Thanks Rick.
One of the dealers in Edmonton was having the problems with them. Now that I think about it, I am pretty sure I did look at the unit and it was probably the alloy one. Looks like CRS! eek The particular sample I recall looking at was very sloppy and bulky and as I result I didn't look at them to seriously. Coupled with the retailer dissatisfaction and the failures they claimed to have experienced it was a slam dunk decision. STAY WITH THE HARRIS.
In short, I was not impressed with what I saw and for my use and my customers, the Harris fits the bill well. It is hillarious to see such vastly different thoughts and experiences. I will look into them again. Perhaps at the next show we see you at you'll have some for sale or I'll pick up a few from my supplier.
The Harris bipod does have swivel contol, just not a very precise control, especially with rifles in the 10lb class and up. The panning feature is nice, however, I have found that I generally don't need to pan with the rifle and this extra feature tends to add more weight and sloppiness to the whole rig. The Harris has ample rotational flex or give to cover my panning needs. Heck maybe thats a torture test I shouldn't subject the unit tooo ....eek again...
You never did mention what Harris stated when you experienced your problem. I take it you don't want to revisit the experience or the "oh what a feeling"
As far as the front forend stud system, I suspect on a properly designed stock, the stock would be stiff enough to handle the additional torque generated from the larger torque arm of the Versapod front spindle. The further out the bipod the greater the degree of flex and more stress in the system. The Harris and Shooters both keep the stress / torque on the stock about the same as on a regular bench tripod and in most average shooter cases they offer enough stability (front to back stability). If your running mile long heavy barrels you might want your bipod to be further forward.
I often remove the front stud from my forend when shooting from a bench tripod. The rifle generally rests in the stud area as opposed to further towards the forend tip or past it.... eek (on the barrel). Using the Versapod system creates a new and slightly different different support system. Pretty minor, but it does and it can influence where the point of impact will be.
I agree the springs can be noisey when plucked or banged and yes if your having a bad day and are a bit wreckless you might even pinch (sensistive and intensively moisture ladden skin) one of your fingers which could in turn create havoc with the wife or with guests at the high society dinner party......... but the Harris at this time gets my vote for 99% of the uses out there.
Rick, I believe that you've had excellent results with the Versapod. I guess that supports that they must be geared for you big gun guys!
