Looking to buy my first bipod

[Curley Red]

I am building my first AR15 and was wondering if there is anything I need to know about bipods. I have never used one so I have no ideas if there are bad ones or if there is anything in particular I need to look for or stay away from. It will be for a 223 with a 20" barrel. Light weight would be a plus, but other than that I have no idea what to look for. Folding type also.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. It will have a YHM customized free float handguard if that makes any difference.

[brando]

Harris bipods are extremely popular - you'll need a rail mount for them. The TangoDown bipod is also popular though a bit more bulky, but it comes ready to mount. Atlas, GG&G and other bipods are out there as well - nothing particularly different about any of them other than differences in the moving/adjustment mechanisms.

[RugerNo1]

What positions do you plan on using the most?

I have two Harris-Ss. One that is 12-24'' for varminting from the sitting position and one is 6-9'' for exclusively prone shooting.


Edit: brando, your signature's evolution is cracking me up

[Curley Red]

I plan to shoot mostly in the prone position. In prone it seems like the 6-9 inch would be the correct choice, and for the bench I should be able to use the same with no issues I think.

I noticed some of the bipods have notched legs, it seems that might not be good if you are not shooting on level ground since it limits your true adjust ability. Or am I assuming wrong.

[RugerNo1]

I plan to shoot mostly in the prone position. In prone it seems like the 6-9 inch would be the correct choice, and for the bench I should be able to use the same with no issues I think.

You are correct there.

I noticed some of the bipods have notched legs, it seems that might not be good if you are not shooting on level ground since it limits your true adjust ability.

Notched legs stay where you put them and cannot work loose during use. My varminting bipod has the friction lock legs and my prone bipod has notched legs. I prefer the adjustments on the notched. The "adjust ability" range is a non-issue.

[DirtRacer151]

I plan to shoot mostly in the prone position. In prone it seems like the 6-9 inch would be the correct choice, and for the bench I should be able to use the same with no issues I think.

I noticed some of the bipods have notched legs, it seems that might not be good if you are not shooting on level ground since it limits your true adjust ability. Or am I assuming wrong.

Get a 6-9" swivel model w/ leg notches. I own 4 of them.

Just a side note- the 6-9 doesnt allow you to take shots at high angle very well. This is especially true for ARs that have pistol grips hanging down. I carry a 9-13 in my pack for situations that might require one. 6-9 is perfect for prone though. A tall bipod will also limit you for down angle shots as well requiring you to use a ton of bulky rear support.

[brokntrigr]

Go with the Grip-pod bipod. It's dual purpose VFG or bipod. I really don't use the VFG as a grip but more of a reference point as to where I place my hand. Make sure not to get the fake ones as they break easily. Good luck.

[Curley Red]

Thanks for the info, I plan to get the swivel Harris 6-9 with notched legs.

[RugerNo1]

A KMW Pod-loc is a good accessory to have for the S-Series as well. It helps lock the swivel mechanism so it will only swivel when you want it to.

[Mac7504]

subd: looking into bi-pod as well..

[BamBam-31]

A KMW Pod-loc is a good accessory to have for the S-Series as well. It helps lock the swivel mechanism so it will only swivel when you want it to.

Listen to this man.

[Curley Red]

Listen to this man.

I did, it is on my list of things to get.

[LBDamned]

Atlas BT10-LW17 (aka V8): http://www.accu-shot.com/catalog/pro...products_id=68

It's light-weight (one of lightest made), excellent quality, and super versatile (pan, tilt, cant, qd)...

Westernsport (forum vendor) has a bunch in stock (sometimes they are hard to find)... here's a link to current thread: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=525374

[icenix]

I am looking for a bipod too. I just need it for the bench and am thinking 6-9 inches would be fine. However, I don't want to spend a fortune. I also hate to spend a bunch of a bipod and then have to spend even more on something to mount it. I wish there was one around $50 that wasn't junk, was lightweight, not too bulky, and was ready to go.

[Bete Noire]

6-9" is adequate for most applications. You want a little tilt capability with tension knob that doesn't require a tool. You will want to be able to reach up and tighten if necessary. You want legs stabile enough to be able to put a little forward load onto the bipod without too much flex or wiggle. If you don't care about deployment speed then telescoping legs with screw tension is fine, otherwise Harris style that telescope with button press lock is faster. GG&G is also fast because you can snap both legs down with one hand motion. You really have to just go try a few different ones and see what you like. If you like to shoot in the rain be careful with GG&G, cuz their machine screws will rust.