RRS TFCT 14L w Anvil 30 too heavy for backpack backcountry hunting?

[secondofangle2]

So it will surprise none of you that I wound up with three different tripods. And I may keep them all.

In my own final analysis, the 14L has plenty of stability for seated or kneeling shots, but if you’ve ever handled a three series, you know that you give up a lot of stability. So if you really need to squeeze off that extra pound or 18 ounces or whatever then go with the 14.

When I realized how capable we were with the seven PRC off of a tripod out to 1000 yards on a 12 inch plate, I realized I didn’t want to give up any stability to save that last pound so I bought a 33. It is just over 4 1/2 pounds. I suppose I could see why somebody would get the 34 because it would pack a little shorter and only add 2 ounces. For me, I like the simplicity of just having to worry about two leg extensions rather than three.

After this analysis, the one that really has me scratching my head is the common compromise of the 24L. You’re gonna give up a fair amount of stability compared to the three series and all you gain is 9 inches so if you’re really tall or need to do a bunch of stuff standing I get it. It might be the best all-around compromise if you want to truly stand for blasting or whatever. But if I wanted to stand and shoot, I would definitely wanna step up to the 3 series

That’s my current two cents worth I’m sure it will change with more time in the field

 

[secondofangle2]

Oh, and I have posted this elsewhere, but here is a guy who never shot anything Long Range trying my seven PRC for the first time at that 12 in.² plate at 1000 yards off of my 34L

That TFCT33 is gonna be perfect for this hunt especially because we are carrying stone glacier sky talus 6900. So the length isn’t gonna be any problem at all. Also, there’s gonna be two of us, but we’re gonna share a rifle so we can afford The bigger heavier, more stable tripod.

 

[Lawnboi]

One of the biggest draws to myself getting another 14 is that it is much easier to pack than the longer bigger tripods. The 24L is as long as any of my packs for the most part.

 

[secondofangle2]

Yeah, the length difference is real especially if you’re running a smaller pack like a day pack or whatever

 

[Bkultra]

Looks like you need a 34 after all. I went with the standard 34, because you could fit it in a carry on bag when flying. I'm from the Midwest, so flat and need to fly to shoot to longer distances.

 

[carbonbased]

So it will surprise none of you that I wound up with three different tripods. And I may keep them all.

In my own final analysis, the 14L has plenty of stability for seated or kneeling shots, but if you’ve ever handled a three series, you know that you give up a lot of stability. So if you really need to squeeze off that extra pound or 18 ounces or whatever then go with the 14.

When I realized how capable we were with the seven PRC off of a tripod out to 1000 yards on a 12 inch plate, I realized I didn’t want to give up any stability to save that last pound so I bought a 33. It is just over 4 1/2 pounds. I suppose I could see why somebody would get the 34 because it would pack a little shorter and only add 2 ounces. For me, I like the simplicity of just having to worry about two leg extensions rather than three.

After this analysis, the one that really has me scratching my head is the common compromise of the 24L. You’re gonna give up a fair amount of stability compared to the three series and all you gain is 9 inches so if you’re really tall or need to do a bunch of stuff standing I get it. It might be the best all-around compromise if you want to truly stand for blasting or whatever. But if I wanted to stand and shoot, I would definitely wanna step up to the 3 series

That’s my current two cents worth I’m sure it will change with more time in the field




View attachment 8662207

Soon you’ll buy a TVC-33/34, because they are even a little bit more stable than the TFC/TFCT series lol

Love my TVC-33, but it’s a wide boi.

 

[secondofangle2]

OK tell me more about this TVC.

 

[BJames]

Love my TFCT 33, it simply rocks. It allows things not possible with lesser tripods.

I’m thinking, for the mountain hunter/shooter. The TFCT 33 & 14 are great compliments to the gear room. Super stable platform in the 33, and then ultra light compactness when required in the 14. Only have to justify having $3k worth of tripods laying around

 

[AzDiver]

I have the

TFCT-34L TFCT-34L Mk2SOAR® Series 3 Tripod with Anvil-30 ballhead.

Sorry, copied and pasted the model. Idk why it did that.
It’s 4.4 lbs and worth every penny, and oz. I never leave camp without it.( I had 2, but one was stolen) I cut out other things to keep the weight down. It’s great for glassing or shooting off rocky slopes, over bushes and grass, and is as sturdy as shooting prone. I’ll never hunt without it again. I have/do own at least 15 different brands and models. I have also used other buddies tripods, and none stack up to it. You can get it low enough to use like a bipod if need be.

 

[carbonbased]

OK tell me more about this TVC.

(setting the hook haha)

But seriously, the wide apex makes the whole setup more stable. One reason is it resists twisting better, and of course having the legs wider makes it slightly more like table vs a triangle.

Then I use the leveling head with a panning head on top. Because that setup is lower than a ballhead (either traditional or inverted like the Anvil) that adds further to the wide apex’s stability.

I’m a pdog shooter so I’m not packing it in anywhere. The most I hike with it is a mile.

Now I use my TFC-34 just for my binos.

Moving from the TFC-34 to the TVC-33 is not as big difference as going from a crappy tripod to a RRS. But there is less reticle wobble. I haven’t measured how much less, but our resident tripod man @Diver160651 wrote something up about it…he isn’t around here much anymore.

 

[vanrichten]

To echo the above, I LOVE the TVC. That wider head makes a noticeable difference to me. I shoot of it and have my supporting gear, binos/spotter/range finder/etc on a cinema bar on the TFC.

Currently they both have an ANVL30 on them but I’m starting to come around to the thought of just using a traditional ball head like a BH-55. More experimenting at the flat range to see what I like better.

 

[carbonbased]

Currently they both have an ANVL30 on them but I’m starting to come around to the thought of just using a traditional ball head like a BH-55. More experimenting at the flat range to see what I like better.

I have had much better luck with the leveling head plus a panning head vs the Anvil. A regular ball head is in between those two (for me).

I have sort of a tallish pan head on there. Might get a slimmer one. Ignore the neoprene can koosie on the scope haha, that was a failed cheap hood experiment.

I pan a LOT during varmint shooting. It’s very nice to have separate controls for tilt and pan.

 

[vanrichten]

I have had much better luck with the leveling head plus a panning head vs the Anvil. A regular ball head is in between those two (for me).
View attachment 8662502
I have sort of a tallish pan head on there. Might get a slimmer one. Ignore the neoprene can koosie on the scope haha, that was a failed cheap hood experiment.

I pan a LOT during varmint shooting. It’s very nice to have separate controls for tilt and pan.

I can totally see how that would be an advantage. I have the RRS pan base that I use for photography along with the video bowl I could put back on to replace the ANVIL apex. My next range trip is going to look like an RRS commercial exploded! Haha!

 

[secondofangle2]

Could someone kindly provide a link to the best wrap for the top set of legs so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel?

I presume it is largely to protect the outer leg, which is what I would be after. And something that could be removed later if I decided to sell it.

 

[NoLegs24]

Sunrise tactical is 2nd to none. Fully customed (length, width/ diameter). I Just ordered 2 more sets.

 

[mrtoyz]

Could someone kindly provide a link to the best wrap for the top set of legs so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel?

I presume it is largely to protect the outer leg, which is what I would be after. And something that could be removed later if I decided to sell it.

https://a.co/d/8m1KIXw

 

[Tex68w]

I use my 33, never gave it a second thought about slightly lighter options. I am picky about what goes in my pack and if hunting with others make sure you aren't redundant on items that aren't necessary.

 

[secondofangle2]

Sunrise tactical website basically unuseable so I got the stuff from amazon

Thanks guys

 

[carbonbased]

Sunrise tactical website basically unuseable so I got the stuff from amazon

Thanks guys

Looks like they might be introducing a new leg wrap design or something, as they don’t have anything currently listed under that category.

Their leg wraps are nice, though. I own them. Fussy to install and I had to retighten them once to really lock them on. They tighten like shoelaces…you know, hard to keep the tension up as you move from lace to lace.

I wonder if they will introduce an easier affixing method?

 

[carbonbased]

See, nothing there at the moment:

https://sunrisetacticalgear.com/shop/ols/categories/tripod-leg-wraps

Their tripod bags are amazing, btw. Love mine.

 

[Caba]

I emailed them and they made me a custom case, leg wraps and tripod basket.

Edit: I should add I was satisfied with all three items. It was pricey but top notch work in my eyes made by a very nice gent.

 

[NoLegs24]

Yeah. I have a bunch of leg wraps, tripod bags, custom spotting scope bags and bino covers etc.

Been running their stuff for years. And will continue to Do so, regardless of price. .

And as far as the camo form wraps are cool cheap alternative. But tend to get sticky over time.

 

[mrtoyz]

Yeah. I have a bunch of leg wraps, tripod bags, custom spotting scope bags and bino covers etc.

Been running their stuff for years. And will continue to Do so, regardless of price. .

And as far as the camo form wraps are cool cheap alternative. But tend to get sticky over time.

Interesting I haven’t had the actual Camo Form brand wrap get sticky. Have had the cheap off brand stuff go bad. I like the fact it’s cheap, easy and fairly durable.

 

[NoLegs24]

Interesting I haven’t had the actual Camo Form brand wrap get sticky. Have had the cheap off brand stuff go bad. I like the fact it’s cheap, easy and fairly durable.

Yeah. I have a bunch of that stuff I would use on my optics. Still do along with the scope chaps.
But matches in rain, then heat and what not.

Would get sticky over time.
Still protects very well especially for the price.

Sticky on the outside. No “tape” style residue when I would unwrap it from the optics. I do like how durable they are and able to reuse.

 

[Zak Smith]

If your conclusion is to skip the 24 and go with the 14 and 3x, then that's quite useful, thank you

 

[secondofangle2]

^yeah I think that’s my final conclusion.

And I like the 33 rather that 34. 33 a couple ounces lighter and couple inches longer. Same extended height, but deploying 1-2 leg sections to get to desired height faster/easier that 2-3 leg sections.

Unless you need it as light and short as possible, I see no use case for 14l or 24l - cuz losing that much stability just seems like too high a price to pay for 18oz or 6” or less

And the 24l is pretty much out together. Once I hit 4.5# w 24l, it seems just silly not to go up to 3-series, if you look at the specs

 

[secondofangle2]

OK, I’m gonna take my own thread slightly off topic.

We made some additional plans for our hunt and are going to take a Swarovski ATX 65 mm scope with us because we have some additional weight allowances.

Does anybody know which PT – scout panning head from RRS I will need to attach that scope to the anvil 30 for easy switching between scope and rifle?

As usual, the really right stuff page does not make it obvious as to what I will need for that attachment

Here are a couple of pictures with the TFCT33 on the pack along with the rifle and the folding XLR chassis with a 24 inch barrel. Pack has only a sleeping bag stuffed in it for demonstration purposes. As you can see if you’re going to pack your rifle, you can definitely afford to have the 28 inch tripod on the other side.

 

[jbuck88]

Are you planning on stacking the PT to the avil 30? I just glass off my anvil 30 with my swaro scope.

 

[secondofangle2]

excellent question. And definitely an option, it seems. Two questions:

Will a bone stock swaro 65 mm ATX objective go directly onto the anvil? without adapter?

And, do you find it difficult to glass/scope with the anvil 30 alone? I find it a little unforgiving with the clamp - it's touchy; meaning it's either locked, or looser than Mamma Sun's undecariage - not really a "pan and tilt" kind of experience

ETA: I just checked my ATK95 objective (early generation) and it is NOT ARCA compatible

 

[secondofangle2]

I did find this thread but it's a bit dated and the one link is broken/outdated and the PT-SCOUT is not specifically mentioned

RRS Anvil 30 for glassing and shooting?

Some background: I’m largely a hunter but I do some local matches and just generally like to shoot at the range when I’m not hunting. I’m currently running a Promaster xc 525c tripod with a Sirui VA-5 fluid head. To be honest, it was great for just glassing, but it’s terrible as a...

www.snipershide.com

 

[NoLegs24]

Just buy a plate from RRS that screws onto the spotter

 

[secondofangle2]

Thanks! So I get it: tripod, Anvil 30, PT-Scout, adapter plate, Swaro 65mm ATX. That's a STACK of equipment. Is it worth it to do the PT-SCOUT (and, this leaves the question of "which one" as there are 3 variants: https://rrssoar.com/ptscout/), or is it better to save $300-400 and 6-9oz and just glass/spotter with the ANVIL 30?

Sorry to be so dense

 

[jbuck88]

No. Just the arca adaptor to attach to your swarovski foot. I don't find it to hold me back at all while hunting. It's not the smoothest, but still pretty dang good. I have a older 65mm that needs a B76 to attach to my Anvil 30 and the 95mm that has a arca foot and clips right in to my anvil 30.

 

[secondofangle2]

so you're saying, just glass and spot from the Anvil 30?

 

[jbuck88]

Yes.

 

[NoLegs24]

If you do get a PT Scout. Just get the one that has either clamp.

But I would just run the Anvil30 for both shooting/ spotting.

The only time I’m running a scout is for the monopod or on a plate to align my bino to spotter. Or if I’m RO’ing a stage, align the glass to separate targets with ease of transitioning.

 

[jbuck88]

I would run it straight with out the extra PL and if you feel like it's holding you back then it's easy to add it later. You won't go backwards or waste any $ whether you buy it now or later.