Shooting Bags vs Bipods
- Thread starter Kru81
- Start date
Bipods allow some flexibility for height adjustment that bags may be more difficult to achieve.
Bipods like the harris need consisent preload to become proficient. That comes with lots of practice.
Personally I have always had an easier time using bags front and rear, but that is just plain practice.
If it twer me starting out I'd try the bags first as you can always move up to other options (ie better solid bipod constructions) and you'll find them useful anyway for all shooting purposes. If I were trying to find the optimal set up and had lots of cash...then I would find a fixed bipod within my budget and a good rear bag suited to the stock I will be using for the sport (ie F Class, F-TR vs varmint styles have different stock formations)
See what the target shooters are using in the line up, that will tell you a greater tale you may want to heed.
Bipods like the harris need consisent preload to become proficient. That comes with lots of practice.
Personally I have always had an easier time using bags front and rear, but that is just plain practice.
If it twer me starting out I'd try the bags first as you can always move up to other options (ie better solid bipod constructions) and you'll find them useful anyway for all shooting purposes. If I were trying to find the optimal set up and had lots of cash...then I would find a fixed bipod within my budget and a good rear bag suited to the stock I will be using for the sport (ie F Class, F-TR vs varmint styles have different stock formations)
See what the target shooters are using in the line up, that will tell you a greater tale you may want to heed.
If you've got the money there are a few very stable F-T/R style bipods out there. With practice you can get good accuracy out of a Harris-style bipod but it will add an element of inconsistency as it moves upon recoil and as you load it prior to taking a shot.
I prefer a pod up front and a bag at the back. I was using a knock off Harris but switched to the Mpod. It's so solid, it feels like I'm cheating. 
When you're at the range take 5 minutes to ask around, see who's using what and ask if you can try it. I know I wouldn't have a problem with it.
When you're at the range take 5 minutes to ask around, see who's using what and ask if you can try it. I know I wouldn't have a problem with it.
I prefer a pod up front and a bag at the back. I was using a knock off Harris but switched to the Mpod. It's so solid, it feels like I'm cheating.
When you're at the range take 5 minutes to ask around, see who's using what and ask if you can try it. I know I wouldn't have a problem with it.
Agreed, +1 for the MPOD, it's really nothing like a bipod, more like an anchor
I have used a Bipod and my pack/rucksack both with a rear bag............doesn't really make difference to me for the type of shooting I do............I usually have my pack with me, so if I need to shed some weight off the rifle I can ditch the bipod and just shoot off the pack...........
+1 bi-pod
I like to do what I call "Practical Shooting". That is, learn to shoot accurately with out special equipment.
Imagine if you were in an actual combat/survival situation, you would not be hauling sandbags with you, but a bi-pod you can add to your gun and carry it with you, and at anytime, you can just drop down and make some shots.
Also, I like the Bi-pod cause the feet will dig into the ground and I can leverage my weight against it. I can lean my shoulder into the gun to control the recoil and muzzle jump, while loosening my hand grip for better trigger control.
You can't leverage a sandbag, so I have to hold the gun tighter.
When I use sandbags I like a gun with a sling, so I can grab hold of the sling by the butt with my left hand and pull the gun into my shoulder while pulling the sling rearward to pull the muzzle end down against the sandbag.
I find, for me anyway, unless you can find a consistent way to control your muzzle jump then it can be more difficult to shoot accurately. The bi-pod makes that easier cause of the leverage.
I like to do what I call "Practical Shooting". That is, learn to shoot accurately with out special equipment.
Imagine if you were in an actual combat/survival situation, you would not be hauling sandbags with you, but a bi-pod you can add to your gun and carry it with you, and at anytime, you can just drop down and make some shots.
Also, I like the Bi-pod cause the feet will dig into the ground and I can leverage my weight against it. I can lean my shoulder into the gun to control the recoil and muzzle jump, while loosening my hand grip for better trigger control.
You can't leverage a sandbag, so I have to hold the gun tighter.
When I use sandbags I like a gun with a sling, so I can grab hold of the sling by the butt with my left hand and pull the gun into my shoulder while pulling the sling rearward to pull the muzzle end down against the sandbag.
I find, for me anyway, unless you can find a consistent way to control your muzzle jump then it can be more difficult to shoot accurately. The bi-pod makes that easier cause of the leverage.
What caliber ?
Oh, that's a tall pod man, I can't imagine what shooting position I'd use with that.
I think it might be too tall to leverage too.
You should try a shorter pod.
I got an 8" and it works perfect for my technique. You go prone and just lean into it.
Oh, that's a tall pod man, I can't imagine what shooting position I'd use with that.
I think it might be too tall to leverage too.
You should try a shorter pod.
I got an 8" and it works perfect for my technique. You go prone and just lean into it.
- Location
- lower mainland BC
My wife made some bean bags for me. They are filled with playground gravel. I have a dozen or so. Cheap ( almost free), plus they're camo. They're great.
.30-06. I bought it for hunting but I take it to the range too. The 23" is great for a seated shot on the ground just sitting on a hot seat. Because it is so tall it will bounce on the shot so you need to reposition between shots.
I went to the range today and tried a table rest in the front and bean bags in the back and it was really solid. I will probably end up with a 6"-9" bipod and keep the bean bags for the rear for bench shooting.
I went to the range today and tried a table rest in the front and bean bags in the back and it was really solid. I will probably end up with a 6"-9" bipod and keep the bean bags for the rear for bench shooting.
