Pig 0311-G still a good tripod choice?

[Helislacker]

I’m looking at purchasing my first tripod and I don’t want to spend a ton right now, but want to have something that works well. Based on my research reading snipershide posts from 2017, the 0311-G field tripod seemed to be the most recommended tripod for something reliable and well built with a decent weight rating. Is the 0311-G still among the best choices in the price range? Or are there better options now for 2019?

P.S
Just for context, I plan on using this tripod for hunting and the occasional match. Further, I plan on mounting a pig saddle top.

Interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks guys

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

its a good tripod. To me there seem to be a gap between the PIG and the $300+ tripods.

My PIG is mainly for spotting but occasional shooting from a hog saddle. its plenty sturdy but with legs extended all the way you will find yourself really bearing into the gun/tripod/sling more to get it solid. Its really the smallest diameter part of the legs that give the most flex, if you are just the first 2 portions it is much more stable. My buddies Leofoto CF tripod in comparison is much more sturdy at all heights for shooting off of and takes less effort to get stable.

If I was shooting off it often then I would splurge and go with one of the Leofotos (or other similar company) like he has.

 

[Crews]

I'd recommend skipping the pig saddle and going with a tac table and a game changer or fortune cookie. I tried direct mounting a rifle with that exact same setup. The table/bag was quicker, gave me more flexibility, and relatively speaking wasn't any less stable than a pig saddle.

 

[Brandon05_88]

The above fellows gave sound advice. The pig legs do wobble. Leofoto is just a touch more money and well worth it. Next up would be RRS. Pig saddle also has some wobble via the pads that grip. A much more solid method of mounting is an arca rail and some sort of clamp on the tripod.

 

[Crews]

There's nothing wrong with saving some money on the legs, but the head and rifle direct mounting system is something you don't want to go cheap on. I've tried many of the "affordable" options, as far as I'm concerned you either need to come off the money for a RRS head or skip it altogether and get a tac table/heavy fill bag.

Regardless, don't buy a Pig tripod with the illusions that you're going to be hitting animal-sized targets at extended ranges from a standing position. Maybe if you practice a ton, but by that point you probably could have bought a better set of legs for the money and time you spent on ammo.

I think a much more realistic expectation for this type of tripod is 2-3 moa accuracy out to 500-600 yards from a seated position, and maybe a kneeling position with your strong side elbow supported somehow. Of course, that's just my experience and it's totally dependent on individual skill set and amount of practice.

 

[Crabcore]

I have this tripod with the pig saddle as well. For the money I like it. My biggest complaint is that the pig saddle sides will flex when tightened down, rather than lock the rifle 100%. I hog saddle or a RRS VYCE hold more firmly.

I have used this setup for hunting and it is OK. I took a deer at 200 yards standing behind my tripod. It was perfectly fine. I have used the VYCE at a match and it was apprecibly nicer, but also a lot more money.

i found the best technique for me was to attach a sling to the front sling swivel on my rifle and then wrap the end of the sling around one of the legs. My off hand then twisted the sling around the leg to control fine elevation. For a match this would probably be too slow, though.

In the end, i couldn't swing a full RRS setup, but this allows me to practice and hunt, so the value was there for me.

there is supposed to be something new from that Colorado Tripod Company coming out for shooters. There is a thread here somehwere, and Frank has mentioned in the podcast their stuff is nice. I am waiting to see what they come out with and for how much before upgrading my current kit.