Need bipod feedback

slimjim · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 11:48 am Post subject: Need bipod feedback

I'm about to purchase a Harris bipod to use on my AR and Tikka 270. I can't decide on what size to get, e.g., 6 to 9 inch, 9 to 13.5 inch? Any suggestions? I've heard from one of my local shooting buddies to get the smaller one for shooting off the bench or prone which is how I plan to use it. Thanks in advance.

1895ss · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 12:29 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I have one of the shorter Harris Bipods and it is very handy for use as you describe but there are many times when I'm out hunting, especially coyote calling in the snow, that I wish I had the taller one as well.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I have two Harris bipods both are the 9"-13" they are a little high shooting from a bench . It can be a little uncomfortable raising the stock up high enough ( I'm not that tall either 5' 6 ") so the shorter one would probably be better for the bench Very Happy

Joe

moose2 · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

Hey slimjim! Yup, the 6-9" are great off the bench, but the 9-13 are better in the prone. Smile

fnuser · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 3:36 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I don't like using a bipod off the bench. I don't get near the groups I can with a bag, In my area sitting is about as low of a position as can be used so a taller bipod would work better; having said all that using a loop of rope to limit my knees spreading and slinginging the rifle gives as solid a rest as I can get under field conditions.

Gil Martin · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I prefer the higher bipod for use in the field. The lower one is usually too low. On the bench, I go with sandbags. All the best...
Gil

chambered221 · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 4:50 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I have a 6-9 that I use on the bench and prone.......works well for me !!!

What you will find is the hard surface will change POI. Sometimes to the point that you can not use the same sight-in.
When I sight-in with my bag set up my POI is close enough that I can shoot off hand or go prone with the elbows in the dirt and be ok. When sighted in with the bi-pod I'm not even close !!!

slimjim · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

chambered221 wrote:

What you will find is the hard surface will change POI. Sometimes to the point that you can not use the same sight-in.

I believe you but I find it hard to imaging that a bolt-action rifle with a free-floated barrel would have that great of a change of POI by using a by-pod.

does an AR with a free-float foreguard see this much POI difference?

chambered221 · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

Has nothing to do with the barrel being free floated !!!

It's about how a guns recoil reacts when fired from a hard surface or soft surface.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I would suggest looking at the "S" Series bipods that allow some side-to-side tilt because, especially hunting, you probably won't have a perfectly level surface to rest it on. I have an old Harris but recently I only use it to prop up rifles for photos. I bought some shooting sticks but haven't used them yet.

slimjim · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

Well a friend at work had a pretty long one. Looks like the 13.5 to 27 inches. He's going to let me try it out for a while. Will be interesting. Keep posting your experience. They all are enlightening. Thanks.

1895ss · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 10:14 pm Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

chambered221 wrote:

I have a 6-9 that I use on the bench and prone.......works well for me !!!

What you will find is the hard surface will change POI. Sometimes to the point that you can not use the same sight-in.
When I sight-in with my bag set up my POI is close enough that I can shoot off hand or go prone with the elbows in the dirt and be ok. When sighted in with the bi-pod I'm not even close !!!

chambered221 wrote:

Has nothing to do with the barrel being free floated !!!

It's about how a guns recoil reacts when fired from a hard surface or soft surface.

I agree, and because of that it works better with some calibers then others. It works pretty good for sighting in my 22-250 for example, but not my 25-06 and others, like chambered says it's the recoil that makes the diff. I have found that I don't use mine that much any more, I would likely use a tall one more.

Vince · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:59 am Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I will be following this thread with much interest. I have been "threatening" to purchase a Harris Bipod for some time, but most I have spoken to say that they don't do enough to justify the expense.

Cheers, Vince

RePete · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:48 am Post subject: Re: Need bipod feedback

I have 3 Harris and a Rock Mount.

Harris -

1 x 9"-13" fixed and spring eject legs. Good but a PITA.

2 x 6"-9", pivot, nothed legs and PodLoc. Great and my recommendation, but I suggest the you try one on the AR before purchase (30rd mag may be too long).

Rock Mount 6"-9" pivot. OK but no Harris.

aarenlainey · Rookie Member Joined: Apr 05, 2010 Posts: 4

I have been using this bipod for a good little while now and they are very sturdy, light and have worked outstanding for every need that I have had for them.If you want to go for shooting off the bench or prone, 6-9 inch will be fine.