Which Bench Rest Scope Stand?

[Williamb]

Hi - been lurking a while. This is my first post. I have a Kowa 821 spotting scope a need a scope stand. I prefer a bench-mounted one. Wondering what people's thoughts and recommendations are about the Ray-Vin stand and head as compared to the Creedmore Big Blue and head? Could also mix and match stand and head.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[40EZXS]

SS Stand

First-Strike or Ray Vin also Ewing,you can do a search with either name

 

[Williamb]

thanks for the other names. Looking for comments by users - thanks.

 

[RePete]

Check here too.

http://www.giraudtool.com/prod01.htm

 

[Williamb]

thanks - wondering what you use?

 

[GeorgeH]

Ray-Vin

Between my son and myself, I own 4 Ray-Vin scope head and three Ray-Vin scope stands. Two of the FStands and one benchrest clamp version. Nothing compares out there. You can reconfigure the head for a lefty in under one second.

 

[C.L. Peterson]

Scope Stand

Hi - been lurking a while. This is my first post. I have a Kowa 821 spotting scope a need a scope stand. I prefer a bench-mounted one. Wondering what people's thoughts and recommendations are about the Ray-Vin stand and head as compared to the Creedmore Big Blue and head? Could also mix and match stand and head.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

You might want to look at Sinclair's stand--it attaches to anything and is very stable and durable.
The diameter of the shaft is the same as their powder measure stand,
so by switching attachments you can also have a powder measuring stand.
This option will cost less than $20.00 extra for the powder measuring stand
attachment.
CLP

 

[AVanGorder]

You might want to look at Sinclair's stand--it attaches to anything and is very stable and durable.
The diameter of the shaft is the same as their powder measure stand,
so by switching attachments you can also have a powder measuring stand.
This option will cost less than $20.00 extra for the powder measuring stand
attachment.
CLP

Picture of the Sinclair stand.

 

[sg5054]

scope stand

I made mine.

5/8 ss rod, except for the head, all the materials came from McMaster Carr.

 

[sg5054]

spotting scope

 

[Pete Wass]

The problem wit Spotting Scope Stands

is rigidity and being able to position the scope where it is easy to use. Many times there will be a good condition hang and unless one is able to immediately see their bullet strike and get back to shooting the condition will have gone away.

The Rimfire Folks have some interesting mounts that allow one to hang their scope over the top of their rifle's scope or just beside it. A couple I have looked at are sturdy. A scope stand that is not sturdy is useless, in my point of view.

The problem with scope stands that clamp to benches is there are a few venues have benches that are difficult to find a good spot to clamp to. I use a Sinclair with a custom clamp that allows me to position the scope close to my rifle's scope. It is an improvement but not what I had hoped it would be. I will next try to come up with a rigid mount that will allow me to hang my scope very close to my rifle scope. I have yet to see a commercially made Spotting Scope Mount that was absolutely usefull everywhere and with enough rigidity so that the scope didn't move with a light touch or strong breeze.

Another issue is finding a light spotting scope that is less affected by the wind. Lighter is better and I believe a 60MM scope is plenty for bech work. Of course find one with ED glass. JMHO after many years of frustration.

Pete

 

[Al Nyhus]

Pete, these two spotters offer a lot of bang for the buck:
http://www.celestron.com/c3/product.php?CatID=88&ProdID=564
http://www.bushnell.com/products/scopes/spotting-scopes/excursion-flp/

I'm using the Bushnell (above) and like it. It's compact, has ED glass and is reasonably priced. The only negative is the power ring is a bit stiff. But since I don't change that from the bench once it's set, it's a non issue. For a 45 degree eye piece spotter, the Celestron is a real deal on quality optics.

Good shootin'. -Al

 

[virg]

I've had the Sinclair stand for many years and it has proved satisfactory in all respects. I've seen many a home made rig that looks extremely solid and over engineered in appearance, but was a trifle unsteady when touched. The Sinclair model will fit on any bench and is very solid and steady.

Good luck in your search....virg.

 

[deadwooddick]

What I use

Locking Pan & Tilt. Height adjustable. Carrying knob (not shown).

As to issues w/ clamping it to benchtops (wood, poured concrete, etc) — none so far.

OTOH, even the "commercial" models don't allow contact w/ the scope if one wishes to avoid jiggling the view. W/ the ATS-80 and it's HUGE eye relief (or with my old Redfield 15-60X "longtube")… not an issue.

Info? >> Richard's scope stand

 

[awahlster]

I made my own:



The scope is a Sigma 600mm f8.0 Mirror Camera lens with a 4X eye piece adapter giving me approx a 48X view. I can add a 1.4X teleconverter to get to 67X and a 2X teleconverter to get to 96X.