The first time I heard about the Sniper Ops Tripod was during a long range shooting class when my spotter brought his. During the class I had the opportunity to use the tripod and found it worked very well. Researching the tripod I initially passed due to the price and financial situation at that time. Upon using other tripods of lesser quality and available funds, it was immediately purchased.
The tripod has three legs that are each secured with a hex wrench which allows you to control how hard it will be to fold them to the extended position (they are not telescopic). The center of the base contains the rod which the head mount slides on to support the scope. The head has a twist knob which secures it to the rod (left/right) and a throw lever which is used for up/down movement. A micro-fine adjuster on the back of the head allows for incremental elevation adjustments. The scope support can be pivoted 180 degrees to allow for inverted use.
The scope is attached to the tripod using a twist knob, and once secured, it does not move. There is an optional Collet which the head rides on to make it easier to pan the scope. Using the collet allows you to loosen the pan knob, move the scope to the new position and then tighten the knob with ease. Without the collet you will have to hold the head to ensure it does not slip down the rod.
Using the tripod on a bench or prone, only one rod is required. If you want to use it standing or seated with the tripod on the floor you will need additional rod extensions. The rods have a male connection at one end and a female connection at the other so they screw in easily. At 13” in length four rods should be sufficient to use the tripod in your hunting stand or blind. The use of more than two rods will make the tripod top heavy, which is why they make a weight that can be screwed into the bottom rod for greater stability..
If you have a rangefinder an additional head can be used with the primary (scope) head. This will allow you to set up your scope and rangefinder to move in conjunction to allow ranging your target more easily. Adapters can also be purchased to attach your cell phone and a Kestrel in addition to leg extensions which will give the tripod a larger footprint.
The following items are included with the ‘standard’ package:
1 each round shaped, black, STANDARD head mount
Accommodates all scopes and devices with the standard 1/4" X 20 threads
1 each 3-legged base assembly
Legs are non-telescoping
2 each 13- inch rods, 1" diameter
2 joined rods provide about 30" of height
1 each (NON-MOLLE) padded carrying case (capacity for 5 rods)
Inner soft silicone impregnated storage case
1 each operator’s manual
Tough, high quality anodized camouflage
Currently ordering is done by calling or emailing Dave directly. This proved to be fortuitous as he was able to assist me with selecting the correct scope base as well as accessories, including drilling the head for future use with a rangefinder.
When I ordered the tripod the following accessories were also purchased:
Two additional rods
Collet
Quick Attach Mount for scope
Upgraded (MOLLE) carrying case
Drill the head mount to connect a separate mount for a rangefinder
If you are going to purchase any accessory, buy the collet, as that will give you the best use. The collet makes it very easy to pan the scope. Personally, I think the collet should be included in the package.
For side by side comparison I used a friend's Manfrotto tripod. While the Sniper Ops tripod is more expensive it feels more solid and allows the spotter to get the scope lower for use in the prone position.
Weight of Base, rod and head mount - 3lbs 8.3 oz. Collapsed 12in H X 2.5 in deep (without head mount)Extended the base measures 15in X 17.5in.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Well constructed scope mount
Target Market:
Anyone looking for a scope mount.
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
Solid aluminium construction
Micro adjuster has a range of +5 to -14 degrees.
Works very well when shooting prone or on a bench.
Has attachments for accessories.
Small footprint when legs are extended
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Camouflage
What others are saying?:
C. Coker
This is a really well made product and I highly recommend it.
Link to other reviews:
Tactical Gun Review (YouTube)
Price point:
$379 for the ‘standard’ package
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
Well constructed.
solid scope mounting.
Quality construction
Folds to a compact size
Convenient carrying case
Made in USA
Veteran Owned
Cons:
At 3lb, 8.3oz it is Heavy
More expensive than other tripods.
