Best spotting scope head?

[C Valentine]

I just sprung for a Kowa and LER eyepiece, and now I am thinking that the next most important thing is the head. I don't want to be frustrated with a bunch of knobs and stuff to get my scope adjusted just right. Preferably I would like to be able to move it any way I wanted to with one hand, no tools, and have it stay there. Is there such a thing? I am planning on a stand with a 1' tube. Any suggestions? I looked on Gary Elisio's site but didn't see the head he used to make.

 

[chkunz]

I have tried a lot of different scope stands and scope heads over the years and they all appear to be designed by Rube Goldberg. The big Kowa scope makes things even more challenging. I just bought the Creedmoor Polecat with the 1" rod and it works better than most that I have tried. It also works better if the scope is mounted below the cross rod so you are not fighting gravity to keep it aligned. I have a Ray Vin that works similar to the Polecat and is ok for a smaller scope but probably not beefy enough for the big Kowa.

 

[lawrence97]

I have an 883 and am also a fan of using one hand to get the scope where I want it. I use a stallings machine "gold standard" scope head.
http://www.auburnscouts.com/stallingsmachine/goldstandard.htm

The pictures show a complete gold color head but the version I have is black with very little gold coloring.

 

[truchot1]

Give Gary a call. Very nice scope heads!

Cheers!

 

[dsandfort]

I like gimbal heads. Easy to move the scope and lock it in. I put the lock knobs on the left so I can move the scope with my right hand. Best thing is once you balance the scope, it always returns to a neutral position when you let go of it. No flopping up or down if you don't lock it in. Wemberley makes a great gimbal but there are others. I use a Nest head. Warning....give your credit card a warning before you start looking.

 

[C Valentine]

Sent Gary an email and got a prompt reply. Going to look at that head again when I shoot with my buddy in the next couple of days. Thanks, everyone.

 

[Travelor]

Go to eBay and search for Manfrotto Bogen tripods and heads. I have found these to be by far the best. Be patient and wait for the best price.

 

[waltk]

I have an 883 and am also a fan of using one hand to get the scope where I want it. I use a stallings machine "gold standard" scope head.
http://www.auburnscouts.com/stallingsmachine/goldstandard.htm

The pictures show a complete gold color head but the version I have is black with very little gold coloring.

This is the the scope head I use with a heavy, angle body, Zeiss with a 80mm plus front lens.
I use it attached to the "old" (SS shaft) Ray Vin stand. I have a Creedmoor "Pole Cat" and a couple other heads but this is the one I prefer. Once you adjust the screws for proper tension it is easy to move it into position with one hand. Now if you bump the the unit it will move but that's to be expected. Also the length of the unit is longer providing a longer offset from the stand which I prefer.
I would seriously consider its use.

 

[loneranger04]

I don't have one but have used others Manfrotto heavy duty grip heads and they will easily hold a 18# rifle in Hog saddle and work great for a spotter. I've got a slik grip head and it's ok but not near as good as the Manfrotto.