Best Manfrotto head for use with hog saddle

[Mendy300wm]

Looking to get a tripod set up manfrotto 055 tripod, hog saddle... But I don't know what ball head to get, joystick vs magnesium ball head. Needs to be able to handle a 16-17 lb rifle.

Some of you guys that have this setup I'd love to hear some feedback on what's been working for you.

Thanks gents

 

[Papa Zero Three]

The 322 joystick will work fine with a gun that weight and a HOG and so will a mag ball head. The HOG website lists several of the more popular ballheads and tripods that tend to be made for hard use and are in use with most military/police units. You can't go wrong with any of the recommendations they have listed.

I use a manfrotto 498rc2 ball head and the 322 and I also screw the HOG/PIG direct onto the tripod on occasion, it depends on what I am doing, room in my ruck and if I need pan/tilt options. I like the 322 for the quickness and ease of use and weight but a ballhead can be just as useful once you learn which way works best for you but they do tend to weigh 2-3 lbs.

 

[Quarter Horse]

I use a Manfrotto 3001BD tripod with a 3265 pistol grip head for my spotter. My pig is supposed to land tomorrow. I'll let you know.

 

[JC Steel]

I have the 054 mag head. It is super sturdy, It is will the 055 tripod and hog saddle. The thing is rock solid.

 

[redirt78]

I have the 054 mag head. It is super sturdy, It is will the 055 tripod and hog saddle. The thing is rock solid.

Jake, do you have a picture of this setup together?

Is it a good height for sitting and standing? I would think it is. My medium PRS Slik is better for low, prone and sitting and the head doesn't work too well with the PIG and a heavy rifle.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Jake, do you have a picture of this setup together?

Is it a good height for sitting and standing? I would think it is. My medium PRS Slik is better for low, prone and sitting and the head doesn't work too well with the PIG and a heavy rifle.

Here is a link to a good break down of the tripods and the different height,weights, weight capacities, etc.

Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod review, 055XPROB vs 055CXPRO3 vs 190CXPRO3 vs 190XPROB | Cameralabs

Also keep in mind that Manfroto and Bogen are the same product and that the old model number units are still out there and available for 1/2 or less than the current model number on e-bay if you look around. Model 3221 is the current 055 and model 3001 is the current 190. You can find them under both Manfrotto and Bogen using those older model numbers.

 

[Lowlight]

I use the low horizontal pistol grip head... most don;t use any head at all.

But I did a short video some time back

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/67aVxXVIC8Y?list=UUwHsnyWOaQNtrGjJKsTgegg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Lowlight, Thats a great video of the 322RC2 ,especially the bit about flipping the mount over. Most people don't think or know to do that. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys using it as it comes or rotating it around and using it with the collapsible part of the grip oriented wrong.

My only comment when buying a 322RC2 used from a gun guy is that the friction feature on these can wear out from the weight and way we use them. Photographers typically don't put this kind of wear on them but some do, so if buying used off of ebay/online be sure to ask how well the friction feature is working on it.

 

[Mendy300wm]

That's awesome info, great video lowlight I've never used that style I was unaware you could flip that over

 

[ZiaHunter]

Manfrotto 055CX3 tripod, 054 Ball Head and Hog Saddle which I had painted by Custom Gun Coatings. Very stable platform for both rifle and spotter and can be configured for many positions. Also have a joystick for it.

 

[redirt78]

Good stuff, thanks guys

 

[robu]

View attachment 25758View attachment 25759

Manfrotto 055CX3 tripod, 054 Ball Head and Hog Saddle which I had painted by Custom Gun Coatings. Very stable platform for both rifle and spotter and can be configured for many positions. Also have a joystick for it.

This is what I have minus the joystick, works great!

 

[Quarter Horse]

PIG, 3001BD, 3265 head

The PIG arrived. The rifle pictured is a TRG42 with a weight of about 15#. With the the rifle locked in at it's balance point, the setup holds the rifle securely in the horizontal or near vertical position but not in between.

I apologize for the picture of the CZ527 with the dove stool but this is my walking rock chuck rig. Off a rickety table with a Harris and rear bag this is a 1/2" rifle. With the PIG I'm shooting an inch with little change of POI between the the bipod and the PIG. With some work on technique, I think I can hold in the .7s. The PIG will allow me the use binoculars and or LRFs while being able to quickly acquire the target.

 

[Zerodown]

So I just picked up a 322 last night based on this thread. My question now is whether a 190 xprob tripod would work, or does a rifle need the bigger tripod like the 55?

 

[Papa Zero Three]

So I just picked up a 322 last night based on this thread. My question now is whether a 190 xprob tripod would work, or does a rifle need the bigger tripod like the 55?

The 190 will work fine, its lighter weight than a 55 but entirely capable, I own and use both.The 190 is the one you'd want to carry if you're concerned with weight

 

[Chanonry]

The PIG arrived. The rifle pictured is a TRG42 with a weight of about 15#. With the the rifle locked in at it's balance point, the setup holds the rifle securely in the horizontal or near vertical position but not in between.

I apologize for the picture of the CZ527 with the dove stool but this is my walking rock chuck rig. Off a rickety table with a Harris and rear bag this is a 1/2" rifle. With the PIG I'm shooting an inch with little change of POI between the the bipod and the PIG. With some work on technique, I think I can hold in the .7s. The PIG will allow me the use binoculars and or LRFs while being able to quickly acquire the target.

I got my PIG last week. On a 'portable' (i.e. cheap and light) tripod with my AX I am holding 1 Moa sitting or kneeling easy. Great bit of kit, it lets me get a great steady rest while taking the weight of the beast pointing down range for hours. Best bit of kit I have other than the AX itself.

 

[Zerodown]

Thanks, much appreciate that advice. Lighter and smaller is what I definitely prefer!