If your main purpose is to use this tripod for shooting a precision rifle, I'd look at something different. For about $30USD more you can get a Slik D700 which is a good deal heavier but way more stable. The tripod you're looking at is only rated to hold 4.5lbs vs the D700's 19.8lbs. You can shoot off a lighter tripod for sure, but it's much less stable. You also don't want to be using those lightweight ballheads, they're only rated for a few lbs as well. If you go to the Hog Saddle site, they have a great article on which tripods are suggested in different price ranges. The long and short though is you generally want a tripod rated for at least 15lbs and a ballhead rated for 40+lbs. FWIW the Slik D700 is the same tripod that Hog Saddle sells as the Pig-0311 (with a few changes, spikes, od green) and that Precision Rifle Solutions sells as the "Heavy Duty". If you're looking for a budget setup, I'd suggest a Slik D700 with a levelling base (instead of a ballhead, unless you plan on shooting at high angles) and a saddle or quick connector. I used to run a lighter Manfrotto 190XPROB and I found a very noticeable increase in stability when I switched to the Slik D700 which I currently run with a Sirui K40X ballhead and a Pig Saddle. I've used the more expensive, carbon tripods (RRS, PRST, Feisol) as well and don't find they provide enough extra stability to warrant the cost. They sure are nice to carry around though! The really high end ballheads and levelling bases are really nice but again, they are super expensive. Have a look at all the tripods and heads at B&H Photo, they ship to Canada no prob and have literally everything available on their site.
