FAL bipod - pros and cons?

[goon]

I'm thinking about pulling the bipod off my STG-58. Although the balance isn't bad now, I'm just thinking that for all the more function that the bipod really offers it might not be worth the extra weight. Does anyone know off hand about how much weight losing the bipod would shave off? How does it affect the handling?
Thanks.

 

[M1key]

Bi-pods on FALs are handy, look cool, but you will probably shoot better with it off...

All of mine have the bipod removed for weight considerations.

 

[CA357]

I've got an SA58 and I've been seriously considering removing the bipod and heat shield with just some kind of lighter weight heat shield. Weight and balance are my considerations.
I'm sure the bipod doesn't actually weigh very much, but even a pound up front can make a big difference.

 

[Nightcrawler]

It probably weighs about a pound. I replaced the one on my STG with the quick-detach model from DSA. I then removed that, switched to non-bipod-cut handguards, and never looked back.

It's great for prone firing, and helps with rapid fire. It didn't come in handy often enough to justify the weight, to my mind, though.

 

[funfaler]

Take it off, put on a USGI web sling, learn how to use it and it will be much more stable and quicker on follow up shots, and a ton lighter.

If you have questions on how to mount and use an USGI web sling, feel free to PM me, I have some good info in can sent you.

500+ yards, Iron sights, no bench, no bipod, no rest at all, just a sling. What your father didn't teach you

 

[powermad]

Bipod or not to bipod that is the question.
I will be getting one for mine.
The weight doesn't concern me as the FAL doesn't seem heavy to me.
Almost like a natural extension of my arm.

funfaler
Post up on the sling technique, I'm interested.

 

[Ash]

I went bi-pod and then went without bipod. They are neat but because they mount on the barrel at the front, will usually reduce your accuracy when firing. Mine is now dressed Israeli fashion and that works fine by me.

Ash

 

[AndyC]

I've never used a bipod on FALs - I dislike the things

 

[Coronach]

The biggest gripe I have about FAL ergonomics is that the thing is nose-heavy. The bipod is, as was said, about one pound- all of it hanging off of the nose.

Remove!

Mike

 

[Ian Sean]

The weight thing doesn't bother me...I find the bipod useful at certain times/shooting positions and it is quite servicable. The old adage...better to have it and not need it.

When I shoot prone...the bipod provides the perfect height for me...not so for my buddy, he has no neck and had to strain to shoot, so he removed his and uses a bag.

If it works for you run with it.

I currently have 2 FAL's with and 2 without.

 

[USSR]

goon,

Bipods should never attach to the barrel. Take that sucker off.

Don

 

[eldon519]

I took it off my StG 58, and it's feels much handier afterwards. The StG 58 and an equivalent SA58 really aren't so different in weight except for the bipod.

 

[funfaler]

http://www.ray-vin.com/tech/websling/webslinghelp.htm

This is the best pictorial on the web that I know of showing the mounting and use of an USGI web sling.

It is even better to get to an Appleseed Shoot, and they will show/coach you first hand, and teach you to like it even better than a bipod http://appleseedinfo.org

I use the standard front sling swivel on the FAL, though I move it back to where the bipod came from. The standard rear (buttstock) swivel works fine for the "clip" end of the sling.

Really, using a sling, properly, is much like taking a bench with you where ever you go, it can be that stable.

 

[.45&TKD]

http://http://www.ray-vin.com/tech/w...bslinghelp.htm

FunFaler, that link does not work.

 

[funfaler]

Thanks, I make it "all better"

 

[Deer Hunter]

I love the FAL bipod, I use it all the time. I don't think the rifle is too top-heavy.

 

[goon]

FunFaler - Fortunately, the technique with the sling is one of the first things my father taught me. That lesson came before I started learning the alphabet !

I have been thinking about taking the bipod off for awhile but I haven't been back home much so I haven't had time. I knew that about bipods being mounted on the barrel having the potential to screw with accuracy or point of impact and I don't really use it anyway. The only times it has been unfolded were to I could stand the rifle upright when I set on a shooting bench.

I was thinking that losing it would make the rifle handier so I think I'll pull it off when I get back home.
Plus, I'd like to invest in some Hornady TAP or some other mods to my FAL (like a para rear sight) so selling the bipod from it might pay for something else.

Thanks.

 

[elmerfudd]

Just a few thoughts on slings and bipods. First off, bipods are almost as good as a bench rest, assuming they are mounted so that they don't make direct or indirect contact with the barrel. I don't think slings provide the same degree of accuracy, (and yes I do know how to use them), but then again, they are lighter and they also serve as a carry strap and most importantly, you can still use a shooting sling in a kneeling or sitting position, so I think that the shooting sling is a more practical item than the bipod. I find that bipods are great on the range and not so great in the field. When you're out in the woods and you want to shoot something you usually can't get low enough to use the bipod and still see your target.

On an FAL however, they both have a major problem. Instead of being attached to a solid wooden stock, they are attached to the barrel and put tension on it and that's going to mess with your accuracy.

 

[W.E.G.]

How far are you going to carry it?
From the gun safe to the car, and then from the car to the shooting bench?


As far as the accuracy issue, you might improve the accuracy some by removing the inconsistent harmonic effect. But this IS a FAL we are talking about. How accurate does your FAL need to be? You aren't shooting bullseye competitions with it are you? Even the sloppiest FAL with crummy surplus ammo usually shoots much better than minute-of-milkjug. You need better than that?

 

[goon]

The accuracy doesn't concern me so much. Like you say, it is accurate enough.
The balance isn't bad but if it could be better, why not?
I don't use the bipod for anything, so why have it there just adding extra weight?
I think that the best plan is to take it off and try it. If I want, I could always put it back on.
And if not, hello classifieds !

 

[LoadedDrum]

The biggest gripe I have about FAL ergonomics is that the thing is nose-heavy. The bipod is, as was said, about one pound- all of it hanging off of the nose.

I never noticed that on my STG58's but then they have steel lowers which may account for the balance.

 

[silverlance]

the bipod is great, in my opinion. it looks pretty sloppy but actually is quite solid. if your fal is to be used for what it is designed for - MBR, area denial - then the bipod comes in real handy.

if you try to take the stg and rush houses with it though, you will probably not appreciate the extra weight.