Rifle Scopes Spotter scope stand

T

THibben

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 28, 2004
128
1
65
Cornwall, England
#1
Gents,

Looking at a new spotter/stand set up.

I've just been using a Mk4 Leupold at a comp on both Ewing and Ray-Vin stands.

Personnally I found the Ray-Vin better to use, less 'unscrewing' to set up / take down.

Anyone using the Ray-Vin with the Hensoldt Spotter 60?

Any other stands to consider?

BTW I'm a 'civvy' not LEO/Military so this is for 'sport' use.

Cheers English.
 
#3
Re: Spotter scope stand

Semour,

Thank you for the tip but I tried searching in this forum for the basic question and have just reid again using your recomendation - both resulted in the same thing - pretty much a list of evertything bar what I wanted, the 'search' function just does not like me!

Brgds English
 
#4
Re: Spotter scope stand

English,

I absolutely cannot stand (no pun) any of the Hi Power stands, the Ray Vin, the Creedmoor, or the Ewing for a spotting scope.

In fact we had both the highest speed Creedmoor on the line along with a Manfrotto and our Spotter 60 and the shake and vibration that the wind transfers to the high power stands is incredible. I don't know how anyone can use them and feel they are getting their monies worth. I even pointed it out on the line.

On a manicured lawn under the best of conditions, sure they are fine, but how often do you have those days.

A Real Tripod is the only solution for versatility and stability.
 
#5
Re: Spotter scope stand

I'll agree with the Boss!!! when its windy they SUCK, I have used a heavy sand bag rest that I laid the spotter between and that worked the best with no wind vibration.
 
#6
Re: Spotter scope stand

Frank,

So you're saying I've no real simple option for a prone only spotting scope stand?
confused.gif


Let my explain a little of what I'm after. Just returned from a comp in CZ, at 500m, using a Leupold Mk4/Ray-Vin on 40x you cannot 'quite' make out bullet holes unless they're in the white, in the black becomes a bit 'iffy'.

I was assuming the extra optical quality and magnification on the Spotter 60 would do it (as the Leupold goes a bit 'south' after 30x optically). The conditions were blustery and both the Ewing and Ray-Vin stands were good to use.

Brgds English
 
#7
Re: Spotter scope stand

For a prone only they might work, but again make sure you're on a manicured lawn. I fine once you get off the ground they really become an issue.

As well I feel they are very expensive consider they really only work about 10" off the ground.

There are tripods that will mount low and cost less that will work at 4ft where these do not. But if you are stating you are only going prone... well then it is a trade off I suppose. The Spotter60 is heavy so you have to have the legs out wide and the Spike in the ground because it will want to tip them over for sure.
 
#9
Re: Spotter scope stand

I bought an old Star-D tripod from US few months back (postage was bigger than value
smile.gif
)and tested it gusting winds and its very stable - only minus is its weight however we ain't no p... right?
 
#10
Re: Spotter scope stand

All I can say is Manfrotto. I wrote here a few months ago looking for an all in one solution that could take me from prone to standing and back without having to lug around metal rods and connect them. Basically a "tactical" solution that would also fit my requirements for highpower.

They recommended the Manfrottos, and boy were they right:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW

The Pro series, I believe, are the ones where the middle column rotates on a pivot point and can go full horizontal. This image shows it well:

http://www.lucnix.be/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=46452

I can literally take this tripod from hovering an inch off the ground to 6', all in under 30 seconds. I love it - one of the best and most surprisingly cool pieces of gear I've purchased since seriously getting into riflery. People ask me how I can get so worked up over a tripod - then they see it
smile.gif
.

Many on here like to pair it with their pistol grip:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attac...ad-imgp3766-jpg

Though I personally prefer a ball joint as it allows for a tighter turning angle.

Check out B&H Photovideo - they have great combo deals, and manfrotto's website, though be warned it's a bear to navigate.

Good luck!
-BB
 
#12
Re: Spotter scope stand

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBrother</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All I can say is Manfrotto. I wrote here a few months ago looking for an all in one solution that could take me from prone to standing and back without having to lug around metal rods and connect them. Basically a "tactical" solution that would also fit my requirements for highpower.

They recommended the Manfrottos, and boy were they right:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW

The Pro series, I believe, are the ones where the middle column rotates on a pivot point and can go full horizontal. This image shows it well:

http://www.lucnix.be/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=46452

I can literally take this tripod from hovering an inch off the ground to 6', all in under 30 seconds. I love it - one of the best and most surprisingly cool pieces of gear I've purchased since seriously getting into riflery. People ask me how I can get so worked up over a tripod - then they see it
smile.gif
.

Many on here like to pair it with their pistol grip:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attac...ad-imgp3766-jpg

Though I personally prefer a ball joint as it allows for a tighter turning angle.

Check out B&H Photovideo - they have great combo deals, and manfrotto's website, though be warned it's a bear to navigate.

Good luck!
-BB </div></div>

I bought a Manfrotto a while back on Big Brouther's recommendation and I couldn't be happier with it. I found a great deal on a barely used one. That tripod is rock solid,, can be used anywhere (uneven or bumpy ground is no problem), and it fits in the long pocket on my drag bag.
The best part is I got it for less than a good "prone only" tripod.
 
#13
Re: Spotter scope stand

I also have a manfrotto 190CXPRO4 carbon. I got it for photography, but it works great for putting the spotter on at the range.
 
#14
Re: Spotter scope stand

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: English</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> at 500m, using a Leupold Mk4/Ray-Vin on 40x you cannot 'quite' make out bullet holes unless they're in the white, in the black becomes a bit 'iffy'. </div></div>
laugh.gif
laugh.gif
wink.gif


This caught my eye
smile.gif


I too thought the ray-vin was a very neat package; but -as I think I said (and has been said here) it's not going to be of use on any ground that isn't flat.

The issue tripod over here for the leup is made by cullman

cullman.jpg


...but I think the cullman magic looks like a more stable and better packable option.
 
#16
Re: Spotter scope stand

For Highpower, you've already got the best stand available: Ray-Vin. I'd choose amongst the vast array of Manfrotto tripods for other purposes: can't be beat. Highpower stands are designed the way they are to allow the prone shooter to look through his rifle iron sights with one eye and have the spotting scope right next to his left eye. Then his position does not change while using the spotting scope to examine targets in between shots. I've found the Ray-Vin to be outstanding for this purpose, but have Manfrottos for hunting and other activities.
 
#18
Re: Spotter scope stand

I have a Ray-Vin and it works great for me. The other ones with the plastic clips on the legs will break. I bought one that cost about 200 and great stand but locking clips broke.

If you do get a Ray-Vin get the 1" tube. I have a couple of Creedmoor stands. I like the Rays better. Metal parts less to break.
 
#19
Re: Spotter scope stand

Try INSTRO PRECISION Ltd.

They make pretty much all the specialist UK MoD optical bi-pods. This includes specialist PLRF 10/15 ones.

They don't have any retail sales as such so you may need to ask if they will sell to the individual. Failing all else order thru an RFD/FFL?
 
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