Tripod/saddle combo???

[Barnesc6]

Anybody use a tripod/ saddle to shoot off of? Is this the most stable way to shoot from a tripod? I attach a yoke to my tripod and it works ok but I’d imagine a saddle of some sort would be more stable. Recommendations on saddles (Hog/pig saddle)? Recommendations on tripod that I could use with saddle/ attach my spotting scope, binos? Something where I could quickly swap off binos to a saddle?

 

[weaver]

I use a slik 634 tripod, outdoorsmans pan head with a triclawps saddle. Very stable setup.

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[Barnesc6]

@weaver - does that setup allow you to change out saddle with bino holder or spotting scope easily... lightweight setup?

 

[eoperator]

there are tons of arca/rail, arca/picatinny adapters do a Google search its overwhelming.
I used an outdoorsmans bino hand last year for binos, spotter and rifle, worked ok

 

[weaver]

Yes I have the same mounting plate on the saddle as my bino mount and spotting scope. It takes a couple seconds to switch it out. I have considered mounting the plate directly to my rifle stock and bypassing the saddle but I like the versatility of the saddle to use with different rifles. You can even use the saddle as a makeshift bino mount in a pinch.
As for weight I only carry this system if I'm taking the tripod anyway for glassing. I believe the triclawps weighs around 10ounces with the mount.
I was looking if I have any pics of the setup and found a few from my moose hunt this year but it doesn't really show the saddle.

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[N2TRKYS]

Anybody use a tripod/ saddle to shoot off of? Is this the most stable way to shoot from a tripod? I attach a yoke to my tripod and it works ok but I’d imagine a saddle of some sort would be more stable. Recommendations on saddles (Hog/pig saddle)? Recommendations on tripod that I could use with saddle/ attach my spotting scope, binos? Something where I could quickly swap off binos to a saddle?

I have a Slik 634 CF with a Suri VA5 head and a Pig saddle mount. I love that setup. I have the Outdoorsman bino adapter for my Swar SLC 10x42s. Very quick and easy to swap between the two.

 

[MaraviaDave]

From my perspective: glassing with a ball head sucks, shooting off a panning head sucks. Rather than make a compromise, this is what I’ve done and it’s worked out well. Use a panning head for glassing. Cut down a second center column, so it is just long enough to fit inside the tripod yoke. Mount a Really Right Stuff Anvil 30 (ball head) on the shortened center column. The RRS Anvil 30 is purpose built for shooting a rifle off it. Mount a 2-3” long Arca-Swiss plate just forward of the rifles bottom metal, for attaching the Anvil 30 to. It’s about the same weight as a bipod. If I had to choose between a bipod or tripod.....I’d leave the bipod at home. It’s very quick to trade center columns. I keep the Anvil 30 in a pouch on my pack’s hip belt.

 

[Barnesc6]

Great info- thanks for responses gents

 

[carter33]

From my perspective: glassing with a ball head sucks, shooting off a panning head sucks. Rather than make a compromise, this is what I’ve done and it’s worked out well. Use a panning head for glassing. Cut down a second center column, so it is just long enough to fit inside the tripod yoke. Mount a Really Right Stuff Anvil 30 (ball head) on the shortened center column. The RRS Anvil 30 is purpose built for shooting a rifle off it. Mount a 2-3” long Arca-Swiss plate just forward of the rifles bottom metal, for attaching the Anvil 30 to. It’s about the same weight as a bipod. If I had to choose between a bipod or tripod.....I’d leave the bipod at home. It’s very quick to trade center columns. I keep the Anvil 30 in a pouch on my pack’s hip belt.View attachment 160000View attachment 160001View attachment 160002

What tripod are you using? Did you just buy a second center column from the tripod manufacturer? I have been looking at really right stuff for a while but I do love my outdoorsmans pan head for glassing, like you were saying can’t have the best of both in one head. I like the idea of this setup a lot. I have picatinny rails on two of my rifles but they are on the fore end of the stock, may be time for me to add a arca plate further back also.

 

[MaraviaDave]

The tripod is ….. Colorado Tripod Company: 2-Series Centennial carbon fiber. I bought a second center column, directly from them and cut it down (using a metal saw blade) and then epoxied the medal protector back into the freshly cut end of the center column. I also like and use the Outdoorsman's panning head, which is the what I use for glassing on the full length center column. I've steered away from RRS tripods because they don't have a center column. I feel like with out one you lose versatility while glassing, if all you can do is fiddle with the leg extensions. Also, having your face up against the tripod yoke isn't the best either. However, RRS is releasing a new tripod aimed at the hunting market, called the Ascend, which has a center column and may be worth taking a look at. Comparing the CTC to the OD tripods (I've used both) the CTC is 54 oz/61" and OD Tall is 48oz/60". So, for an additional 6 ounces you get a tripod that locks up circumferentially around the center column, as opposed to a single point (screw) against the side of the center column...making it much more stable/ridged for shooting. Along with a tripod that has a much higher weight rating. The extra 6 ounces have been worth it to me, especially when shooting off the tripod. I shot a bull moose off my tripod this year. Couldn't have shot prone and it would've been difficult to find another stable support.

 

[Firemedic710]

The pig saddle worked great for my moose this year!

 

[Lawnboi]

I had a pig saddle for a while. If your rifle requires it then I’d go for it. But if there is any way possible to go direct mount I highly recommend it. A few benefits of going direct mount:

-Way steadier. It’s like cheating compared to usinga saddle. That rubber has some give.
-One less thing to carry.
-Faster, pulling through saddle out of your pack and cranking your gun on takes time. A direct connect takes seconds.
-cheaper, those saddles are expensive.

Assuming your tripod head can take picatinny or arca Swiss then it’s easy. For me a 2in picatinny rail right in front of the bottom metal does it, it’s light, and not bothersome on the foreend. If I don’t want it it’s easy enough to pop off. This clips onto my anvil ball head quick and easy. If your head runs arca Swiss your there’s small options as well.