An optics accessory

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doubleh

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That's what I consider something that holds your spotting scope. The benches at my range are made of bolted down 2 by treated lumber and are old and warped. I was dissatisfied with my tripod and also a couple of clamp on gadgets that weren't exactly user friendly so after considerable head scratching over a design I went out in my shop and built something I think will fill my bill. I finished it up yesterday afternoon but due to really crappy weather that's supposed to last into the weekend it will be a bit before I get to test it out other than on the patio table yesterday afternoon. I wanted something that would sit solid anywhere on those warped boards and be heavy enough not to be bothered by a little bump. Preliminary trials on the patio tells me I may have just exactly what I want. A piece of steel, four screw on rubber feet, a piece of 2" dowel, 2" fender washer, and a tripod ball head for a camera make up the gadget. I made it the same height as my tripod to start with. After deciding on the final height the dowel, although it should be just fine, will be swapped out for an aluminum rod.

https://i.imgur.com/7qha5At.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rB3Ss4a.jpg

The complete rig weighs 10 pounds, 7 ounces so I installed a couple of stainless drawer pulls for handles.
 
I built a rest that incorporates a mount for a spotting scope. This is the first version. Just move your head over slightly to look through it.



I wound up making it twin beam and capable of holding the rear of the rifle as well. Makes it my “goto” for getting a quick zero on a new setup.

 
jmorris said:
I built a rest that incorporates a mount for a spotting scope. This is the first version. Just move your head over slightly to look through it.



I wound up making it twin beam and capable of holding the rear of the rifle as well. Makes it my “goto” for getting a quick zero on a new setup.

Click to expand...


Nice rig. I had sorta the same thing in mind. It's base is only 6" x 6" and you can lay the scope over 90 degrees horizontal with the ball head mount so I can put the scope right beside the rifle. I also found the ball head is much easier for me to use than a regular pan head.
 
doubleh said:
Nice rig. I had sorta the same thing in mind. It's base is only 6" x 6" and you can lay the scope over 90 degrees horizontal with the ball head mount so I can put the scope right beside the rifle. I also found the ball head is much easier for me to use than a regular pan head.
Click to expand...

I have a locking ball mount we use quite often as well. Drywall screws to the post by our bench.

EE95F247-B9BD-4934-B9BF-75E5770F364A.jpeg
 
jmorris said:
Stable enough to even video through it with a cell phone, from today.

Click to expand...


I'll have to try my rig out with my cell phone. I have one of those chintzy little attachments around here somewhere. I tried with the tripod but it was just too shaky. Touch the phone and move the scope.
 
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