Versa Pod vs QD Stud for bipod on M1A

[Fish Miner]

I want to put a bipod on my M1A (syntetic stock) and am having a really hard time figuring this out. Was thinking about a harris bipod, but the install seems tough with having to modify the stock (QD stud). The Versa Pod allows for a picatiny rail attachments and seems to be a slightly easier install.

Any advice from other M1A folks? I really want a good product to compliment my new favorite rifle. I am not a gunsmith by any means and dont want to mess up my baby!

Thansk

 

[fragout]

I have used both before, and from my experience, both have pro's and cons.

VERSA POD

Pro's :

1. Easy to install (in comparison)
2. Rail can also be used for other things, such as a light, PEQ 15, or laser.
3. No new modifications are necessary.

Cons:

1. Adds weight out near the muzzle.
2. Expensive, to include the other hardware already mentioned.




QD STUD

pro's

1. Inexpensive
2. Less weight overall.

con's

1. Requires a bit more work to get it right.
2. Requires a hole to be drilled where you want the stud to be.

Note: I would advise not to attempt to use the weep hole.

Note: I only have GI synthetic M14 stocks, and havent got a hold of one of the SAI made synthetic stocks yet.


11B

 

[madcratebuilder]

The most cost effective (cheap) is to use a QD stud. You should epoxy them to a fiber glass stock for strength.

The Versa Pod is a bolt on after you remove the original sling point.

You can make a versa pod from a short piece of 1913 rail, just use the rivets and the original sling metal. You drill the rail for the rivet then counterdrill for the rivet head.


With the Versa Pod you still need a rail adapter and add weight. I have changed the YHM adapter in the photo to a AMD quick release, but a stud would be a much lighter solution.

 

[boricua9mm]

I have the VersaPod rail on my M1A with synthetic stock, but I recently abandoned the idea of using a bipod with this setup. After doing accuracy testing both with and without the bipod, I found that the VersaPod with rail attached bipod allowed for some flex in the front end of the stock, which altered the front band tension. The end result was loose groups and more "fliers" which I believe to be caused by inconsistencies in front band tension. If I were to stiffen up the forend somehow, that might be another story, but for now, I've abandoned the use of a bipod alotgether.

I will say that when I had a Harris bipod mounted on the Boyd's walnut stock, there was no noticeable flex and it did not seem to have any affect on consistency and accuracy.

Just something to think about...

 

[Fish Miner]

Thanks for the input-

For those that did the QD stud, does the fitting really require much grinding and such of the inside of the stock? This is the part that really concerns me. The accuracy issue and flex of the Versa pod is definitely problem. I wondered about the stiffness of the unit as most if it hangs in free space so to speak.

Thanks again for the help

 

[451 Detonics]

I would add the QD stud and use a Harris personally. The stud is very simple to install and the Harris bipod allows a sling to be attached. Just drill the hole for the stud completely through then countersink for the nut on the inside. I would epoxy the nut in place.

 

[AlexanderA]

I would say neither. The best M14/M1A bipod is the military M2, which clamps on the gas block. The originals are rare and pricey, but clones are being made in China, and are available on ebay.