Arca Swiss night ops

[chutem]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this for the most traffic, but it is a hunting related conundrum...

How many are running a tripod with arca ball head at night? My problem is getting the rifle mounted quickly in the dark. I fight this almost every set. The dove tails are fine enough that it takes multiple attempts to feel my way into the mount. I can see somewhat in the dark, but also have to feel the plate set down into the mount, only to not grab as I tighten things up. Works great in daylight, but getting very frustrated with night ops.
I have looked at the ADM lever mounts and such, but the arca specs/dimension would be the same, so not thinking this would cure my issues. Are there any better ideas? I even painted the mount white, with a black arca plate to possibly see the contrast better at night, to no avail.
I do have a side pressure saddle mount, but, with my external battery and cables m-lok'd to the side of the rifle, I really can't "pig saddle" the rifle. The arca plate works good, just fight getting it hooked up in the dark. Gotta be a better idea out there.
All thoughts appreciated!

chutem

 

[5spd]

Same here, I was thumbling getting it on the tripod at night getting it set and tightened but just practiced and do good now.
I get it mounted at the truck so I'm all set, prop it on my shoulder and carry to where I'll set up.
At home, close your eyes and practice by feel.

 

[DLT]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this for the most traffic, but it is a hunting related conundrum...

How many are running a tripod with arca ball head at night? My problem is getting the rifle mounted quickly in the dark. I fight this almost every set. The dove tails are fine enough that it takes multiple attempts to feel my way into the mount. I can see somewhat in the dark, but also have to feel the plate set down into the mount, only to not grab as I tighten things up. Works great in daylight, but getting very frustrated with night ops.
I have looked at the ADM lever mounts and such, but the arca specs/dimension would be the same, so not thinking this would cure my issues. Are there any better ideas? I even painted the mount white, with a black arca plate to possibly see the contrast better at night, to no avail.
I do have a side pressure saddle mount, but, with my external battery and cables m-lok'd to the side of the rifle, I really can't "pig saddle" the rifle. The arca plate works good, just fight getting it hooked up in the dark. Gotta be a better idea out there.
All thoughts appreciated!

chutem

The easiest way I have found to do it is….. the arca clamp on top of the ball head you tighten down, i unscrew it as far as it will go ( mine has a stop) and sit rifle down from the top and tighten it up. It’s miles easier than having it barely open enough to try and slide the arca rail into. I hope this helps. Try it and report back.

 

[chutem]

DLT, that's how I have always used mine. Its opened up all the way and I come down from the top. I probably started that from day one just trying to mitigate the issue. Then, the question is are you flat in the clamp, are you twisted just a hair right or left... I try to feel my way through all that, and at times, with frozen fingers.

 

[DLT]

DLT, that's how I have always used mine. Its opened up all the way and I come down from the top. I probably started that from day one just trying to mitigate the issue. Then, the question is are you flat in the clamp, are you twisted just a hair right or left... I try to feel my way through all that, and at times, with frozen fingers.

I agree. It is aggravating, I started doing it that way because I was walking in to a stand one night and I felt a little bump on my shoulder, before I could think my rifle and scope came off the tripod. I said then and there I would bring it in from the top for the rest of my life. I thought you were sliding it in.