TRIPOD vs BENCH REST comparison

[inthewind]

I am a scientist by training and like to experiment. I also like hard measurement data for making decisions. I have seen a few discussions of tripods here including manfroto, bogen, hog saddle etc. I have also read "The Ultimate Sniper" where camera tripods and fabricated rests/cradles are recommended. I am guessing the precision and accuracy obtained with bench rest is superior to field use of tripods.

Does anyone know of a study where groups are measured for accuracy and precision while shooting from these tripod rests? These data do not seem to be available. I will make my own study eventually, but it would be nice to find some data first.

 

[Quarter Horse]

Tripod vs. Bench Rest

ITW,

The following info. would not marginally survive the scrutiny of the scientific method. It represents only my personal experience. The picture with the patio table is my "bench". The second picture is my set-up for shooting rock chucks. The tripod and head are Manfrotto, the rest is a Pig, the seat is a dove stool and the rifle is a CZ 527 in .223.

Though my "bench" does not look and is not terribly stable, I have shot thousands of rounds off of the platform and developed technique that is pretty repeatable. Off the table, the CZ shoots in the fives on average. Off the tripod, the CZ shoots about an inch and a half. The tripod groups will generally include one flier which will take the group from the eights out to the inch and a half. I'm sure that additional practice will produce, consistently, about one-inch performance as my technique improves. Off the table I use bi-pod and Protektor rear bag.

 

[jbell]

IMO using a bench with a proper rest and bags in addition to a stock designed to be shot off of a benchrest will give the best accuracy potential. However the actual results will vary with the exact setup being used and the comfort level of the shooter with that setup. Basically way too many variables to get an accurate conclusion.

 

[inthewind]

Thank you for the input. Let's hope some others will share group sizes and ranges for bench vs tripods. It is nice to have a benchmark to compare.

I agree that prone off sand bags is the gold standard for field accuracy at any range. I have shot bench rest for years and use that as basis of my hobby.

Sharing of information is a freedom we enjoy. I thank all my fellow veterans for their service.

 

[Ninja]

Field Tripod gold standard :
Hog Saddle + Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head
Sniper's Hide Manfrotto Tripod Tip - YouTube

Field prone is the gold standard bench. Take some targets out to the range & use the scientific method to compare your accuracy & equipment.

 

[inthewind]

Interesting technique with the tripod. I have read discussion in "The Ultimate Sniper" about hanging a sandbag on the tripod and NOT clamping the weapon. There is discussion and photos of tripods and rests fabricated by military snipers. I would like to see some groups before I go purchase $200+ rig plus a new tripod.

Thank you for sharing the Youtube.