Variations using the Caldwell Magnum Deadshot Fieldpod

Since this topic doesn’t “fit” anywhere (maybe a section on bipods, mounts, bags, benches, etc. would be helpful?), here goes:

There’s no substitute for a solid bench setup, whether it’s bipod, sled, vice or bags. The fieldpods, tripods really, come into play when you need portability and rapid target acquisition which is often at odd angles. They’re also handy when slope or terrain make benches impractical. Because they fold up and are generally not too heavy, they can be a welcome asset when hunting, especially if there is nothing around to serve as a rest.

Rifles rest, usually, in two v-shaped prongs. sometimes rubber coated metal, but the Caldwell uses a rubberized plastic, or plastic covered with a rubbery, high friction coating. The fore grip is held in a wider prong and the butt stock rests in a somewhat narrower prong, both of the same material. These are held in position by two parallel tubes of grooved aluminum. Between the prong mounts, towards the center, the tubes are attached to a central mount which does the horizontal and tilt swiveling.

I’ve been playing a lot with different, sometimes weird methods of using this Fieldpod. Once the legs are firmly anchored, some guns perform well with the pod just as it is. Others, seem to perform better with a different front rest than the prong, or a prong that is cushioned with fabric, a glove or foam. The more a rifle “kicks”, the greater the need to prevent bounce or shaking. First, it’s important that the friction knobs are not loose, creating “slop” in the system. After that, it’s up to experimentation. Here’s a rig, which uses a heavy Caldwell Tack driver shooting bag and the fieldpod, with some pretty decent results.

First, take the front prong out completely by loosening the set knob and put the rear prong in its place. Rotate the tubes so the adjustable length section is now backwards-towards the rear/ butt. Slide the front section as close as possible to the center, while still maintaining enough space to cradle the bag. Make sure the tilt knob it tightened fairly stiff, so the bag, and/or rifle won’t tip onto the ground! With the bag near center, there will be less tendency to tip. The rear section can be lengthened to fit the rifle while the front is positioned. You now have a bag-mounted tripod.

Here’s a closer look at the back:

To get the best groups, with rifle resting in place, pivot and swivel the fieldpod close to bull’s eye; you will have trouble getting it exact, due to friction. Use your hand (in my case, the left hand) to move the poi by putting pressure on the tubes as close to the center mount as possible. Since the left hand is not holding the front anyway, it is free to fine tune the sight picture. I hook a thumb to generally move the position upward and right from a low left starting point. Be sure any pressures are close to the center or the minor shock wave of firing will cause the pod to deviate. It’s actually easy to accomplish quickly with a little practice.

The extra weight from the bag adds stability, but watch out for tipping. Here are a few quick shots taken with this rig. All are 40 yds, 5-shot, with .25 JSB Kings. A dime is about 18 mm, od. Pellets unsorted and shooting conditions were not great. Plus, I was in a hurry. These were not selected, just exactly what happened as it happened:
Two groups with the FX Royale 500, tuned by Ernest.

Without the bag, groups were usually over one inch, resting straight on the prongs. I suspect the long, free-floating barrel shakes.

Next, the R3M Edgun, right out of the box and untuned, two groups.

I know the Edgun is shooting a bit fast, 942-952 fps, so it would doubtless perform better at 900-930 fps.

Last is the Cricket WST, out of the box, which does really well sitting on the prongs, with the pod set up the way it’s supposed to work. Don’t know why the Cricket isn’t as picky about the rest. I just shot one group, which is similar to many. I’ll try it with the bag rig at some point.

My Caldwell bag is rice-filled, so heavier than walnut hulls or plastic beads. Given that I was switching guns and only shooting a group or two, not too shabby for simulated hunting conditions. The point is: if your poi is jumping more than you like with the fieldpod, experiment. It may be the bounce of tiny recoil needs to be dampened.