Bipod for bench work

[Jayph]

I did a search and read some info from the past looking for new or updated feelings. I have used Harris in the past and own a few but am curious to try out the versapod. I know I could just buy one and try it out but my plan was to get the stud put in my A4 stock at the factory and if they are complete junk it would be a waste. It would be for a heavy rifle shot almost exclusevly off the bench. Opinions.

Other question, if I wanted to upgrade to the AI or PH down the road would they fit on the same stud I am getting installed for the versa pod?

Thanks.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Personally I don't like using a bipod for bench work. I find that I get better results usign a good forward rest (like one of the ones from Sinclair). The only rifle I shoot off the bench with a bipod is my 308 LE2B. I tshoots nice little groups but I bet it would group even better shot off my heavy front rest. I'll have to pull the bipod some time and give it a whirl to see if my theory holds water.

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

I did a search and read some info from the past looking for new or updated feelings. I have used Harris in the past and own a few but am curious to try out the versapod. I know I could just buy one and try it out but my plan was to get the stud put in my A4 stock at the factory and if they are complete junk it would be a waste. It would be for a heavy rifle shot almost exclusevly off the bench. Opinions.

Other question, if I wanted to upgrade to the AI or PH down the road would they fit on the same stud I am getting installed for the versa pod?

Thanks.

Rather than a bipod stud in the stock, a better method is to have McMillan instal a UIT rail in the foreend. They are flush with the stock and allow the use of any bipod that uses a swivel stud type attachment, AND the bonus is you can move the biopd fore or aft a fair bit or take it off totally in seconds.
I agree with BUM, groups shot off bags are normally far tighter than off bipods.
The problem with ANY bipod is that they have to skid during recoil, bags can be "dusted" to allow the foreend to slide back smoothly under recoil.

By the way, being a VersaPod distributor, if you buy 1 from me and don't like it, send it back for a refund, all you would be out is shipping.

 

[Boomer]

One of the most depressing experiences I can remember is getting my outrageously expensive PH bipod and putting it beside Pounder's Versa-Pod. Until you picked them up, both bipods are identical, the PH was heavier because I opted for the steel model.

My PH is mounted on a rail as described by ATR, and this is a much nicer system than mounting on a swivel stud. The swivel stud us usually too far forward to make use the hand-stop, but on the rail it becomes a useful accessory.

One often overlooked key to success is that the bipod feet need to be rested on a soft surface, otherwise it is no different that shooting your rifle with the fore-end rested on a hard surface, it will throw the shots. A mitt under each foot, or a soft mat large enough to span the width of the legs should work. If you are shooting in sand the recoil will cause the legs to sink rapidly, usually to one side, and your shot to shot uniformity is destroyed, so a mat is also useful in this situation. Admittedly I seldom shoot from the bench, preferring position shooting, but I find both my Harris and my PH too high for bench work. A proper bench rest or just a couple of sandbags is better.