Does a Bipod Affect Point of Impact?

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Coolhand_Luke

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The reason Im asking this is that I am currently using an abandoned rock quarry as my shooting range. There are obviously no shooting benches etc, and I have been struggling to find an easy way to get a solid and consistent system for load testing. I was thinking that one of those bipods that mount to the front sling swivel would work pretty good. Then I could remove it for hunting etc. My only concern would be whether it would affect the point of impact (assuming a free floating barrel)? Or if anybody has any ideas on developing a solid shooting system for load testing, please share them with me :)


Luke

p.s. I have considered building/buying a shooting bench, but it is impractical for me to store as Im currently living in an apartment.
 
Coolhand_Luke said:
My only concern would be whether it would affect the point of impact (assuming a free floating barrel)? .
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Just promise us you won't start a rock shooting thread :p

Seriously though, shouldn't be a big issue, especially if you're consistent in how you use the bipod. Free floated is a good thing, far lessens any already minimal effect. In fact I would go so far as to say that the benefits of the bipod are far going to outweigh any negatives in your case. Resting a bbl on something hard like a fence post is a no-no, but check out your good old Canuck marksmen who set at least one world record for distance sniping BG's over in the sandbox... those guys use pods all the time. Beats the heck outta carrying a concrete bench around. :D
I have a very good article on this somewhere I will try to find for you.
 
Yes! A bipod may effect P.O.I. Actually a sand bag rest on a bench may affect POI as well. How much? It seems to vary with individaul guns and bedding/floating/ barrel weights etc. A bench rest or bipod are great tools for developing loads. Once you have your load developed, check with a bipod and and bench rest and sitting, prone, over pack, off hand etc. etc. and see what the difference is. Set your sights according to your most anticipated shooting/hunting position, but know and note the differnce.
 
Harris bipods provide very stable support from a bench or in the prone position. Use one in prone "F" Class shooting from 300 m to 800 m.

Also use it for load testing with no problem.

After developing loads and zeroing your scope using the bipod I recommend that you do some shooting using typical hunting shooting positions - standing, kneeling, sitting to check possible change in point of impact from your test shooting using the bipod. I expect that there will be some change, but not likely a great amount.

A bipod is likely just what you need. I recommend Harris.
 
bluebell said:
I recommend Harris.
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+1... there are cheaper ones out there, but Harris are very good for the money. I forgot to mention earlier... Get the CANT option... or you will be :mad: later. I prefer the newer 'notched' leg version (can't remember the name of this option)... "BR" (bench rest) height with "S" option (swivel/cant).
 
After I choose my load, I always shoot a longer ranges from the prone and with a bipod. I have two differnet bipod lengths depending on the terain. Recently I have been using the longer one because it is hard to even clear prairie grass with the shorter one. For moderate ranges, I shoot from the best position I can get in and with or without the bipod usually does not make much difference. At longer range I will usually not take the shot unless I can prone out and get my bipod down.
 
It absolutely can, especially with a lightweight sporter that relies on some contact with the stock. If you're planning to use the rifle with a bipod in the field, I'd recommend you do all your testing and load development, and final sighting-in, with the bipod attached.
 
Ok, thanks for all the information. The rifles I have in mind are both free floating, i can pass a $5 bill right thru to the reciever. I am thinking that this should minimize any effects of a bipod. But ultimately I will have to do some shooting to double check POI that shouldnt be TOO much of a hardship :D . If this works I would envision this working out like this. I would hook up the bipod to establish a baseline for my load or loads. And before hunting season shoot again with out the bipod in field positions just for practise. So on to the next question. I have heard Harris mentioned, does anybody have any other recommendations for a bipod??? I am not looking to spend alot of $$$ as this sort of a stop gap measure until I can work out a better system. What should I expect to spend for a decent bipod?

Luke

Edit: In regards to that whole rock shooting thread, Im not going there :) suffice it to say that with the +100' walls in 3 directions I couldnt imagine a safer place to shoot. Plus its big enough that if I back up all the way i can probably get 275 maybe 300 yards.
 
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Coolhand_Luke said:
The rifles I have in mind are both free floating, i can pass a $5 bill right thru to the reciever. I am thinking that this should minimize any effects of a bipod.
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My guns are better!! I can pass a $20 between the stock and bbl!!!



Never tried a $100 :D
 
The bi-pod itself will not affect your accuracy dramatically but it will most likely change your POI if you have been shooting from a Bench and Bags. If you are going to be hunting with a bi-pod it is a good idea to practice shooting with one.
 
I find the use of bipod increases the chances for at hit when shooting game at longer ranges.

The largest selection of bipods, tripods and monopods can be found at www.cabelas.com

I often use a cheap barrel clip on, "Ram Line", bipod at the shooting range, which are also very light and easy to carry in you day pack while hunting.

When you buy a more expensive bipod, make certain that it is a pivoting kind that do'es not need any ajustment of the legs, when shooting from uneven ground or platform :)
 
The biggest problem I see when using a bi-pod is that the surface you shoot from might not be consistent unless you shoot from the same firing point each time. In my case, the ground surface might be gravel, tundra, sand, snow, ice, or rock. If the bi-pod is rested on a hard surface, your shot will go wide, just as it would if your fore-end was rested on a hard surface. I mitigate this problem by putting my mitts or some other "soft" material between the hard ground and the bi-pod's feet. I have even found this helpful when shooting on soft sand to prevent the bi-pod feet from digging themselves down as the rifle recoils.

Will the rifle print differently if you shoot from the bi-pod? In my experience it will not, provided the rifle is fired from a similar surface. Some claim that a rifle will print differently when the bi-pod is removed from the rifle. That has not been my experience, and I do not see why it would if the barrel is free floating. If there is a pressure point in the barrel channel, I suppose it is possible, and I will defer to those who claim so. Either way, when you shoot you will quickly see if "your" POI is effected by removing the bi-pod from "your" rifle.
 
Coolhand_Luke said:
So on to the next question. I have heard Harris mentioned, does anybody have any other recommendations for a bipod???

Nope, Harris is the bench mark for quality and ease of use. Its the best available in Canada. There are Harris knock offs, but you get what you pay for and they are really not that much cheaper. Others seem to have a weird attachment system, not simple like Harris. I would be willing to try others if I thought they were better or cheaper for the same quality. They're not. Buy good equipment, it will last forever. Did I mention Harris:D
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I have used Harris Bipods for a number of years. At a benchrest shoot with a .22-250 at 300 yds, had a .5421 MOA for 5 - 5 shot groups. I develop loads, sight in, and hunt with the bipod. with everything from .22 lr to .338 Win. It is still the best investment for $$$, weight and convenience.
 
Yes the can but how much can only found by experimenting.

This last year I made myself a portable shooting bench, for those times you want to shoot long distance gophers (or the grass is long). it is dead ass simple, I cut the top out of 3/4 mdf, the shape was the classic school desk shape but I cut it out of a 2.5' x 3' board. the legs are just standard ikea table legs the one that screw into a plate attached to the table top.

A buddy got one of those varmint shooting rests and it is sweet for shooting groups. I take my shooting bench everywhere no more lying in the dirt shooting groups.

if you do get a short bi-pod remember to add a rear bag as well, it will firm things up even more.
 
Covey Ridge said:
Coolhand_Luke said:
So on to the next question. I have heard Harris mentioned, does anybody have any other recommendations for a bipod???

Nope, Harris is the bench mark for quality and ease of use. Its the best available in Canada. There are Harris knock offs, but you get what you pay for and they are really not that much cheaper. Others seem to have a weird attachment system, not simple like Harris. I would be willing to try others if I thought they were better or cheaper for the same quality. They're not. Buy good equipment, it will last forever. Did I mention Harris:D
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Frankly I wouldn't trade my Parker Hale for a Harris. I have one of each, and the Harris is fine for use on a hunting rifle, but if you want rock steady support for a heavy target rifle, and a tough durable bi-pod, the mil-spec Parker Hale is the answer. The PH is outragously expensive, and when laid side by side with a Versa Pod you can't tell them apart - until you pick them up, that is. Then there is no question.
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you know if you have a pick-up and some carpentry experience you should just build a small bench
 
Boomer said:
Covey Ridge said:
Frankly I wouldn't trade my Parker Hale for a Harris. I have one of each, and the Harris is fine for use on a hunting rifle, but if you want rock steady support for a heavy target rifle, and a tough durable bi-pod, the mil-spec Parker Hale is the answer. The PH is outragously expensive, and when laid side by side with a Versa Pod you can't tell them apart - until you pick them up, that is. Then there is no question.
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Boomer you are right, if you want "rock steady support for a heavy target rifle" and you are will to pay the outragous expense, you can buy a target or tactical pod, but if you are "not looking to spend alot of $$$ as this sort of a stop gap measure" the Harris is the best bang for the buck in equipment that mere mortals can afford.

Frankly I wouldn't trade a Ljutic Mono gun or a Perazzi MX-8 for an 870 Rem either, but I would have no problem recommending the 870 as a good bang for the buck for a hunter!
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