Rifle Bipod

[giggitygiggity]

I have a Harris bipod for one of my rifles and would like to get some more bipods. The issue is that while the Harris bipods are nice, they are expensive. I've seen some bipods made by Winchester, Caldwell, and other manufacturers that seem to be identical to the Harris bipods, but they are a fraction of the price.

My question is whether the Harris bipods are worth the extra money and if you have any suggestions for bipods that deliver Harris quality, but not at the Harris price. Thanks.

 

[godale]

all my rifles where caldwell bipods that are clones. i have never had a spell of trouble from any of them.one on a 270,30-06 and 243

 

[Nature Boy]

I had a UTG knock off of the Harris that fell apart after a few hundred rounds.

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

The BlackHawk at Wal-Mart is nice, and about half the cost. Of course the Harris is made in Kentucky, and The BlackHawk is made in China, but I'm certain the labor is not chained to the work benches anymore.

 

[godale]

we have a blackhawk on my sons muzzle loader. it too holds up well

 

[Bobson]

I've used both Harris and Blackhawk. Can't honestly say I noticed a huge difference between em, but I'll only buy Harris moving forward, FWIW. $70 for a standard HBRM model isn't going to break the bank after dropping several hundred dollars or more on a rifle, and then dropping it again (or more) on glass. It's worth the peace of mind, to me. Also, I try to buy American when reasonably possible, even if the overseas laborers aren't chained to their benches.

 

[RainDodger]

The Caldwell that I had would not tighten enough to prevent the rifle from canting side-to-side too easily. I didn't care for it. I bought a Harris. They look identical, but they're not. I've found that the parts and pieces of the Harris are much harder and better made in my opinion. The bolts and screws on the Caldwell are quite soft steel. Better attention to detail, better parts and better fitted. I've found it to be another case of, "you get what you pay for".

That being said, I rarely use a bipod and stick to sand bags if possible. I find that I shoot much better from bags than a bipod. Weird but true in my case. I keep the bipod for that one day that I might have to use it.

 

[gspn]

I can't comment on Harris quality as I've not owned one. But I can give you one more data point on Caldwell. I bought mine two years ago and have used it working up loads in my 7 mag for two hunts. I've probably put 300 or 400 rounds over it and taken it to Montana and the mountains of Idaho. It's not given me the first bit of trouble. I even move it from one rifle to the other while at the range. Mine has been very durable.