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Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies) Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope (Read 2641 times)
RSW
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Feb 23rd, 2023 at 10:52am
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Try Larry Baker at:
blackpowderspg.com
As I recall he used to list a pipe clamp stand similar to the pic you posted. I've been using one for years. An essential piece of range gear IMO.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #1 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 10:57am
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Basically a head off a tripod. Here are some available or might give you some inspiration. 

The rest would use a similar mount to the pipe clamp. I think freelands offers that also.

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #2 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 12:04pm
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I have a homemade one I use. Basically it is a 3/4 brass pipe T. I bored out the long way so it would slide easily on the 3/4 pipe, drilled and taped a hole for a clamp screw, put a padded 6 inch 3/4 pipe nipple in the remaining threaded portion. Works great.
Mike
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #3 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 12:11pm
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Made mine from a Harbor Freight 3/4" pipe clamp for $12, and a homemade bracket with 1/4" stud and wingnut to adjust with.

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #4 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 12:16pm
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Gerald, 

I don’t know what tools you have or have access to, but 30 years ago when I made mine, I used an aluminum bar about 6” X 2” X 3/4” thick. Drilled a hole for the pipe stand at one end, then drilled the other end for the top section of a Freeland’s scope stand (the old style). For my powder measure to clamp to, I used a slightly smaller bar and just drilled it once for the pipe stand. Both plates had holes drilled and threaded for locking screws to hold them in place on the pole. 

Finally, I took a T junction for the pipe stand and bored it through for the pipe to slide then screwed in a short section of the same pipe and covered it with foam insulation.  Of course I was fortunate to have access to Charlie Dell’s shop back then, making it much easier than what I could do today. Smiley

Froggie
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #5 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 2:53pm
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Pipe clamp stand and scope I have used for 30 years participating in the Schuetzen game.

You can slide up and down the pipe to shoot offhand or lower for bench shooting.

Scope base swivels to adjust right or left. 

The pivot adjustments allows you to move up or down.

I also have a cross bar that slides up and down on the pipe stand to rest the rifle on between offhand shots. 
However I prefer to set the rifle in the sandbags allowing me a better rest between shots plus it is easier to reload.
« Last Edit: Feb 23rd, 2023 at 3:53pm by Schuetzendave »  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #6 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 3:21pm
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Here is my short one that uses 1/2" pipe and pony clamps.  You can get PVC threaded pieces that are 1/2" ID and screw into a 3/4" pipe coupler or 'T'.  This one uses an eBay window mount head that clamps on a 1/4" tick aluminum square.  I have another that uses a 'T' that is drilled for a 1/4 hole for mounting a tripod head.  It is longer and has another 'T' at the top that is padded for an offhand rest.

Jack

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #7 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 4:05pm
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I used to have my spotting scope on a stand like the ones above but it was never steady. For the last fifteen plus years I've used a tripod.  My setup just wasn't beefy enough and the spotting scope always seemed to be in the way.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #8 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 9:26am
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Damn...you caught me asleep at the wheel. I can get you another closeup  of the table mount .Have built two like this.
Pipe clamp,black pipe polished on lathe (to look cool).A Bogen Manfrotto 3030 head,find em on Ebay used for pretty cheap. The aluminum square 2x2x3" high I bored on mill. Pete

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #9 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 2:38pm
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one I made of wood for Jerry D. (RIP)
who was my ever diligent spotter

  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #10 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 7:07pm
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Some pics.Nice thing with the Bogan,you get a base to attach to scope for quick release and A lock so it cant fall out of mount...
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #11 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 12:24am
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The orange pipe clamps are usually Jorgeson (spelling) are are at either Home depot or Lowe's. As is the 3/4" pipe. Course Harbor Freight are cheaper. Frank
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #12 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 12:53am
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Thinking about it and comparing the results to my 60 years of experience with camera tripods, thin pipe has to be about the worst thing you could use for a stand. A very gentle tap with the tip of your finger will set off a vibration that will continue for a long time. Of course, wind will cause the same vibration to begin and perpetuate. The best material for one of these stands would actually be wood.
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #13 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 4:37am
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oneatatime wrote on Feb 25th, 2023 at 12:53am:
Thinking about it and comparing the results to my 60 years of experience with camera tripods, thin pipe has to be about the worst thing you could use for a stand. A very gentle tap with the tip of your finger will set off a vibration that will continue for a long time. Of course, wind will cause the same vibration to begin and perpetuate. The best material for one of these stands would actually be wood.


The best tripod I have is an old Keuffel & Esser. Wood, weighs a ton, got it at an auction.  

But we can't all be that lucky, so I find the pipe clamp idea an ingenious solution.  My K&E takes up about an acre of floor space; this one doesn't.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #14 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 7:26am
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Thank you to all that have helped mw track down the components needed to us the standard pipe clamp securing the scope and rest. 
I just placed my order through the SPG website and once the maker has his shop set up and running orders will be fulfilled.
Thanks again all.

Gerald
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #15 - Feb 25th, 2023 at 6:56pm
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Another problem with pipe clamps is when you encounter a cement bench with a lot of relief on the side. Sometimes it's a chore to get the clamp to stay on and often at the worst time they will pop off. Specially if you have an expensive spotting scope mounted to it. Not good.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #16 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 11:03am
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Never had that problem ,just crank it down Tight.I used thick wall pipe,its as sturdy as you would want......
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #17 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 11:09am
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Pete: 

Possibly Joe has arthritis after handling iron for so many years and cannot torque it down.
Besides it is not sturdy for an iron worker unless it has many bolts, rivets or is welded on.

No fun getting old.

Dave
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #18 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 5:25pm
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Skalkaho wrote on Feb 26th, 2023 at 11:03am:
Never had that problem ,just crank it down Tight.I used thick wall pipe,its as sturdy as you would want......


Pete, as with all things I'm sure you have the absolute best. But it doesn't have anything to do with quality but rather the relief on the side of the bench and the length of the pipe clamp jaws, If your pipe clamp jaws are to short you have to lean the clamp over to get a purchase. But this throws everything out of wack and the pipe clamp will often just pop off.  

I'm talking about the short cast iron pipe clamps that I and most of us poor people use, not the best highest quality that Pete uses.  I'm sure your jaws are long so you've never had the problem. 

Pete, I made a very rough sketch so that you might understand what I'm talking about.  If it makes no sense to you at first just keep trying. It will come to you.  

« Last Edit: Feb 27th, 2023 at 12:20am by westerner »  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #19 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 6:39pm
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Dang,
Now I have to start bringing a concrete saw with me to matches.

Jack
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #20 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 7:10pm
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A cup wheel would do it. Or add extensions to the clamp jaws.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #21 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 7:50pm
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Here ya go, Jack!
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #22 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 10:17pm
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that thing would really sell at gun shows if it was lighter weight- and chromed Cool

p.s. it could use a cup holder, too
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #23 - Feb 26th, 2023 at 10:58pm
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I want one.  Wait will it mount on a pony clamp bench mount?
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #24 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 4:00am
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Why is this thread in "Single Shot Rifles" ?
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #25 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 9:44am
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Because were all idiot shooters Joe. When Jeff, A Board member built the mold for our concrete tables he had to put A slight taper in for the slab to fall out easily. So you either BUY A good clamp or add extensions to them and weld em up. Your really silly sometimes Joe....
The nice thing with the multiple clamp above,we can add a magnifying glass to one of them to check our turret settings!
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #26 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 10:44am
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You got it Pete!  Good for you!  If you would travel around and shoot at different ranges you would realized that some benchtops have a lot more relief than others.   
No, I went to a tripod for my spotting scope. Way better.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #27 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 2:22pm
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I also use a tripod a lot, but it doesn't work well at our concrete benches because the spread of the legs keeps my scope a little too far from the bench. I tried putting two legs against the bench, and even one leg under the bench, but it's either a stretch, or I bump the leg and move my scope. 
So if I'm at the bench I have to either use my pipe clamp, or lean over to look through the scope.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #28 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 4:46pm
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Mine has a top mount that can be rotated up to ninety degrees and lean over onto the bench where I can view it easily. I don't always like to use that if I'm going to be up and down in the chair often. Busy days at the range can create that situation. In that case, I just do the 'lean' like you, Vall.
Basically, it's just a matter of what model of tripod you are using. Mine is a pretty good one that I got from a fellow who was moving.
  
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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #29 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 5:17pm
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My tripod is a professional photographer's model that had very stout legs, and a center post with a rack gear to allow it to be cranked up or down to adjust height. It has a quick release base to mount a camera or scope to, so just a flip of a lever lets me remove the scope. I found it at the local Goodwill for $10 as they seem to have little value used. But it's sturdy, and heavy enough to not be affected by most winds.
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #30 - Feb 27th, 2023 at 6:53pm
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To each his own. I like to pivot the head in for benchrest shooting and its close in,I shoot ,cock my head and mark my shot thru scope.Then pivot scope base all the way around pipe to outside left,reset scope raise it up to eye level  for offhand. I can shoot then cock head A couple inches and mark my shot. Whatever works for you,at least guys can see pics of different options and use what fits them.Isn't that what this Forum is about?
  

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Re: Using a pipe clamp for holding a spotting scope
Reply #31 - Mar 1st, 2023 at 3:59pm
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Well I suppose its ok to use these sort of things if you are shooting standing up on your hind legs to see where your shot went and have your car parked nearby but for us old guys you can't beat a good tripod and a Kowa.
  
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