Pratice/technique

[TTT]

How do you practice shooting in standing position with a tripod for support? I realized recently that this is very hard for me.

My usual hunting shot is supine, or occasionally, sitting position with a pack or short tripod for the rest, off-hand supporting my stock, out of a 9-11 lb gun. I’m comfortable out to 650-725 yd on larger cervids.

 

[Megalodon]

I clip my rifle into the tripod at standing height, then try to shoot targets at the range.

 

[HandgunHTR]

How do you practice shooting in standing position with a tripod for support? I realized recently that this is very hard for me.

My usual hunting shot is supine, or occasionally, sitting position with a pack or short tripod for the rest, off-hand supporting my stock, out of a 9-11 lb gun. I’m comfortable out to 650-725 yd on larger cervids.

What tripod are you using? This could play into why it is hard for you, which is why I am asking.

 

[hereinaz]

What tripod are you using? This could play into why it is hard for you, which is why I am asking.

Get a stable tripod. I like the inverted leg by Leofoto.

Get a stable head. I like the 35mm motorcycle handle model.

Rifle butt about at sternum height.
Clip into the rifle at the balance point.
Point a tripod leg at the target.
Wide legs.
Lock knees. Relax butt and leg muscles.
Bend at hips butt back, shoulders forward to absorb recoil.
Lean ever so slightly into the tripod so weight is forward to catch recoil.
Non shooting hand on tripod leg is usually easiest.

You will typically shoot high because of recoil.

You definitely can’t get as stable, but most can effectively shoot out to 400.

There are other tricks too, like a tether from the head to your belt. Hanging your pack off the tripod if there is no wind.

This is a quick video I put together years ago.

 

[wind gypsy]

What is the tripod setup you are shooting from? that might help with input.

 

[TTT]

Get a stable tripod. I like the inverted leg by Leofoto.

Get a stable head. I like the 35mm motorcycle handle model.

Rifle butt about at sternum height.
Clip into the rifle at the balance point.
Point a tripod leg at the target.
Wide legs.
Lock knees. Relax butt and leg muscles.
Bend at hips butt back, shoulders forward to absorb recoil.
Lean ever so slightly into the tripod so weight is forward to catch recoil.
Non shooting hand on tripod leg is usually easiest.

You will typically shoot high because of recoil.

You definitely can’t get as stable, but most can effectively shoot out to 400.

There are other tricks too, like a tether from the head to your belt. Hanging your pack off the tripod if there is no wind.

This is a quick video I put together years ago.

This is very helpful. I kept shooting high. Also, I didn’t think about finding the balance point and have a way to consistently get back to it. It was just rested on the tripod, not clipped on, since I have never shot this way before.

 

[TTT]

What is the tripod setup you are shooting from? that might help with input.

I don’t know what the set up was. It was someone else’s.
The tripod was very sturdy. The rest was U shaped.

I will be looking into getting a set up. So, any input would be appreciated.

Also, any further tips on training would be very appreciated.

 

[wind gypsy]

I don’t know what the set up was. It was someone else’s.
The tripod was very sturdy. The rest was U shaped.

I will be looking into getting a set up. So, any input would be appreciated.

Also, any further tips on training would be very appreciated.

Having a tripod you can clip into (if rifle has an arca on it) or that you can rest a bag on will be much more stable. I assume that is a big part of why it was challenging for you. There are good tips here and readily available on the internet for how best to utilize that equip. Practicing is just a matter of trying those different things in and repeating until you're good at it.

Equip recommendations are very dependent on the application. How important is weight? Are you glassing off the tripod a lot to where you need a smooth head? Or is shooting stability paramount? The best shooting tripod usually doesn't have the smoothest head for glassing and is heavy.