Can anyone recommend a good tripod setup?

[Hunter.308]

An elevated center column is like putting a monopod on top of your tripod. Sometimes necessary. But should be avoided if possible.

- DAA

Depending how tall it is,

 

[Hunter.308]

Think a lot also has to do with how much someone shoots. If you only shoot a few times a year when hunting, then yeah you’ll need all the help you can get. If you grew up shooting everything offhand, then any type of rest is an advantage.
The only thing I’ll be looking at in the future is weight. The less weight the better for me. I haven’t weighed my Bog but it’s up there I’m sure. Also been told it isn’t stable. The only thing I could think up that would be more stable is something with roots. If I could find a way my trigger sticks could hold my rifle with 100% certainty I’d use it all the time.
For the record, farthest shot I’d ever take would be 250yds and that would be pushing it to see something in the clear at that distance.

What Bog do you have? Are you still dealing with the clamp?

 

[Hunter.308]

I have to apologize; my needs are greatly different than those of a firearm because of the recoil. I forgot I'm not on an Air gun/PCP forum. We do have some common ground, coyotes.

 

[hunt0168]

So, explain what is a solid base ?

Seriously? Well, when we’re talking tripods, a stiffer, more stout device with 3 legs at opposing angles. Add a rifle mounting system that is close to the apex of said tripod and you get as stable and solid of a base as can be expected from said device.

Fix poor shooting 100%?..Nope

Help?… Maybe a bit? Depends

 

[Hunter.308]

Seriously? Well, when we’re talking tripods, a stiffer, more stout device with 3 legs at opposing angles. Add a rifle mounting system that is close to the apex of said tripod and you get as stable and solid of a base as can be expected from said device.

Fix poor shooting 100%?..Nope

Help?… Maybe a bit? Depends

Just seeing if you knew, many just think it has to do with leg spread and stiffness,

 

[hunt0168]

Just seeing if you knew, many just think it has to do with leg spread and stiffness,

Jeez… Hope I passed the test. Lol.
I agree buddy, you gotta have the basics down or your just hoping to hit something. But if you can stabilize even a little bit better, you’re going to shoot a little bit better.

 

[Hunter.308]

Jeez… Hope I passed the test. Lol.
I agree buddy, you gotta have the basics down or your just hoping to hit something. But if you can stabilize even a little bit better, you’re going to shoot a little bit better.

“You passed—barely. But yeah, I’m with you. Basics like leg spread and stiffness get you in the game, no doubt. But once you’re off the clean concrete and into real terrain, things change. I’ve seen tripods that look solid on paper but introduce micro-movement the second the wind shifts or the ground gives a little.

That’s why I’ve been testing foam damping, bolt layouts, and apex load behavior—because ‘solid’ has to mean field-proof, not just factory spec. Every ounce of stability you squeeze out buys you tighter groups and cleaner shots. That’s where the real work starts. You can even cheat a little—use a framed backpack as a brace, or bring in a second tripod to anchor things down. Stability’s not just a product feature, it’s a mindset.

 

[hunt0168]

“You passed—barely. But yeah, I’m with you. Basics like leg spread and stiffness get you in the game, no doubt. But once you’re off the clean concrete and into real terrain, things change. I’ve seen tripods that look solid on paper but introduce micro-movement the second the wind shifts or the ground gives a little.

That’s why I’ve been testing foam damping, bolt layouts, and apex load behavior—because ‘solid’ has to mean field-proof, not just factory spec. Every ounce of stability you squeeze out buys you tighter groups and cleaner shots. That’s where the real work starts. You can even cheat a little—use a framed backpack as a brace, or bring in a second tripod to anchor things down. Stability’s not just a product feature, it’s a mindset.

I’m glad I passed…Barely. It means a lot to me

Well, seeing how you seem to want to prove your point, can you elaborate on all of the different “real terrain” scenarios you’ve tested. What were your findings? Under what field conditions would a “solid” tripod be less “solid” because of the surface it’s on?

Explain how your needs with an airgun are greatly different because of recoil.

Furthermore, please elaborate on your testing methods. What tripods have you tested? Which ones perform to your liking? What setup are you currently running and why? Oh wait, I remember now… This is yours, right?

Is that a BOG with a ballhead conversion? What’s the apex load behavior on this setup, and how did you test for it?
Do you find it “field-proof”?

As far as “cheating a little” with backpacks or using a second tripod for bracing… Generally not conducive to the way most of us hunt predators.

 

[Spurchaser]

Are y’all hunting coyotes or attempting the new world record distance shot, lol???
And just how far can an air rifle hit and kill a critter? 1100ft per second is almost like shooting subsonics and that range is severely limited.

 

[hunt0168]

I don’t know Spur… I make a simple comment and get tested and graded on stuff the original poster probably doesn’t even care about. But I really did my homework and tried real hard and still only barely passed!

Better than being a complete failure I suppose?

 

[Spurchaser]

And he’s shooting an Air Rife right?

 

[LONEHOWL]

Holy shit people really overthink and over complicate things.

 

[hunt0168]

Yep. I'm still hung up on this statement that he made a few posts back...

"my needs are greatly different than those of a firearm because of the recoil"

My simple lizard brain just cannot figure out what those needs might be?

 

[Hunter.308]

Are y’all hunting coyotes or attempting the new world record distance shot, lol???
And just how far can an air rifle hit and kill a critter? 1100ft per second is almost like shooting subsonics and that range is severely limited.

I hunt at night so I limit kill shot at 200 yards with a 150gr slug. Where I hunt your lucky to get that distance, coyote here don't come out of cover may be to the edge of the would line if you're lucky. You don't need 1000 plus fpe to take out a coyote because then you run the risk of pass thru, no energy dump, at least 60 fpe on impact to take one out.

 

[Hunter.308]

Yep. I'm still hung up on this statement that he made a few posts back...

"my needs are greatly different than those of a firearm because of the recoil"

My simple lizard brain just cannot figure out what those needs might be?

Firearm tripods are built to absorb strong recoil, support heavier loads, and offer rapid height changes.
PCP rifle tripods focus on negligible recoil, ultra-fine micro-adjustments, lighter weight, and low-profile setups.

 

[Hunter.308]

I’m glad I passed…Barely. It means a lot to me

Well, seeing how you seem to want to prove your point, can you elaborate on all of the different “real terrain” scenarios you’ve tested. What were your findings? Under what field conditions would a “solid” tripod be less “solid” because of the surface it’s on?

Explain how your needs with an airgun are greatly different because of recoil.

Furthermore, please elaborate on your testing methods. What tripods have you tested? Which ones perform to your liking? What setup are you currently running and why? Oh wait, I remember now… This is yours, right?
View attachment 20306
Is that a BOG with a ballhead conversion? What’s the apex load behavior on this setup, and how did you test for it?
Do you find it “field-proof”?

As far as “cheating a little” with backpacks or using a second tripod for bracing… Generally not conducive to the way most of us hunt predators.

I will just tell you what type of test was done. it was a lot of work,
Loose leaf litter on gentle slopes (5–15°)
Soft, freshly turned topsoil after rain
Firm, packed clay
Angular gravel beds
Mid-depth snow (4–8 inches)
Thin ice over forest duff
Interlocking root mats
Sandy riverbanks
Rocky outcrops with uneven footholds
Mixed brush with twigs and debris AS far as : e apex load behavior on this setup, At full height (the “apex”) the Little Crow 44 lb-rated ball head become the limiting factor. As you extend the center column and open the clamp, the leverage (moment arm) from your rifle’s center of gravity grows, so the effective load capacity at the head drops off roughly in inverse proportion to that lever arm. the test was done like this:
1(Static torque test at 1″ offset: hang incremental weights until the head slips—44 lb at 1″ gives a 44 lb·in moment rating.
2(Validation at 2″, 3″, 4″ offsets confirms max loads of 22 lb, ~14.7 lb, and 11 lb (44 lb·in ÷ offset).
3(Dynamic shock test: drop-weight impulse on the ball center to simulate recoil and ensure no clamp slippage. I could be here all day,lol

 

[Hunter.308]

I’m glad I passed…Barely. It means a lot to me

Well, seeing how you seem to want to prove your point, can you elaborate on all of the different “real terrain” scenarios you’ve tested. What were your findings? Under what field conditions would a “solid” tripod be less “solid” because of the surface it’s on?

Explain how your needs with an airgun are greatly different because of recoil.

Furthermore, please elaborate on your testing methods. What tripods have you tested? Which ones perform to your liking? What setup are you currently running and why? Oh wait, I remember now… This is yours, right?
View attachment 20306
Is that a BOG with a ballhead conversion? What’s the apex load behavior on this setup, and how did you test for it?
Do you find it “field-proof”?

As far as “cheating a little” with backpacks or using a second tripod for bracing… Generally not conducive to the way most of us hunt predators.

Yes, the .308 Texan and the AEA 357 challenger with the 4500 psi compressors are mine,lol I get around10 good shots from 1 fill, but if i shoot tethered, iI can get 90 shots from a 6.8 liter CF tank, at the range i can dial the regulator to 3500 psi and every shot will be at that same psi

 

[Hunter.308]

And he’s shooting an Air Rife right?

Yes SIR, PCP rifle

 

[hunt0168]

I will just tell you what type of test was done. it was a lot of work,
Loose leaf litter on gentle slopes (5–15°)
Soft, freshly turned topsoil after rain
Firm, packed clay
Angular gravel beds
Mid-depth snow (4–8 inches)
Thin ice over forest duff
Interlocking root mats
Sandy riverbanks
Rocky outcrops with uneven footholds
Mixed brush with twigs and debris AS far as : e apex load behavior on this setup, At full height (the “apex”) the Little Crow 44 lb-rated ball head become the limiting factor. As you extend the center column and open the clamp, the leverage (moment arm) from your rifle’s center of gravity grows, so the effective load capacity at the head drops off roughly in inverse proportion to that lever arm. the test was done like this:
1(Static torque test at 1″ offset: hang incremental weights until the head slips—44 lb at 1″ gives a 44 lb·in moment rating.
2(Validation at 2″, 3″, 4″ offsets confirms max loads of 22 lb, ~14.7 lb, and 11 lb (44 lb·in ÷ offset).
3(Dynamic shock test: drop-weight impulse on the ball center to simulate recoil and ensure no clamp slippage. I could be here all day,lol

No need to be here all day. All of your testing surfaces look to be nothing more than we all see when out predator hunting. I would just like to know under what conditions that you have presented, would a “solid” tripod be less “solid” because of the surface it’s on? In my mind, if you have the stiffest and most rigid platform to begin with, it is going to still be the stiffest and most rigid platform for the conditions it in when compared to a less stiff and less rigid platform under the same conditions.

Why did you run static torque testing, and dynamic shock testing? What do these tests provide you with respect to real hunting scenarios? Damn man, do you set out wind socks and carry a spreadsheet and calculator with you in the field?

I have no idea what you're getting at with your post about Texan's challengers, PSI and 10 shot strings and whatever else. At this point I no longer care quite honestly. I just shoot guns that go bang from tripods that hold my guns up. No real need to do anything more than that.

 

[Hunter.308]

No need to be here all day. All of your testing surfaces look to be nothing more than we all see when out predator hunting. I would just like to know under what conditions that you have presented, would a “solid” tripod be less “solid” because of the surface it’s on? In my mind, if you have the stiffest and most rigid platform to begin with, it is going to still be the stiffest and most rigid platform for the conditions it in when compared to a less stiff and less rigid platform under the same conditions.

Why did you run static torque testing, and dynamic shock testing? What do these tests provide you with respect to real hunting scenarios? Damn man, do you set out wind socks and carry a spreadsheet and calculator with you in the field?

I have no idea what you're getting at with your post about Texan's challengers, PSI and 10 shot strings and whatever else. At this point I no longer care quite honestly. I just shoot guns that go bang from tripods that hold my guns up. No real need to do anything more than that.

With that last comment

No need to be here all day. All of your testing surfaces look to be nothing more than we all see when out predator hunting. I would just like to know under what conditions that you have presented, would a “solid” tripod be less “solid” because of the surface it’s on? In my mind, if you have the stiffest and most rigid platform to begin with, it is going to still be the stiffest and most rigid platform for the conditions it in when compared to a less stiff and less rigid platform under the same conditions.

Why did you run static torque testing, and dynamic shock testing? What do these tests provide you with respect to real hunting scenarios? Damn man, do you set out wind socks and carry a spreadsheet and calculator with you in the field?

I have no idea what you're getting at with your post about Texan's challengers, PSI and 10 shot strings and whatever else. At this point I no longer care quite honestly. I just shoot guns that go bang from tripods that hold my guns up. No real need to do anything more than that.

“I test because I care about consistency—not just noise. A ‘rigid’ tripod can still flex or transmit vibration depending on surface and layout. Static and shock testing help me catch that before it costs a shot.

If you’re happy with ‘bang,’ cool. I’m after precision.