Need Help Concerning Bipods

[QB]

I may try to start shooting at an outdoor range some and would like an inexpensive bipod for my AR15. I have NEVER used a bipod.

I want one that has notches in the legs with a little lever on each leg that clicks into the applicable notch. I feel the legs would stay adjusted better, I don't quite trust the kind where you tighten and untighten a little cylinder around the leg in order to lock it at the height you want (plus my hands are weak). I know the notched versions may limit how you can fine tune the height but I don't think that will affect me.

I finally found one with notches but it was $120. I can't seem to find an inexpensive one with notched legs. A guy at the gunshow had one with notches on his AR15 and he said it was a cheap UTG but I can't find one that looks like his. Also, I'm confused as to what size/height to get if I am only going to use it at the outdoor range on the table/bench.

Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated. I'm going to attach it to the small bottom rail that is part of my gas block on my Stag. There are two slots in the rail so I believe a bipod should fit.

Thanks

[OldCannon]

I have to ask the obvious...why not sandbags? Or a real shooting rest?

[Seabear]

I hope this helps.

For range use, you will only need a 6-9" adj. bipod.

The best overall is a Harris Bipod.

I have some cheaper brands as well as the Harris. Harris wins hands down.

I even have a (I think IIRC) 16-29" Harris for Varmint hunting. Can't be beat if you are sitting in the brush.

[QB]

I'll look at Harris as well as sand bags and shooting rests.....any suggestions on brands/ types of shooting rests or sandbags, there's a bunch of different kinds. Good grief, a lot to think about....I guess maybe the shooting rest/sandbag route is the way to go since I will be shooting several rifles, didn't think about that....duhhhhh....

Thanks for the suggestions/recommendations.

[Seabear]

Academy sells a pretty cool bench rest bag setup. Two pieces, can't recall the brand at the moment. Can look at it tommorow. They are way over filled to start, but it gives you some room to play.

[JJVP]

I have this one on my Amazon wish list

http://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Military ... D2VDJEA9ED" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This might be the one the guy at the gun show mentioned

http://www.amazon.com/UTG-Combat-Profil ... _pr_sims_t" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Annoyed Man]

I own three bipods. One of them is a genuine Harris with the 9"-13" length legs. One of them is a cheap knockoff of the Harris bipod, with the same features. The third one is a Versapod which I bought used from a forum member here, similar to the one in the picture below, except that mine has shorter legs.

There is a versapod adapter to mount that bipod to an AR rail.

Of the three, the Versapod has more features. It is adjustable for both cant and L/R swivel. Also, the cant and swivel can be left loose, which gives you some "on the fly" versatility. On the down side, it is a bit heavier than the Harris bipod, and until you get the "manual of arms" down, the Harris will deploy a bit more quickly.

Now, all of that said, you're AR, like most rifles, will actually shoot more accurately from a sandbag or something similar than it will from a bipod. Bipods can actually mess up your accuracy if you're not careful. If they are not in perfect alignment with the gun and the target and there is any lateral pressure at all being exerted by the bipod upon the stock, you might string your shots horizontally. A bipod is basically a field expedient solution, and that is all it is.

What is the configuration of your AR? If it is a SASS or Varmint type, then a Harris or Versapod is a good choice. If it is a carbine, then are you maybe better off with one of those little jobbies contained in a vertical forend grip? Maybe.

[A-R]

Academy sells a decent less expensive Harris style bipod - cant remember brand name but it's the brand with yellow and green logo (lots of other shooting /hunting related items under this brand at Academy. Have a true Harris "S" 9-13 on my AR (13 to clear 30-round mags) but use te Academy brand on my deer rifle and 10/22

[v-rog]

I have a Caldwell bi-pod and I've used it a lot on my hunting rifle. It pivots, the legs pull out and lock, or you can manually pull & lock the legs. No problems whatsoever.

[Pawpaw]

I'm not a fan of putting the added weight of a bipod on my rifle.

I use this shooting rest and this rear bag.
The setup looks something like this:

[QB]

I'm not a fan of putting the added weight of a bipod on my rifle.

I use this shooting rest and this rear bag.
The setup looks something like this:

Is that a 20 round mag? I think I've decided on a rest like you pictured but now need to know if it will work with my 20 round mags.

Thanks

[Pawpaw]

Yes, that is one of the 20 round GI issue type mags that came with the Colt rifle in the picture.

[QB]

OK, thanks. That looks like something that would work for me and be easy to transport to and from the range.