Camera Mount for Picatinny Rail

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

How are people mounting cameras on their rifles? I think cameras take 1/4x20 thread machine bolts for their tripod mounts, I'm just looking for something that would allow a bolt like that to protrude so I could mount a camera on my handguard. I have a "gorilla grip' tripod that Imight me able to get to grip the foreend, just looking for something more durable?

Take a cheap VFG and drill it for a bolt and mount it at the 3 or 9 oclock?

Maybe I'll just duct tape it.

[perna]

I would just put a bolt through a QD sling mount, dont even have to drill a hole. That is if there is room for a bolt behind it, I dont own one but that was my plan.

[Byron]

One option:
Vortex Optics Picatinny Rail Tripod Adapter Mount (http://www.adorama.com/VORPTM.html)

[Alex V]

One option:
Vortex Optics Picatinny Rail Tripod Adapter Mount (http://www.adorama.com/VORPTM.html)

that looks sweet, but it looks like it would put the camera directly in your line of sight no?

this is kinda cool, but not sure its worth the price:
http://www.advancedtaccam.com/product.html

[Byron]

that looks sweet, but it looks like it would put the camera directly in your line of sight no?
If you mount it on the 12-o'clock rail then yes, but depending on how you run the gun, 3, 6, or 9 o'clock could be viable options. Or if you want to get really nutty with it, an angled/offset mount could be used in conjunction with it (like people use for their lights and secondary optics)

The same limitations would apply to the one you linked since the mount is basically just a scope ring.

I've used helmet cams before (or bullet cams, as some call them) and they usually come with a pretty wide assortment of mounts which could easily enough be adapted to fit on a gun. Alternatively, you could get a scope ring to fit them. I would go that route before buying the "advanced tac camera" as it looks to feature dated technology (no support for SDHC, for example).

[shooter521]

I've used helmet cams before (or bullet cams, as some call them) and they usually come with a pretty wide assortment of mounts which could easily enough be adapted to fit on a gun.

I've got a GoPro Hero head/helmet cam, and have found the "roll bar" mount to fit a variety of VFGs, optic tubes and barrels. It's not the most durable thing in the world (polycarbonate & aluminum construction), but it works. I'm having a machinist friend of mine fab up an adapter to go on a pic rail.

[MCASSgt New River]

This is probably the BEST deal you'll find. I have seen them sell for MUCH, MUCH more.

Oregon Scientific ATC3K Waterproof Action Cam is the next generation in the award-winning line of Action Cameras from Oregon Scientific, with a wider Field of View and 4GB SD card expandability!

The ATC3K is a self-contained, hands-free digital video cam delivering audio and full color digital video in 640 x 480 VGA at 30 frames per second – even underwater! The ATC3K weighs just half a pound, with batteries!

Snow, rain, or a dunk in a kayak? No worries – the ATC3K is waterproof to 10 feet! PC and MAC compatible, the ATC3K works seamlessly with most video editing software.

Comes with 32 MB onboard memory and is expandable up to 4GB with the built-in SD card slot. The ATC3K mounts easily on helmets, handlebars and other sports equipment with the included mounting hardware.

http://www.oregonscientificstore.com/oregon_scientific/product.asp?itmky=698253

Features:
- Full-function, hands-free, digital recording with sound
- Waterproof up to 10 feet and shock-resistant for extreme conditions
- Mounting grips and straps of different length are included
- Mounts easily on helmets, handlebars, and other sports equipment
- 640 x 480 VGA resolution at 30 frames per second
- Wider Field of View (FOV) - 48 degrees
- USB and RCA cables included for easy download and playback on PC or TV (NTSC)
- Works with Windows 2000/Windows XP/Windows Vista and Apple Mac X 10.3 and above.
- Onboard memory is 32MB
- Memory is expandable up to 4GB with the built-in SD card slot (SD Memory card is not included)
- Carrying pouch included
- Operates with 2 AA batteries (not included)
- 90 day manufacturer warranty

[markm]

Tag. I've got a goofy setup. But I won't know until my next shoot if it's workable.

[apexcncshop]

We made a neat set up for the Noveske 3 Gun team. The camera had a throw lever bolted to it then, it just mounts to any rail section anywhere on any of the three guns. Not the cheap fix, but fast and secure.


www.apexcncmachine.com

[nickdrak]

interested

[markm]

This isn't rail mounted. But I tried it yesterday and it worked. You have to lock the bolt back before you mount the camera since you lose the charging handle function. And your head position is messed up, but it works good for capturing shooting video.

Once I upload the video, I'll post a link to it and put it in the BCM middy T&E thread.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/trixiebud/CIMG3511.jpg?t=1279464916

[Frens]

I'm going to use an old acog mount and having an adapter made out of aluminum so I can mount to the left side rail of the handguards

interesting mark, I wonder if the recoil could cause any damage to these standard cameras since I have one similar to yours

[markm]

You have to use a BCM middy for smooooooothness! ;)

I shot some video yesterday with no problems. The mount isn't rock solid, so it absorbs some of the recoil.

[markm]

Here's how it worked out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDRF2sFYcTg

[B52U]

Nice video, but dang there is some hard breathing going on in it. Did you run a mile during the drill? J/k. :p

[markm]

Nice video, but dang there is some hard breathing going on in it. Did you run a mile during the drill? J/k. :p

The camera is right by my head.... AND it was 110 degrees with pretty good humidity as we're in monsoon season... extreme heat warnings all weekend long. Combine that with running in the soft, white sand and yuck... I was hating it.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

Markm- are you just guestimating aim with that? That sand looked like a real bitch to walk in.

[B52U]

The camera is right by my head.... AND it was 110 degrees with pretty good humidity as we're in monsoon season... extreme heat warnings all weekend long. Combine that with running in the soft, white sand and yuck... I was hating it.

Sounds like perfect weather for some range time. Just like they say, any day at the range is a good day.

[markm]

Markm- are you just guestimating aim with that? That sand looked like a real bitch to walk in.

Nope The camera is just off to the side of the sights. I have to hold my head way back on the stock, but I can get a sight picture. Here's a pic from the back of the weapon.....

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/trixiebud/CIMG3512.jpg?t=1279510517

[usmcvet]

I love it. I have the same camera and a Joby Gorillia mini tripod. I am going to have to try it out.

[markm]

I love it. I have the same camera and a Joby Gorillia mini tripod. I am going to have to try it out.

It's not fun to shoot that setup. But you will capture video.

If the camera had another tripod mount on the side, it would open more AR mounting options. But I doubt that the had any Tactical types on the design team. :D

[usmcvet]

The gorillia pod mount will twist and bend to all kinds of crazy angles.

[markm]

Yep. I found 3 ways of getting it onto an AR. The way I settled on in the pic was the most stabile for the camera.

I'd like to set it up facing the shooter to get some cool brass flying video.

[w.kyser]

[QUOTE=markm;709782]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/trixiebud/CIMG3512.jpg?t=1279510517[/QUOTE

I know I'm probably gonna catch hell for asking but if you shoot right handed, did you try rotating the camera to the left side of the weapon. I can see how it would mess with your cheek wield as is but if it was on the other side. Not sure because I've never had a chance to shoot an ar before. Mostly pistols and a lever action.

[Steve S.]

I know I'm probably gonna catch hell for asking but if you shoot right handed, did you try rotating the camera to the left side of the weapon. I can see how it would mess with your cheek wield as is but if it was on the other side. Not sure because I've never had a chance to shoot an ar before. Mostly pistols and a lever action.

If you are right handed and have the stock in your right shoulder, shooting with your right eye, then your left eye (which you should try and keep open) has a wide field of view. Since the right eye is tied up working the sights, your left eye is good for situational awareness.

If you put the camera to the left, you just cluttered up your left eye. Since Mark put it to the right, it doesn't interfere with much since the right eye is busy working the iron sights.

Awesome setup by the way, Mark. I might have to try and rig something similiar before any future classes. The video you posted was much nicer than I had imagined just looking at the pictures. Very impressive.

I apologize if you answered this already, but what kind of camera is that? Is the mount a certain style made for the camera? Were the velcro straps enough to keep it retained to the RE or did you insert anything between the straps and the RE?

I don't know a whole lot or have much experience with video cameras... save a few interesting "dinner and a movie" nights with the wife...... By "dinner" I mean sex and by "movie" I mean I filmed it :D

[jetspeed8]

I don't want to get off track here, but instead of the big bulky camera, has anyone thought about this setup? Just my 2 cents. What do you think??

You take one of these: as recommended by Byron in post #3.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y303/jetspeed8/VORPTM.jpg

Add one of these Key FOB Cameras:
http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y303/jetspeed8/a20791a1261741fec1dc16_m.jpg

Take the key and ring off of the FOB. Put velcro on the mount surface and the FOB base. Attach to your rail system, and now you have a low profile video camera that will take up to 90 minutes of video. It plays back through your computer via USB cable.

There are other versions of the Key FOB Camera that have an Mini SD Card in them.... Pull out the card, insert in computer, and view..

Neat, small, compact and will stay secure with the velcro.


Device Specifications:
- Color CMOS sensor
- Auto White Balance Adjustment
- Focus Range: 150mm ~ Infinity
- Flash Memory: Built in 4GB

Digital Still Camera Specifications:
- Format: JPEG
- Image Resolution: 1280x960 (1.2MP)

Digital Video Recorder Specifications:
- Format: AVI
- Capture Resolution: 640x480
- Maximum Recording Time: 60-90 minutes

- Power Source: Internal Rechargeable 280 mAh Battery
- Dimensions (mm): 50 x 32 x 13

[Strikemark]

As a matter of fact, there are numerous options for mounting cameras to picatinny rails that don't require duct tape and drilling holes into stocks! Strikemark manufactures a number of different options for different camera systems, such as the GoPro and Contour cameras. We also make a universal mount for any digital camera with the standard 1/4 x 20 thread.

http://strikemark.com/media/product_img/Universal_Weapon_Small.png
http://strikemark.com/media/product_img/Black_Contour_1small.png
http://strikemark.com/media/product_img/GoPro_Gun_Mount_Strikemark_Cantilever_1.jpg
http://strikemark.com/media/photologue/photos/cache/Cantilever_display.jpg

[tonyxcom]

Not kosher to dig up 2 year old thread to pimp your products.