working out the tripod and the distance

Hi guys!

March coming fast and I want to put a much time as possible behind the setup I'll be using in NZ.
while practicing to shoot with the tripod I realize how different it's than what I'm use to do.
I put the rifle in center weight but I found it wobble to much for what I'm use to.
distance that is a piece of cake resting against a tree or branch (or at the shooting range) wasn't that grouping...
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what is you preference on the position of the rifle on your tripod setup?

PS, I know you just get out of a heat wave but here, it's a early winter with the -20 in night and -10 in day... not even in our cold months yet

should be good to shoot on the lake next time and try seated with the tripod. I'll see if I found it more stable

I only know one person that uses a tripod and have no idea how they use it, but I'm sure @dannyb might be able answer the question

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Originally Posted by Happy Jack

I only know one person that uses a tripod and have no idea how they use it, but I'm sure @dannyb might be able answer the question

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I keep the tripod as far forward as possible just like using a bipod, then support the rear if possible (depending on shooting position), I found tripod useful for shooting sitting from uneven ground or also good prone as well, granted I have never shot standing with my tripod I haven't found a shift in POI like others have experienced. I did watch a video recently where it was suggested that you use an extendable walking stick or similar under the butt to support the rifle when shooting standing.
my thinking is the further back you have the tripod towards the action the less stable it will be and you are more likely to experience wobble.
my experience anyway

The height of the central extension will contribute massively to the wobble by negating the tripods "3 points if contact" so your effectively shooting off a monopod. Drop that right down and you should be good.

In my view, tripods are rarely practical for hunting on PCL in NZ due to bulk and weight.

Looking at that Tripod system I can't help thinking a Bipod would be a far better way to go. Heaps of Kiwi hunters prove daily the advantages of the Bipod.
Sorry, I dont have any answers for your Tripod questions.

I've been using a trigger stick for 2 years now and apart from not holding your rifle at the ready believe they are far nor practical than a tripod. They're quicker to deploy and level, they sort of double as a hill stick, they can go from sitting to kneeling and standing depending on your situation. A bipods good to but rarely cuts it in tussock or long grass

Gone down this path to, but it’s mostly varmint shooting. Standing which is what I was trying to achieve, with flat ground & long grass, but agree a lot of wobble.
I’m setting mine up at sitting height with a cheap tri stool https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/nouve...tool/p/2030838 & have found it much more usable. Tri stool also make a quick handy bipod & something to sit on so as you don’t get a wet ass

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Originally Posted by gimp

In my view, tripods are rarely practical for hunting on PCL in NZ due to bulk and weight.

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My thought too.
@JSV, what is the system you use at home? Id say you will do better with sticking with that and/or using your daypack as a rest.

I've played around a lot with this type of idea.
I've just settled on basic shooting sticks but two lengths.
One size, which I use most are for setting on the ground. (Folding)

Also an additional set for sitting on a chair.
Works for me.

thanks for the replies!

the tripod standing position is officially a no go
I get the the point of the central extension, so no more standing! I'm to tall and this position don't allow me to rest the back of the rifle.

I'll give it a other try, but seated and the tripod at the end of the stock
If it doesn't let me reach range over what I can achieve just with strap under my elbow and lock high I'll get this weight of my pack happily!

at home it's free standing shooting with the strap lock under the elbow for deer or moose while walking
if on my lake blind, I have rest all around for a position closer to a shooting range.

the reason I was exploring new technique is, I want to be comfortable shooting up to 400m on a mobile setup

thanks again guys!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JSV

thanks for the replies!

the tripod standing position is officially a no go
I get the the point of the central extension, so no more standing! I'm to tall and this position don't allow me to rest the back of the rifle.

I'll give it a other try, but seated and the tripod at the end of the stock
If it doesn't let me reach range over what I can achieve just with strap under my elbow and lock high I'll get this weight of my pack happily!

at home it's free standing shooting with the strap lock under the elbow for deer or moose while walking
if on my lake blind, I have rest all around for a position closer to a shooting range.

the reason I was exploring new technique is, I want to be comfortable shooting up to 400m on a mobile setup

thanks again guys!

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I would check out "Edge of the outback" on youtube. Nathan does most of his shooting work off a tripod, Thermal and day scope and shoots a lot of animals , contract shooter, he goes over the equipment he uses and the progression of tripods he has used.

Personally I prefer using is quadpod. 2 legs on the ground and a front and rear support for the rifle. Im able to hit 8" gongs out to 600m with ease. Rudolph Optics NZ sels a good set.

Folded one can use it as a walking stick and its super fast to deploy.

Shoot a few nights a week of a tripod, and all shots are taken while standing. For a start, the tripod needs to be up to the task. Most lightweight camera tripods are terrible, and wobble all over the place. I find clamping the rifle just forward of the mag well serves me the best. Tried attaching the tripod at the front of the stock and relying on me to support the butt - that just introduced me as another variable in the equation, and was less repeatable.
For shooting open paddocks the tripod is just magic. If I have to travel any distance, intend shooting in the bush, or walking up and down steep hills, then the tripod stays at home, as it's too cumbersome, and I pack the shooting sticks and bipod.

Have a look at Mark and Sam After Work on YouTube... they have a few really good videos where tripods are used to good effect. https://youtu.be/MPAP5YWYAtw?si=M_MI-l0CFrDtA0CV

I've done a fair bit of playing around with these type of options. My take on it is this. Tripods need to be attached to the gun with an ARCA rail mounted just forward of the magazine, the tripod needs to have thick, solid legs without the centre extension like the one shown in the image. The BOG, or similar rifle clamp does give good stability, there is too much movement in the clamp arrangement. Tripods are large, heavy and slow to deploy. I have recently started using the Viper Flex shooting sticks, these give impressive stability and are quite fast to deploy, they can be used standing or kneeling but it is slow to change the height setting so they are best used standing @AndyAnimal put me onto these and can tell you more about these things. The trigger stick is very versatile and quick to deploy, not quite as stable as the Viper flex but still pretty good, I have used one of the knock off variants which was Ok and then went to the genuine Primos version which was a big improvement. With in seconds the trigger stick can be used from all shooing positions.
I will always used my bipod where possible but there are plenty of times where getting that low to ground does not allow for a shot, i.e. scrub in the way. this is where one of the above options shines. Both the Viper Flex and the trigger stick can also be used as walking pole, I do not find them a problem in any way to carry. Bottom line, If I had to choose only one option I would probably go for the trigger stick because of the versatility.

I sit behind mine, i don't have a center shift either, i invert my hand and apply downward pressure where I grip the head underneath the rifle mount, set it up using a bipod principle whereby the 2 legs closest to you are at 90 degrees to the rifle so when it recoils it doesn't pivot on one leg. Also your tripod looks like it has spindly legs, thicker legs are more stable

had another weekend at the lake house to shoot over 200 yard (200y is the max at the shooting range)

I did get another freezing cold weekend... highest temp in the day was -13 and night under the -20

but I'm really happy with the results!
siting position, center pillar fully in, tripod position at the end of the stock and both leg crossing each other elbow lock to legs like a big X.
pretty stable and able to get sub MOA at 283m

So this tripod will be in my backpack in March!!!

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