Gun Rest for Camera Tripod

I'm planning a trip out west and I'll naturally be bringing my camera and tripod. But also want to do some hunting for varmits and a I'd like a rest. I can't justify spending good money and tripod that only supports my gun and then having to carry both tripods. So I made this adaptor to use my camera tripod for my rifle.

And the best part is that it was less than $5 for two!

Material:
One 3" PVC coupling, use DWV since it cost a lot less than schedule 40 or 80.
1" pipe insulation tube, you only need about 4" for each rest.
A tripod with standard screw lug

What you need:

Glue, I like Super 77 since you can get even coverage and it drys fast
A hacksaw or jig saw
Drill or drill press (not shown)
#7 drill bit
1/4" 20 tap *
Scissors
Ruler or square (optional)

* If you don't have tap, you can use a 13/64" drill bit and carefully use the screw on the tripod, but it's much harder to do.

Lay the tubing next to the coupling and align the ends and draw a line on the tube at the edge of the coupling. Cut the tubing with the scissors evenly.

Lay the cut tubing inside the coupling and unroll it, keeping it flat and even against the inside of the coupling. Mark the coupling on each side at the edge of the tubing.

To get a consistent cut, use a straight edge to extend the marks along the coupling. I used and square to ensure it's not slanted.  Cut each line with a hacksaw or jig saw. If you use a jig saw, be sure to clamp the coupling securely in a vise. After cutting you will have two sections, one will be slightly narrower - that's the piece you're using.

There may ridge in the center. I recommend filing this of with a Dremel or hand files to remove. It doesn't have to be smooth at all, but the ridge could cause some issues when gluing or lead to a bump in the finished product. In the left of the picture is the original and right has a (roughly) ground interior.

Drill a hole in the center of coupling. Try get in the middle, but more importantly, it must be square and straight. A drill press will help. Ensure that the hole is clean then thread it with the tap and clean any shavings.

Apply the glue evenly to the interior of the coupling then insert the tubing, unrolled. Square up the tubing then secure it. You could use clamps or hold it in your hands, but I found that a 23 oz beer bottle is perfect and a great reward for job well done!

Bonus:
What to do while it drys? Well ,the beer bottle is in use so can't drink it yet. So, right now you can cut off the excess from the other piece of the coupling and then drill and tap it and prep another section of the tubing. You can give the second one to a friend or sell it for $5 and cover your cost!

Now your tripod is a multi-tasker!