Harris vs Caldwell bipod products - opinions/observations?

The Harris is sturdier. Has a little more weight to it. The swivel lock locks a little better to imo. The Caldwell is cheaper...never had a problem on a .308. I probably wouldn’t use it for a magnum though, I like to load the bipod, I don’t know if I trust the legs if extended out all the way for whatever reason.

Looks are where most similarities end between the two. Agreed, Harris is far superior.

Honestly if your looking at a "cheap" option for a bipod I'd looks at some of the knockoffs available on eBay or Amazon before spending double on the same thing from caldwell, BUT like the other guys said, the Harris will still be better quality.

Harris, Harris, Harris!! I had a Caldwell or champion sitting model and when closed it was perfect for prone. I laid down to shoot a woodchuck and pressed against the bipod to steady it and the base snapped and the rifle which was off safe and my finger almost in the trigger slammed to the ground! The black plate that rests on the stock was still connected to the swivel studs and the bipod was detached. Upon examination the 4 small screws pulled right through the holes detaching the two pieces.

Harris. I have literally seen a friend's Caldwell version break in half during light use from prone at the range (shooting a .30-06)... this was not a case of a bolt or rivet coming loose, but the actual metal fracturing due to being brittle or just poorly made. It broke the leg in half more as if it was made of glass than metal. They may look similar, but they aren't.

Yup I’d second either buying a $13 one off amazon or springing for the Harris. The Harris is worth the money, but if your in a budget a cheapo will work for a while and no tears when it breaks assuming it’s not on a real shiny rifle. IMO the Caldwell is overpriced for what it is.

I know I'm a little late to the game, but thought I'd chime in since I just bought a Caldwell and a Harris.

Between the two, the Harris definitely feels more heavy duty and inspires more confidence in it lasting a long time. Functionality is pretty much identical between the two.

My current plan is to use the Caldwell on my 22 rifles as it should last a good long time with those, and the Harris will get an ADM QD Adapter and Pod Loc lever and split time between my AR and Savage 10.

I also have a UTG Heavy Duty picatinny mount bipod that was my only bipod for a few years. It worked well for the most part, but over time the clamp that goes on the rail has gotten more and more play in it. It still clamps ok for the time being, but it doesn't seem like it will last much longer especially with the heavier recoil of 308 from my Savage. I'm probably going to give it away to a friend who just got into shooting and needs a bipod to get by.

It's been said, and this is just beating a dead horse at this point, but you can't judge a book by its cover, in this case. The Caldwell doesn't hold a candle to the Harris. I have a Caldwell on one of my 22LR's which I shoot quite a bit, it looks the same so I forget to change it between sessions, but every time I get in the field and settle the rifle, I remember the mile-wide-difference between the Caldwell version and the Harris. Someday I'll do the responsible thing and save myself the repeating future headaches, and pull that bipod off for good.

Harris. Since the 70s. Btw.....my last leg notch 9-13 non swivel model was bought like new.....in the bag.....two yrs ago at a gunshow....for 35.

Please don’t buy the cheap knock off’s on eBay/amazon. They are cheap Chinese imports that often infringe on US patents (atlas clones for example)

Now for Caldwell/Harris comments - get the Harris, it is worth it. Even if $100 is a lot of money in your budget right now, save a little here and there, don’t drink that beer, skip a dip/smoke here and there, take leftovers for lunch, whatever you need, the Harris will be an item you don’t regret spending $100 on. They are better made and more stable. Also get the knotched leg swivel model, add a podloc to help tighten the swivel, you won’t regret any of it

rodregier said:

Harris and Caldwell both make rifle bipod products.

The similar Caldwell offerings cost substantially less.

Anyone used both and can comment on the comparative quality?

Click to expand...

Check this one out, pretty cool

https://swaggerbipods.com/

Dead horse, but it's very simple. Although it costs substantially more, a person will buy the Harris once, with the exception of liking it so much that more are purchased. While it is not an Atlas, the Harris is a high quality, lightweight hunting bipod. It's not a heavy, bench rest. If you are looking for a bipod where the shooter has the ability to both shoot the rifle freehand or dropping the bipod for a more precise shot, the Harris is superb. A person may purchase the less expensive foreign knockoffs, and they can spend their money however they wish. But, if they purchase a Caldwell, Leapers, Champion, Aim sports, Winchester, NcStar, Firefield, Sport Ridge, et cetera - it is not the last time they will purchase a lightweight bipod. With the Harris, you really do get something more for the extra cost.

I've always had good luck with Harris products so that is what I use.

https://precisionrifleblog.com/2019/02/10/rifle-bipod-tripod/



I run a Harris

I used Harris bipods in the military under some of the worst conditions possible. They are what I still use.

One thing to consider, more money spend on a bipod is usually worth it.

The difference in stability and accuracy between my Harris bipod and my clue-pod is crazy. With my Harris shooting offf a bench I was consistently a 3/4”-1” shooter

With my clue-pod I am a 1/2” shooter, it makes a big difference

Does it matter for deer out to 200 yds? No it doesn’t, but if you have the funds available, consider at atlas or something of higher quality, it makes shooting more enjoyable

I agree had both only have several Harris now plus a Blackhawk. Harris far superior only thing get swivel notched leg model. Lots easier to set and get handle to replace but on lock down 100x better than but that comes with bipod. They are not expensive and well worth it. Harris hands down don’t waste money on Caldwell.
Good luck
Roc1