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Replace my Harris bipod? Login/Join 
half-genius,
half-wit
posted
Need your advise, Gentlemen. I lost out last week end in a home match when my faithful old Harris bipod began slipping when I loaded it. All of a sudden my five-shot group became a slanting line of holes.....not good.

The leg clamps no longer clamp, but in mitigation, it is 39 years old......on my Krico 650S since new.

So I'm looking for a bipod that will give me a maximum of 8" height, one that clamps on some kind of stepped stop, rather than one that simply uses friction on the leg tube. I'm not averse to using something that goes on a short section of rail, either, bearing in mind the Harris located onto a sling stud with a fancy complex clamp.

Cost is a never-no-mind - I know these things cost these days.

Over to you.

And thanks in advance.
 
Posts: 11698 | Location: UK, OR, ONT | Registered: July 10, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
Picture of OttoSig
posted Hide Post
This is not from experience as I use a Harris bipod too. Or I should say I have one on a gun I have yet to shoot!

But from my times on the internet the best, I believe, is still Atlas.





Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
 
Posts: 7849 | Location: Wisconsin | Registered: August 10, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Fighting the good fight
Picture of RogueJSK
posted Hide Post
MDT is also worth a look.

Not Atlas level, but perhaps a step up from Harris and more modern/streamlined designs.
 
Posts: 35193 | Location: Northwest Arkansas | Registered: January 06, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
quarter MOA visionary
Picture of smschulz
posted Hide Post
Was a big Atlas fan and still have many but my new GOTO brand is Accu-Tac.
I have been gradually replacing all my Atlas with them.
Yes, a bit pricey but worth it, IMO.
 
Posts: 23884 | Location: Houston, TX | Registered: June 11, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
Atlas is a definite step up from Harris. Atlas is all I use now.

But there are other options available. It's worth seeing the options live, or better yet getting a chance to shoot rifle with different bipods.
 
Posts: 8427 | Location: Colorado | Registered: January 26, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
Hey ya , tac

Long time Atlas guy here.


____________
Pace
 
Posts: 1534 | Location: in the PA woods | Registered: March 11, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
Picture of myrottiety
posted Hide Post
Bought Harris first. Puked at the thought of buying a Atlas. Settled on a Magpul in the middle.

I thought it was a nice middle ground.




Train how you intend to Fight

Remember - Training is not sparring. Sparring is not fighting. Fighting is not combat.
 
Posts: 9126 | Location: Woodstock, GA | Registered: August 04, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Freethinker
Picture of sigfreund
posted Hide Post
The number and types of bipods have exploded in recent years, and I’m familiar with only three types so asking and checking reviews is a good idea these days.

If your Harris is slipping, I can only assume it’s one of the models without locking notches. I discovered early on after they were introduced that the notched leg models were better. After I learned about Atlas bipods, I decided to try one despite its price, and I stopped using my Harris bipods. It’s long been reported/claimed that Atlas is less susceptible to “bipod hop” than Harris models. I can’t attest to that, but the two Atlases I ended up with don’t seem to cause any weirdness in points of impact or groups.

I tried the various factory optional feet that are available for the Atlas to replace the standard rubber feet, and the only ones I still use are the spikes that are significantly longer than other spike types I’m familiar with, and then I use them only in snow. As something to be aware of, the Atlas type feet are commonly used in certain other brands, such as the MDT Ckye Pod. That means there are aftermarket feet that work in the Atlas bipods. I have Hawk Hill Custom spike feet in one of my Atlas bipods, and have the rubbery covers that can be placed over the spikes if desired.

There are advantages and disadvantages to spikes. I generally use them because I don’t like the bipod to slide around. On the other hand, some people want their bipods to slide freely. Metal spikes can of course damage some surfaces.

A few years ago I became aware of the MDT Ckye Pod bipod, and it’s what I use most often now. The single pull model that I have can be extended to raise significantly higher than the Atlas’ legs, and they even make (very expensive!) double- and triple-pull models. I also like that the MDT’s legs can be spread out to three different positions to help fine tune the height. Both the MDT and Atlas bipods’ legs can be folded forward at 45 degrees, and the Atlas’ legs can even be folded back at 45° degrees or even folded back completely for carry if desired.

The MDT Ckye Pod bipod’s legs can be extended by just pulling on the leg which can be an advantage; the Atlas requires pulling down the lock while extending the legs. I normally use Hawk Hill spike feet with my MDT bipod, but I have the covers for them if needed.

There are different types of heads for the Atlas; mine have lever type quick detach heads for use with Picatinny rail sections. The Ckye Pod originally came with a head for use with the Arca Swiss rail system, but later they designed a head that works with both the Arca and Picatinny systems.

If I could have only one of the bipods I own, I’d choose the MDT Ckye Pod because of its versatility, but I wouldn’t be too sad if I were limited to an Atlas.




6.0/94.0

“I can’t give you brains, but I can give you a diploma.”
— The Wizard of Oz
 
Posts: 49513 | Location: 10,150 Feet Above Sea Level in Commirado | Registered: April 04, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
semi-reformed sailor
Picture of MikeinNC
posted Hide Post
I’ve had a Caldwell (copy of the Harris) a Harris and a no name someone gave me. The feet turn freely and I wanted something that didn’t.

Few years ago I broke down and got the Atlas. I put a pic rail on several rifles and haven’t looked back. In fact the others are on a box with the holsters I don’t use. I even modified the Caldwell so the feet wouldn’t turn, but the Atlas is leaps and bounds above the rest.




“You may beat me, but you will never win.” sigmonkey-2020

“ in my opinion, anything that we can do to trigger a potential aneurysm in a leftist is a good thing and worth doing” nhtagmember 2025
 
Posts: 12307 | Location: Temple, Texas! | Registered: October 07, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Spread the Disease
Picture of flesheatingvirus
posted Hide Post
I have an Atlas and really like it. Accu-Tac look like they are tough enough to be used as a backup bludgeon, but they seem unnecessarily bulky and heavy.


________________________________________

-- Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. --
 
Posts: 18648 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: October 14, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
I usually respond to posts like this, what are you needing it for and your use case. However after a zillion exploratory buys of other things trying to find better price/performance...just get an atlas. Money yes, but parts to do everything you could possibly dream of and it simply works.


“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
 
Posts: 11825 | Registered: October 14, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
"Member"
Picture of cas
posted Hide Post
I bought an Accu-Tac a couple years ago. I always hated the Harris's I had and bipods in general. Figured I'd end up selling it here at a huge loss. Knowing I'd only use it off a bench, I bought a wide legged one. Paired with a rear bag it totally removed "wobble" out of the shooting equation, I was stunned. Better than the best sandbag setup I've ever used. One of those "should have bought this sooner items", due to my general dislike and bad experience with bipods, and the fact that I own a LOT of rifles, shotguns and pistols that cost less than this bipod. lol
 
Posts: 22149 | Location: 18th & Fairfax  | Registered: May 17, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
quarter MOA visionary
Picture of smschulz
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
I have an Atlas and really like it. Accu-Tac look like they are tough enough to be used as a backup bludgeon, but they seem unnecessarily bulky and heavy.


You need to actually handle one to appreciate it. Accu-Tac is neither heavier nor bulkier. However, if it were heavier or wouldn't hurt anything, especially for PRS.
 
Posts: 23884 | Location: Houston, TX | Registered: June 11, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Spread the Disease
Picture of flesheatingvirus
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by smschulz:

You need to actually handle one to appreciate it. Accu-Tac is neither heavier nor bulkier. However, if it were heavier or wouldn't hurt anything, especially for PRS.


I based the statement after looking at the posted weights of comparable models. Still, you're right; sometimes something just feels different.


________________________________________

-- Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. --
 
Posts: 18648 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: October 14, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
half-genius,
half-wit
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by sigfreund:
The number and types of bipods have exploded in recent years, and I’m familiar with only three types so asking and checking reviews is a good idea these days.

If your Harris is slipping, I can only assume it’s one of the models without locking notches. I discovered early on after they were introduced that the notched leg models were better. After I learned about Atlas bipods, I decided to try one despite its price, and I stopped using my Harris bipods. It’s long been reported/claimed that Atlas is less susceptible to “bipod hop” than Harris models. I can’t attest to that, but the two Atlases I ended up with don’t seem to cause any weirdness in points of impact or groups.

I tried the various factory optional feet that are available for the Atlas to replace the standard rubber feet, and the only ones I still use are the spikes that are significantly longer than other spike types I’m familiar with, and then I use them only in snow. As something to be aware of, the Atlas type feet are commonly used in certain other brands, such as the MDT Ckye Pod. That means there are aftermarket feet that work in the Atlas bipods. I have Hawk Hill Custom spike feet in one of my Atlas bipods, and have the rubbery covers that can be placed over the spikes if desired.

There are advantages and disadvantages to spikes. I generally use them because I don’t like the bipod to slide around. On the other hand, some people want their bipods to slide freely. Metal spikes can of course damage some surfaces.

A few years ago I became aware of the MDT Ckye Pod bipod, and it’s what I use most often now. The single pull model that I have can be extended to raise significantly higher than the Atlas’ legs, and they even make (very expensive!) double- and triple-pull models. I also like that the MDT’s legs can be spread out to three different positions to help fine tune the height. Both the MDT and Atlas bipods’ legs can be folded forward at 45 degrees, and the Atlas’ legs can even be folded back at 45° degrees or even folded back completely for carry if desired.

The MDT Ckye Pod bipod’s legs can be extended by just pulling on the leg which can be an advantage; the Atlas requires pulling down the lock while extending the legs. I normally use Hawk Hill spike feet with my MDT bipod, but I have the covers for them if needed.

There are different types of heads for the Atlas; mine have lever type quick detach heads for use with Picatinny rail sections. The Ckye Pod originally came with a head for use with the Arca Swiss rail system, but later they designed a head that works with both the Arca and Picatinny systems.

If I could have only one of the bipods I own, I’d choose the MDT Ckye Pod because of its versatility, but I wouldn’t be too sad if I were limited to an Atlas.


Great post - thank you!
 
Posts: 11698 | Location: UK, OR, ONT | Registered: July 10, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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