Bench mount scope stand

[drkphibr]

We were at the range a few weeks ago and noticed this fancy bench mount for a shooter's spotting scope. I thought it was an excellent idea and great way to get my spotting scope (tripod mount) off my bench as well as have a controlled view (can't tell you how many times we bumped the tripod.

When I got home I searched the web and found the mount. After seeing the price (~$150 before taxes and shipping), I thought I could come up with a reasonable likeness, albeit not quite as "industrial" (or as expensive).

Put my thinking cap on and came up with my version. I picked up an adjustable clamp (steel "rod" and black/orange composite) for $2 @ HF. Ordered the window mounted tripod "head" (a birdwatcher thing for cars) online for $18 (combined it with another thing I needed to hit my $25 free shipping). Ended up cutting the metal guide down a few times on the clamp to get the best/most comfortable height for us at the bench. So, for ~$20, I have a decent homemade bench mount scope stand that frees up more space on our bench. Mine is not as strong/industrial as the commercial version, but then again, for our uses it doesn't need to be.

[a1c]

Funny, I have a very similar setup.

[1000stars]

Great idea!

Any ideas on Free Standing Mount?

[drkphibr]

Great idea!

Any ideas on Free Standing Mount?

My first thought (since I already owned it) was to figure out how to use my monopod and not have to rely on the bench at all. The challenge with the monopod is it's heavy (very well made, but an incredible accurate trigger type grip for rotation/adjustment - overkill for my spotting scope, but quite nice) and would need some type of floor mount fabricated to keep it vertical (maybe a tripod like base or something similar I did with my brass catcher (another thread). But it would have to be strong enough to keep it from moving or shaking in any way.

[george223]

I was about to post on this same subject. I searched on google. There sure seems to be a lot of interest for a bench mount scope mount but not much available on the market.

I also got tired of bumping into my tripod so I've been looking into a way to mount my spotting scope to a bench for awhile. I didn't really like the mounts available on the market and was trying to think of something better. I thought about using a window mount also but decided against it. Didn't have the full adjustablility that i was looking for.

I was bored 1 afternoon and happened across a scrap aluminum plate in my garage. I then took the legs off of my tripod and mounted the head onto the aluminum plate. Now I have a a spotting scope mount that is fully adjustable that I can clamp onto a bench with a couple of C-clamps. Now I need to think of a way to attach a clamp to the aluminum plate so I don't run the risk of showing up at the range without my c-clamps.

It came out pretty good and wasn't too difficult to make. I'll post some pictures later.

[baih777]

i did the same with mine.

[george223]

Here is a couple of pics of my mount. Thinking about mounting a couple of toggle clamps to it to finish it up.