Looking for a readily available bipod that would do the trick mostly for IPSC, maybe some 3gun depending on what division I play in. There are too many options out there on the market (Harris is an alphabet soup of models) so I wanted to check what you guys are running. It's a relative budget build but I don't wanna pay money for junk either. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Readily available "budget" bipod for IPSC
- Thread starter TRaTSeRiF
- Start date
IMO, Harris, no contest. Unless you're a real budget-minded individual, I don't think the knock-offs are worth considering. Unless you want to use something quite different, like the GripPod (not for me, but YMMV). Or go upscale to an Atlas. But the Harris is solid and popular for a reason.
There are really not that many options to consider when choosing a Harris model: Length, pivot, and adjustment style.
Length really depends on you and your shooting style. The short one is probably too short to be useful for field shooting for most people. It depends on how your typical COFs are set up, too.
Personally, I opt for the pivot models for general versatility, but there is a case to be made for the simpler and cheaper non-pivoting models if your COFs always feature level surfaces to rest on. If you get a pivot model, the extended "quick throw" pivot tension lever is a great addition (aftermarket only, I believe).
I have one each of the notched and smooth legs. Entirely personal preference here, I think. For action shooting, I would generally set the leg length at the start of the stage and leave it there, in which case the adjustment type doesn't matter much at all. Notched legs will make that task slightly more convenient.
There are really not that many options to consider when choosing a Harris model: Length, pivot, and adjustment style.
Length really depends on you and your shooting style. The short one is probably too short to be useful for field shooting for most people. It depends on how your typical COFs are set up, too.
Personally, I opt for the pivot models for general versatility, but there is a case to be made for the simpler and cheaper non-pivoting models if your COFs always feature level surfaces to rest on. If you get a pivot model, the extended "quick throw" pivot tension lever is a great addition (aftermarket only, I believe).
I have one each of the notched and smooth legs. Entirely personal preference here, I think. For action shooting, I would generally set the leg length at the start of the stage and leave it there, in which case the adjustment type doesn't matter much at all. Notched legs will make that task slightly more convenient.
The shorter the bipod, the less leverage on the feet, and the more rigid it is (good for accuracy). The short bipod (6-9") is designed for seated shooting from a bench. I've never found my 9-13s to be too long for prone field shooting, but your COFs might be designed such that the 6-9" is useful. It also depends on how "big" you are, and simply what height you find comfortable. For use on flat ground with little to no grass cover, a smaller statured person might find the 6-9" version to be perfect. If you're a bigger guy, the next size up (bigger than 9-13", whatever that is) might even be more comfortable / useful. For reference, I'm 5'10" and 175lbs.
Yes, I meant to say "swivel" when I said "pivot". Not strictly required, but I prefer them for reasons I described. If your surface is always flat or close to flat, you don't gain anything from it though.
I like my Champion just as much as my Harris. It may wear out sooner or possibly be more fragile but I have never noticed any problems while using it. I would reccomend one.
Caldwell is absolute junk though. What a waste of $50.
Caldwell is absolute junk though. What a waste of $50.
Thanks for the input once again.. I was originally gonna mount my bipod on the free float tube by drilling, threading and putting in a stud. However, that would cause problems if I wanna remove the bipod mid-stage.. Is there a way to mount a bipod with qd capability, without installing a rail and without breaking the bank? I don't like the idea of a rail on my free float handguard, if I can avoid it..
arcticcathonda
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
No, there is no way getting around using a QD rail mount bipod without using a piece of rail. They don't have to be large.
Thanks. I'll just mount a short rail section, then. I'll assume as far forward as reasonably possible?
arcticcathonda
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
Yup. Just make sure it doesn't interfere with your hand position for off hand shooting.
Thanks.. That was the main concern for me and why I was iffy on mounting a rail.. Finally got the chance to burn through a bit more ammo in a single "sitting" (still relatively new to the platform, barely in the 1500rd ballpark), so now I have a better idea where the hand needs to be and where the rail can be mounted.
Mid stage?! I personally wouldn't, in general, unless it's a long stage and you're SURE you're going to make up the time by being very slightly more maneuverable. I suppose there is a COF out there that makes this viable.
Between stages, of course, as appropriate, and if permitted.
You just gave me some food for thought.. Could save myself considerable time, uncertainty and hassle if I just run a regular stud and mount the bipod for COF's with longer prone shots and keep it off for the true run and gun stages. So far I haven't shot anything I couldn't have handled with just a dot but my next match will be in the 10-300m range and I have no idea how the stages are set up. All I know for sure is that it's a good year for rifles in Ontario and we are more than doubling our 5 year average. (Thanks CR, DH and EK for all your hard work)
arcticcathonda
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
Under 300 m, I personally would forgo the bipod all together, depending on target size of course! Only way to tell is to go shoot some 300m targets with your dot in the prone position. Shot a stage last year where shot placement was pretty important out to 300m (within 6 inches or so) and there were a lot of targets at distance and no running and gunning otherwise. For this, it made sense to run a bipod for the ease of follow up shots.
300 is as good as it gets in Bantario. With my level of experience, I'll take all the help that I can get 
Only have 2 IPSC practice sessions under my belt, at 45yd or shorter ranges, not counting some unrelated events like a CQB clinic and a black rifle shoot in QC. Hate being buried in an urban sprawl.
Only have 2 IPSC practice sessions under my belt, at 45yd or shorter ranges, not counting some unrelated events like a CQB clinic and a black rifle shoot in QC. Hate being buried in an urban sprawl.
