This is topic Tripod v2.0 in forum Firearms forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on December 20, 2016, 07:30 AM:
Ok dudes, you might remember BS-ing about using a tripod on stand? Well, I kinda went off on a tangent and figured a way to attach a rifle to a tripod/ballhead that doesn't involve clamping the stock into a cradle...
Here's what I used:
That is an Arca-Swiss plate, which is a common interface for attaching camera/video gear, to a tripod head.
The T-nuts are 1/4-20 thread, with long threaded shaft
And 1/4-20 thumbscrews, for quick mount/removal of the plate, to the rifle stock...
I decided to use my .22 as a guinea pig, before butchering any fiberglass! After marking off & driling pilot holes, used a 3/4" counterbore to make a happy home for the T-nuts, recessed in the barrel channel:
After that, attaching the Arca-Swiss plate to the stock was as simple as snugging the two thumbscrews:
Now, on to the ballhead! I took the baseplate off my Sirui K-10x, and replaced it with a RRS (Really Right Stuff) QD throw lever base. This allows really fast & easy on/off!
And just like that, drop the plate into the QD base, and clamp it in. Takes only one second to do, and it is ROCK SOLID!
Can't wait to get out & try this. I think its alot more streamlined & easy, as compared to using a Triclawps (or Hog Saddle) clamp. And, when ya don't want/need the Arca-Swiss plate on the stock, you can remove it, via the thumbscrews...
Thought I'd share, for shits & giggles!
P.S.
I removed the first (smallest) set of leg extensions from that Feisol tripod. Still have plenty of height adjustment, and saved a couple ounces...
[ December 20, 2016, 07:33 AM: Message edited by: knockemdown ]
Posted by booger (Member # 3602) on December 20, 2016, 11:21 AM:
Fred,
That is genius! Not sure if there is anything out there like that, but you should explore getting a patent!!!
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on December 20, 2016, 12:46 PM:
Thanks Tim!
The company RRS started a division that caters specifically to the precision rifle market, and they have been coming out with some innovative rifle/chassis specific mounts. But, shooters with standard stocks really don't have a way to interface with an Arca Swiss baseplate. As of yet, anyhow...
Just figured I'd bow-hack something together & see what all became of it. Very tempted to butcher a McMillan, tonight!
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on December 20, 2016, 01:28 PM:
Very slick Fredo!
- DAA
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on December 20, 2016, 02:11 PM:
Just thinking out loud, but couldn't something similar be done with a couple of Earth Magnets ???
Posted by CrossJ (Member # 884) on December 20, 2016, 03:44 PM:
Nice Fred. Whats the spaceing (center to center) on the screw holes?
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on December 21, 2016, 04:55 AM:
Thanks guys...
Geordie, that Arca Swiss plate has two independant slots for the screws, so you can space them anywhere from 3/4 - almost 1.5" apart. I spaced them far apart as possible...
Here's a linky to the Arca Swiss plate I used
If you scroll down the photos in the link, you'll see the orientation of the slots.
While I'm at it, here's a linky to the screws
And, here's the linky for the 1/4-20 T-nuts
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on December 21, 2016, 05:06 AM:
Shot these five with the .22LR @ 25yds, off a tall chair w/ tripod almost fully extended:
Point of aim was dead center, POI was hitting on the high side (50yd zero). Didn't even get my elbows on my knees, just let the tripod hold the rifle & touched em off. Man, even at the tall seated position, that little Savage rimfire felt bedded to the ground...
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 21, 2016, 06:15 AM:
Cool little "handyman" project and all, Fredo. Not exactly genius, though, so don't get a swelled head.
My question: the location on the forearm looks off balance to me? Hard to tell, is that where it worked out, or just as close as you could get?
I'm still a little bit not sold on the app? (tripod) Too much gear for my tastes, but if it keep you off the porn sites, more power to ya.
You know I'm just kidding, good work, Dude, and thanks for sharing. Sudden thought, I wonder if you have ever tried "barking" your squirrels with that 22?
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on December 21, 2016, 08:25 AM:
Na, I don't 'bark' squirrels, they get a head shot! Been using a .410 for them, anyway.
That lil' rimfire is a pisser around the old barn, for pigeon & starling detail. Set up ~100yds away with seat & tripod, then crack a cold beer to sip while waitin' for winged vermin to settle on a likely perch. Makes for a good hour of plinkin', when the weather is warm...
The plate is as close to the magwell as I'd care to get it. Depending on barrel length & contour, that might not exactly be at the balance point. NO biggie, cuz the clamping ability of the K-10x ballhead is strong enough to handle the minimal front/back torque from the plate not being ideally positioned.
In reality, its actually about the same point where a cradle/clamp mount would grab the stock. Again, that's due to the detachable magazine needing to be unobstructed...
Gonna get a drill press set up to wreck some McMillans. Silly as the project is, I'm not gonna risk fucking those stocks up with a handheld drill. The cosmetic damage to the exterior of stock itself is minimal, just two holes where the threaded portion of the T-nut sits flush with the bottom face...
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on December 21, 2016, 08:55 AM:
Be interested in how it goes with the McM's Fred. Got an HS that might be a candidate.
- DAA
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on December 21, 2016, 09:15 AM:
Will do, Dave.
Here's what the bottom of the stock looks like, with plate removed...
If you do want to try it on your HS, DON'T buy any T-nuts! I bought a 50 pack, and sure ain't gonna use all of 'em. I'll throw a couple in the mail to ya, along with the counterbore bit. Just grab plate or two, and a couple 2pks of those stainless screws. You'll be done, lickity split!
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on December 21, 2016, 11:50 AM:
Looks dandy Fred.
That setup would also be great for the walk around varmint shooter.
Glad to hear about a fellow starling shooter. I love to puff the feathers on a starling. Not sure why I love to see them and pigeons die, but I do.
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on March 02, 2017, 04:44 AM:
Bumping this up, for interested parties...
And realized, I never followed up!
Wound up I mounted plates to a couple other rifles, same parts & tools worked fine on a fiberglass Micky. After a bunch of miles @ home and in OK, this setup works just how I'd hoped!
My 11.5 lb. .22-243AI, in que:
As for stability & movement, killed a double on the first stand in OK, and a triple shortly thereafter (two shot on the run). Needless to say, the ability to smoothly & easily get on target & track a mover are quite good, IMHO.
One thing bout them Okies, they make ya drag everything ya shoot! ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
As for portability & ease of carry, we made 18 stands on one particular day, and I didn't feel bothered to tote the tripod. Rifle slung behind the back, e-caller over a shoulder, seat in one hand, tripod in the other...no worries!
Not sayin' its for everyone, but I'll be mounting those QD plates on every varmint rifle I got...
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on March 02, 2017, 04:18 PM:
If it works for you, I'm happy. I see no need to change out my bipod, just yet.
Good hunting. El Bee
PS oh yeah, of course you drag every coyote. That's a must, in my book. Leave 'em lay is for dinks.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on March 03, 2017, 04:34 AM:
Nice Fred!
Still thinking I might do this to my favorite 'chuck rifle, a .22-250AI in an HS.
- DAA
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on May 22, 2017, 06:04 AM:
Just a quick update...
Been carrying this tripod around for some "walk in" woodchuck shooting. Man, it sure is nice to have when the fields are growed up! Fireforming .223AI has never been more fun...
Also, this is my taller (Manfrotto) tripod, with RRS leveling base. Although not quite as stable as seated, standing shooting is surprisingly stable...
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on May 22, 2017, 06:29 AM:
Thru da scope pic, target is a 8" steel plate @ 355yds away. No problem pepperin' that sucker, even with a stiff wind working against stability...
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on July 28, 2017, 04:01 AM:
Well, photo-suck-it shit the bed, so there goes all those pics!
Been shooting quite a bit off the tripod and its still working as advertised! Heck, I don't even need a bipod on my rifle anymore, as the legs of the Feisol spread out near flat & allow prone shooting...
Have hits out to 405yds off the tripod while sitting on my butt, and alot further than that while prone, as shown in pic...
Hoping Brent updates on how he's liking his setup!?!
[ July 28, 2017, 04:04 AM: Message edited by: knockemdown ]
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 28, 2017, 05:47 AM:
I guess I can let you keep your custom title if it's not your fault losing the photos? (just kidding) But how does that happen? Do uploaded photos to Photobucket have a half life or what?
Looks like quite a lot of expensive gear you have wrapped up there.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on July 28, 2017, 07:48 AM:
PB changed policy & began charging $$$ for hosting photos. That was the end of that! Rather just deleted photos & account, so all the (blocked) links go to non-existent pics.
Signed up for (free) Imgur, they host for free & it seems more user friendly than PB...
As for the gear? To borrow your phrase: "it keeps me outta the honkey tonks" ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Thanks for the new title, didn't even notice it til now!
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on July 29, 2017, 05:18 AM:
That's a pretty slick looking 'chuck outfit Fred. I think you'd enjoy the stick and move, walk and pop 'chuck hunts I still do about once a year.
Target rich environment and you could get shots as long as you wanted. I normally don't bother past about 450 very often anymore. But plenty of 'em out there.
- DAA
Posted by CrossJ (Member # 884) on July 29, 2017, 08:24 AM:
Fred, I visited with the RRS guys a couple weekends ago.....they were demoing a new mount that took up recoil. It is basically a slideing plate with spring tension. Shooting my 6.5 off of it I was able to stay on target to see impacts, even on closer in targets. I doubt I'll ever own one, but quility equipment none the less.
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on July 31, 2017, 03:45 AM:
Thanks Dave!
Funny you mentioned that, as I took the .17Predator on a walkabout. Had been neglecting it, so was nice to whack a bunch with it!!! Did the same Arca Swiss plate install on that GameScout...can't beat it for poppin' a squat & taking care of business!
That lil' 30 Gold gets to 300yds pretty quick!!!
Geordie, RRS is really onto something with their dedicated SOAR equipment. Still, gonna keep slummin' it with these tripods, maybe one day will splurge for an RRS tripod...
Posted by Grizz (Member # 4626) on August 03, 2017, 08:46 PM:
Freddy always has nice stuff. That scope reminds me of my Schmidt and Bender Long Range 4-16 X 50's. Rick
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on August 04, 2017, 03:29 AM:
Thanks Grizz!
That Minox is really nice to shoot thru...
BTW, I re-sized the pics so that they won't blow your monitor out of whack. But, you'll have to clear the internet 'cookies' from your cache for the change to be realized. Sorry bout that!
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on August 14, 2017, 11:52 AM:
So I've got a craving for some thermal night vision stuff. Might not ever get there, pretty spendy. Be a good long while at least.
But, thinking I'll have to do your plate on the forearm mod to whichever rifle gets the thermal scope Fred. For complying with Utah laws regarding shooting from a vehicle, I'm a gonna have to get on the ground. So standing up is really the only way to go. Think your plate mod would just be too much more slick for that than the Triclawps.
Probably just idle talk though, lots of stuff needs paid for before I could seriously consider buying thermal. Have got to use it coyote hunting recently though and holy hell, talk about neat. Put me into heavy Me Want. Heck, I even killed coyote with an AR and liked it ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
.
- DAA
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on August 15, 2017, 04:01 AM:
Been contemplating something thermal, myself. But, for as little as I called @ night last year + our terrain, my handheld LED torch seems to work OK. Still want a thermal, though! I installed a FLIR unit on the flybridge roof of the big boat, with 8" screen and joystick controls @ the helm....that FLIR IS BADAZZ! SO, yeah, I want one on a rifle...
Would prefer a 'clip on' so can retain use of day scopes, but that means adding some type of forward rail to the stock. Then you have to get the height right, yadda yadda, and all that bullshit. By that time, it'd almost be easier to get a dedicated thermal scope and just leave it there...
If ya look back at the pic of my .17Predator, you'll see that I swapped out the Talley one pc. rings for a 0 MOA picatinny rail. Thinking ahead that if/when I do grab a thermal, the little .17P would be just perfect to night hunt with!
As for the plate install...DO IT! We cashed points in & drew 1st rifle elk tags this year in CO, so figgered I'd install a plate on my 6.5SAUM. Heck, I'll have my tripod along for spotting scope detail, so may as well be able to shoot off the dang thing, too!!!
Used a couple cheap bolts smeared with Johnson's Paste wax as a release agent to keep the threads clean while the MarineTex cures.
I will throw a couple pairs of these long shank T-nuts in the mail to ya, Dave...
I have a piloted Forstner bit that makes this project a snap. If you don't have one handy, just lemme know and I'll send that along, too!
P.S...
I know KJ had been messing around with some thermals/NV stuff. Maybe he could back away from the pancakes & Aunt Jemima for a spell and share his thoughts?
[ August 15, 2017, 04:05 AM: Message edited by: knockemdown ]
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on August 15, 2017, 05:10 AM:
That would be appreciated Fred! I do have a couple piloted Foresters, not sure what size is needed, but good chance I already have it.
Would LOVE to get KJ talking to us about how he rolls with thermal. My only just starting to form thoughts, are that I'd really need a separate scanner and rifle site. Would of course prefer thermal for both.
My only experience so far, buddy loaned me an OSS suppressed Rock River with IR Hunter III 60mm. Talk about slick... He was also using the same scope on his rifle.
In addition, he had an IR Patrol on a helmet mount and a handheld Gen 2 NV mono. He mostly used those for driving the Polaris without lights.
On stand, he has a platform on top of his Ranger with a pair of Idleback shooting chairs mounted. We'd use the rifle scopes to scan during the stand. Which, worked fine, being able to sit and swivel 360*, but a little hard on my fused neck.
That was on private ground, behind locked gates.
For me by myself, on public land, shooting off the rig, even a UTV like that, totally illegal and not worth the risk. I'll have to be completely detached from any vehicle and both feet on the ground to be legal.
So, thinking put the rifle with dedicated thermal site on my big tripod. But walking in a circle to scan ain't gonna be too cool. So I'd really want a separate scanning thermal for spotting and ID'ing incoming.
All just wishful thinking right now. And in the very early stages. Got a lot of learning up to do. And a lot of saving, lol!
That stuff was just so cool though, and the coyotes were so easy to spot, put the hook in me in a big way!
- DAA
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on August 15, 2017, 06:23 AM:
I'm in the same boat, regarding legality.
Can't even lean a loaded rifle up against a wheel barrow here, LOL. So, I'm stuck hunting from foot...
Figure even if I did get a dedicated thermal scope, I could still use the handheld torch to get 'eyes' confirmed. Once I know I've got a hot customer, it'd be simple enough to transition to the thermal scope & acquire heat signature, assuming field of view wasn't too tight?
Heck, I'm doing that transition already and have to keep my torch on the critter the whole time! It'd likely be easier to just get in in the thermal & forget about the red light, altogether...
Just thinking out loud. But then again, October 1st is just around the corner!
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on August 15, 2017, 06:38 AM:
Wouldn't be nuthin' to have the rifle clamped in like this, and be standing next to it, scanning with a handheld flashlight...
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on August 15, 2017, 09:02 AM:
Fred, know that I don't know!
Just thinking out loud here myself. But from my one experience, seems to me the big advantage of thermal is in the spotting them.
I think if it came down to it, I'd have thermal for scanning and live with "whatever" for taking the shot - lamp and regular scope, or cheap NV scope, or whatever.
Using the thermal, with no lights at all, no illuminators, no nothing, I was seeing mice at a hundred yards. Jackrabbits at 400 yards. Deer and elk at I don't even know how far. Spotted coyotes out mousing at close to half a mile before even turning on the call. Didn't matter where the coyotes were looking or what direction they were going, they couldn't hide from that thermal! Even when it was just a face peering out of the sage brush, they glowed like jack o lanterns. Just seemed almost like cheating, how animals can't hide from it. To heck with trying to pick up eyes! LOL!
So, again, I have a lot to figure out and learn and none of this is happening soon. But if I was going to try and just make this work, and try to be kinda cheap about it - as if there were any such thing - I'd get a small thermal monocular to scan with and a plain NV scope on the rifle, maybe even a cheap digital NV scope if really trying to go low budget. Spot and ID them with the monocular, then switch to the NV scope on the rifle to seal the deal. Would of course, much rather have thermal on both!
- DAA
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 15, 2017, 12:41 PM:
Never have figured out why so many people have no interest in night hunting? It's totally addictive.
Good hunting. El Bee
PS my NV is Russian, or more accurately, Belarusian.
Posted by WhiteMtnCur (Member # 5) on August 15, 2017, 04:04 PM:
Hey DAA, I've been hunting using thermal and other NV gear, in an "unattached" manner for the last few years; It was a game changer for me doing spring work, but is just flat killer all year. Saying coyotes can't hide is right!
It's revolutionary enough from any platform; ground, rig or air that I'm not really wanting to dive into the details on a public forum. But shoot me an email if you'd like. I'm also curious if that .243 Ackley of your is still for sale? Since you posted pictures I've been toying with the idea of it as a night time rig candidate with a McCann Industries rail and clip-on.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on August 16, 2017, 03:10 AM:
I'd appreciate that!
I'm at daveslc at Hotmail dot com.
- DAA
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on August 16, 2017, 07:44 AM:
Dave, I could see how a small thermal monocular for scanning would work great, too.
Could keep use of day scope & hard mount the LED torch somewhere to the gun. Once the critter is close enough, just light 'em up and shoot...
Not sure if/how that flash of light might spook 'em though?
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 05, 2017, 05:06 AM:
Fred, the eagle has landed.
Thanks buddy!
- DAA
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on September 05, 2017, 07:03 AM:
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 05, 2017, 08:59 AM:
That's it! Fred always has nice stuff!
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by BangPop (Member # 3876) on December 24, 2017, 08:58 AM:
Fred, Digging up an aging thread here to ask you a question. Your green/white Gamescout stock has a comb elevator that I could see living on my suppressed rifle that has a McMillan HTG. Any ideas who made it and are they still available? Thanks
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