I'm ready to buy a Ray-Vin scope stand and can't decide whether to get the Classic 1-piece stand or the NM 2-piece stand. Is the ability to take the rod apart really that important, or do most shooters just stick with 1-piece setups.
Scope base: 1-piece or 2-piece?
- Thread starter Houndawg
- Start date
- Status
Quintin Likely
Member
I just got my Ray-vin stand in the mail today, I bought the 48" one piece Classic model. It's more than tall enough for me (I'm about 6'1"), construction is top rate and it's plenty stable with my 661 on it. And Ray is good people, he explained to me the pros and cons of his different stands and when I finally ordered, he shipped so fast I almost had to duck to keep from getting popped in the head. I can't recommend them enough.
And the quick detach is sweet, I think that option is worth it.
And the quick detach is sweet, I think that option is worth it.
chickenfried
Member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2003
- Messages
- 497
I really like the simplicity of setting up my one piece ray-vin. I don't miss the extra height of a two piece, but I'm only 5'8". I think my friend has more trouble carrying around his two piece, without a carrying case, than I have with the one piece.
Jon Coppenbarger
Member
I like the two piece as it gives you a extra option. I know alot of folks that have the one piece and like it but I actually like a stand that you can break down. The advantage to a multiple piece stand is that you do not always need a tall stand. For long range or when in prone it is more compact and catches less wind. also when coaching I like a shorter stand as I do not stand up to use it. It just gives you more options is all.
Tell Ray I said HI.
Jon
Tell Ray I said HI.
Jon
Steve Smith
Moderator Emeritus
I like the one piece too, even though I agree with Jon that the two piece catches less wind and won't wiggle when you are spending a long time in the scope as when coaching a team.
Jon Coppenbarger
Member
No Ray knows I have a giraud stand. He actually personally had me bring my stand to him to make sure that his scope mount head would fit on my stand as it was I was glad I did as sometimes where the joints are they are not a true 1" or what ever size you have as he does have slightly over size ones in stock also and that was what I needed. Get the quick release when you order from him as his mount and quick release is the best thing going.
I believe in using even if I mix products to get what I want.
Also while you are ordering from him if you do not have it buy his smoker also.
Ray makes some of the best items in the market. His warrenty's are second to none.
Great company and him and his wife are great folks.
I believe in using even if I mix products to get what I want.
Also while you are ordering from him if you do not have it buy his smoker also.
Ray makes some of the best items in the market. His warrenty's are second to none.
Great company and him and his wife are great folks.
Steve Smith
Moderator Emeritus
Make sure that money allows...you'll love the smoker.
I got the Ray-Vin when all he offered was a one-piece rod. I really like the base, but I didn't have success with the head.
So...this year to suit up for Camp Perry (which I had to fly to), I took Ray's Base (lightest stable base I had - though I had to leave the extra long legs he made for me). I took 3 segments of my Ewing rods (so I could break it down to fit in my luggage). I took my Giraud head (since it's worked well and allowed me to turn the scope parallel with the rod). That was my "Franken Stand".
While at Perry, I found that Ray had made some product improvements. Of course ya'll know now that he offers segmented rods. But he's also made some improvements in the head. The ball joint can now be infinitely "partially tightened" to allow a just right tension to keep your scope in place, but allow you to move it with one hand when neccessary. He also took out the play of the clamping on the rod...no more slight rocking...rock steady!
I also found out that Ewing makes a mounting plate that will allow scopes to easily turn parallel to the rod.
...and Giraud keeps adding improvements that he makes "standard" for our benefit.
If you have any thoughts of travelling to shoot...either now...or even remotely in the future...get the segmented rods. They're no handicap to the one-piece, and could make the difference in being able to take this stand or not.
So...this year to suit up for Camp Perry (which I had to fly to), I took Ray's Base (lightest stable base I had - though I had to leave the extra long legs he made for me). I took 3 segments of my Ewing rods (so I could break it down to fit in my luggage). I took my Giraud head (since it's worked well and allowed me to turn the scope parallel with the rod). That was my "Franken Stand".
While at Perry, I found that Ray had made some product improvements. Of course ya'll know now that he offers segmented rods. But he's also made some improvements in the head. The ball joint can now be infinitely "partially tightened" to allow a just right tension to keep your scope in place, but allow you to move it with one hand when neccessary. He also took out the play of the clamping on the rod...no more slight rocking...rock steady!
I also found out that Ewing makes a mounting plate that will allow scopes to easily turn parallel to the rod.
...and Giraud keeps adding improvements that he makes "standard" for our benefit.
If you have any thoughts of travelling to shoot...either now...or even remotely in the future...get the segmented rods. They're no handicap to the one-piece, and could make the difference in being able to take this stand or not.
I haven't found the one piece Ray-Vin to be any more rigid than the segmented Giraud or Ewing rods. If anything the Ray-Vin suffered from more movement (from other causes in the head/rod clamping arrangement - that he has since fixed).
The weight difference is truly marginal, but when you're fighting a 50#/bag weight limit, every bit counts and the Ray-Vin base saved me 3/4 lb.
The weight difference is truly marginal, but when you're fighting a 50#/bag weight limit, every bit counts and the Ray-Vin base saved me 3/4 lb.
Steve Smith
Moderator Emeritus
I don't suppose I see an advantage per-se with the one piece either, but that is what I have and I like it immensely. I have no issues with the head like Mr. Rat did. However, I might have gotten an between-revisions edition while at Perry last. I can certainly understand why Mr. Rat likes the 2 piece for travel.
I ordered the one-piece over the weekend. It should be here by Thursday. If it comes to the point that I need a two-piece for traveling purposes, I'll just have to buy another one.
The decision was also a toss-up between the Ray-Vin and the First-Strike setups. I finally settled on the Ray-Vin because of the multitude of good reviews. One of these days I might buy one of Anna's scope heads just to try out.
I have to buy this stuff a little at a time. My used Creedmoor coat (I bought it from Champion's Choice) should be here today. Once I have that and the stand, I'll be able to do some decent practice. The purchase of a WOA upper will come in the middle of the year. Finding a match I won't have to drive half a day to will be the real challenge.
The decision was also a toss-up between the Ray-Vin and the First-Strike setups. I finally settled on the Ray-Vin because of the multitude of good reviews. One of these days I might buy one of Anna's scope heads just to try out.
I have to buy this stuff a little at a time. My used Creedmoor coat (I bought it from Champion's Choice) should be here today. Once I have that and the stand, I'll be able to do some decent practice. The purchase of a WOA upper will come in the middle of the year. Finding a match I won't have to drive half a day to will be the real challenge.
- Status