Opinions on Atlas bipod?

[normbal]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kasey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">normbal are you saying the Atlas is too tall at its shortest setting?</div></div>

I think I'm coming to that conclusion. I'm going to try it on another platform (Rem 700 5R) and see if it gets any easier to use.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

Lack of training or understanding of what loading a bipod is or means is not the fault of the equipment.

And the Atlas can be set to a 45 and go really low... lower than any Harris on the market.

Harris are generally uneven, I have more than one where the feet are uneven. The use and speed are the same depending on your level of experience, pushing too much is a personal problem that points to lack of time behind the system.

 

[Kasey]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

normbal, that is a first for me!!!

I can't offer any advice here, your expert friend tells you not to go Atlas but you go Atlas.

I know guys that have shot off Harris for years and continue to have great success. They first and foremost are confident in their gear and have put "bipod" in the "DONE" file and if it's not broke, don't fix it rules the day.

The Atlas was designed for guys that did not have "bipod" in the done FILE, Using the SCAR guidelines and is well represented in the SOF community having some "tactical" applications....

 

[normbal]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kasey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">normbal, that is a first for me!!!

I can't offer any advice here, your expert friend tells you not to go Atlas but you go Atlas.

I know guys that have shot off Harris for years and continue to have great success. They first and foremost are confident in their gear and have put "bipod" in the "DONE" file and if it's not broke, don't fix it rules the day.

The Atlas was designed for guys that did not have "bipod" in the done FILE, Using the SCAR guidelines and is well represented in the SOF community having some "tactical" applications.... </div></div>

Lowlight, Kasey, I'm not going to argue with you, I don't have your levels of expertise. I don't do this for a living. I don't shoot every day. Maybe once a month. Longer-range stuff (1000 yds) 3-4 times a year. I don't compete, shoot a couple thousand rounds a year on rifle, about two-three times that much pistol.

I know people who swear by Glocks. They don't work for me and I've tried. Same with HK pistols. I trust SIG, Colt and trained with and owned several Berettas. I ACE'd the Army combat pistol course at the 25th ID(L) when I was stationed there years ago. But I see the same kinds of arguments and reasoning here about the Atlas bipods as I do Glocks: "ain't broke, don't fix it" "look at who's using it," "it's the shooter not the equipment," weak counterpoints, I think that, if true, the only guns in the US arsenal would STILL be Colt 1911s and M1903A3s, maybe tanker Garands with box magazine adapters cause you know, if it ain't broke...

I like guns. I like shooting. I do it pretty well. Ask my friends. I've owned Glocks, HKs, CZs, many many others, still own some I don't shoot much, they work for my students, but not for me. For me it's an investment in time and experience learning about other tools that may or may not work for me but yeah, "bipod" isn't in the "done file" for me yet.

So if I've somehow offended you and your sensibilities, I make no apologies. I've come to learn that the kind of protestations and arguments I'm reading here and the ad hominem attacks on guys like Luky aren't always grounded in the spirit of community as much as a basic insecurity on the part of the person offering the "attack." Some people aren't as articulate in their reasons for liking or not liking a thing. It may just not work for that person when another tool works better. Doesn't mean he can't use a different tool to the same effect. Doesn't make him wrong. And more expensive and overengineered doesn't always equate with "better" tool.

I knew a guy who owned a Jaguar car once. V12. Thought everyone should own one someday. That car spent more time in the shop than any other car I ever knew. He'd rave about his Jag though. Best car, smoothest ride, pricey mechanic, but pristine shop, always on time, blah blah blah, but it was expensive and had a lot of down time. He had a lot invested in it, you see, and had to maintain the lie to boost his ego. Buddy of mine had a Mazda RX7 with over 300,000 miles on it. One brake job, regular oil changes, a water pump, a clutch, some tires. Never left him stuck for a ride.

But hey, I'm told the Jaguar is the better car. Experts, you know?

Other examples abound.

We may disagree but aren't necessarily wrong over our own preference, training, what/where (not how) the thing is used and to what effect but I hear you. I do plan to give the Atlas another go. It wasn't cheap and I expect to get some mileage out of it. Maybe there's a "trick" to it I don't know yet. I know it's being fielded and has its proponents. But when's the last time you looked at the rat trap department at Home Depot?

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

Your examples talk about everything but precision rifle shooting, from cars to mouse traps.

You mentioned low, but failed to acknowledge the 45 degree option.

You mentioned slack, but failed to talk about recoil management, or the technique beyond your Harris belt buckle. Sure everybody sees the tool different, but lets not forgot, at least 75% will say, loading a bipod is easier, disagreeing is fine but that only fits you, and your over engineer is as close to personal put down as it gets without stating the otherside of the coin.

You can say, and it would true, most feel on a 338 or bigger rifle people like a larger bipod. But you can't say the antiquated Harris is a better option when put head to head. We've even had threads where guys have demonstrated the differences and where the Harris falls short.

The issue is, your opinion, while uniquely yours is stated as if your have the authority to speak for others and those others are people of high regard in the precision rifle field who agree the Atlas is over engineered and not worth 2 Harris on their worst day. Their experience after years of working with a Harris is, avoid the Atlas. Never giving credit the other side of the coin....

So what or who, Ed Shell and/or Vern doesn't like it so their word to you wins against all others cause you have shown you can't master it like a Harris. About sum it up? Wow, guys who shoot ASC, the same guys who never leave the local pond guys? The clique shooters or individuals ?

Lots of instructors are stuck in their ways, it works for them why change or even more important why pay THAT to change what they feel ain't broke. I get but it's not a reason for others.

Opinions are fine when you balance them, beyond the ill informed slam, like your 6 -9 Harris is lower, a blatantly false claim. If you want I'll trade ya 2 Harris for the Atlas?

I can post video after video of people shooting both and the motion alone demonstrates the benefit. No commentary necessary, the motion speaks for itself. This, above all else tells the tale that directly contradicts your assertions.

The Harris works for you, great, if you're gonna put down the Atlas at least be accurate.. That is what t would say is the crux of the conversation.

Ps, I had a V12 jag when I was in the USMC, not worth the paint sprayed on it, but the chicks dig it, especially the strippers. There is always a plus.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

Pps, I have personally worked with groups, from SEALs, to Rangers, to AFSOC that use the Atlas and love it. Does that counter the FBI and SWAT, or do you balance that equation by saying to each their own? Look at the new sniper systems being fielded and the Atlas is on a majority of them.

By the way the too cute by half comment, rude, really insults Kasey's work and contribution to the community.

 

[Hellbender]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

Luky,

The slop you don't like is why the Atlas works so well for it's intended purpose, ie, meeting a specific MILITARY requirement, not your (decidedly commercial) requirement.

You stated you work with precision equipment and this seems to be the crux of your disappointment. If the Atlas was made to tighter tolerances it would fail it's primary military requirement, which I'm sure would require the bipod to deploy in adverse conditions, including sand and mud.

If you look at the gear used in the Precision Rifle Series Finale there were 2 competitors in the top 10 (4th and 8th place, which was me) using the Atlas bipod. There were many more used by others in the Finale. These people are, arguably, the best Long Range Tactical shooters in the nation.

The bipod is NOT keeping any of these people from making shots that would seem impossibly difficult by 99.9% of shooter's in the world.

EVERY piece of gear is a compromise, with pro's and con's, you have to weigh these for YOUR application and make a decision based on your needs.

 

[ScottNC]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pps, I have personally worked with groups, from SEALs, to Rangers, to AFSOC that use the Atlas and love it. Does that counter the FBI and SWAT, or do you balance that equation by saying to each their own? Look at the new sniper systems being fielded and the Atlas is on a majority of them.

By the way the too cute by half comment, rude, really insults Kasey's work and contribution to the community. </div></div>

This+

 

[Fisky]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

While I just moved from the Atlas back to the Harris, I'll say the slop, AKA, the ability to load with ease, was one of the things I did like about the Atlas. That's why I bought it. The Atlas is great for that. Heck, the Atlas is awesome for a "range" bipod.

But then I hunted with it for a season. And that's where my problems are. Just my experiences and opinions, guys. But it's a PITA to adjust the legs when prone behind the rifle. It's also slower to deploy. It's also a tad on the short side for hunting, especially in snow. The comment above about it being too high, that's crazy. Like mentioned, it can go much lower than the Harris.

It's just personal preference, that's all. I've learned I like a 9-13 SMOOTH leg Harris for all hunting situations. I either have 9", or 13", I don't mess around with the thumb screw on the smooth legs. It's junk!! I like simplicity when it comes to hunting... On the range, I'll take a 6-9 NOTCHED, though. I even think dealing with the notched legs of a Harris are sometimes a pain, which is why I don't used them hunting.

The Atlas is great in it's own rights. But if it don't work FOR ME in hunting situations ,I can't justify the cost right now. That's my only reason for getting rid of it, really. My gunsmith wanted to try one and I traded him for some labor. I then bought a used Harris and put the extra money back towards the build.

If I ever got a big magnum I'd consider putting an Atlas on that. The easier recoil management on something like that would probably outweigh the negatives, in that case.

In summary, I can find something to bitch about every bipod I've ever used.

They each have their own place for me.

 

[Drgonzo_1981]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

I have always run a Harris, never had a complaint with the way they function. My brother runs an Atlas, the only advantage I see to my 6-9 is that it has more height settings. The few competitions I have been in involve taking your shot near a stake set in whatever they decide to stick it in as far as type of terrain. Have been in situations where could have used a middle setting, not just high and low.

 

[Kasey]

Re: Opinions on Atlas bipod?

Normbal,

Anyone that knows me knows I appreciate candid conversations to include input and opinions on our products. But never will I appreciate the approach of WWW bashing of a manufacturer or their products without giving them FIRST the opportunity to correct a defective product if that is the case. This includes our products.

Look at this thread, there are numerous posts that agree with the OP's own video observation which should give anyone enough pause, if on the fence, to PASS on the purchase of an Atlas.

And for clarity, when you state;

I'm kind of in agreement with Luky here. This is simply overengineered, too cute by half, neither tactical nor practical, but I've got a lot more money invested in ONE Atlas than TWO Harris bipods and it doesn't work half as well.

it sounds authoritative on the subject matter (and offensive on a personal level), which you have now clarified as not being the case and I appreciate that.

Last, I am very thankful to have the customers we have been blessed with, I take none for granted. I am only human with the motivation and desire to build the best we can as we owe that to our customers. I value and respect all customer input until their words or actions deem it no longer necessary.

Anyone that knows me, knows this to be true.