Anyone have experience using tripod to shoot?

[aubie515]

So I recently bought myself a Manfrotto tripod and a Pig Saddle to use for hunting and shooting. I must admit I went the cheap route with the ball head. I took it out today to sight in my newly built AR15. I decided to go with a tripod set up because I'll use it when I go to WY on an Elk hunt to give me a steady platform to shoot from. The tripod from Manfrotto is rated to over 15lbs, so I felt it was the best max weight and cost for me. The same with the Pig Saddle, I know it weighs a little more than the Hog Saddle, but I couldn't justify the added expense of the Hog Saddle.

I was pressed for time today, since I must start work at 2PM, so I went to the range closest to my house. It's a sad excuse for a range because the "benches" are horrible to sight in new optics. I used my tripod setup and the ball head was moving on me. I should have ponied up more money and bought a better ball head. I came home disappointed in how my tripod set up worked. I ended up finding the adjustment screw to tighten the ball head and it seems to be holding better now.

I'd like to hear from anyone using a tripod set up for shooting. Let me know what model tripod and ball head you are using. My ball head is a pistol grip, which I liked to make the adjustments.

My set up
Manfrotto 190 GO tripod
Pig Saddle
Dolica G100 pistol grip




I"m looking forward to taking this out again, now that I found out how to tighten the ball head.

[Twoboxer]

Never used a tripod for shooting, but used several over the years for cameras with long telephoto lenses as well as for chronographs.

When purchasing a tripod (or any base with a ball mount), 90% of its performance relates to the "ball". IE, how much weight and leverage it can withstand and for how long it can withstand it. But you already know that now.

I guess if I wanted a portable support for standing shots taken while hunting, my first choice would have been a monopod with no ball at the head, just a v-support or similar. Lighter, very fast setup, provides weight-bearing support, while being flexible for small changes in direction, nothing to fail or break.

But that's advice from someone who has never used anything like that - hopefully someone with actual experience will respond.

[SteveWag]

Here are photos of shooters using tropods:

http://www.gswagner.com/matches/walk...ng2003no1.html

Steve

[MT1]

I have been using a monopod and shock corded shooting sticks for several years. Both have worked well for target, running deer, groundhog, etc.

If I get a tripod for my AR I'll have to move the light, laser, forearm grip, can opener, tire jack, and all my other rail mounted items around. *sigh* First world problems all over again.

[brian]

the only one i have used is an m2.

[Sgt.K]

10495895_1.jpg

[DukeConnor]

the only one i have used is an m2.

me too

[aubie515]

I know guys that compete in PRS use the hog/pig saddles. I decided to use the tripod instead of buying the atlas bipod. My reason for going with the tripod was in a hunting situation, I may not have the time to go prone. Added weight from the tripod is considerable, but I feel it would be worth the added stability.

[Noah_Zark]

the only one i have used is an m2.

Me three. Used to repair and test them in USMC / USMCR.

Somebody had to do it.

Noah