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Hunting => Hunting Equipment => Topic started by: HaMeR on November 11, 2013, 05:39:00 AM

Title: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 11, 2013, 05:39:00 AM
Thinking about getting one of these for the Huntress. It only weighs 5 1/4lbs,, their weight,, & folds up compact & has a sling. The chairs we use will work with this setup. Does anybody have any info on these? All thoughts are Welcome. Thanks.

http://www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/caldwell/catalog.asp?product=DeadShot-FieldPod
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: nailbender on November 11, 2013, 07:02:11 AM
 Never saw one in person but they look like a sweet little unit.  Why don't you buy one and give us a review/ field test?  Maybe you should contact Caldwells and see if they'll loan you one? :laf:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Dale on November 11, 2013, 11:20:12 AM
here's a pic of the tripod I've been using for the last 10 years, made out of a retired surveyors tripod... very stable and sturdy, although a bit heavier then the light thing on the link... one other difference between the 2 is mine has no wobble shake or shimmy...
this is a shot of a young fellow I was mentoring up in PA before the move south... his first groundhog...

(http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b283/Rockfish_1/Andy1Groundhog.jpg) (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/Rockfish_1/media/Andy1Groundhog.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: bigben on November 11, 2013, 06:23:59 PM
I use something similar as dale. Actually prob a copy of a version of dales
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 11, 2013, 09:13:51 PM
  :laf: @ nail!! Yeah they juuuuust might let Diane "borrow" one. Maybe even get her a pro staff hat eh??   :nono: :nono:  I'm gonna give one a try. I'll let you know what she thinks about it. She is smaller than us so I'm hoping it won't be too flimsy.

Thanks Dale. Yours definitely looks sturdier!! But with that comes extra weight. And I don't carry her gear thru the field.  :nono: :nono:  Well unless you consider HER camera that I run to video HER shots with.  :doh2:  I bet that young man still chases after them critters too!!!!!!!  :yoyo: :yoyo:

Thanks Ben. It sounds like at least 2 use this type of setup & like it. I'm going for it.

The Huntress shall let you know!!  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: FinsnFur on November 11, 2013, 10:11:58 PM
Is that a fluid head! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Dale on November 11, 2013, 10:40:03 PM
fluid head???   :shrug:

yes it is heavy...

this is where "E" got the idea...
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Dale on November 11, 2013, 10:43:38 PM
I hope he is... he had no one to mentor him, so I took him in and had him out hunting and fishing all the time... when I left there was a guy supposed to take over for me but he never did...
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 12, 2013, 05:11:47 AM
That's too bad. I hope he did find someone to take him back out into the field again.

Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: bigben on November 12, 2013, 08:06:15 AM
Mines not a fluid head. Just a piece of plastic on top of the tripod.

Pic of mine

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/7508d1df.jpg)
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 12, 2013, 01:49:13 PM
That's another nice shooting iron holder Ben!!  :yoyo: :yoyo:   

:holdon: :holdon: Heck it even comes with it's own hog hanger!!!!!  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: bigben on November 12, 2013, 02:22:48 PM
If you miss off this it aint the gun. Its like shooting off a bench. I shot all my ghogs off this including the almost 500 yd shot standing.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on November 12, 2013, 05:14:28 PM
I just may have to buy one of them, at 5 1/2 pounds I could handle that.  Dale/Ben how much does the one Ernie sales weigh.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: bigben on November 12, 2013, 06:33:41 PM
Id venture to say 8-10 lbs. but to be homest its easier to carry then a pair of sticks and a small stool i used to hunt with. Quad would make it easier
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: nailbender on November 12, 2013, 07:12:41 PM
Quote from: HaMeR on November 12, 2013, 01:49:13 PM
That's another nice shooting iron holder Ben!!  :yoyo: :yoyo:   

:holdon: :holdon: Heck it even comes with it's own hog hanger!!!!!  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Hoghanger!   Good one! :alscalls: :alscalls:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Dale on November 12, 2013, 09:23:12 PM
not sure what Ernie's weighs, but it's built on a camera tripod, and I'd not be afraid to guess it's not near as steady as some of the others...
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: bigben on November 13, 2013, 04:50:29 AM
the one i pictured is ernies.  Aint no camera tripod. You need to get them eyeballs checked dale.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 13, 2013, 06:09:31 AM
Quote from: JohnP on November 12, 2013, 05:14:28 PM
I just may have to buy one of them, at 5 1/2 pounds I could handle that.  Dale/Ben how much does the one Ernie sales weigh.

If you are serious I can pick one up here locally & send it out. They are $30 less on the shelf here than that website price.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on November 13, 2013, 11:55:32 AM
Sounds like a plan to me.  However I have two requirements.

1.  You try it out before you buy one for yourself.

2.  I pay all shipping cost.

If you agree to that let's do it.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on November 13, 2013, 02:03:01 PM
I have one change to the above.  The Huntress should try it :innocentwhistle:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 13, 2013, 06:05:00 PM
Sounds good to me Mr. John!! The Huntress will give it a whirl,, probably at the shooting range if that's OK. I'll leave the receipt in the box & you can send back whatever the numbers add up to.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Hawks Feather on November 13, 2013, 06:26:41 PM
Quote from: JohnP on November 13, 2013, 02:03:01 PM
I have one change to the above.  The Huntress should try it :innocentwhistle:

Don't do it John.  If you let her shoot from it all the 'kills' will be used and you won't be able to kill anything while using it.  She really is THAT good.

Jerry
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: FinsnFur on November 13, 2013, 09:32:17 PM
Jerry :laf:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Dale on November 13, 2013, 10:05:58 PM
Quote from: FinsnFur on November 11, 2013, 10:11:58 PM
Is that a fluid head! :biggrin:

no, just a flat top running on a Teflon based bushing...
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on November 14, 2013, 01:02:39 PM
Quote from: Hawks Feather on November 13, 2013, 06:26:41 PM
Quote from: JohnP on November 13, 2013, 02:03:01 PM
I have one change to the above.  The Huntress should try it :innocentwhistle:

Don't do it John.  If you let her shoot from it all the 'kills' will be used and you won't be able to kill anything while using it.  She really is THAT good.

Jerry

Jerry I thought about that. Then he said at the range and I let it slide.  I have sold a few rifles like that, shot all the kills out of it then sold it.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Hawks Feather on November 14, 2013, 09:01:36 PM
Quote from: JohnP on November 14, 2013, 01:02:39 PM
Quote from: Hawks Feather on November 13, 2013, 06:26:41 PM
Quote from: JohnP on November 13, 2013, 02:03:01 PM
I have one change to the above.  The Huntress should try it :innocentwhistle:

Don't do it John.  If you let her shoot from it all the 'kills' will be used and you won't be able to kill anything while using it.  She really is THAT good.

Jerry

Jerry I thought about that. Then he said at the range and I let it slide.  I have sold a few rifles like that, shot all the kills out of it then sold it.

John,

I can only hope that one day, and the day may never come, I will be as wise as you.

Jerry
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: kyfuzzyface on November 15, 2013, 06:11:32 PM
Quote from: HaMeR on November 11, 2013, 05:39:00 AM
Thinking about getting one of these for the Huntress. It only weighs 5 1/4lbs,, their weight,, & folds up compact & has a sling. The chairs we use will work with this setup. Does anybody have any info on these? All thoughts are Welcome. Thanks.

http://www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/caldwell/catalog.asp?product=DeadShot-FieldPod

HaMeR I orders one of these for my wife a while back for deer hunting, It is sturdy and adjustment are good, the only thing she has have found a problem with is the heigth it only measures 33.5 from the floor to bottom of the bars, making it a problem with where she hunts. She is watehing a power line with a pretty good down hill slope from where she sits. We may have to get her a shorter leg Chair. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: possumal on November 16, 2013, 03:29:58 PM
My nephew, Yote Yoda, uses one of those Caldwell Field Pod units.  He likes it a bunch and seems to shoot well with it.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 17, 2013, 06:27:34 AM
Thanks guys!! I appreciate the feedback. The height was a concern for me as well because they didn't have one on display. It sounds like they are easy enough to carry in also if a coyote hunter is packing it along. I'm glad to hear they are sturdy as well. I'm gonna pick one up for Diane no matter what. I think it will enhance her shooting since she's shooting off a mono pod now.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on November 30, 2013, 07:40:44 AM
Got mine yesterday. It sets up quick & is light. It held my ML,, which is probably 12-14lbs without the legs shrinking up. All swivelling/rotating actions are smooth. Once I figured out what each knob & lock did it was simple. So far so good.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on November 30, 2013, 10:25:19 AM
My should be here Monday.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on December 04, 2013, 11:36:44 AM
Got mine on Monday as scheduled.  Took it out yesterday but didn't have a opportunity to use it.  It will take getting use to on a hard charging coyote.  Should be excellent for those that hang up at 100 yards plus and refuse to come in closer.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on December 05, 2013, 06:29:25 AM
Glad yours made it to you on time Mr John. I fiddled around with this one here for a little bit in the house. Can't wait to see how well it works in the field. For the ones that hang up me thinks they will need to hang up waaaay out there now!!  :laf: :laf:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: bigben on December 05, 2013, 08:13:24 AM
I dont know how yours will be sitting down but standing with my tripod the close ones ain't no issue. The two greys i killed earlier this year were only 20 yds away this year when i pulled the trigger which makes the tripod overkill but for those long ones like this red i just got the other night 175 yd shot makes it worth it.

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/02DC9BD0-167F-4943-9CFB-CC72AC76F68B_zpsetkyqz7i.jpg)

My cousin asked why i shot so far out. The main reason is i knew my equipment could do it. And i didnt believe the fox was going to cooperate. He was parrelleling us to the downwind side. I figured ought to shoot him for he gets down into smellin range.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Dale on December 05, 2013, 09:47:11 AM
way to go Ben... snipe'em at long range if they won't co-operate... nice lookin fox there...
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: bigben on December 05, 2013, 11:59:40 AM
Yeah he has a frosted black tail. The .223 made a 2" exit from hitting him high. 
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on December 05, 2013, 06:21:16 PM
Can't stand up with this one Ben, as Fuzzy said, it's only 33.5 inch tall.  Which is not a problem as most of the areas I call are flat and vegetation is rather low growing.  If you stand you'll be sticking out like a sore thumb.  Kinda anxious to get one out a far piece an see how I do.  My hand to eye coordination ain't what it use to be :madd:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: nastygunz on December 14, 2013, 05:50:29 PM
Any updates?...i was thinking of getting one of these.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on December 15, 2013, 07:44:43 PM
Works just fine with my little Sako Vixen.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/johnp18/Weapons/IMGP1474_zpsb7193de7.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/johnp18/media/Weapons/IMGP1474_zpsb7193de7.jpg.html)
And with the heavier and longer Sendero
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/johnp18/Weapons/IMGP1475_zpsbd670c08.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/johnp18/media/Weapons/IMGP1475_zpsbd670c08.jpg.html)
With a chair.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/johnp18/Weapons/IMGP1476_zps83ac1d09.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/johnp18/media/Weapons/IMGP1476_zps83ac1d09.jpg.html)
Or a three legged stool.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/johnp18/Weapons/IMGP1477_zpse7f97412.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/johnp18/media/Weapons/IMGP1477_zpse7f97412.jpg.html)

It does not extend high enough to use standing up.  I don’t know how it will work on a fast charging coyote, although the horizontal and vertical movements are smooth.  I don’t regret buying it.  I understand the do make one that extends high enough to use while standing.  If you do buy one I would suggest using Amazon.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: nastygunz on December 15, 2013, 11:52:49 PM
Thank you sir...really like the looks of that Vixen!
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on December 16, 2013, 01:42:03 PM
That little Vixen has traveled the world with me - Europe - Africa - Asia - South America and has killed everything from jack rabbits to mule deer here in the good ole USA. 
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Okanagan on December 16, 2013, 02:07:21 PM
Quote from: nastygunz on December 15, 2013, 11:52:49 PM
Thank you sir...really like the looks of that Vixen!

You beat me to it!  Ditto re the vixen.


Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: nastygunz on December 16, 2013, 05:33:54 PM
Any way to use the pod to shoot up as in a tree squirrel hunting?..can you shoot a handgun off it?
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: possumal on December 17, 2013, 09:44:45 AM
Nasty, I believe you would have to be some kind of contortionist to shoot up into a tree with the Field Pod. Maybe if you are small enough, you could make it work.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on December 17, 2013, 10:54:34 AM
I think Al is correct. Tried to see how much elevation I could get just last night.  Came nowhere close to what is needed to shoot a squirrel.  Likewise with a hand gun "no can do", you might be able to jerry rig something.  AR, Shotgun, Rifle, Crossbow no problem.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/johnp18/Weapons/61kZ2N5oeL__SL1500__zpsa409aa4d.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/johnp18/media/Weapons/61kZ2N5oeL__SL1500__zpsa409aa4d.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: nastygunz on December 17, 2013, 12:36:36 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on December 17, 2013, 09:55:00 PM
Maybe you could shrink the back 2 legs down then swivel it up to get close. But like Al said I don't think you would be comfortable with the shooting position.  :nono: :nono:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on April 03, 2014, 05:14:51 AM
Had it out to the range this past weekend. It was windy & we were only shooting the HMR's out to 20yds. The Field pod worked just fine & Diane thinks it's gonna be a keeper in the groundhog wars around here. I liked it too. It does adjust easily enough that within a minute I had it re-adjusted for me & my rifle.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on April 03, 2014, 10:47:06 AM
Yeah I like mine also.  I'm not to mobile anymore and I get the "shakes and twitches" a lot so I can see this as a plus for my style of deer hunting. 
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: possumal on April 03, 2014, 04:50:18 PM
Yote Yoda seems to get set up fairly quickly on our stands.  He uses it a lot while sitting on a turkey seat which is pretty low, but has no trouble adjusting it.  He has had it long enough now to be pretty used to it.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on April 03, 2014, 06:02:56 PM
I sure hope it helps you get out more Mr John. Maybe you will get to lay the smack down on a dandy buck with it this Fall!!  :biggrin: :biggrin:

Thanks Al. If it works on coyote stands then it should work well when we're just setting out in a field waiting for the next contestant in our groundhog derby!!  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: possumal on April 09, 2014, 07:51:34 PM
There is a NIB unit for sale in the classifieds over on the FoxPro Forum. $90.00 to your door.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on April 10, 2014, 01:37:31 PM
I think I paid less than that for mine through Amazon.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: possumal on April 12, 2014, 03:56:43 PM
Could be, John P. I don't have a clue as to price on that item. Just passing along the info.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on April 12, 2014, 04:03:13 PM
IF memory serves me correctly I paid right around $75 thru Amazon shipped. They sell for $100/$125 on the shelves here. So that $90 isn't too awful bad.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on June 15, 2014, 07:03:16 AM
Maiden voyage with the 204. No shots fired on this set. However I did tap the 1st one out using it with the 17HMR in the other thread. The hay fields are being mowed down now & the beans will be popping soon. They are late being planted this year. Right now we're using rimfires for the most part til the open fields are ready. So I anticipate this field rest to be a valuable component to our adventures. Especially if I can find some shade to set in. It's a bit shiny for my liking.

(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee217/BrightwoodTurnings/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-06/IMG_20140614_121215_337_zps8ko7hgkc.jpg) (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/BrightwoodTurnings/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-06/IMG_20140614_121215_337_zps8ko7hgkc.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Hawks Feather on June 15, 2014, 02:53:44 PM
Am I the only one that hadn't seen a picture of Glen's .204 prior to this?  I have heard about all the kills and seen some of them, but I really don't remembers seeing this stock before.  Nice!

Jerry
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HuntnCarve on June 15, 2014, 04:23:23 PM
Jerry,

I think that is Diane's .204?  She just let Glen set it up for her. :innocentwhistle: 


Dave
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Hawks Feather on June 15, 2014, 07:26:34 PM
Quote from: HuntnCarve on June 15, 2014, 04:23:23 PM
Jerry,
I think that is Diane's .204?  :innocentwhistle: 
Dave

So that would be the reason that we don't see any scratches on the stock.    :yoyo:      :yoyo:      :yoyo:      :highclap:      :highclap:      :highclap:

Jerry
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on June 16, 2014, 03:16:03 AM
 :rolleye: :rolleye:


Yeah I don't take enough pics of the ol ot4. I'll have to remedy that.   :eyebrow: :eyebrow:


Richards Microfit Maple with Rosewood end caps.
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: Hawks Feather on June 16, 2014, 08:08:00 AM
Quote from: HaMeR on June 16, 2014, 03:16:03 AM
Richards Microfit Maple with Rosewood end caps.

Nice looking stock.  I do like thumbhole stocks when I have shot them.

Jerry
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: JohnP on June 16, 2014, 11:08:23 AM
Yeah that's the first I've seen of it also.  Glen do you handload for that and have you ever used it on anything larger than groundhogs?
Title: Re: Caldwell Deadshot Field pod
Post by: HaMeR on June 16, 2014, 01:41:12 PM
Thanks Jerry.   The Richards stocks come just above log form & you gotta do a lot of work. Luckily I have a bunch of woodworking tools laying around the wood shop.  :eyebrownod: :eyebrownod:  I have right close to 10hrs in it & that includes the 7 or 8 coats of poly & 3 coats of wax. T-hole stocks are the best IMO.

When I originally got the rifle I had to shoot factory ammo until reloading components became available. Now it's all handloads. The largest game we can pursue here in Ohio with a tapered/bottle necked case are coyotes. I've shot 2 coyotes with it & one flipped twice & died & the other made it about 35yds into the woods where I found it piled up. The 3rd coyote was never recovered & honestly I think it's because I missed. I THINK I shot just over it's back cause it landed on it's belly then jumped up & ran off. I never found any sign of contact & I knew exactly where it was standing when I believe it ducked.