Why does a bipod negatively affect accuracy?

[Citadel99]

I've noticed posts in a few different forums about bipods negatively affecting accuracy. Seems to me that it would improve due to a consistancy of the rest. However, sandbags seems to be the rest of choice. Why?

I'd been planning on picking one up for my M1A when it's complete. Now, I'm not so sure...

Mark

 

[Rockstar]

This is a really simple one. Sandbags offer a more solid platform than do bipods.

 

[rockstar.esq]

Additionally, bi pods are working against the sling swivel which may or may not be attached to a firm one piece stock. The Fal has a reputation for pulling shots when there is excessive force applied to the swivels. As an aside, the bi-pod won't damper vibration etc. as well as the sandbags would. All of that being said, I haven't seen too many guys go afield with sandbags!

 

[Ares]

That's just it, bipods are all about a convenient rest that is always there and always the same for you to practice off of... There may not always be a log or tree branch etc. when or where you need one and those pesky sandbags are heavy

 

[Fumbler]

The more things you stick on a rifle the harder it is to keep things consistent between shots.

Attach a bipod to a rifle and you now have to deal with:
-a change in weight/balance of the rifle
-forces on your stock
-pivot points in the bipod
-springs in the bipod
-inconsistencies in the surface between the feet and ground/table

All those little details add to the number of things that can affect consistency. The likelihood of all of the factors being the same for every shot is low.

Some people shoot well with bipods, but they have to shoot a lot and experiment a lot before they figure out how the gun will react.
I've heard of people resting the bipod on metal sheets on top of the bench so it slides more consistently under recoil (compared to jumping all around when the feet are on the table).

 

[taliv]

i've often wondered that myself, but my 1000 yrd scores are better shooting from a sling than a bipod. why? no idea.

 

[Ares]

Why is because you're a good shot. I'd be happy to hit the target at 1000, around here I have nothing over 100 to shoot at

 

[Langenator]

Another thing to consider is possible impingement on the barrel. The GI M14 bipod does this, which from what I've read has a detrimental effect on accuracy due to changes in barrel harmonics.

 

[Roudy]

m-14 bipod experience

Some years ago I had to "qualify" with an M-14 in automatic fire. That meant 3 round bursts.

At 300 yards the first round would hit the bullseye, the second round the top of the target, and the third round some place in the Pacific Ocean. In an attempt to keep the barrel from rising we jammed the bipods into the board on the front of the firing line....we hit the butts.

Given the choice in a serious situation I would opt for a good sling rather than bipod. I too feel that the extra weight at the front of the rifle disrupts the harmonics just like a bayonet does.

 

[browningguy]

What all the other guys said about military type rifles. However, if you are shooting rifle with free floated barrel and a good bipod mounted to it, you will have no problems as it does not affect the barrel harmonics in any way.

As examples, my Keltec SU16A with the factory bipod is useless, the bipod attaches to some hokey pieces that clamp on the barrel. On my particular gun at 100 yards when centered off bags it's not even on the target with the bipod. The new 6x45 AR I just had built will use a bipod for longe range shots, but it will be mounted to a heavy aluminum free float tube.

 

[taliv]

rifle in my case was free floated rem700. when shooting with the sling, the bipod was still attached, but folded up, not touching ground.

 

[JohnKSa]

Sandbags tend to absorb shock and vibration, bipods don't. Just my somewhat educated guess.

 

[geekWithA.45]

I also understand that bipods don't last that long: being grounded, they take a beating from the recoil, and this tears them up and eventually introduces mechanical inconsistencies.