How did you configure your M1A for a Bipod?

[Rockrivr1]

I've done some searches and read a few posts pertaining to bipods and I'm wondering what configuration you've used to put a bipod on your M1A.

I was looking at getting one of those chinese knock-offs of the M2 bipod, but have read that they are unstable and unreliable. If that is the case, then I'm assuming I have to do some obtrusive changes somewhere on the stock to install a lug to put a Harris Bipod on. I don't mind doing something like that, but I'd be nervous about damaging the stock.

So what is the best way to do it? Thanks for the advise.

 

[LightningLink]

My solution, while probably not the best, has worked like a champ for me so far.

I've always liked Harris Bipods and wanted one for my M1A. The problem was a lack of QD stud. I could have screwed one in to the stock, but I hated the idea of messing with an otherwise beautiful stock.

I did some limited web research regarding the "gas hole" in the forend of the stock and seemed to determine that if it were plugged, it wouldn't really affect anything. Although the outside is just a hole, the inside has a small rectangular area milled out. Looked like a good starting point.

I had a Harris #5 adapter on my AR15 and started to think it could be modified to fit. I bought an extra adapter and attacked it with a Dremel. I cut down and shaped the "inside" part of the adapter to fit inside the milled out part of the stock. The outside plate and stud wasn't modified at all. I also cut out a small piece of plastic from a little black film can to go between the outside plate and the stock. I don't remember anymore if it was to protect the stock, or to add filler to get the stud to the right depth.

I don't shoot my M1A much but I've put over 500 rounds through it over the years and have never had any sort of failure to feed or eject as a result of plugging the gas hole. The bipod mount has also been solid with no loosening at all. When I break it down for cleaning I don't notice an excessive amount of carbon inside the stock, although there is some.

Of course, I'm not saying this is the best way, only my solution that worked for me.

LL

 

[Sunray]

It seems to me that Harris makes a bipod specifically for the M1A. Mind you, I find a bipod buggers up the balance and adds to the weight.

 

[HPJeep]

I bought the original M2 bipod from Springfield and it came in a plastic bag marked "made in Taiwan." So it is not Chinese but I can't imagine the Chinese bipod not working or is "unreliable." The M2 just clamps on to the gas block. I find that I hardly use it because with the scope, scope mount, bipod, etc the rifle becomes quite heavy. Ok for bench use but lugging it around gets old. The Harris bipod weighs much less than the steel M2.

 

[powertoast]

The Harris flavor is an option from Springfield. See http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-rifles-scout.shtml . I installed on one mine (same Scout and Aimpoint as the one pictured), and had to remove a small amount of material from the inside of the stock to accomodate the little plate that the stud attaches to. It was simple, and looks like a pro did it.

cheers