KJI tripod: Picatinny vs. Arca-Swiss

Although shooting rests like the KJI Reaper Grip - HERE in our SPARTANAT review - are already common among many shooters, the Reaper Rail with a Picatinny or Arca-Swiss mount should not be underestimated. But what exactly are the advantages of the different systems?

The obvious advantage of a stable shooting rest - whether it is a monopod, bipod, or tripod - is improved precision for the shooter.

Advantages in all shooting positions:

The three standard shooting positions are Standing, Kneeling, and Prone.

In the Standing position, the shooter can quickly aim at the target from a low ready position. This is the fastest position with the best height, but it is also the least stable as it provides no support.

The Kneeling position provides the shooter with a solid base but limits their range of movement. It is difficult to turn more than 45° on one knee.

The Prone position is more precise than any other unsupported positions and also offers good cover, but it restricts the shooter's movement.

A shooter can aim perfectly with an additional support in the Standing position, while in a sitting supported position, they can relax and hide their rifle on the target for hours without getting tired.

In the prone position, the rifle is secured with a stable shooting rest so that the shooter can leave the rifle in the rest while switching to a spotting scope. Shooting rests are also ideal for zeroing new optics. For those who only have access to a simple outdoor shooting range, a tripod can be used to stabilize the rifle, making it easier to adjust the sights while standing.

When it comes to mounting options, the advantages of Picatinny and Arca-Swiss mounting systems in favor of the Reaper Grip should not be underestimated. These flexible mounting methods have additional benefits that expand the functionality of shooting rests.

Picatinny Mount

The Picatinny rail is a standardized mounting system for firearms. This rail, also known as the MIL-STD-1913 rail or STANAG 2324 rail, has many slots and ribs along its surface to provide attachment points for accessories. The rail is 20-21mm wide and offers a secure and repeatable method for accessory attachment.

The slots can hold various devices such as scope rings, red dot sights, lasers, lights, and other tactical accessories. Picatinny mounts are known for their strength and durability, making them popular among military, police, and shooting sports enthusiasts. The design of Picatinny rails is particularly well-suited for heavy accessories, providing high rigidity.

Arca-Swiss Mount

The Arca-Swiss system was originally developed for photography and is now also used for firearms. HERE is our review of the Arca Swiss KJI Reaper Rail System. It features a dovetail-shaped rail and clamping system. Arca-Swiss rails are wide and have a V-shaped groove that matches with the corresponding clamp of the accessory. The dovetail and clamping system provide secure attachment with minimal play or movement.

Arca-Swiss mounts are often used to attach accessories such as bipods or tripods. This mounting system is known for its quick and effortless attachment and removal, making it popular among precision shooters who often need to switch between different attachments.

In summary, the main differences between Picatinny and Arca-Swiss mounts lie in the design and intended use cases. Picatinny rails provide a simple and robust way to attach a variety of accessories. Arca-Swiss mounts, on the other hand, are known for their ease of use and precise mounting of technically advanced accessories. Both systems have their pros and cons and can be useful in various situations depending on the shooter's preference and the type of accessory.

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