How many of you are using or considering a tripod for hunting?

[xphunter]

Curious who is using a tripod for hunting or is considering it?
Pictures would be great!

What is the weight(s) of your hunting gun(s) that you also shoot off of a tripod?
This is not my lightest hunting XP.


Do you know the weight of your tripod with head, and what is it's shortest length?
Mine comes down to 22 inches and weighs 3 pounds and smidgen under 9 ounces, or rounded down to 3.5 pounds


2023 will be the year that I dive into this hard, to see what my limits will be, especially with center-grip single-shot XP-100's.
I have used tri-pod's (With XP's and rifles) in the past, but I am wanting to get serious about it in 2023.

Using 8" or 10" steel what is the max distance you can hit your target every time (with your hunting rig) from standing, sitting, or double kneeling? Especially interested in standing.

I am getting Arca rails (2.5-3 inches long just in front of the trigger guard) installed after the first of the year on a handful of my primary hunting center-grip XP-100's: (6mm-284, 25-284, 6.5-284, 280AI, and 300 SAUM).
I do understand I am adding weight to my hunting set-up.

Pros and Cons?

Below is my 6.5-284.
My 6.5-284 is not my lightest weight (8 pounds) hunting XP-100, but I had it handy.
It shoots amazing, even at distance with 140 AB's: 2784 fps (distance was 575 yards on 10" steel)

 

[LoonWulf]

This is really the only time I've used it while hunting, but ive practiced with it out to 600-800yds amd different rifles.

Ill get the particulars on it after work, but the rifle hanging off of it weights something like 10.5lbs.

 

[BreechFace]

Never would have guessed your hunting pistols weighed that much. Figured them to be in the 6-6.5# range, kitted up.

 

[CraigC]

If I use anything, it's a lightweight telescoping monopod.

IMHO, if it weighs 8lbs and needs a tripod, it ceases to be a "handgun". Might as well be a rifle.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I use a bipod in blinds all the time because their use minimizes my movement when readying for a shot.

It is also customizable to my ideal height to take my shots and will not be dependent on my chair height or my shooting rail height in my blind.

In instances where I use a pop up blind and there is no good shooting rail, the bipod, once again, works great.

IMO, neither of these uses is truly what a bipod or tripod was originally for. I tend to think they were for spot and stalk methods or other hunting instances when the use of an improvised rest would be necessary but maybe not available.

I find they can be highly useful for blind hunting as well.

 

[xphunter]

Never would have guessed your hunting pistols weighed that much. Figured them to be in the 6-6.5# range, kitted up.

The McMillan Stocks are solid fill fiberglass.
Some of my hunting specialty pistols are lighter than this one

 

[BreechFace]

Is there anyone making a straight pull hunting pistol? No doubt one would want assurances to the bolt lug surfaces holding with the position of the shooter.

Sorry to get off from your initial post. Just was surprised.

Your results from your pistols are fun to read about. Do you practice standing shots unassisted?

 

[xphunter]

Is there anyone making a straight pull hunting pistol? No doubt one would want assurances to the bolt lug surfaces holding with the position of the shooter.

Sorry to get off from your initial post. Just was surprised.

Your results from your pistols are fun to read about. Do you practice standing shots unassisted?

No problem!

There was only a few rear grip specialty pistols made like that…Blaser.

Yes , I practice some from standing off hand positions with no support, but I’ve only killed one big game animal while standing with no support whatsoever.
Center Grip XP in 7.82 Patriot (very lightweight XP running 150 NBT’s at 3001 fps. 15.75” barrel.
Distance was right at 35 yards.

I don’t care if you’re shooting a semi automatic pistol, a revolver, specialty pistol, rifle, or a black powder rifle, it would be wise to plan to find some kind of support so you can be steady.

A lot of people hunt from a stand or a blind and have a fixed bar, windowsill, or table to shoot from: Good planning.
Others use mono-pods, shooting sticks (2 or 3 sticks), Quad-Sticks or tripods.

I am all for people using what they want to use, and hunting the way they want to hunt.

I don’t really want or need a straight pull back bolt specialty pistol.
Just the recoil itself and the time it takes to reload a single shot, doesn’t really make it that much of a faster proposition.
I don’t feel handicapped shooting a single shot either.

 

[adcoch1]

I have an old camera tripod that I will be using to try out the concept for spot and stalk. I taped a ball of padding to the top of the tripod and made a few shots last year just goofing around, and it worked great. So sometimes soon I'm making up a mini bag for the quick disconnect and I'll use it more. I also have a 5' blowgun walking stick that is just right for a monopod, so that'll get worked in as well.
I started playing with the tripod with blind hunting in mind, but haven't actually used it for that yet. It's a cheapo thrift store camera tripod at 3 lbs. Has a strap on it too.

Edit to add: I enjoy shooting standing so much more than sitting, so I see the tripod getting used a lot more. In the past I've used a set of heavy surveying tripods for standing rests, but sold my surveying stuff a long time ago, so trying out the lightweight version.

 

[Varminterror]

I use two tripods for shooting/hunting. Both are Leofoto, one is an LN-364c with an RRS TA3 Leveling base pictured above, and the other is an LS-365c Ranger with their LH-40 ballhead. The differences between the two are the LN-364c has 4 leg sections instead of 3, and has a bowl-compatible platform which creates a notably wider footprint and larger folded profile. The LS-365c only accepts platform heads, and the legs are all nearly touching at the knuckle, so it’s a much smaller pod. Specs on the LS-365c (smaller): 5lbs, 21.5” collapsed, 62.6” max height, weight capacity 44lbs. Specs on the LN-364c (larger) with RRS Ta3 Leveling base: 6.8lbs, 23” collapsed, 63” max height, weight capacity 77lbs. But the big one is bigger around than a football at the head when folded, whereas the small one is only about as big around as a Nalgene, so the smaller is a LOT easier to pack. The bigger one also has a much larger footprint, and is less prone to tip in the wind, and is stiffer, with less vibration and wobble when shooting or spotting.



Pictured below is the LN-364c in the field - its wider form is easier for use with low seat chairs, so it can straddle our lap.


We also use it occasionally with a barricade bag to engage the firearm, instead of hard locking into position.

 

[xphunter]

I have an old camera tripod that I will be using to try out the concept for spot and stalk. I taped a ball of padding to the top of the tripod and made a few shots last year just goofing around, and it worked great. So sometimes soon I'm making up a mini bag for the quick disconnect and I'll use it more. I also have a 5' blowgun walking stick that is just right for a monopod, so that'll get worked in as well.
I started playing with the tripod with blind hunting in mind, but haven't actually used it for that yet. It's a cheapo thrift store camera tripod at 3 lbs. Has a strap on it too.

Edit to add: I enjoy shooting standing so much more than sitting, so I see the tripod getting used a lot more. In the past I've used a set of heavy surveying tripods for standing rests, but sold my surveying stuff a long time ago, so trying out the lightweight version.

I'm really curious what I can do standing myself.

 

[xphunter]

I use two tripods for shooting/hunting. Both are Leofoto, one is an LN-364c with an RRS TA3 Leveling base pictured above, and the other is an LS-365c Ranger with their LH-40 ballhead. The differences between the two are the LN-364c has 4 leg sections instead of 3, and has a bowl-compatible platform which creates a notably wider footprint and larger folded profile. The LS-365c only accepts platform heads, and the legs are all nearly touching at the knuckle, so it’s a much smaller pod. Specs on the LS-365c (smaller): 5lbs, 21.5” collapsed, 62.6” max height, weight capacity 44lbs. Specs on the LN-364c (larger) with RRS Ta3 Leveling base: 6.8lbs, 23” collapsed, 63” max height, weight capacity 77lbs. But the big one is bigger around than a football at the head when folded, whereas the small one is only about as big around as a Nalgene, so the smaller is a LOT easier to pack. The bigger one also has a much larger footprint, and is less prone to tip in the wind, and is stiffer, with less vibration and wobble when shooting or spotting.

View attachment 1122503

Pictured below is the LN-364c in the field - its wider form is easier for use with low seat chairs, so it can straddle our lap.
View attachment 1122498

We also use it occasionally with a barricade bag to engage the firearm, instead of hard locking into position.
View attachment 1122500

Love the pics of the kids!

 

[someguy2800]

I use two tripods for shooting/hunting. Both are Leofoto, one is an LN-364c with an RRS TA3 Leveling base pictured above, and the other is an LS-365c Ranger with their LH-40 ballhead. The differences between the two are the LN-364c has 4 leg sections instead of 3, and has a bowl-compatible platform which creates a notably wider footprint and larger folded profile. The LS-365c only accepts platform heads, and the legs are all nearly touching at the knuckle, so it’s a much smaller pod. Specs on the LS-365c (smaller): 5lbs, 21.5” collapsed, 62.6” max height, weight capacity 44lbs. Specs on the LN-364c (larger) with RRS Ta3 Leveling base: 6.8lbs, 23” collapsed, 63” max height, weight capacity 77lbs. But the big one is bigger around than a football at the head when folded, whereas the small one is only about as big around as a Nalgene, so the smaller is a LOT easier to pack. The bigger one also has a much larger footprint, and is less prone to tip in the wind, and is stiffer, with less vibration and wobble when shooting or spotting.

View attachment 1122503

Pictured below is the LN-364c in the field - its wider form is easier for use with low seat chairs, so it can straddle our lap.
View attachment 1122498

We also use it occasionally with a barricade bag to engage the firearm, instead of hard locking into position.
View attachment 1122500

That's a great looking setup. I'd like to try something like that for both rifles and pistols.

 

[jmr40]

A tripod is too heavy and cumbersome for the way, and where I hunt. But I do use lightweight shooting sticks. With practice they are almost as accurate as I can do from a bench.

I carry something similar to this in my daypack. It is light and compact. The sections are shock corded together like many tent poles. It isn't long enough to use standing, but prone or sitting it works fine. This isn't the exact brand but made just like mine.

BOG Standing Model Dead Silent Shooting Sticks | Sportsman's Warehouse (sportsmans.com)

I also have a set of these. They are a little heavier and bulky, but more stable and accurate. I don't always carry them but depending on the conditions do have a set.

BOG Havoc Shooting Stick Bipod | Up to 15% Off 4.5 Star Rating w/ Free Shipping (opticsplanet.com)

I've tried the mono pods. But I don't find them stable enough for me.

 

[Offfhand]

Lightweight bamboo walking tripods have now become standard equipment among African PH's. I've taken game with long shots from tripods like this one that I would overwise never attempted from unsupported offhand (standing) positions.

 

[FL-NC]

Yes, from inside popup blinds I use old camera tripods modified with a piece of wood on top and I bunji a bean bag to the wood. I use them for lightweight sporter rifles that I hunt with, with shots in the area of 60 yards or so max. Yes, 60 yards. Sometimes closer to 20. Not because I need the added support to be stable for such a short range shot from such a lightweight rifle- I do it to minimize my movement and noise when deer magically appear so close to me from the very thick woods and I need to take a shot. I am also able to have my hands free to read from my tablet while I am sitting there.

 

[ms6852]

Never used a tri-pod or shooting sticks for hunting. I've always shot free hand standing, kneeling or sitting. But I always practice shooting free hand at 200 yards with my Remington 513T all year round.

 

[.308 Norma]

This is the tripod I bought in early October this year, my .308 Norma and the milk jug I popped with the first shot from a little over 300 yards away. The tripod is a BOG brand, it weighs about 1.5lbs, and it’s adjustable from about 22” to almost 46”.
In nearly 60 years of big game hunting, this was the first year I ever used a tripod. And I bought it specifically for mule deer hunting in the unit where I drew a tag this year. Most of our friend’s ranch is in that area, so my wife and I “scouted” it a few weeks before the season opened.
The problem was, where my wife and I spotted the most deer was in a hayfield that is just over 400 yards across from the road to the sagebrush on the other side. We figured out a way to walk out and hide in the weeds late in the afternoon on the road side of the hayfield though - that would put us 100 yards closer when the deer came out of the sagebrush to dine shortly after sundown. Without a solid rest though, 300 yards is still a long shot for me, so I bought myself this tripod.
It’s funny how it worked out. On opening day, my wife and I walked out in the hayfield and sat down in the weeds a couple of hours before dusk. And just after sundown, the deer I shot came from across the road and walked into the hayfield not more than 90 yards to our right! I just swung the tripod around and shot him. He “dropped in his tracks” as they say.

 

[redneck2]

I’ve used a Triggerstick long bipod multiple times. When I turkey hunt, it’s typically in a blind because the guy I hunt with can’t sit still. I use a SP-10 that’s super heavy. The bipod lets me to hold the gun up in place for long periods

We used the same bipods when we prairie dog hunted. If you have fold up camping chairs with arms, you can put your elbows on the arm rest. It’s about as steady as a bench rest.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

My cousin uses one and kills a lot of coyotes

 

[mcb]

Been using the tall tripod Trigger Stick for the past two years or so. Light weight and setup fast.

 

[Chuck R.]

I started playing with one this year a Shadow Tech "Piglite-CF4" carbon fiber tripod with their GNN XB-44L low profile head. Weight all up is a little under 5lbs.

I had Swiss Arca plates mounted to a couple of my longer distance hunting rifles and also bought a "mini-waxed bag" from Thunderbird Long Range with Gitlite fill that I throw on top for the rifles without plates, or if I don't have time to lock in. I keep the bag strapped to the top of my pack and the tripod strapped to the side.

I've also got a Hogsaddle from the same company, but the weight is up there and it's slow to clamp in and just as slow to get out of. I also mounted an Arca plate to one of my spotting scopes to get dueal use from the tripod.

This spring and summer I spent a bunch of time and ammo practicing with it using .22LR, .223 and with the "real" rifles. I set up a CoF going out to 600yds with steel to practice from the tripod, bipod and backpack to get ready for a hunt in MT this year.

.223 in the Hogsadlle practicing at 200 + 300:



Clamped in with Arca plate:



Overwatch at -2 degrees in MT.


Easy shot at 263yds, but the "system" worked. There was no way to go prone, or even off my backpack. I was on a downward slope and he was above me.



Prior to this I was using a much lighter/simpler Bogpod tripod, and I made a couple 300+ yard shots from it on bucks. But the stability difference is night and day with either the bag or clamped in. After this year I'm sold on it. Based on my practice it easily adds a couple hundred yards to my effective range while sitting. With the rifle clamped in, and my backpack on my lap, elbows on my backpack, it's almost as stable as going prone.

 

[someguy2800]

I’m getting old enough I don’t like laying on the ground anymore so I bought some sitting height bipods to broaden my field position shooting this year, but I feel this will be the way to go and more versatile as I could also use them more easily with my revolvers and specialty pistols.

 

[xphunter]

Sounds good

 

[adcoch1]

I’m getting old enough I don’t like laying on the ground anymore so I bought some sitting height bipods to broaden my field position shooting this year, but I feel this will be the way to go and more versatile as I could also use them more easily with my revolvers and specialty pistols.

Pretty much my thoughts.