butcherboy
Member
im looking to put a bipod on my howa 1500. mainly for long range field use, not much bench shooting. main use is coyote/deer and woodchuck. any recommendation/opinions? thanks.
howa 1500 .243: best bipod
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Tim the student
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I've used Harris bipods, and I like them. There are less expensive alternatives that seem well built, but I haven't used them, so I can't comment on their ease of use or durability.
I'd definitely get a pivoting model, and I'd get one that will let you get higher than the grasses that you will be shooting in. In other words, a 6-9" model may not fit your needs.
I'd definitely get a pivoting model, and I'd get one that will let you get higher than the grasses that you will be shooting in. In other words, a 6-9" model may not fit your needs.
butcherboy:
Welcome to The High Road!
Harris and all others work fine. That stated, there is a technique to getting consistently accurate shots from most bi-pods...press the firearm forward to take up the slack, and learn to do so consistently. I also try to use a sandbag under the butt stock for added stability. I have little difficulty maintaining 1" groups at 300 yards with such a set-up|technique. My preferred bi-pod is Harris, and I hate the bi-pods that have a swivel|pivot. I have four bi-pods: a 6", two 9" (one with a swivel|pivot), and a 27".
Geno
Welcome to The High Road!
Harris and all others work fine. That stated, there is a technique to getting consistently accurate shots from most bi-pods...press the firearm forward to take up the slack, and learn to do so consistently. I also try to use a sandbag under the butt stock for added stability. I have little difficulty maintaining 1" groups at 300 yards with such a set-up|technique. My preferred bi-pod is Harris, and I hate the bi-pods that have a swivel|pivot. I have four bi-pods: a 6", two 9" (one with a swivel|pivot), and a 27".
Geno
Tim the student
Member
Geno, why do you hate the swiveling bipods? I think they are exceptional when you are shooting off uneven ground. For me at least, they are much easier to use than the non swiveling/pivoting models.
giggitygiggity
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Are there any bipods that are of the same design and quality as the Harris Bipods, but for less price. I have a Harris and it is a solid piece of equipment. However, they are fairly expensive. I've seen ones that go for about half the price that look like they are the same, but I've only seen pictures in catalogs and what not. Thanks.
Tim:
I agree with uneven ground, but I hunt stationary for varmints, and so I adjust and lock the legs. The solid bi-pod keeps me from inconsistently "kanting" my scope. At least if I'm off, I should be off consistently. I do see a difference in my distance groups with the pivot version...not as good. I probably will invest in a rail-mounted level to remedy my error in that regard with that particular bi-pod.
GG:
The "Redhead" brand is about 60% the cost of Harris.
Geno
I agree with uneven ground, but I hunt stationary for varmints, and so I adjust and lock the legs. The solid bi-pod keeps me from inconsistently "kanting" my scope. At least if I'm off, I should be off consistently. I do see a difference in my distance groups with the pivot version...not as good. I probably will invest in a rail-mounted level to remedy my error in that regard with that particular bi-pod.
GG:
The "Redhead" brand is about 60% the cost of Harris.
Geno
Maverick223
Member
I really like my GG&G HD version, but I doubt that you want to pay for it to plop on a Howa (I know that I wouldn't). Assuming that is the case, the Harris does pretty decent. FWIW, I prefer the swivel, notched leg version in the 6-9in. in the 6-9in. height.
butcherboy
Member
Maverick223,
my howa didnt cost me a dime so im just going to put a harris on it.
my howa didnt cost me a dime so im just going to put a harris on it.
butcherboy
Member
geno,
RE:
The "Redhead" brand is about 60% the cost of Harris.
which brand would that be?
RE:
The "Redhead" brand is about 60% the cost of Harris.
which brand would that be?
Isn't Redhead Bass Pro's brand? Another option is the Winchester/Shooters Ridge they sell at Walmart. I've heard quite a few guys say that in their opinion that they are just as good as Harris bipods and they are $40. I've only heard one guy complain that he wore his out while his Harris still was fine.
That said I prefer Harris, but I've not used the one from Walmart. I ended up searching for a used Harris for quite a while and got it for the same price as the one from Walmart, and I really like it. However, I can't comment on the Walmart one other than what I've read. I certainly would give it a shot if I didn't want to pay for the Harris and didn't want a used one.
That said I prefer Harris, but I've not used the one from Walmart. I ended up searching for a used Harris for quite a while and got it for the same price as the one from Walmart, and I really like it. However, I can't comment on the Walmart one other than what I've read. I certainly would give it a shot if I didn't want to pay for the Harris and didn't want a used one.
I like the Harris bipods. They are good quality for a fair price. I use the same bipod for 4 different rifles, so I never considered getting a knock off brand of questionable quality.
For field use, I would get at least a 9"-13" model. You may want to go even bigger so that you can sit/kneel with it.
Regarding the pivot vs. fixed, that is personal preference. I also use my bipod for bench shooting, so I got fixed.
For field use, I would get at least a 9"-13" model. You may want to go even bigger so that you can sit/kneel with it.
Regarding the pivot vs. fixed, that is personal preference. I also use my bipod for bench shooting, so I got fixed.
Maverick223
Member
Can't blame you one bit. I'd do the same; I just figured it was worth mention since you asked about the "best bipod".
WRT the Winchester branded Shooters Ridge and Redhead bipods, I am pretty sure that all are made by Shooters Ridge, and while I have limited experience with them (only with a Shooters Ridge branded one) I would stick to Harris for a centerfire rifle because it feels a little more sturdy to me.
butcherboy
Member
Caldwell Pivoting Bipod XLA
any one used theses? im also looking at others on the cabelas website. how did they work( quality wise). thanks
any one used theses? im also looking at others on the cabelas website. how did they work( quality wise). thanks
ForneyRider
Member
I like the Harris swivel BR model with notched legs. Shop around for a good price. The swivel took some getting used to, but I tightened it up and works better for me. I can shoot as well with the bipod as my old machine rest.
ThePunisher'sArmory
Member
Geno already said what I was thinking. Short for bench and longs for coyote hunting. I'll have to try his technique of pushing forward. Sounds pretty solid. Also Maverik223 The cheapo Winchester works just fine on my Savage 110 .223 w/24" BBL. Its the exact same as the Shooters Ridge at half the price.
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