Accuracy aid's ???

[115grfmj]

Okay I've been wrestling with this one for a while. I've been thinking of getting a bi-pod for my Marlin m70 to use for the range, and some hunting.
The rifle is accurate enough, I've done 2" at 100yds with it off of a borrowed
sand bag, but my groups unsupported, or slinged, are pretty dissapointing.
I'm not even going to mention the groups I got using a plastic ramline
clamp on . My problem is I don't know wether I should get the
bipod, or wether I should get a bench rifle rest (like the outers varminter etc).
I do own other rifles, and I could use the rest for all of them. All my rifles
are hunting rifles and I like unencumbered rifles for carrying. Do you
actually use a bipod for hunting? What would give me the most bang for
my buck?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[dakotasin]

i'm not sure where to begin w/ this one... so, i'll mostly just cop-out.

first, the more you shoot away from the bench, the better you'll be able to hit live targets (no benches available while hunting).

second, i really like bipods. i use them in almost all my hunting - but i hunt on prairie (great plains). no trees, rocks, mountains, rivers, or other obstacles.

last, while i am a strong advocate for using bipods, you have to understand that using a bipod will about about a pound to the end of your gun. the gun will be noticeably heavier and balance drastically different. if you are hunting in thicker stuff, you'll find the bipod useless and frustrating. if your long shots are 200-250 yards or closer, you have no need for a bipod.

 

[Berek]

Personally, I like my Versa-Pod. First, you should practice with what you are going to hunt with. A bench rest/vise is nice to site in because of stability, but if you plan on hunting with a bi-pod, just get the bi-pod.

I got my Versa-pod from cabela's for about $55. It came with two mounts and I can get additional mounts for $18 each. That way, I can put mounts on all of my rifles and only worry about 1 bi-pod. The bi-pod itself just snaps on to the mounts and the mounts have sling swivels so you don't have to worry about losing one. The mounts clamp to the existing swivel mount.

That way, I know that if I can't group at the range, my accuracy is off in the field.

Berek

 

[30Cal]

A .22LR makes for cheap but effective practice. Dryfiring is even cheaper. I think this is the surest way to improving. It doesn't take long to see big results if you invest 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a week.

 

[TheHomelandSoldier]

Agreed that the best accuracy aid is practice, practice, practice. Good equipment helps a lot, too. Most rifles will outshoot their shooters any day.

-THS

 

[Art Eatman]

I've never used a bipod. Either shoot offhand, or scrunch down in some sort of hasty-rest position or lean against a tree...

I definitely agree with those who suggest lots of practice, and for sure a .22 is a great and inexpensive way to get better.

Art

 

[Dave R]

Here's a thread and review I did on the Stoney Point bipod

 

[rust collector]

Some folks enjoy their bipods, but I always thought they were best used on light machine guns. I use a bench rest and sandbags to find out how accurate my rifles can be, and the lowest, stablest position possible in the field. I am not above improvising a rest or wrapping up in a shooting sling. Just make sure nothing hard touches the barrel when you are shooting.

Some of my friends swear by shooting sticks. They seem like a good idea if you need to shoot offhand and want to use them as a hiking staff. I don't have a lot of experience with them, but if you can't get to a good, solid prone or sitting position, they may work well for you.