Tripod Setup Options

[trob_205]

I would really like to get good tripod setup. It will be my first venture into the tripod world. It’s more than likely never to see a PRS style match. It’ll be used to bang some steel we set up in fields around, and mostly will be relying on it heavily during hunting season. I live in MI so it won’t be something I need to hump around for miles and miles. But staying light is still a positive. Basically just being a mobile hunter and hunting field and woodlot edges. Would be setting up for 100-350ish yard shots. That being said is a RRS setup overkill? There are a some options more on the budget side that look like could be good options. Im not looking to spend the $ if I don’t have too, but also don’t like the feeling of wishing I would have just waited and saved and sprung for a nicer/nicest option. I’m really digging that anvil-30 from what I’m seeing in videos, but I guess maybe needing a little guidance from experienced people in the tripod realm.

 

[morganlamprecht]

ive been using my anvil 30 head for a couple weeks now and i REALLY like the control/stability/ergos...everything really, more than the leveling base and ballheads...super fast/smooth/easy to get on targets and lock it in

leg options...sort of depends on budget, but ive only ever used the RRS tvc 33 and 34s, so im not familiar with the lower cost options

i really dont know anyone who has bought an RRS tripod, who regrets it...not everyone NEEDS that much stability, but it really removes almost any doubt on a shot, other than wind call...up to the shooter to decide "how much" they really need

 

[SLG]

Just about any decent tripod will work, and hog saddles are good. I used various manfrottos and sliks for the last 14 years or so, upgrading from a prs saddle when the hog became available.

The RRS legs, anvil 30 and vyce if you need it, are head and shoulders better and easier to use. Lighter, stronger, faster to set up, easier to get more accurate hits with, and more versatile for all sorts of unconventional positions. Plus, no sling needed at all!

I used my 34 this past weekend to hit steel out to 643, no problem. Anywhere from 2 moa, down to sub moa at different distances. It is awesome.

 

[MDT_Josh]

I'll have to agree that the RRS stuff is amazing and if you have the money to spend on it, then it is 100% worth it! For me, I was (and still am) too cheap to pay full price for a full RRS setup, so I ended up with SLIK 700 legs, a leveling base and arca adapter off Amazon for $200 or so This setup works great for the PRS game, but may be a little heavier if it's going to be used more for hunting, so I would consider carbon legs if I were you.

 

[Frog05]

I’ve been running a Feisol 3372 tripod with a RRS ta-3-lc with mlok arca adapter plate and love it. Really solid setup although I’m sure the RRS tripods are better they also cost a lot more. The only issue I’ve had is with the leveling head making noise in cold weather 10deg and colder. Which is a major issue when trying to swing on a coyote 50yds away. Lol
I think Diver160651 had a thread a while back that had a lot of info on the RRS and Feisol tripod products, you may try hitting him up

 

[Dougie308]

I have a heavy duty tripod I got from Ebay for about $75 and TriClawps rest that love. I use it in exactly the way you described.

 

[Stpilot12]

Another vote for the Feisol 3372 and RRS Leveling Base. Very light weight and Extremely stable. I carry mine hunting and use it a lot.

 

[Bradu]

I've only used RRS but I highly recommend them if you can swing it. Solid enough that I can shoot 1 moa steel at 600 yards with it. They are great if you have any questions, they have replied to my private messages on here even after normal hours.

 

[trob_205]

Thank you for the replies! Good stuff and I’ll check all that stuff out.

Is one crazy to do something like a shadow tech tripod then maybe go a little more spendy on the ball head/base? Or should it be the other way around?

Like I said, not against going the RRS route. I might have to move some things to afford it and not have the wife complain lol.

 

[Stpilot12]

The Feisol 3372 is not as expensive as the RRS. As far as pure stability goes, I would stay away from tripods using a center column.

https://www.bisontactical.com/collections/bipods/products/feisol-elite-tripod-ct-3372

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

@trob_205 If you have any questions and would like to talk over the phone try and give me a hollar. I am away from my desk alot so do apologies if i miss it but always try and call people back! Super busy during this move from Ca-Ut!.

Michael H
RRS Sport Optics and Rifle Division Manager
805-548-1534
[email protected]

 

[stwcattle]

Micheal helped me choose the TFCT-24L with Anvil 30 ballhead and I added a VYCE to my order. This set up will be used mostly as a hunting set up with some practice on steel.

I am really pleased with the quality of the RRS tri pod setup. It is light, stable and fast to use.

Is a RRS tripod and ball head "overkill" I guess one has to decide for himself but when running over $15000 worth of rifle, scope and gear in my pack, having a bullet proof, lite tripod is worth it.

 

[Grog11]

Thank you for the replies! Good stuff and I’ll check all that stuff out.

Is one crazy to do something like a shadow tech tripod then maybe go a little more spendy on the ball head/base? Or should it be the other way around?

Like I said, not against going the RRS route. I might have to move some things to afford it and not have the wife complain lol.

Pig tripod- RRS Anvil 30. Will there be an upgrade someday? Yes. Does this work? Yes.

 

[rockmyglock]

Pig tripod- RRS Anvil 30. Will there be an upgrade someday? Yes. Does this work? Yes.

View attachment 6914494

Did you have to use loc-tite on the thread?

 

[Grog11]

Did you have to use loc-tite on the thread?

Nope. I’m not leaving it on exclusively, though, so I didn’t think to put any on. I’ll definitely chime back in if that comes back to bite me.

 

[Hussell]

Nope. I’m not leaving it on exclusively, though, so I didn’t think to put any on. I’ll definitely chime back in if that comes back to bite me.

I am running the exact same set up. No loc-tite and have not had any issues after 100 rounds or so off the tripod. I also use my spotter on this set up often. Love the new head but have to upgrade the tripod soon.

 

[Mt_Hunt]

I am in the same boat. I have started doing match’s and want to use a tripod for hunting too.
I will share what I have done if it might help.. I will pry never afford or want to spend the money on the RRS, but I am cheap and like to tinker.. I have been using a slik tripod for a bit and made a saddle from a 4x4 bracket from Lowe’s with foam and duct tape. Worked but the head on my tripod was not made for running under a rifle, it works awesome on my spotting scope but has the standard 2 handles to control vertical and horizontal movement. So after cruising amazon for a while I decided to try a ball head that will hold 60 lbs and got an Arca dovetail rail piece.
I have an XLR Element chassis that has the threaded spots for pic rails and just put the Arca rail piece on it and slid it into the ball head.. Works great, has a tiny bit of wobble but I haven’t practiced with it at all yet just got it put together this past weekend. Thought I would share what I have found as an option to 1500 bucks on the RRS.

 

[SLG]

Just to reiterate somewhat...there are lots of functional ways to use tripods that are less expensive than the RRS stuff. The end result, of hitting the target, is still up to the shooter and their skill. As long as you pick a strong enough tripod and head, what you are paying for with the RRS, is a combination of lighter weight, steadiness, speed of set up, and ease of use. To make a Hog tripod and saddle perform, from a shooting and hitting your target standpoint, as well as the RRS, requires that you put up with greater weight, slower set up, more finicky setup (including the use of additional equipment like a sling), and more practice time to make it all work. What you gain is more money in your pocket. As well as a real appreciation for the RRS when you try it out. I consider the RRS to be a bit of a luxury for a civilian shooter, but an absolute game changer for a professional. No doubt it is mostly purchased the other way around...

 

[trob_205]

I’ve kinda came down from the feeling of needing a $1500 setup. Been really thinking hard on the hog saddle 0311 tripod with the RRS universal leveling base.

 

[rockmyglock]

I’ve kinda came down from the feeling of needing a $1500 setup. Been really thinking hard on the hog saddle 0311 tripod with the RRS universal leveling base.

Just got this same setup. I like it.

The set screw to secure the leveling head won't work because of the different size mating surfaces. Because of this I have noticed some tendency to unscrew the base from the tripod when locking/unlocking the leveling head.

I have used blue loc-tite on the thread.

 

[Bradu]

Just to reiterate somewhat...there are lots of functional ways to use tripods that are less expensive than the RRS stuff. The end result, of hitting the target, is still up to the shooter and their skill. As long as you pick a strong enough tripod and head, what you are paying for with the RRS, is a combination of lighter weight, steadiness, speed of set up, and ease of use. To make a Hog tripod and saddle perform, from a shooting and hitting your target standpoint, as well as the RRS, requires that you put up with greater weight, slower set up, more finicky setup (including the use of additional equipment like a sling), and more practice time to make it all work. What you gain is more money in your pocket. As well as a real appreciation for the RRS when you try it out. I consider the RRS to be a bit of a luxury for a civilian shooter, but an absolute game changer for a professional. No doubt it is mostly purchased the other way around...

Pretty good post on the subject. I was going to buy cheaper but after using an RRS with leveling head, it was a want more than need. I would buy it all over again because it's that nice! Plus when I put a 9k setup on it I don't worry if it will hold it or not.

 

[trob_205]

Just got this same setup. I like it.

The set screw to secure the leveling head won't work because of the different size mating surfaces. Because of this I have noticed some tendency to unscrew the base from the tripod when locking/unlocking the leveling head.

I have used blue loc-tite on the thread.

It still wants to come loose with blue loctite or the blue loctite has fixed it?

 

[sheepdog697]

+1 for the feisol 3372. I use that with an RRS leveling head and it is great for my needs.

 

[NOMAD]

This is going to be a great Tripod for anyone looking to get a setup.

https://www.twovetssportinggoods.com/collections/tripods/products/two-vets-sporting-goods-tripod

 

[Frog05]

Just a heads up for anyone who runs a Feisol 3372 or thinking about getting one. DO NOT rattle can the legs. It will jack up the locking mechanisms when all of the paint scrapes off and balls up inside. I learned the hard way. Lol

 

[Stpilot12]

Just a heads up for anyone who runs a Feisol 3372 or thinking about getting one. DO NOT rattle can the legs. It will jack up the locking mechanisms when all of the paint scrapes off and balls up inside. I learned the hard way. Lol

That SUCKS... Were you able to get it all fixed up?

 

[Frog05]

That SUCKS... Were you able to get it all fixed up?

Yep, I had to take the legs apart and clean all of the balled up paint out of the washers. Ya it sucked! Lesson Learned

 

[Grog11]

How are you all carrying your tripods at matches? Are you strapping them to your packs or using a tripod sling? I noticed that Armageddon Gear has a sling, but can’t find much else that’s purpose made, aside from photography straps.

 

[NOMAD]

I always tuck my tripods in the long pouch on the outside of my Eberlestock packs

 

[Matt DeWitt]

This is going to be a great Tripod for anyone looking to get a setup.

https://www.twovetssportinggoods.com/collections/tripods/products/two-vets-sporting-goods-tripod

At the preorder price, that looks like a hell of a deal. Too bad they are already sold out. I'll have to keep an eye on this!

 

[rockmyglock]

It still wants to come loose with blue loctite or the blue loctite has fixed it?

I'm still testing it out. So far, so good.

 

[gears_call]

Go easy on me here, but is this a viable option?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.botach.com/amp/battle-steel-gun-jaw-prp-tripod-package-deal/

 

[trob_205]

Go easy on me here, but is this a viable option?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.botach.com/amp/battle-steel-gun-jaw-prp-tripod-package-deal/

I think for $600 there are better options. Would be hard for me not too support shadow tech since that’s a pretty hardcore rip off of their hog saddle. That tripod has 15 lbs weight rating compared to the 26 lbs rating of the hog saddle 0311g tripod and it’s half the price. That Botach setup looks fairly heavy if you go to the pages and add up what all that weighs.

 

[doctordoctor]

This may be a stupid question but is the pig tripod compatible with a RRS t3 leveling base?

 

[Strykervet]

For shooting, I'd like to have one of the compact PIG tripods and a saddle. Just something that can go low and isn't too heavy or expensive. But I'm not sure if even it goes low enough, I think they said 36"? I'd like to use it in the prone and sitting.

I got a Sirui for $137 shipped from Cameraland during their sale and it'll go to 8", has a ball head and will support 8kg so 17.6lbs, is fairly light, all of which is kind of surprising. They're on par with Manfrotto but this one goes lower, can be used in the prone and supports a higher weight than most. I got it for a spotter/LRF, but if it works out and I can use a rifle on it, I may just get another since it can be used in the prone. But I'd get one of those pistol grip ball heads and a saddle for that, I saw one setup like that on here it really seemed the way to go for adjusting it. We'll see.

If you have a tripod for a crew served weapon like an M60, 240, SAW, M2HB, etc., there are rail grabber pintles and mounts for M107's. You can also rig up whatever saddle or ball head for one too I'm sure. I know not everyone has a crew served weapon and tripod, but if you do and you don't have to carry it far, it's hard to find anything more stable than say, a Mk123 aluminum M2HB tripod. If you can rig up a way to use the T&E it's even more useful. Not for everyone but worth knowing and a way to put one to more use if you do have one.

 

[MarinePMI]

This may be a stupid question but is the pig tripod compatible with a RRS t3 leveling base?

Yes, it'll work.

 

[doctordoctor]

Yes, it'll work.

Thank you!!!

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

Thank you!!!

No it will not work. The TA-3 fits inside of an apex. The TA-U-LC would be compatible.

@MarinePMI

 

[MarinePMI]

Oops. I missed the "T3" part. I have the TA-U-LC. My apologies.

 

[waveslayer]

This is one of the best reads I've read on the hide on the subject.
Enjoy
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/rrs-leveling-heads-on-rrs-tvc-33-feisol-3372.6570549/

 

[Killswitch Engage]

How are you all carrying your tripods at matches? Are you strapping them to your packs or using a tripod sling? I noticed that Armageddon Gear has a sling, but can’t find much else that’s purpose made, aside from photography straps.

i carry my tripod deployed with rifle locked into the head over my shoulder. carry it this way for matches and hunting. works excellent and balances a heavy rifle nicely on your shoulder

 

[MACHTECH]

I don't think the RRS is overkill at all for the type of hunting and shooting we have in MI.

This is overkill (I call it muskrat overwatch?):

 

[Frog05]

This is one of the best reads I've read on the hide on the subject.
Enjoy
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/rrs-leveling-heads-on-rrs-tvc-33-feisol-3372.6570549/

^^^This^^^ agreed, it really helped me navigate the world of tripods and heads as a noob.

 

[Bradu]

I don't think the RRS is overkill at all for the type of hunting and shooting we have in MI.

This is overkill (I call it muskrat overwatch?):
View attachment 6923034

I thought I took muskrat hunting seriously when I was a kid lol. You aren't fucking around ???

 

[lose_money]

I don't think the RRS is overkill at all for the type of hunting and shooting we have in MI.

This is overkill (I call it muskrat overwatch?):
View attachment 6923034

How is your rifle attached to tripod here?

 

[MACHTECH]

Hawkins bottom metal pic rail w/ RRS arca swiss pic adapter.

 

[MarinePMI]

With authoritae! That’s how it attached. ?

 

[Bugzlife19]

Check out. Crux ord it’s the most stable tripod I’ve used. Pricey but complete worth it