I've never used a bipod before, but I'm thinking it will be easier than sandbags as I'm getting more into benchrest shooting.

I want one that attaches to the front sling swivel, and it easy to move from gun to gun. Will only be used from the benchrest, or maybe prone, so it doesn't need to be that long, but I see some extend so that might be interesting too. What is the height that's typical for benchrest shooting?

Seems to be a lot out there for a big range of prices and I'm just wondering if it pays to go for the high end ones.

Thanks,

Don

Only 2 names Harris or Atlas, will come down to personal preference. I dont do benchrest shooting but I do shoot from a bench 6-12in seems to work for me.

Harris. Look there. And I like the 6-9" for range use.

Atlas is well respected. But pricey.

I would start with Harris and see if you like it.

Atlas here.

Although I prefer the Atlas bipods for several reasons, none of the models I know of are designed to attach directly to a sling swivel stud without an adapter. The basic Harris models clamp to the stud very securely and are easy to move among different guns. There is some difference in how the Harris and Atlas types react to recoil, and people who are more knowledgeable than I say the Atlas is less prone to bipod hop. Other than (possibly) that, for casual bench use only and with no plans to move to other types of shooting in the future, I believe the Harris models are fine. Even for bench use, though, I strongly recommend notched legs and a head that permits side to side tilting (or “swiveling”).

I don’t make an effort to follow such things, but something I’ve noticed in recent years is that several other manufacturers make bipods that appear to be direct copies of Harris bipods; perhaps a patent expired? They may not offer the same range of models, though, and I know nothing about their quality. They are often cheaper, but “cheaper” may not refer only to price.

As a last comment, I have not found using bipods on a bench to be as accurate or to permit as much flexibility as using a rest designed for the purpose or even a good firm bag. Your experience may differ, of course, and it would be good to see other opinions.

I saw a video of a demo from SHOT show with a new bipod from Warne that looks very nice.

Should be around $200.

quote:

Originally posted by exx1976:
Atlas here.

Atlas, "Buy Once, Cry Once". You get what you pay for. No Compromises.

I use the Harris on my 5.56 rifles and Atlas on my .308s. The Atlas just feels more solid on the larger calibers. Both are great bipods and the Harris is quicker to deploy but if buying only one, it would be the Atlas.

To paraphrase Etta James- Atlas, my love has come along.

It's been polled here many times and the Atlas comes out ahead most of the time.
My fav for sure.

quote:

Originally posted by ubelongoutside:
I've never used a bipod before, but I'm thinking it will be easier than sandbags as I'm getting more into benchrest shooting.

I want one that attaches to the front sling swivel, and it easy to move from gun to gun. Will only be used from the benchrest, or maybe prone, so it doesn't need to be that long, but I see some extend so that might be interesting too. What is the height that's typical for benchrest shooting?

Seems to be a lot out there for a big range of prices and I'm just wondering if it pays to go for the high end ones.

Thanks,

Don

Well, if you're getting more into benchrest and you also want to shoot it from prone only, and you don't need to collapse it in a second to move around, you might want to look at bipods that are more for precision. Currently, the F-TR crowd is all about fancy bipods that are only useful from prone or on a bench. The more inexpensive ones are found at Sinclair International, and then they can get crazy expensive at $500 and up.

The Sinclair gen 3 has the benefit of attaching to a sling swivel stud. The other ones would require some type of adapter.

I'm currently using a Seb Joy Pod with a short Picatinny rail inserted in the Freeland/Anschutz rail on the fore end of my rifle.

The neat thing with these lunar lander type bipods is that they have a wide range of elevation adjustment and you don't want to load them but rather let them do their thing. It's a difference with the Harris-type bipod like the Atlas and others.

Atlas is better, but for the money, Harris is more than good and will work great. Check amazon, under 70 shipped.

quote:

Originally posted by ubelongoutside:
I've never used a bipod before, but I'm thinking it will be easier than sandbags as I'm getting more into benchrest shooting.

I want one that attaches to the front sling swivel, and it easy to move from gun to gun. Will only be used from the benchrest, or maybe prone, so it doesn't need to be that long, but I see some extend so that might be interesting too.

I started with Harris bipods, then transitioned to Atlas over time. Atlas has some free play in the legs, which with proper technique dramatically reduces the tendency for bipod hop.

I have one Harris left, which has been on my 22lr rifle for a number of months. The 22lr is my only rifle with a swivel stud attachment, as all the rest have picatinny rails for Atlas attachment. I recently bought a Weaver attachment which converts swivel studs to a short rail section. Today was my first time shooting the 22lr with an Atlas.

22lr rifles have minimal recoil, but it's still there, even if it's only 1-foot-pound or so. Shooting from slick frozen ground, I was getting a touch of bipod hop with the Harris. I experienced no bipod hop with the Atlas today, and I was able to keep my reticle on target more easily.

The Weaver attachment is probably a bit cheesy, but it worked for me. Atlas all the way for field use.

Bobro

if money is no object..... Elite Iron. I have one on my LMT (7.62x51). Rotates 360 around the barrel.

Elite Iron

quote:

Originally posted by beltfed21:
if money is no object..... Elite Iron. I have one on my LMT (7.62x51). Rotates 360 around the barrel.

Elite Iron

Oh, yes, I imagine that being very useful for all those times when I want to shoot my rifle upside-down.

I have no complaints with a GG&G bipod.

quote:

Originally posted by exx1976:

quote:

Originally posted by beltfed21:
if money is no object..... Elite Iron. I have one on my LMT (7.62x51). Rotates 360 around the barrel.
Elite Iron

Oh, yes, I imagine that being very useful for all those times when I want to shoot my rifle upside-down.

It should be great in the upcoming Precision Rifle Series' regional championship matches, where the tie breaker stations are rumored to be called "Stop, Drop, and Roll"....

quote:

Originally posted by fritz:

quote:

Originally posted by exx1976:

quote:

Originally posted by beltfed21:
if money is no object..... Elite Iron. I have one on my LMT (7.62x51). Rotates 360 around the barrel.
Elite Iron

Oh, yes, I imagine that being very useful for all those times when I want to shoot my rifle upside-down.

It should be great in the upcoming Precision Rifle Series' regional championship matches, where the tie breaker stations are rumored to be called "Stop, Drop, and Roll"....

I swear this sport is turning into more about running around and doing bullshit than it is shooting.

Maybe I should just take up F-class. LOL

quote:

Originally posted by exx1976:
I swear this sport is turning into more about running around and doing bullshit than it is shooting.

Maybe I should just take up F-class. LOL

F-Class? Then I gots da bipod for U --- the Tapco Vertical Grip Bipod. Only $34.99 at Cabela's, and you'll earn points on your Cabela's charge card. Guaran-dam-teed to hold a cricket rifle silly-putty solid.