Spotting scope stand

[kyreloader]

I am an F-class shooter and I need to buy a spotting scope and stand. I have a limited budget, but would like to get a good stand. I have used many stands and some are so shaky you have trouble watching the target. I will be using the stand for scoring, but also while shooting to help with wind and mirage.

What spotting scope stands would you recommend and why?

What do you use?

Thanks.

 

[ryanjay11]

The Ray Vin F-Stand is what I use. They haven't been made for a long time, but pop up on shooting forums every once in a while. They command a premium, but can't be beat.

If you look at photos from national level matches, you will see quite a few of them. There is a reason.

 

[nosualc]

You can still get a RayVin from creedmoor, but it's not the F, and it's note quite the same as the original RayVin. Still very nice.

-nosualc

 

[kyreloader]

The Ray Vin F-Stand is what I use. They haven't been made for a long time, but pop up on shooting forums every once in a while. They command a premium, but can't be beat.

If you look at photos from national level matches, you will see quite a few of them. There is a reason.

So they still don't make or sell them?

 

[ryanjay11]

Ray Vin closed shop and licensed Creedmor to produce their stands, but they don't sell the F-stand. It really is the one to get if you can locate one. Try making a WTB ad here or on National Match.

There was a post on the bulletin about the stand a long time ago. You should be able to do a search and find it.

 

[SDDasher]

I will be shooting with Ray this weekend at Blakely,Ga and will see if he knows any sources.

 

[Nodak7mm]

Check into First Strike ... I couldn't get a RayVin or Creedmoor, dang glad I couldn't. I am very , very satisfied/tickled with my First Strike. I really like the dual handle controls and the positive locks/detents of the base legs. Yep, love the dang thing...
http://first-strike-products.com/

 

[DBailey]

I believe these are the top of the line.
http://www.giraudtool.com/prod01.htm

 

[coreydelong]

A lot of people swear by the original Ray Vin. I myself tried it and hated it.

It takes two hands to adjust- at a minimum, and three would be helpful. The handle and the head are on opposite sides. It moves off target when tightening the head for final adjustment very easily. The stock offset is not enough. You will need the $105 outrigger option to make it workable.

I chose the Creedmore Polecat. All adjustments can be made from the scope side with one hand. There is no reason to need two hands to stabilize the scope and adjust the handle on the opposite side of the pole. One handed adjustment and it stays put after you adjust the tension to your liking. The offset is more than the stock Ray Vin thus not requiring the $105 "option" for the needed offest in F-Class.

 

[Trovan]

What size pole cat do you recommend? 5/8, 3/4 or 1"?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I use a 1'' pole cat. Not cheap, but I am happy with it. I wouldn't go smaller on the rod. I came down to two choices. Giraud and the pole cat. Giraud uses stainless rods vs the alum rod of the pole cat. Pole cat has more offset than the giraud. Both great choices.

 

[SDDasher]

Talked to Ray Brandes (Ray-Vin) and he said Creedmore is working on producing the original F class scope stand but he does not know when. Dennis DeMill(sp) would be the person in the know on that one.

 

[Blaster-37]

For scoring F-Class from a portable seat, a retractable camera tripod with your spotting scope on it works very well and is typically what most use.
For the scope, it's like good rifle scopes as better costs more. I use the Swarovski ATS 65mm with the angled eyepiece. No problem scoring at 1000 yards. You can put it on a miniature tabletop tripod to read the conditions when you are on the ground shooting. The angled eyepiece works well here too without having to come too far out of your gun. I also use it alot for midrange mirage at some ranges.
Advise, good gear seems to last forever and is a pleasure to use. Cheap junk has to be replaced alot and is what it is to use.
Greg

 

[Cody Richardson]

Where are you in KY? There's a guy we shoot with in louisville who makes scope stands. There awesome!

 

[kyreloader]

Where are you in KY? There's a guy we shoot with in louisville who makes scope stands. There awesome!

I work in Lexington. Any information or contact information?

Seems like the Polecat and Giraud would fit the bill.

 

[Cody Richardson]

502-558-1043, Wayne McLeoud. Im a big fan of his stand. I'm just up 64 in Shelbyville. You should come up to one of our matches on Borden, In. It's just right across the bridge and I think we have 6 registered midrange matches this year.

 

[kyreloader]

502-558-1043, Wayne McLeoud. Im a big fan of his stand. I'm just up 64 in Shelbyville. You should come up to one of our matches on Borden, In. It's just right across the bridge and I think we have 6 registered midrange matches this year.

Southern Indiana Rifle and Pistol Club?

I have been in contact with someone there about the 500 yard shoots, just waiting on the schedule for 2013 to be completed.

 

[Cody Richardson]

As soon as we get a program drawn up I am posting it on here. When I get home tonight I'll shoot you a pm, we have the dates but are just waiting on a program to post them on our website. It was made not to interfere with other area LR/MR matches, such as oak ridge, tullahoma, Miami or Memphis. Also starting in March, the first Saturday of every month we have a 500 yard practice day.