Should I get a bipod?

[Mulliga]

Well, I currently have my Remington 700 Mountain rifle, a leather military sling, swivels, a buttstock cartridge holder sleeve, and the Leupold VX-I 3-9x40mm scope. On the way is a 2-piece Leupold base and rings, Butler Creek flip-open scope covers, and some .30-06 ammo.

All told, I've spent like 900 bucks on this stuff .

Question is, should I spring for a Harris bipod? I've never used one on a rifle before...are they really worth the money?

As far as I know, the most common uses of a bipod are this:

1. Set/confirm zero in places without any benchrests
2. Shoot more accurately on quarry that you know will be coming into range
3. Look all "tactical" and stuff (I know people hate that word )

Is this really worth another 60-80 bucks? I'm planning to get a Model L Swivel Series S. Is this bipod suitable for the 700 Mountain? Am I straying into Rooney gun territory?

 

[labgrade]

Didn't vote.

What are you going to use the rifle for?

In my humble experience, either "game-afoot" is either close, or further, & if further, usually, one can use a tree as an extension/support to make a pretty decent/steadied shot. Even without support, & depending on the game, a 300 yard shot shouldn't be too difficult for a practiced rifleman.

But.

Every one of my rifles will accept a Harris bipod at the front swivel & I've used it a few times for playing varmit-master & for one shot at a CO antelope - worked every time where I could dial in better than without it.

They've their uses.

But, & I have no idea as to your rifle-time/experience. I'd spend more on shooting than stuff. Make sure you have the trigger time to effectively use the rifle & then, if you think you need a bipod, pick one up = can't hurt, but still, there are field-expedient rests that'll work just as well - sometimes.

I've shot several 10Ks & just in the last coupla years bought a bipod. Helps here 'n there. What's another $60-80?


/brain-dump

 

[Redlg155]

They are just an added weight burden on a hunting rifle that is carried more often than shot. You can always find an improvised rest for a shot that requires some extra support.

Now for a range rifle or for something like hunting prairie dogs a bipod can be beneficial. You shoot more often than you carry the rifle.

I really like my Harris bipod, but I have yet to put it on a deer rifle. I've found more uses for a good shooting stick. The good ones are adjustable and are lightweight. It's also good for moving stubborn snake out of the trail when you just cant' go around.

Good Shooting
Red

 

[4v50 Gary]

Gotta knapsack? Rest it on that or a rock or lean the stock against a fork in the tree.

 

[redneck2]

I've got two..

use one on my Knight in-line and another came on a 700 Remmie 7 mag I bought

They always appeared to be one of those things that was real useful, but honestly, I've never used it to shoot, and I've taken maybe 15-20 deer with the Knight

I just took the scope, bi-pod, and sling off to do a through post-season cleaning. Unbelieveable how much weight they add, probably close to 50% of the rifle alone, maybe more.

Still, if you had a 200 yard shot across a cornfield at a 12 pointer, you'd be happy it was there. Mine extends down maybe 20" if the legs are extended. I figured it would be useful where there's nothing else to use. It's tall enough I can sit and see over the corn stalks or weeds.

Note....if you do get one, keep your fingers away if you push the button and let the legs whack back into place (voice of experience)

 

[ocabj]

You should have a bipod, but you should use it in situations where you cannot find another means of support for the rifle.

I would not use it to confirm zero, because the zero with a bipod will often be different than the zero without a bipod due to the change in harmonics and the torque placed on the forearm of the stock before and during the actual firing of the round. Instead, you should practice with your respective bipod, so you know what this difference in zero may be and can be prepared for such contigencies if the use of a bipod in a situation is warrented.

If you plan on getting the Harris swivel model, get the Podloc. I do not have a Harris swivel bipod, but from what everyone says, the PodLoc will make using the Harris swivel a much better tool for your rifle.

 

[MeekandMild]

Get a walking stick for a monopod or if you just have to have a bipod, get two thin walking sticks and tie them together with a leather loop. Costs about zero if you happen to have an old boot lace laying around, plus it can help keep you from falling when you are walking in the woods.

 

[B27]

I have taken the bipods off my bolt actions.
They were getting in the way more often than they were being useful.
I know they have very good uses for certain things, but mine were proving to be unused clutter.

 

[Mulliga]

Okay. No bipod then.

Thanks.

 

[snafuie1]

yes

 

[Feanaro]

Girls, all of ya.

Unless you happen to want to use the gun solely for range shooting or some kind of tactical SHTF sniper rifle, you probably won't need the bipod. But be honest, you have guns you don't need either, don't you?

 

[jame]

I have one on my varmint rifle, but I'm usually shooting prone for that, anyway. Otherwise, I just use whatever's handy...

 

[tc300mag1]

yes iti can be handy depending on what your doing i swap mine from rifle to rifle

 

[Kharn]

I put bipod studs on all my ARs and picked up a Harris because I always forget a sandbag when heading to the range.

After adding the Harris, shooting has become fun again, as I can actually hit stuff (vs shooting with just my elbows on the bench).

Kharn