Your Bipod Opinions?

[Float Pilot]

I am thinking about putting bipod on my 300 Win Mag M-700 XCR Tactical rifle.

The last time I messed around with civilian bipods, Harris was the only way to go.

What is out there now? What is with Versa Pod?

Any stories about product failure would also be welcome so I can avoid the same trap.

 

[Legionnaire]

Don't know what all is out there. I use Harris S (swivel) bi-pods with a pod-Loc attachment. No complaints.

http://www.snipercountry.com/InReviews/PodLoc.asp

 

[Zak Smith]

The Harris is sort-of standard. It works OK and is relatively light weight. Get the swivel version if you decide to go Harris.

The Parker-Hale "style" realized in the AI and Versapod bipods are heavier and more robust, and I believe easier to operate. They have more play which can help reduce bipod "hop" under recoil, and also help for panning or other wigglin' around. Their rotational play takes some getting used to.

 

[BozemanMT]

+1 on the swivel
If you go standard style, Harris stands head and shoulders above the rest. Side by side you can see the difference.

Other styles, well, take your choices.

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

For under $100, get the Harris swivel 9"-13".

 

[Float Pilot]

I remember firing an L96 during one of my past deployments. The Parker Hale bipod was fairly heavy duty but it felt like the center of pivot was too high.
Sounds like not much has changed in the last couple years.

I just got an e-mail from a guy saying that the metal in the Versa Pod was not up to Park Hales standards. Plus there is now a Chi-Com copy of the Harris out there which is reportedly junk metal as well. Being marketed by Outers, the producers of the easy-break cleaning rod.

 

[HM2PAC]

I like the Versa-Pod. The standard version is OK, but the "tactical" version that rail mounts is rock solid. I use it on my 10/22, Savage 110, and my PTR-91.

 

[Tarvis]

+1 on the 9"-13". I have a 12"-25" swivel harris bipod and its too long fully collapsed to shoot prone unless youre shooting at an angle or digging a hole/laying on a backpack etc., and not long enough fully extended to shoot sitting unless you're shooting downhill. Also, on the harris bipods they charge $20-$30 for the swivel option and its worth every red cent.