Bipod Recommendations

[penguinofsleep]

I was wondering if anyone has bipods they could recommend with the following features. I just got a Harris for the first time and while it isn't bad, I find it to be lacking in a few departments.

Right now I typically shoot off of something like a lead sled or other rests while on a bench/firing line or shoot freehand, but would like to explore shooting from more positions, and I understand a bipod is needed.

Based on my limited experience, desired features listed in order of priority. Correct me if something is a blatantly bad idea.

- Adjustable cant with adjustable tensioning lever (ex KMW podloc for Harris). Adjustable lever built in is preferred, but aftermarket is fine.
(To clarify, I'm referring to cant as being able to tilt the rifle left and right for uneven terrain/scope, the same way something moves if it's blown over)
- Adjustable pan with adjustable tensioning lever.
(To clarify, by pan I mean being able to rotate the muzzle to the left or right without lifting the rifle up, the same way you can turn your head or a tank turret left/right)
- Lightweight - no specific weight, but lighter is better
- Picatinny rail mounting system preferred over sling studs, but either works
- Durability and robustness - still works, stays attached, won't rust or lock up, less stuff to break, etc well even under hard use/abuse or in a setting aside from a bench or prone at a firing line.
- Being able to load the legs and do so at different angles (ex 45 deg, 90 deg)
- Cost - I don't mind saving up if needed to get the above features, although I on my first purchase I got Harris over the others b/c it's cheaper and is tried and true.
- Different height models (so far every almost every manufacturer I've seen makes shorter and taller models)
- No preference for notched or un-notched legs, as long as the legs stay put during use. QD attach/detach don't matter either to me.

Also see post 4 below

[Vu 308]

Harris 6-9 notched legs, swivel or atlas.

[phdo]

Atlas BT46-LW17 for the win.

[penguinofsleep]

Also, based on my own limited experience and searching online, I am considering the following. Please correct if wrong or if you have other suggestions.

GG&G (xds2, not their original bipod) - Looks very appealing to me - does anyone have experience with these? Has adjustable cant and pan with tensioning adjustments for both, has most other features. Supposedly Bobro helped design this?
Bobro - Lots of good reviews, but can't find list of features or specs anywhere. Does anyone have these?
Atlas - No way to lock the adjustable cant or pan???? But lightweight and seems to be the 2nd most popular bipod after Harris.
Sierra 7 - No experience with these, looks very nice with all desired features, but very expensive and very heavy (3lb vs most others under 1lb)
Parker Hale - Good reviews, but can't find specs or features either - does anyone have these?

[JMP]

Penguin, what cartridge and how heavy a rifle are you shooting?

It sounds like an atlas will do. The problem I have with Atlas on the picatinny undermount though is that it does not sit far out enough on the stocks to give great stability. My favorite short action bipod setup is a forward spigot system with the BT10 Atlas. I replaced the bipod block on my chassis with one that sticks vary far out in front of the end of the stock. That really helps with the leverage and stability.

Then, for heavy rigs, the Atlas and Harris are kind of lacking in strength. If you want to get a solid base for a picatinny undermount, you want something that will sit a little wider as is more heavy duty. Take a look at the LRA bipods as they have a much wider base and are a lot stronger. Heck, you can all but sit on your rifle's barrel with those.

http://www.eurooptic.com/long-range-accuracy-light-tactical-bipod-short-legs.aspx

That one will be very stable on a picatinny undermount. The tension level locks up tight so it'll be steady when you set your cant. Of course, this provides for less mobility compared to others.

There's no good bipod that works for everything. If you need more stability for a big rig, you may need to get a custom bipod.

For this reason, most serious shooters carry a bunch of different bipods in their quivers.

[m850168]

Recently got an Atlas, I think it'll work for your needs.

The pan and cant can't be locked, but the force required to pan or cant is adjustable. The ball mount the Atlas uses can't really be locked, but makes for very smooth tilting, panning, and canting. The play involved in the design seems to make preloading the bipod work a little better and thus easier to reduce bipod hop.

The Harris has the advantage if you're in a rush, the legs on the Atlas are much slower to deploy.

[CK_32]

Atlas if you got the cash


Harris if you want quality.

[Thanatos2203]

I used to run a Harris and now I am an Atlas convert. The pan and tilt options along with the leg positions are just way more adaptable to different shooting positions and conditions. I am usually shooting out in uncontrolled environments and have been grateful to have all of its features.

As far as not locking the cant or pan, it even says right on the packaging that you can't test these features by hand if the bipod is not mounted because they are too stiff. And its true, believe me I tried. This is not a drawback to the design, to me it is preferable to realizing too late that you need these features and having to try and reach forward and turn a pod lock, potentially giving up the sight picture and rest position you just acquired. If you're hunting this could cost you the animal. Or, if you have the Harris and try to turn it while locked you could collapse one of the legs especially with a chunky rifle like mine.

The built in give in the Atlas is also beneficial to accuracy as it moves with the recoil instead of jumping. Otherwise you might as well be resting the rifle on a rock.

If you have the cash, I feel the Atlas is worth the investment. I was very skeptical at first but have been very impressed.

[TygerAR]

I own 2 Atlas' and the base model GG&G. I really like both. I will most likely pick up another Atlas and the heavy duty GG&G. Right now Primary Arms has a sale on the base model GG&G ($170 I think). The GG&G is lighter and easier to tilt. But the Atlas, can position the legs at 45 degrees. Both are big improvements over the Harris. But it comes down to price, both will do the job.

[penguinofsleep]

Penguin, what cartridge and how heavy a rifle are you shooting?

....

There's no good bipod that works for everything. If you need more stability for a big rig, you may need to get a custom bipod.

For this reason, most serious shooters carry a bunch of different bipods in their quivers.

Yes, I was expecting that different bipods would be better at different tasks. Good to see someone else confirming this.

Right now, I got the Harris for a 308 with a 24" barrel. Not sure on the exact weight of the rifle but it's a Savage with their Accustock and think but am not sure that the barrel is a straight taper from ~1.05" to about somewhere betwen ~85 and ~.75", no flutes.

However, in the future, I anticipate getting some heavier and lighter rifles that I'd like bipods on. Examples include a 10/22 with a tapered barrel (lighter) to medium sized rifles and cartridges 6-7mm (AR and bolt action) up to a 20+lb large bore rifle.

Recently got an Atlas, I think it'll work for your needs.

The pan and cant can't be locked, but the force required to pan or cant is adjustable.

How tight can you make the adjustments on the Atlas? Both are important to me b/c I have a hard time holding the rifle very still otherwise (I realize I also need to improve technique on my end, but it may just be the way I'm built). Most of the rifles that I want a bipod for would be for some type of target shooting or paper punching where small increases in accuracy would make a difference.

However, it looks like given the popularity of the Atlas, I should be able to sell it on the marketplace w/o a big loss if I'm unable to return it after trying it (indoors, etc... I wouldn't return a used product as new).

I own 2 Atlas' and the base model GG&G. I really like both. I will most likely pick up another Atlas and the heavy duty GG&G. Right now Primary Arms has a sale on the base model GG&G ($170 I think). The GG&G is lighter and easier to tilt. But the Atlas, can position the legs at 45 degrees. Both are big improvements over the Harris. But it comes down to price, both will do the job.

Is there a reason you want to heavy duty over the standard GG&G? Heavier rifle or is the base model lacking in some way? Btw according to the product page the GG&G XDS-2 has legs that can be set at 45 degrees but unfortunately it looks like Primary doesn't carry it.

[TygerAR]

Yes I saw that the XDS-2 can move to 45. Primary only has the standard.

Here is the link to the Primary arms.

https://www.primaryarms.com/GG_G_Standard_XDS_Swivel_Bipod_p/ggg-1125.htm

I'm using the standard GG&G on a 18 inch AR-15 6.8spc . It's a light weight rifle so that bipod fits the design. The standard will work for rifles up to 308. The Heavy duty will most likely go on a 338LM bolt rifle i'm finishing in the fall. The only thing I don't like about the Atlas (other than the price) is that the tilt is very stiff, which makes it hard for me to level the rifle for long range shooting. I like the 180 degree movement of the Atlas. It can be folded into the handguard instead of toward the muzzle. I like the extra foot options also. I own the spike and the claw.

One thing you should think about is that the Atlas legs have a collar adjustment, meaning that the legs can only be adjusted/retracted in 1 inch increment. It is much faster but you are tied to preset levels.

The GG&G legs can be finely adjusted, but it is slower and harder to get the legs even length. I had to use a ruler to measure then score/mark the legs so that the legs could be adjusted evenly in the field.

If you go with the Atlas or XDS-2, wait for the coupon from Midway or Brownells and save yourself $20-$30. I agree, the Atlas could be sold quickly with little loss.

[CNC_Apps_Guy]

This is what I have on my Savage 110BA.

http://www.gggaz.com/heavy-duty-xds-swivel-bipod.html

If I could change one thing on the design I'd use rubber on the footpads so when I shoot on the bench it wouldn't slide around quite as much. So for bench work I just use bags. On uneven terrain prone shooting, it's very nice having the adjustable cant and the swivel helps get in just the right position.

I highly recommend it. I have a Harris on my .30-06 and it's ok. If I had it to do over for that rifle, I'd get another GG&G without hesitation.

JM2CFWIW YMMV

[Thanatos2203]

If I could change one thing on the design I'd use rubber on the footpads so when I shoot on the bench it wouldn't slide around quite as much.
JM2CFWIW YMMV

This was one of the selling points for my about the Atlas, feet swap out easily so you can carry a couple sets depending on your shooting environment. Atlas has a variety to choose from.

[ToOTHroTT]

http://www.accu-tac.com/ love mine built great way adjustible and not bad for the price. I run one on my 300 win mag and the other i use on my ar platforms and a 308 bolt gun. Had the harris and these blow them in the weeds the harris now sits on a 22.

[glock_this]

I have the GG&G (and a Harris and a polymer CAA) and it is by far my favorite of the 3. Very stout, very solid feeling and great quality and craftsmanship. No real excess material like the CAA. No ugly visible springs like the Harris. My first choice by far.

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