Shooting off a tripod

I have a bipod and mono-pod set it and werqs better for me than just a tripod. Don't get me wrong if I am not on the bench a tripod is best. I never do the prone thing cuz it is too difficult to get up once I am on the ground. Just a gravity thing though, I'm pretty sure, it gets stronger the closer I get to the ground ;^)



Actually never put the legs in and put it on the bench yet. But the bipod/Mono-pod is rock solid and I am not going to introduce any movement into my shot. The tripod is close but not quite there in my eyes as I could introduce movement if I don't use the mono-pod with it.






 
Even from the bench, many still prefer a table top or small tripod with a rear bag/monopod over a bipod. They can be stable, very stable. We use both a lot and I definitely think a small tripod set up right with a rear bag is more stable…Four points of contact vs. three. From a standing or sitting position is where tripods get most of the attention vs. a bipod with extra long legs. There are a bunch of options available these days but it’s hard to beat a small Leofoto tripod with a large Innorel ballhead. You can find them on sale very often on Amazon, they’re well made, easy to use and are stable. Many here on AGN now use them. The bipod vs. tripod choice is mainly preference. Both can be very stable if you buy quality gear. 

Have a great day.

Stoti



Below is the small Leofoto tripod and Innorel ball head that my son uses all the time. Also a picture of a medium sized Sirui tripod with a gimbal head. Gimbal heads are easy to move around fast if you have multiple targets to engage because they’re not locked in place like a ball head. Many now use them for air gun shooting too. Just another option but not really for shooting from a bench. 

1DF3F8FB-B095-4DF6-BD14-12DC2D45CFED.1633548272.jpeg
AA695CEA-0C2E-447B-8ECD-029121C498BC.1633548236.jpeg
3B02501F-FD6C-45B1-B36D-1BB12DA3F4E5.1633548358.jpeg

 
I love using a tripod when I can use it during my session out hunting. It's a pain in the A$$ if your moving around but the Primos Trigger Stick is what I use when spot and stalk hunting.

Like theLBC said it depends on how stable the tripod is. I'm using the vortex radian carbon tripod ball head and purchase the level head for added stability when I'm shooting in one direction.


 

These parts would end up being a MUCH nicer tripod setup than the one offered by talontunes IMO. The ballhead is much nicer. (Bigger the better, easier to lock tight and more stable)


 
Wound up getting this little thing and a ARCA to picatinny adapter off ebay. figured its a good starting point. Will have a use for the tripod anyway for some video stuff I need to do, and I can flip the adapter to recoup some of it.



s-l1600.jpg


One thing I should have said in the first post was it'll never be used flly extended. More as a "bipod+" kinda setup for the Lesihy2

pics when its here and on the L2 (sorry for the ginormous pic... )


 
Usual questions... benefits over a bidpod?

TalonTunes has a cool little one, thinking it'd be the schnizzle for my L2....

I use a Primos trigger stick the tall one , and a no name tripod with a gun yoke . Why two? you may ask? when I got the primos, tall and realized that the shorter one would have worked better for my needs. SO I put one together, that is shorter for shooting while sitting on a bucket. I like them because , at times the bi pod is not the most effective means for me to shoot, I am able to carry the tripod and setup for quick accurate shots. I shoot reactive targets ( rat on a stick type ) used for field target , I set them up at different heights, and distances, for the hunter field target course type of experience . The tripod allows me to sit on a bucket while I shoot , or for those standing shots. sets up consistently on uneven ground , transports easy, and provides me with stable shooting . If I were a hunter, the ability to have a stable platform to shoot from , that is easy to carry and use would be a big help. Matt Manning host of the air gun show in the UK. uses a tripod in real hunting situations , check out how he uses his, for the benefits . I find that it works for my bucket & stick type of shooting. It does take some practice and patience , but a worth while endeavor . a word of advice ... DON'T drink a bunch of coffee and expect to hold still. LOL! 
 
I don't have a good enough situation for "benching" a rifle at the house, so went with a tripod. Been in near daily use for just over a year. It's a heavy, solid and versatile platform. Slik PRO 700DX, 45lb Arca-spec ball head and hog saddle. Then the fiddly plates for the rifles' rails when present. The $$$ add up quickly, but would do it all over again if needed another.
 
It’s only my personal opinion: tripod will always be more stable but more stable isn’t always better. At some point you end up with a locked in bench rest setup and yes that’s very stable but at some point you are taking shooter out of equation. Whether that’s what you want or not that’s up to you. Also a locked in bench rest setup has different set of challenges mainly harmonic but FX is selling tuners and everyone else will follow. 



 
From my own experience shooting with a bi-pod, i find out how much flexibility exists in between, the way you hold you rifle to your chin , the stress you put on your back when you are aiming, the way you breed, how to pull the trigger without moving the rifle, not to mention rifle cant, so when a switch to a tri-pod i Eliminate 75% of a human error , however it does get expensive $$$$$$$$$$, good luck on your decision. Be safe