Folding bipods plus or minus for bench rest / hunt
I have recently purchased a Weatherby MK V in 7mm Rem Mag. I am looking to do some bench resting and hunting with it. I have glassed it with a Leupold Vari X II 6-18 x40mm. I am pondering puting on a quality folding and swiveling bipod. Any and all opinions would be appreciated.(i.e. are they more cumbersome than they are helpful, do you feel they just get in the way, are they not steady enough for bench resting, ect. I am looking at the type that attach directly to the sling lug and have extendable spring legs that fold forward.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
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I use a Harris when I shoot off the bench, and love using it. I have never used one hunting, but I can see where it would be useful. It does add some weight but I dont think it is in the way at all.
It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.0 -
I use a Harris "Wannabe" (Shooter's Ridge)on my Nef .223 and my A-Bolt .270 when I'm in the blind and on the bench.Really steadies things up and I have my blind set up w/a "bench" of sorts so that I can just leave the gun sittin' there already in place for the most part.I can also see that if I were to be out in the field,it would greatly enhance my accuracy in the prone position.I also have a cheapie on my SKS that clamps to the bbl.I've mounted it way out on the end so that the legs fold rearward.Being way out there,it REALLY helps steady it up!
Cumbersome?Yeah,I can see where it would be if a person did a lot of walkin' around,but I don't,so it's really a non-issue.
BW
IT'S WHAT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THEMSELVES THAT MAKES THEM AFRAID.0 -
they are not as steady as a real "mechanical front rest" but much better than off handed or a folded jacket/backpack etc. If you are shooting for 1moa, then yes they can acheive that, but for "bug hole" groups and actuall benchrest they will not work. You will want to look at a rear bag to use in conjunction from the bench or truck hood to complete the system at the rear.
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
Got Balistics?0 -
I agree with above but want to add 2 more points.
1. get a good bipod, not a cheepie.
2. This is personal preference but I am not a fan of the swivel bipods for "target" rifles.
John
I have 4 of the haris "L" and I love them. I started out with one in the same thought of switching from rifle to rifle but I just keep an eye out for them on sale, I have gotten them all for ~$50. I know they make ones that clamp to the bbl but that isnt a good idea if you want to keep you accuracy. If you have a free floating bbl the bipod on the bbl will make that worthless. It will greatly change your bbl harmonics too. I understand they are cheep and easy and work OK, but that dosent sound like what you want.0 -
A little different take on this is, I have had good use with a cheap clamp type that just attaches to the barrel, no mounting, just attach it to the barrel, its made to come off and on. It is a compromise, if I am walking or shooting digger squirrels from my truck I take it off, if I won't to go prone then I attach it. You will not win any matches with it, but with it I can nail a squirrel much further out using it. My 2 cents.
Alleno0 -
Thanks all, I am looking to do some game hunting with it and also just do some bench resting but not for comp. I have been looking at som (various names and models) around the 60-80 dollar range. They look to be of good quality (I think Harris) The one I have been looking closest at appears to be easy to disconnect from the sling lug and if I want to go and get sub MOA groups I would then switch to bags. I was also think if it detaches easy enough I could transfer it to other rifles as different critters come into season. 0 -
I have several Harris bipods and I use them for hunting. They do make the rifle a little more uncomfortable to carry, but IMO they are worth the hassle. If you want to do some bench rest shooting, get a good rest or set of bags.
Eric
All American Arms Company
www.galleryofguns.com
VIP Code: AAAC
Veteran Owned and Operated0 -
I have several of the Harris 6"-8" benchrest bipods, they allow me to hunker down better, I find them handy and stable ... if I'm sighthing a scope in or working up a load I also use a rear bag ... the L model is a little too tall for me at the bench but I do like it when shooting prone 
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Member Since 8/29/19990 -
I have used these bipods in the field and on the bench. They are the next best thing to having a bench in the field. They are not as steady as a mechanical rest though as the legs are spring loaded and will move ever so slightly...enough to spread a 1/4" group out to 3/4". I suggest bringing a pad to put under the attaching base...it will rub you the wrong way after a few miles.
When shooting groups from the bench you need to be very careful with these to make sure before pulling the trigger that you are in your natural point of aim with no unwanted tension. Which can be kind of tricky with these because you have to pick up the 'feet' to release tension. Once there though you can shoot very tight groups.
-Good luck
We have the second amendment so that all the rest are secure....UNK>0 -
The ones that attach to the swivel stud is the way to go, the ones that clamp directly to the barrel will throw your accuracy off a bit. The swivel (S) model is
better to get you leveled, and Sinclair has a neat little gadget that allows you to quickly level the rifle under uneven circumstances.
Gun control is hitting what your aiming at.0
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