Tripod Shooting Help

[sram9102]

This may be in the wrong forum but I'm having some issues.

I have a tricer HK tripod. Working on getting a arca plate but using the saddle currently. Tikka 22 creed in a KRG bravo. The rifle shoots great but hooked up to the tripod it shoots .75 mils low very consistently. I'm assuming this has something to do with my form but I can't seem to figure it out. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[peterk123]

Trekking poles.

 

[Quandary]

You are likely getting less muzzle jump with the tripod than you do with your shooting form when not on the tripod.

 

[4th_point]

I have a tricer HK tripod. Working on getting a arca plate but using the saddle currently.

I would put a small shooting bag in the saddle, and shoot off of the bag until you get the hang of things.

When you use a saddle or head with clamp, you can overly constrain the rifle from moving in weird ways. Unless the clamp is so rigid and the tripod so heavy that movement is minimal.

Is the tripod rocking backwards? If so, try putting one leg rearward instead of two.

It's a dance when you shoot from a tripod and you need to figure out what your partner likes. Start by letting the rifle move freely then add constraint as you figure it out.

 

[TaperPin]

If you relax tension on the saddle, or even the ball, it will show if it’s the tripod physically restraining the rifle during recoil. Of course any outside pressure or attachment to the rifle changes point of impact.

I wonder if since saddle grabs the stock from the sides while an Arca plate is purely from the bottom, a clamp makes a different impact change?

I’m just getting started with tripods and shoot with a bag rather than clamp or Arca so I’m not having to figure in a change of impact, but look forward to getting hooked up at some point.

 

[justinspicher]

Using a bag on a tripod is more natural for me and I always shoot better with one than I do in a clamp, V or any other type of attachment.

Because your on a tripod, you might be putting more input on the buttstock to try and manage the recoil and it’s causing the lower shots, I know I’ve been guilty of that.

 

[repins05]

I agree with the above posts to loosen the saddle up and or add use a bag. I think the point of impact change could be similar to what happens when shooting in a lead sled etc. by creating inaccurate zero because the rifle isn't recoiling as it would in a normal shooting position. The saddle is potentially limiting the natural "muzzle rise" that you have when you are shooting off a bag rest etc.

 

[BCDJR]

Are you sitting? Standing?

 

[sram9102]

Thanks for the info guys. These shots were taken seated.

 

[chindits]

I had the same issue and this helped me

First I realized I was actually putting too much tension on the rifle by gripping it and pulling it into my shoulder harder than when prone. Totally unnecessary.

Second, I put my pack over one of my legs as an upper body rest and used my my bino harness to support the butt of the rifle. Once again trying to be in a similar orientation as prone but check your NPOA and comfort.

Lastly, I noticed tripod leg angle matters especially if you’re using the tripod on a slope as is likely in the field. It helps if my two rear legs are much less vertical than my front leg. During my set up, which I practice every time I check my target, I try to wiggle the tripod legs enough so they’re in little divots.

I’m just a hack and not a high volume shooter so YMMV but it did make a difference for me.