Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Tripod mounted saddle rifle rest?

Would this be a good alternative for a shooting bench rifle rest? I see these pictured with the varmint and prairie dog shooting threads, but not as an alternative at the rifle range. I've got an old telescope heavy tripod that I could modify with one of these saddle mounts, but I'd like some opinions if they would be as good or any better than a conventional sand bag, Coldwell, bunny ear bag, Lead Sled, etc. Thanks.

I thought you were considering mounting a tripod on a saddle for a horse. That will be the next big thing.

It’s a fantastic option for field shooting, but not as stable as a concrete bench with a sandbag, IME.

Pretty much what I was thinking Jordan. A single point of attachment to a rifle rest wouldn't be nearly as good as something supported at two points. Googling the best rifle rests, those Lead Sleds are getting top honors even though lots of the forum fellas don't much like them. Since we don't have much for long range shooting here, I'd best stick with the conventional rifle rest bench stuff.

I've shot a bunch of PRS matches where a tripod and saddle (clamp type) were part of a stage. As far as steadiness, I'd rank it far and wide more stable than offhand, obviously. It's a bit more stable than shooting kneeling/standing off a barricade with a single bag support. Sitting position with a tripod is tons more stable than standing or kneeling, but still wobbly to a point. Shots taken at PRS matches with a tripod/saddle were anywhere from 400 yards to 700 yards as I recall. People did infact miss shots. Those who understood "free recoil" fared much better than those who do not. Would I replace a solid bench rest with a tripod? Um, not on your life. The only thing I've found even remotely as stable as a solid benchrest is a GOOD pair of bipods and an Armageddon Gear Game Changer for a rear bag. An old sock full of sand also works but the Game Changer was best overall choice for multiple types of stages so it got used to good effect as a rear bag. Tripods and saddles have their place and can be effective in certain circumstances, but choosing that over better options for stability, I'd say no.