Bipods?

[viscero]

I find myself in need of a bipod, the type that mounts to a swivel.  I was wondering what the difference is between the $130+ Harris models and the $15/20 overseas knock off's.  I've read that several people just go with the cheap ones and that they work great.  So I'm curious what the collective opinion is around here.

[Oh Shoot]

I find myself in need of a bipod, the type that mounts to a swivel.  I was wondering what the difference is between the $130+ Harris models and the $15/20 overseas knock off's.  I've read that several people just go with the cheap ones and that they work great.  So I'm curious what the collective opinion is around here.

 

I don't know about $15-20 dollar ones, but can tell you that I don't find any quality diff between my $45 "Blackhawk" currently sold at Wally's (or the "Winchester" one they previously sold) and my $70 Harris (1A2-L 9-13 Inch).

 

Matter of fact the Blackhawk has a quite handy lockable side to side leveling action the Harris lacks. The Harris has a larger hand tightening knob rather than Allen screw is the only feature I find more ergonomic than the cheap ones I have.

 

I've had three of the $40 "Winchesters" on rifles for 3-5 years now, and the "Blackhawk" on one for about 6 months,  and they've all been just fine. Some of the higher end Harris models have additional features folks may want I guess that aren't available in other lines.

 

- OS

Edited May 24, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[jcj]

The more expensive ones may be a bit lighter. . That said, I run the cheap ones and I've never had an issue or reason to consider upgrading to something more expensive.

[viscero]

Thanks guys!

[Oh Shoot]

Thanks guys!

 

Don't think our two opinions will be the only ones to appear -- watch this space. :)

 

- OS

[rugerla1]

I haven't personally owned many bipods. I have always heard excellent things about Harris though. I have a UTG bipod on my M&P15 and have no complaints for the $45 I spent on it. If I had a long range, tack driving, bolt action .308 for example, I'd probably spring the extra for a Harris.

[viscero]

Will be going on a Vepr 54r..

[TrickyNicky]

I went with a cheapo Winchester brand model on sale at Walmart. For my uses it works well enough that I would probably buy another if I needed it for a different rifle. It's not the most stable with its legs fully extended but it works well enough for accurate plinking.

[glock55]

I have a harris bipod with the s lock on my Remington 700 .308   its solid as a rock retracted or extended. I would recommend.   :2cents:

[smithra89]

I have a harris bipod with the s lock on my Remington 700 .308   its solid as a rock retracted or extended. I would recommend.   :2cents:

 

I also have harris. I have 2 at the moment (both on Remington 700s). Haven't had a problem out of either. Would definitely recommend.

 

I have no experience with Blackhawk or Winchester, but from what it sounds like they are just as good. I would probably just go with the cheapest, if the quality is there

[npgunner]

My dad and brother both have Harris bipods and seem to enjoy them. I've never used them personally ... just word of mouth from them.

[East_TN_Patriot]

Harris makes a good solid bipod for sure. I had one on a Savage and never had a complaint. I currently have a cheaper Caldwell bipod on on my Remington 700 and I would say it's not as solid as the Harris, but at half the price, it's a decent bipod. More than sufficient for my recreational shooting needs.

[Dennis1209]

I too have a pair of Winchester bi-pods I occasionally use on my AR and .22 rifles when bench rest plinking. For a $40.00 bi-pod I'm happy with them.

[Guest Wildogre]

I have a UTG one and it fits my needs but it is only on a 10/22 I have not used it on anything else. 

[orientalexpress]

I'd buy an atlas for a heavy caliber or a Harris for medium to mild calibers. I've seen several utg, Caldwell, etc break from "loading" the bipod.

[scoutfsu]

I'd buy an atlas for a heavy caliber or a Harris for medium to mild calibers. I've seen several utg, Caldwell, etc break from "loading" the bipod.

 

I wonder how many UTG, etc owners here load their bipod??

 

eta:  B/c I agree with you.  If you correctly and consitently load your bipod, you're going to snap those cheap bipods.

Edited May 26, 2013 by scoutfsu

[dats82]

I had a UTG on a 20" bullbarrelled AR that worked great.  I have never had an expensive one, but I had no complaint with the cheaper one. 

[Oh Shoot]

I wonder how many UTG, etc owners here load their bipod??

 

eta:  B/c I agree with you.  If you correctly and consitently load your bipod, you're going to snap those cheap bipods.

 

I assume you mean pressing forward against it, which I've done with the "Winchester" for years, and the "Blackhawk" for 6 months, no probs.

 

I do have a rail mount light weight UTG on one rifle and it's pretty much junk all around, but the ones above with the external spring design have done very nicely.

 

- OS

Edited May 26, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[whiterx]

I replaced my utg with a harris because I wanted to go top shelf on my rifle.  I dont think the difference is worth the extra $100. 

[scoutfsu]

I assume you mean pressing forward against it, which I've done with the "Winchester" for years, and the "Blackhawk" for 6 months, no probs.

 

I do have a rail mount light weight UTG on one rifle and it's pretty much junk all around, but the ones above with the external spring design have done very nicely.

 

- OS

Rather than fumble with words, here is a thread google found: http://www.snipercompany.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=4858

 

 

While nothing is indestructable (I broke a leg on my Harris on my 24), you pay for what you get.  I would consider a Harris as the minimum.  They are all over the used market at reasonable prices (yay GWOT!).

[Oh Shoot]

Rather than fumble with words, here is a thread google found: http://www.snipercompany.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=4858

 

Yeah, that's what I meant, forward tension on legs. You don't have to lay prone to do it, works on bench too.

 

- OS

[scoutfsu]

IMO, its just tougher to do it right on a bench.  Some guys use straps or cords to get a better handle on it when shooting in urban/asymmetrical positions.  Ideally, when you're set, the rifle isn't going anywhere.  I have a problem with the legs sliding off benches.

[TripleDigitRide]

IMO, its just tougher to do it right on a bench. Some guys use straps or cords to get a better handle on it when shooting in urban/asymmetrical positions. Ideally, when you're set, the rifle isn't going anywhere. I have a problem with the legs sliding off benches.

If you have trouble with the bipod jumping or sliding, try a piece of carpet or rubber mat. If shooting on the ground, the clawed bipod feet work well.

[Oh Shoot]

If you have trouble with the bipod jumping or sliding, try a piece of carpet or rubber mat.

 

The rubber feet on all mine hold pretty well against the rough concrete or carpet on most shooting stands. Where I shoot for a while now has some sort of Formica like stuff, and I tape them when I really want it as solid as possible, which is actually seldom as I don't generally chase precise groups.

 

- OS

[scoutfsu]

If you have trouble with the bipod jumping or sliding, try a piece of carpet or rubber mat. If shooting on the ground, the clawed bipod feet work well.

 

Honestly?  I'd rather just lay in the dirt.  I'm not a fan of benches.