Tripod Shooting- Saddles vs Clamps

[lonely_wolf]

With the new PIG saddle out, I'm curious to try a clamp style saddle with my tripod. Currently I am using the PRS saddle and have been quite pleased. What I like about it is I can quickly change positions. I can easily tilt the rifle up or down and still have support. I can also have some freedom to move a bit left or right without adjusting the tripod head. What I don't like is I've found the further from the ground I am, the more recoil affects my shots. Prone and low sitting are fine. Kneeling and standing/leaning the rifle gets more jumpy (Of course, could be my technique).

I like that with the PIG I could leave my rifle setup in position, but I imagine the trade off is the loss of quick maneuverability the PRS offers. However, I bet because the rifle is clamped it will handle recoil better no matter the position.

What are peoples thought that have used both or are experienced tripod shooters?

 

[Supergyro]

Are you using a quick adjust ball head such as the manfrotto offerings or just the stock prs? If using a PIG saddle you would probably want a manfrotto or comparable.

 

[redirt78]

Check this out. He recommends it for a Manfrotto without a ball head. Slik is also mentioned, which is what PRS uses.

 

[phreakmode]

You do not have to clamp the HOG saddle, can function like rest. When clamped and using a quality ball head, tracking targets or changing targets is not a problem at all for me.

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

+ 1 for the PIG ...........

 

[lonely_wolf]

You do not have to clamp the HOG saddle, can function like rest.

You're more clever than I am

Cheers.

 

[Lowlight]

Hog Saddle or PIG with Manfrotto Pistol grip...

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/67aVxXVIC8Y?list=UUwHsnyWOaQNtrGjJKsTgegg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[lonely_wolf]

I appreciate the video Lowlight. I guess, I imagined using the PIG with the standard ball head on the PRS. The Manfrotto head in the video definitely makes for more advanced setup. Seeing you moving the rifle around on the Manfrotto head also clearly shows how the PIG/HOG can truly shine as a rifle rest.

 

[Night Eagle]

Just FYI I have a prs setup and I smoke peeps w the manfrotto and hog sadle all the time standing, sitting and kneeling... I have to guess that you are not using ur sling properly while you are firing if recoil is unmanageable. I shoot a .308 w a 20" barrel. We Regularly shoot 700 yards w tripod. I also dry fire practice on my tripod on a regular basis. Clamping your gun down w a hog saddle will not help with recoil control it will only hold the gun on the tripod and let u walk away from it. The prs saddle also allows me to change positions from standing to kneeling to sitting much faster than the guys w the hog saddle. The LE snipys I shoot with like the hog type setup better cause they will set up for standing and leave their gun clamped down there for 6 or 7 hours at a time and not plan on switching positions at all. Their insurance requires it to be clamped for safety so nothing gets knocked down.
No doubt tripod shooting requires you to have your fundemantals solid. It will expose any flaws in your position and trigger control because it's so unforgiving.

 

[Gray]

Just FYI I have a prs setup and I smoke peeps w the manfrotto and hog sadle all the time standing, sitting and kneeling... I have to guess that you are not using ur sling properly while you are firing if recoil is unmanageable. I shoot a .308 w a 20" barrel. We Regularly shoot 700 yards w tripod. I also dry fire practice on my tripod on a regular basis. Clamping your gun down w a hog saddle will not help with recoil control it will only hold the gun on the tripod and let u walk away from it. The prs saddle also allows me to change positions from standing to kneeling to sitting much faster than the guys w the hog saddle. The LE snipys I shoot with like the hog type setup better cause they will set up for standing and leave their gun clamped down there for 6 or 7 hours at a time and not plan on switching positions at all. Their insurance requires it to be clamped for safety so nothing gets knocked down.
No doubt tripod shooting requires you to have your fundemantals solid. It will expose any flaws in your position and trigger control because it's so unforgiving.

Couldn't have been said any better than this ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I have had the Hog Saddle and shot several PRS/Slik setups and I just find myself constantly adjusting posisitions, not only with my rifle but with my body. The Hog Saddle DEFINITELY has its place, but to me its more of an overwatch/hunting situation that requires the gun to be in the rest or on target for long periods of time. Again, this is me, but I find myself using either more like a barricade than a "clamp", and to me the PRS just fits the role better, IMHO.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Night Eagle, thank you for posting your thoughts. You are right- I do need to work on my technique. Kneeling and sitting are not too bad. But any higher than that, I start to have recoil issues.

 

[jdr724]

I use a manfrotto 190CXPRO3 tripod with the Q90 feature and 322rc2 joystick with the hog or LaRue mount when hunting coyote at night with the freedom to stand or kneel at a set. We are mainly in open areas like corn or soybean fields or along tree lines boardering these fields. It's dark and we have something behind us so we are not back lit and can safely stand or kneel. Being able to leave the rifle on the stand while thermal scanning is very convenient. If I'm doing bird or squirrel pest removal which requires a lot of walking around and adjusting, I'll attach the PRS saddle to my Primos Jim Shockey Trigger Sticks tripod. It allows for rapid height, angle and 360 degree adjustment in a light but stable package. I prefer the Shockey tall tripod over the regular tall as the Shocky has 24"-62" adjustment and the regular has 36"-61" which doesn't allow for sitting. Sometimes I find a good spot and I'll post up in my chair in the shade and the birds keep coming back. The 24" makes it nice from a chair.

 

[Lowlight]

And why do you have to clamp the Hog Saddle?

You mean you can't leave it open like a PRS and do (use) it the same way ?

Personally I find the Silk tripods too light and far less stable than a Manfrotto.

 

[tmpohuski7]

Don't fix whats not broken. Stick with the PRS and send me the cash if its burning a hole in your pocket. I use the PRS with a Manfrotto 324 and the Silk tall tripod it works great for me. You have to adjust the tension on the grip head to reduce movement during recoil. But I can put the tall tripod all the way up and rest my 18 lb. 300 win mag on it fine. The PRS also has more accessories also. Check out their site. Store - PRECISION RIFLE SOLUTIONS, LLC

 

[Lowlight]

Accessories ?

Like what, stuff to hold things that can be clamped in the Hog Saddle ?

I can hold my Spotter, Rangerfinder, etc, all without additional accessories.

The justifications some people invite is comical.

 

[tmpohuski7]

Accessories ?

Like what, stuff to hold things that can be clamped in the Hog Saddle ?

I can hold my Spotter, Rangerfinder, etc, all without additional accessories.

The justifications some people invite is comical.

Thanks

 

[BookHound]

Great video, Frank! Very helpful.

Do any 'Hide vendors stock the Manfrotto? I would rather support community folks instead of buying from Amazon or something like that.

Mark

 

[jdr724]

cameralandny.com is a hide vendor and carries them. Don't forget to order some extra 200pl quick release plates if you get a manfrotto head. This way you can put one on your hog and another on anything else you may want to attach to it.

Doesn't look like they are offering any rebates at this time though.