 that I was already familiar with (we weren't allowed to carry Glocks or 1911 back then). I didn't mind spending money on equipment that I wanted, but I didn't have a big family to support either, so buying gear wasn't a concern. We had good cars (with cages), new vests every 5 years, ammo to train monthly, and a uniform allowance, so the basics were covered. With the current economy, things are extremely tight, even some Fire and LEO having layoffs. Keep in mind when purchasing personal gear for the job, make sure to get it signed off if not already authorized in the P&P Manual, CYA at all times.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sumpter Steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will also be contacting the fellows at (http://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/). It looks like a nice setup that they offer. </div></div>

I have one of those PRS tripods from a group buy a couple years ago. Its a good portable tripod. The bigger/heavier ones are more stable of course, if you dont mind the weight issue.