Bipod on a hunting rifle

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Texaszach

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I tried using the search feature but couldn't find a specific thread on this.

I was wondering what you're guys experiences/opinions are?

How easy are they to install/put on another gun?
Weight isn't really a concern for me as id only use them when Ive got a set spot to just stay still and wait while deer hunting.

Thanks guys-
Zach
 
For hunting Elk here in the mountains of Colorado I'd not use one. Most of the shots I have seen taken were done pretty quick or were made from a location that would be difficult at best to deploy a bipod. Are you talking a prone, sitting or a standing bipod?

If I was stand hunting or sitting in one area most of the time I could see where it might come in handy.

Any Harris style bipod will attach to the front sling swivel on your rifle. Pretty simple and easy.
 
It would be for south central Texas whitetail hunting.
Are there bipods that can accommodate both prone and sitting?
If not itd be prone shots.

Zach
 
I prefer the gap between the A-pillar and the door of a pickup.

Bipods are meant to be on the ground for the most part so if you are stalking, it is going to require a lot of extra movement to deploy them and then get them down on the ground or a good rock.
Here lies more factors like bush, brush and grass heights, levelness of the rock or ground, etc. I would practice off-hand, kneeling and sitting positions before I'd rely on a bipod.
They are good for varmint calling and prairie dogging where you are going to be in a fixed position.
You may want to look into the shooting sticks if you need a quick shoulder-high rest for longer shots.
 
I never found any place where I could use a bipod. Western Travis County, northern Uvalde County. Or out in the mule deer country in south Brewster County. Too much grass or brush in the way.

I just lean against a tree or rest the rifle with my hand on a rock. Or, offhand, standing--particularly if Bambi is running.
 
The guide had these when I went elk hunting last fall:
http://www.amazon.com/Stoney-Point-...1342495285&sr=8-5&keywords=stony+point+sticks

I liked them a lot. Keep them extended far enough that you can shoot kneeling and they're quick to use. Plus they double as a walking stick. If you are setting up in an area for a while, you can adjust them to make it comfortable to shoot while sitting.

They'd probably be too much of a pain to use in really thick woods, but for other types of terrain they were great.
 
There's a Harris mounted on my Savage 25. It'll be used as a critter bagger in the coming months, mostly from prone.
 
I have a bipod on my 700....the only time I use it is at the range shooting prone. I anticipated using it on the hunt, but have yet to need it in that situation.
 
I never found any place where I could use a bipod. Western Travis County, northern Uvalde County. Or out in the mule deer country in south Brewster County. Too much grass or brush in the way.

This mirrors my experiences to the tee. I do however, keep a bipod on my Remington 700 SPS Varmint .308. It sees more time at the range, but occasionally takes shots at coyotes or bobcats if the opportunity presents itself (firing from a prone position).
 
Sound advice for me.
Thanks guys, looks like I'll just buy some more ammo instead!
 
I've found a bi pod to be a hindrance more than a help about 90% of the time but that other 10% they've been invaluable!

I carry one in my pack and will slip it one when I'm sitting on a high point then take it off when I'm walking around as I find them pain to carry and shoot with off hand.

Practice up with a good loop style shooting sling or a Safari Ching Sling and out to about 300 or 400 yards you'll find it's pretty solid from a prone or seated position. But like Art I'm generally grabbing a hold of a tree or laying over a rock or a pack when the momnent of truth comes around.
 
in the uk it is very common place to use a bipod. I dont use one, but amongst my hunting buddies that is unusual. i did have one and i would have one on my "longshot" rifle again. my experience is that when hunting in the woods it can be a bit noisy when touching my stalking sticks
 
I wouldn't want the exra weight hanging off the end of my gun. I have some shooting sticks that telescope into a fairly short package that can be strapped to my day pack and retrieved fairly quickly. If adjusted to the right length they can also be used as a walking stick.

For quick shots the bipod would be a hindrance in my opinion. Once I've reached the spot where I am sitting, the shooting sticks can be set up and used if needed. I don't think they are as effective as a bipod, but are not in the way when not needed I have a BIL who has a tripod. It is rock solid, but more than I'd want to carry on a hunt very far from the road.
 
How about them shooting sticks?

I don't think a bipod would be great for most hunting situations.

Watch your lane.
 
Yep I'm going to just stick to a home made shooting stick. I've gotten pretty darned accurate with it from the seated position.

I was just curious because I have zero experience with them.
I appreciate the info gentlemen!
Like I said its just another couple boxes of ammo instead.. I was planning on starting reloading this summer but funds have shifted as I've got another young'un on the way.

Once again thank you for sharing your experiences, I love hearing yall's opinion as I know you speak from experience and that's what matters to me.
 
Are there bipods that can accommodate both prone and sitting?

Yes. I use the Harris HB-25C. It's a little tall for prone; You have to build up your position a bit. But it works great from any sitting position, which is most likely out here, as prone tends to obscure your view. They deploy and adjust pretty quickly; You'll have a little time if the animal is far enough away to need a bi-pod. Plus, they allow you to rest your rifle on a rock or tree limb without putting pressure on/scratching the barrel or marring the stock.

hb25cs.jpg
 
i really don't like them. uneven ground cants the rifle, more weight on the front of the stock, a pain when rifle is slung over the shoulder.

i prefer to use a sling.

murf
 
Bipod on hunting rifle

Given the right place, they are excellent. I have one on a Savage 17HMR and a Rem 700 Sendero in .308. Hunting outside of a fixed, flat surface position I have found a Mono-Pod much more to my liking. I still hunt and ground blind hunt a lot from quick camo material blinds or Pop-Ups and a a Mono Pod is a wonderful shooting aid to steady your rifle. Doubles as a walking stick as another poster said too.
 
The longer model works good while sitting and I have had success while hunting open country for Pronghorn and Mule Deer as well as varmints. Hillsides shooting down are their strong point and as has been said, prone in most areas will put you below grass and brush so sitting is the best position IMO. Since the same open ground you often find Pronghorn in has trees and large rocks in scarcity you might find them useful there.
 
I've used one for pronghorn and prairie dogs, the longer model Harris on my 25-06. The pastureland in eastern Colorado doesn't have many natural rests and by fall the grass is short.

My wife gave me a set of the Stoney Point shooting sticks last Christmas, and I think I would use those for pronghorn were I to go again. They're light and compact when folded. I've used them some shooting rock squirrels around the place with my .17HMR, and they work very well.
 
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