M1 Garand bipod question.

[sv51macross]

(reposted because tired to the ARF.com crowd right now)

Hello all. This isn't really related to a Garand, but to a piece of Garand hardware.

I have a AK-74 that I'm currently looking to put a bipod on. I like the idea of the semi-permanent bipod, but the RPK bipod looks too heavy and the UTG clamp-on puts the legs a little too far off the barrel. The M1 bipod, or at least the $30-50 repros I see on the internet, keeps the struts high and tight and has an esoteric look that is exactly what I'm looking for. I have a couple of questions though.

-How does the bipod clamp to the barrel? Is there a screw or something hidden in the mechanism not readily visible from stock photos, or does it lock-on another way?

-What is the prop height with the legs at their shortest configuration?

Thanks for the time, it is appreciated.

 

[AlexanderA]

AFAIK, there was no issue bipod for the M1 Garand. There was one for the M14 (the M2 bipod), but it was issued in limited quantities and is rare and expensive today. Chinese aftermarket copies of the M14 bipod are available relatively inexpensively, and the Chinese have also adapted the same design to the Garand (it clamps onto the gas cylinder). Some are even adaptable for use with a Picatinny rail. You can find them on ebay. I can't vouch for the quality.

 

[sv51macross]

Thanks. The only ones I found were copies, but I figure going from .308 down to 5.45x39 should be more than durable enough.