Bipods and Monopods VS Bagged Shooting

[onetwentyish]

In the context of not shooting on a square or rectangular range, I assume each has thier place. I know those playing f class use huge rifles, with lots of bagging or a bipod that closer resembles a pallet of iron skis, but I am talking about more of a practical set up that doesn't sacrifice mobility, or shooting positions, and is easy to setup and move.

Basically I am looking for something that would work best for bush shooting/impromptu ranges where the target and location from which you are shooting from is never the same.

The guys who can probably give me the best insight that come to mind are those that have had experience with a DMR type platform in the military.

I understand from my reading that being properly bagged like you see at the range is always your best option, but if thats not an option, do you throw your backpack under the front and use a small bag in the rear or do you use the Atlas Bipod and corresponding monopod?

Here is my Modern Hunter, the reason I ask is I am debating the idea of a monopod on the PRS. I like not having to carry bags, and tend to set my rifles up as if they were intended to be used "in the ####" even though they will never see anything more than an impromptu range and maybe a hunt.

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

For true precision shooting it is hard to beat good bags, but they suck when it comes to field shooting simply as they are so much more kit to hump around.
A GOOD bipod and a small rear bag seem to work the best for most. After that it is just personal preference. Out of all my rifles only 1 has a rear mono pod, or ground spike as the Europeans call them, it is a Swiss made rifle. I find my groups are smaller when I shoot from bipod and rear bag than with the monopod.
YMMV

 

[onetwentyish]

That is exactly the info I was looking for! Thanks Rick! I was planning on asking you thursday morning (I have decided thursday will be the day I come in for that Trigger Pin fix)

See you thursday morning!

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

That is exactly the info I was looking for! Thanks Rick! I was planning on asking you thursday morning (I have decided thursday will be the day I come in for that Trigger Pin fix)

See you thursday morning!

I can show you exactly what I mean.
See you then.
Cheers

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Hi, I've wondered the same thing myself, often. I have 3 atlas monopods of different lengths, and I really like them.

I was laughed at for asking about them when I first got into LR shooting, but now that I've developed more of an opinion of my own (not a terribly experienced one, but still, I've thought about things and tried a few) I still like them. I prefer to practice my shots in a "more practical" way - prone, bipod, maybe a small bag, or maybe a monopod. I find F-class things to be just short of having a robot squeeze the trigger for you. Don't get me wrong, I have tremendous respect for the precision and thinking and planning involved, but the actual act of the shooting doesn't turn me on a whole lot.

What I like about them is that you can dial in your elevation with them, and they really are steady. The biggest problem I find with them is that their usability is very dependent on A. Your bipod length. B. What you have your bipod set at C. If you're shooting from uneven ground D. if you're shootin uphill or downhill. Also, E, they're not cheap. A through D are cause due to lack of range of adjustability. This also makes if very tough to move them from one rifle to another, as each bipod/buttstock combo needs a different length.

Sometimes if one of options A through D are giving me grief, I just use the monopod as a hand hold, and it's still really good for that. For a good practical shooting day with paper, steel, or vermon, I love them.

Hope that helps somewhat.

-J.

Perhaps someone could come up with a monopod with more range of adjustability??? (psst, Rick, I'm talking to you).....

 

[ntm]

Good bipod (emphasis on that) and a small rear bag are what I have the best luck with.
With my lra bipod and a bag from prone, I find I'm just as accurate as a full bench rest setup. But I've shot prone a whole lot more than benched...
I'm less accurate with an atlas, just as a data point.
You will find with a gas gun that the biggest make or break point for accuracy is having a very consistent recoil path. They are more critical of weaknesses in position and technique. Whatever setup you decide on, make sure it is easily repeatable for you. If you need to rebuild your position after firing at all, you've lost.

 

[dero338]

Monopod in gravel pit realy S#@¥€%. Holding the stock with my hand is more stable. Light weight been bag is great and it follows in my hunting back pack

 

[kombayotch]

In field shooting, you nearly always have vegetation that is knee high or taller. The opportunity to shoot from the prone position is rare. You generally need to rest the rifle on something to clear the vegetation, and in the cases where you can use the bipod, you generally can't use a rear rest. In field shooting (DMR matches) front bags are often used. Small backpacks also work.

 

[onetwentyish]

This thread is turning into a gold mine and I am glad I started it. Good points on field shooting koombayoch.

I frequently take up position ontop of buildings, old combines, an old grain railcar, whatever is a handy vantage point for things like fox that are infiltrating our farm yard, so I am looking for something that would work in less natural more developed areas as well. I think the atlas and a smallish bag will work for most all my needs.

 

[kombayotch]

Just Google "Precision Rifle Series" and you will get lots of pics and videos showing you all kinds of set-ups in improvised positions. PRS is the pinnacle of practical long range shooting, and it is mostly shot from improvised positions. Good PRS shooters can hold MOA or better from a well built position.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Good point on the vegetation. That's why I bought my Harris 12-25" bipod.

Can be used prone (with a bit of a stretch), off a hood or railcar, or from a knee. Too tall for bench.

-J.

 

[onetwentyish]

Just Google "Precision Rifle Series" and you will get lots of pics and videos showing you all kinds of set-ups in improvised positions. PRS is the pinnacle of practical long range shooting, and it is mostly shot from improvised positions. Good PRS shooters can hold MOA or better from a well built position.

This looks cool. I am very interested in learniny more, thanks for the intro!

 

[Skullboy]

A small or medium sized bag can be attached to your sling or pack for carrying in the field.

I find a small or medium bag more versatile then a rear monopod.

I personally use an atlas Bipod with a small or Medium rear bag at matches and in the field.

 

[caramel]

Bags are the ultimate, my Nemesis configuration is very stable of the Versapod and the monopod, got some great shooting of this set up... JP.

 

[burnaby]

PRS looks like a blast. Time to get off the bipod, get a bag, and join some PRS shooting.

Just Google "Precision Rifle Series" and you will get lots of pics and videos showing you all kinds of set-ups in improvised positions. PRS is the pinnacle of practical long range shooting, and it is mostly shot from improvised positions. Good PRS shooters can hold MOA or better from a well built position.
...

 

[kombayotch]

2015 PRS Finale match is about to happen, after which the 2016 season will start with the GAP Grind. Half the PRS season will be over by the time matches start in the spring again here. So, there is lots of opportunity over the winter to go to the matches and learn some improvised field shooting before next summer rolls around. Lots of PRS activity in Washington state, right next to you BC guys.