Bipod for hunting

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Hi there, I have been looking to purchase a bipod to stick on my hunting rifle for the longer prone shots. I have never used one. Can anyone out there school me? What do you think of the Harris line? Are they a good value for your dollar?
 
Have been carrying one on my hunting rifles since the early 80's. Right now they are on my four 700's, two CZ455's, and there are still some spares.
Harris is the best IMO and they make numerous variations. Best to study their various features. The notched legs are best.
Even crossing a fence, the legs are snapped into position and set on solid ground.
Repairs? Life Time Warranty. Mailed to Kentucky and the return is on their dime.
Where do the copies go for repair? I don't know but if you send one to Harris it will be recycled!!!
 
Are you looking for a bipod that will be "fixed" to your rifle all the time or for a portable bi-pod/shooting sticks.

I have a "fixed" bipod on my dog-gun because I take that one out and generally only shoot from prone or sitting. The bipod adds weight plus "crap" sticking out/under the barrel so this is NOT IDEAL for crawling through brush or "walking in many miles" etc

I also have a portable bi-pod that is "not connected" to the rifle - I can keep the rifle slung and use the bi-pod as a walking stick or I can sling that on the other shoulder - it is set-up when you need it - not a permanent part of the rifle.

So their is advantages to both depending on how "You" will use the particular rifle you are putting it on. Only you can answer which will work best in the situation you plan on using it.

As to "best value" that is more tricky. Harris has a great reputation, well built etc etc but that comes at a cost.

Are you going to use your bipod a dozen times a year or a dozen, dozen times a year? If you are only using it "once in a while" you may never get the "value" out of a top of the line product - most are just "built better" they are not going make you shoot any more/less accurately (unless you buy total junk that won't even stay together).

So do you "need" a 150 buck bi-pod that will outlive your grand kids or do you only need a 75 buck one? Again, asking me what I use doesn't help with how you will use yours.

And personally, I don't "need" a Harris - for 65 bucks I have a Vanguard that does everything I have ever asked of it and it's still going strong after dozens of outings.
 
I've had good luck with Harris, but make sure the one you get allows the rifle to cant, since you're shooting from uneven ground, and not from a flat bench top. Usually there is a friction adjustment so the rifle can be canted, but isn't free to flop around. Choosing the correct leg length can be challenging. If you choose too long, you can't shoot from prone on flat ground, if you choose too short, you can't place the legs over the crown of a hill or a mound.

When it comes to using a bi-pod, when shooting from a hard surface like a rock or frozen ground, I prefer to put a soft material between the feet and the surface of the ground to prevent the rifle from shooting away from the hard surface; just as you would intervene your hand between the forend and a hard surface when holding the rifle in your hands. I tend to use my gloves, which I usually have with me, between the feet and the ground. On a soft granular surface like sand, gravel, or dirt, the legs are inclined to work their way down, which while increasing stability, will eventually interfere with your ability to aim. Increasing the surface area of the bi-pod feet, again I use my gloves, might be beneficial if you fire multiple shots from the same spot on soft ground. Rather than the common practice of placing your support hand under the butt of the rifle, which admittedly is a useful means of elevation adjustment while aiming, grasping a bi-pod leg, or placing your hand on top of the scope, might help prevent rifle bounce, which will increase your hit potential, and enable you to reacquire the target more quickly. You'll find your reticle will appear to be more solid on the target if you load the bi-pod legs with forward pressure, so once you assume prone, push forward slightly, until the rifle no longer pivots on the bi-pod. If you do this every time you shoot, you've built a bit more uniformity into your technique, and uniformity pays dividends on the target.
 
Thank you all for the input. I will have it on the rifle permanent. "Buy once, cry once" is a moto I live by. I will be getting a Harris down the road here.
 
pokes me in the back plus yotes are the only thing I shoot at far enough to sturdy myself beyond the ability to do so enough with my own will. Shooting sticks work for me.
 
I have had a harris for years, just got another in a trade. I suspect that the new addition will be in the same place as the first; in a rubbermaid bin. IMO, a useful item target shooting or at the range; not practical and unnecessary weight for a hunter, in 95%+ situations.

I have 2 I slap onto hunting rifles occasionally... Sand bags work best for that perfect zero. I find bipods less effective at aiding me while target shooting then sand bags. I usually shoot from a bench when doing target... Bipods are handy for prone shooting though !
 
I find the bipods too short use while sitting. Most of my hunting shots that use a rest are sitting or kneeling. Most of the time grass is too long to shoot prone while hunting in my area. I prefer shooting sticks. Make once, no tears. Varmint Al's website has instructions. Basically two 3/4" sticks with a bolt between them.
 
Buy once, cry once is new to me and I think it is a fitting motto. As I get older I realized buying crap means you get crap.
 
I find the bipods too short use while sitting. Most of my hunting shots that use a rest are sitting or kneeling. Most of the time grass is too long to shoot prone while hunting in my area. I prefer shooting sticks. Make once, no tears. Varmint Al's website has instructions. Basically two 3/4" sticks with a bolt between them.

Harris has 27" legs. My champion has 29" which is a little too tall for me while sitting.
 
i have had my harris going on 12 years now and still works as perfect as it did day one.
i tend not to use as much as i did(hunting wise),mostly use it for re zeroing in my rifles.

buy what you can afford but i would say buy a harris.
 
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