If you can not attach an ARCA-Swiss rail on the bottom of your rifle, a Rifle Saddle Mount Clamp Tripod Adapter can be used to hold the rifle. Saddle Mount Clamps are not as secure as the other mounts but are necessary when you do not have a rail on the bottom of your rifle. The Saddle Mount Clamp can be mounted directly to the tripod, or it can be used on top of a ARCA clamp on a leveling base or ball head. Using the Saddle Mount Clamp with the ball head gives you much more freedom of movement. Coyotes seldom stand still and you will be tracking them continuously after they are spotted.
A Saddle Mount Clamp mount does not secure your rifle as well to the tripod. It only holds the rifle tight enough to shoot from or hold the rifle balanced on top of the tripod to free your hands when calling or scanning for game. If you use a ball head and an ARCA mount on your rifle, you can pick up the tripod with rifle attached when you have to move. Do not trust a grip mount to hold your rifle while on the move.
Since I have rifles with and without ARCA-Swiss mounts, I use a Saddle Mount Clamp for my wood stocked rifles when I hunt deer from a blind. I have an ARCA-Swiss mount attached to the bottom of the Saddle Mount Clamp. The ARCA plate on bottom of the grip is used to attach it to the ball head. With this setup, I do not have to remove my ball head, but more importantly, I have freedom of movement in any direction.
Mounting a Saddle Mount Clamp directly to a tripod restricts movement and is not the best option when hunting moving targets like coyotes.
Shop Rifle Saddle Mount Clamp Tripod Adapters
SUNWAYFOTO SM-76 Saddle Mount Rifle Adapter
SUNWAYFOTO SM-76 Saddle Mount Rifle Adapter $59 @ AMAZON
My Favorite Rifle Saddle Mount Clamp!
- ARCA Rail on Bottom
- Lightweight
- Rubber pads inside to protect your stock
- Angled Jaws for better Grip
- Large Easy-to-use Knob
- ✪ T6061 Aluminum main body material, elaborately CNC machined with Type-III hard-anodized finish ensures it’s resistant to corrosion and abrasion; Ideal to work outdoors under extremely harsh environment.
- ✪ Base of the saddle is Arca standard QR plate to be mounted on Arca standard ballhead directly; Safety stop screws avoid dropping from the ballhead by powerful shock. 1/4″ and 3/8″ mounting holes work with tripods without Arca dovetail structure.
- ✪ Double-headed T-shaped screw structure at the base, the center position will stay in place when adjusting the width of the base so as to ensure the precision of the equipment.
- ✪ Rubber pads on the inner side of the saddle increase friction with the loaded equipment and provide protection from scratches after powerful shock.
- ✪ Lightweight design, weighing only 16.2oz(460g).3.62*3.23*3.27 inch(92*82*83mm), compatible with equipment width between 1.14inch (29mm) and 2.68inch (68mm) .
PIG Saddle® by Shadow Tech
PIG Saddle® by Shadow Tech $135 Shop AMAZON
Designed by a Marine Scout Sniper and OIF Veteran, a rifle rest tailored to the avid hunter and outdoorsman. Universally mounts to any tripod platform which incorporates 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 thread attachments. Effortlessly maintain your rifle’s sights across a field or hillside waiting for that trophy buck, and maximize your ability to make an accurate and ethical shot on game. The PIG Saddle® is a rigid, steady support with unequaled versatility and portability. A rock solid platform that is flexible enough to attain those tough shots at a moment’s notice.
Features
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Steel construction- to facilitate years of dependability
- Melonite finish provides superior corrosion resistance and added rigidity
- CNC machined aluminum knob, OD Green anodized
- UV resistant pads- specifically engineered to absorb rifle recoil and reduce muzzle jump
- Steel 1/4-20 mounting threads and 3/8-16 back up threads
- One-handed operation
- Manufactured in the USA
MOJO Outdoors Critter Predator Hunting Decoy
MOJO Outdoors Critter Predator Hunting Decoy $39 at Amazon
Kopfjager Reaper Grip
KOPFJAGER Reaper Grip with Direct Mount $170
- Provides a sturdy base for long-range precision shooting, hunting, LEO and military operations
- Adjustable locking grip fits most straight and tapered stocks and chassis
- Smooth 360° pan and tilt range of 109° (21° up and 87° down)
- Compatible with most ball-head mount and tripods with a 3/8-16-inch threads
- Heavy-duty construction is designed to tackle harsh environments
| Brand | KOPFJAGER |
| Color | Direct Mount |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
| Leg Style | Tripod |
Quick Release Lever Clamps
A Lever-Release Clamp is absolutely essential if you want to make sure your rifle never falls from your tripod. You just can not trust a screw clamp to secure an expensive rifle and thermal scope. It will hit the ground if you rely on a screw clamp!
Really Right Stuff QR Lever Clamp on Amazon
I have always recommended the Really Right Stuff B2-LR II QR Lever mount, but RRS has changed the design to a proprietary design that will only fit RRS ball heads. You will need an RRS Rosette adapter available from RRS for $12 to attach the new RRS QR lever clamp to non-RRS ball heads.
For example, the B2-LR II will mount will not fit a Desmond or Leofoto Ball Head without the Rosette style adapter.
The RRS B2-LR II QR Clamp will still screw down onto any plate or tripod with a 3/16″ stud.
Leofoto Lever Release Clamps 70mm
Leofoto Lever Release Clamps $60-80@ Amazon
Leofoto makes a LR70 QR Lever Release Clamp that works well also. It will fit any brand of ball head other than a RRS ball head. I am using one on my Leveling base and it works very well. It will also fit any tripod or mounting plate with a 3/16″ stud.
There are hundreds of combinations when you put a Hunting Tripod Setup together, but we just wanted to give you some suggestions that we have found to be the best for coyote hunting at night. Good luck on your next adventure and please be safe.
