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

Tactical Tripod Order Page

What others are saying?:

C. Coker

This is a really well made product and I highly recommend it.

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.

Score: 9.00 Amazing

Hunting and successfully harvesting an animal is really more about probability than anything else. As much time, skill, and experience a hunter has in the field, the moment of truth ultimately boils down to being in the right place, at the right time, and most of all: being prepared. Everything a hunter stuffs or straps to their pack has a purpose, and sometimes is a just in case type of situation where you would kick yourself later if the absence of that item lead to an unsuccessful day in the field. In my opinion, a tripod or bipod is a valuable addition to one's kit that could make the difference between a punched tag or a long truck ride home.

More often than not, that "once in a lifetime" shot will literally last only a few seconds. The extra time it takes to find a stable shooting rest, fumble with slow-to-deploy bipods, or struggle to take a shaky, offhand shot from the standing position... all of the above has, can, and will contribute to a story about the one that got away. Having a tripod or bipod with you that you can utilize quickly and quietly is going to help get crosshairs on fur fast, and help eliminate sway when you are under duress, taking a beating from the wind, or just juiced up on buck fever.

The Jim Shockey Deluxe Primos Gen 2 Trigger Stick Tripod is designed to exactly do that. Just grip the handle that resembles an ergonomic AR15 pistol grip and squeeze the trigger, and the legs will drop and adjust to the right height, even if on uneven ground. They don't spread themselves, so you will have to kick them out a bit with your boot. The Gen 2 version now has a safety lever that can lock the legs in position and prevent any accidental trigger pulls that will collapse the legs when unintended. The tripod has the ability to self-level, so its possible if you are standing or kneeling on a slope to deploy the legs and get a level rest for your firearm. Transitioning from a full-length standing support to a shorter kneeling position is really quick, smooth, and silent.

Now I'm not really one for products that rely on name dropping. Hunting products especially are guilty of using TV personalities to bolster sales. Duck Dynasty, need I say more? Primos has Jim Shockey's name all over this series of tripods and bipods. In short, Mr. Shockey is an outdoor writer, professional big game outfitter and producer for many T.V. hunting shows. If hunting in more than forty countries and taking nearly three-hundred known species of game isn't worth some respect, then I don't know what is. What I do know is that this tripod is well suited for many types of hunters... from rifles, shotguns, and handguns to muzzleloaders and crossbows. Having a solid rest directly translates to better accuracy, and that means clean and efficient shots on game animals.

Both the Trigger Stick tripod and bipod have unique features that make the price point worth the investment. The yolk and handle rotate independently, which gives the user plenty of play for getting a good rest with the firearm or crossbow and pivot/angle for the perfect shot. They come in different length profiles, and also have a removable yoke rest that reveals a thread mount that uniquely fits both 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 holes at the base of spotting scopes, video/digital cameras, rangefinders or binoculars. So not only does this become a staple for the hunting trip, but will get plenty of use off season for glassing or filming.

At a street price between $130 - $170 it may seem like a steep investment for yet another thing to lug around. The way these are packaged on the store shelves, it's easy to test them out and imagine how useful it could be. I was hesitant too at first with sticker shock, however after testing it out at the range and in the woods, I'm confident Jim Shockey's Trigger Stick will easily pay for itself in terms of meat in the freezer. From the moment of truth when you pull the trigger, to the next when you're grinning ear to ear holding up your trophy for the camera, the Trigger Stick will be a part of your kit that you won't want to hunt without.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Trigger Stick^® is a lightweight height-adjustable gun rest and optical gear mount, perfect for kneeling or standing.

Target Market: Big Game & Varmint Hunters: rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow or handgun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Trigger operated
360° rotating V yoke independent from rotating grip
Detachable V yoke
Fits 1/4″-20 & 3/8″-16 threaded fixtures for cameras, spotting scopes, binoculars, laser range finders and almost any mountable device.
Trigger lock
Improved fluid grip movement
Extreme leg angle adjustments
Whisper quiet telescoping legs
Stronger, lighter 7075 aluminum legs for easy carry
Adjust from 24″ to 62", collapses to approximately 41" tall for transport
Wrist strap
1 Year Manufacturer warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Short, Medium & Tall versions

What others are saying?:

"This thing is amazing, gives you bench rest accuracy in the field. Standing, I shot a 1 1/2 moa at the range with a new Ruger American 243, using this instead of the rest, which was my best group ever with that gun. Makes a very quiet whooshing noise when you extend it, and the metal legs give you another challenge noisewise when still hunting with it, but things I can work around for the increased accuracy. Fascinating the way it levels with just a squeeze of the trigger to give you an instant setup. Good idea to practice with it at the range before you hunt with it, just like any hunting gear. " Mr. Stainless, Amazon User Review

"These sticks are absolutely awesome and worth every penny. They are quiet when scrolling up and down and are built extremely well. Worked great for shooting, video camera, still camera to take group photos, spotting scope, and when we would get back to camp we'd set them up to hang our water dispensing bag." John, Amazon User Review

Price point:

MSRP = $195.95
Retail = $124.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available online at Amazon.com and most sporting goods stores.

Our Rating:

Pros:

One handed operation
"Safety" switch locks trigger and keeps legs from accidentally collapsing
Rotating V-Yoke and grip
V-Yoke can be removed to accommodate cameras or spotting scopes
Coating allows for whisper quiet telescoping legs
7075 aluminum legs are strong and lightweight
Included wrist strap feels like it will last / hold up to abuse

Cons:

Using only two legs is difficult due to angle of joint / handle
Warning label states not to be used as a walking stick
Fully extended, the legs appear to bow and do not inspire confidence of holding much weight
Not rated to support over 45lbs

Score: 8.5 Great