Bayonet-lug bipod: thoughts?

[reidnez]

I'm almost done with my M4-gery build and I'm considering a bipod for occasional use, mostly to zero sights and optics.

http://www.combathunting.com/BIPODS-M16_AR15_Bayonet_Lug_Bipod_Quick_Mount_System.html

Does anyone have any experience with these? I realize for that price it's probably going to be pretty low-quality compared to a Harris or other name-brand. I'm attracted to the idea of using the bayonet lug because, well, I don't plan on using a bayonet and rail space is at a premium on carbines.

The other option I've found is getting a bayonet lug rail adapter, then a rail mount for a bipod, and the bipod itself. But this would run me around $200 and like I said, I don't use bipods much.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[shark92651]

I have a bipod on my rifle-length precision build, but that is attached to the free-float handguard and not transferring any pressure to the barrel. On a carbine, I would probably just shoot off a bag for the occasional use or zeroing.

[30Cal]

It mounts to the barrel, so I would expect accuracy to suffer for it.

[reidnez]

Thanks guys, both good points. I may just try to borrow some bags when I go the range or shoot prone. My next build (long-barrel varmint gun) will definitely have a quality bipod, though.

[shark92651]

Even a well-stuffed backpack makes a good support for your carbine when shooting prone or off a bench.

[wash]

I would use sand bags also.

This reminds me of an article in Shotgun News, they were testing an AR that had a free-float rail system and they added a sling mount that bolted on through the front sight.

That might not sound so bad except the whole reason why the free-float hand guards were developed was to remove sling tension from the barrel...

[reidnez]

I would use sand bags also.

This reminds me of an article in Shotgun News, they were testing an AR that had a free-float rail system and they added a sling mount that bolted on through the front sight.

That might not sound so bad except the whole reason why the free-float hand guards were developed was to remove sling tension from the barrel...

I'm not accuracy-obsessed with this 16" build to worry about such things. If it manages 2MOA or even a little worse, that will be just dandy. I'll build a precision AR next time...