Ok - So the monopod I ordered from <span style="font-style: italic">Accu-shot</span> just arrived.. thought id splash it up for a few people who had been thinking about perhaps getting one. I'm FAR from being an experienced shooter, but I figure first impressions could help someone make a decision out there.
First off - the unit is lighter than I thought it would be and also 'not as tall' as it appeared in illustrations. I thought I'd go for the taller model designed for ARs purely to meet my needs in the field. You can check out the height differences with the monopod folded, erect and extended in some more pics below..
The install is basic enough, but not 'as simple' as a harris bipod - there is a little screw that needs to be tightened to make sure the frame grips the stock.. which is no problem if you have at least one hand, half a brain and an Allen key (which <span style="font-style: italic">Accu-shot</span> provide), but if you think you're going to take this baby off on the move without the Allen key: you're dreaming. It's not like a Harris or V8 where you can just whip it off if you need to shed some weight. [<span style="font-style: italic">edit note: since writing this review I took the monopod off- then couldnt seem to get the unit to grip the stock firmly- see below in the thread for solution - requires install of a washer under the swivel stud - it's a rare occurance</span>]. Maybe the same people who found a niche with Harris bipods by developing <span style="font-style: italic">Pod-Loc </span>might have a solution for <span style="font-style: italic">Accu-shot</span>? <span style="text-decoration: line-through">I'm surpised <span style="font-style: italic">Accu-shot</span> didn't consider such an option.</span> [<span style="font-style: italic">edit: they have this feature on the weaver rail model mentioned below in the thread</span>]
I also found, like some have previously, that the monopod does not fold away as nicely as perhaps it could or should. I find that once you have folded the thing and begin to screw the tightening discs that they hit the top of the unit - despite the designated groove- and it means it doesnt folder up closer to the stock. In the end, that will not impact me personally for functionality, but its worth the mention.
What does impact on functionality, though, is the process it takes to fold it down if you needed to quickly. If you were positioned to shoot in some kind of decline and then have an immediate need to shoot at an inclination, such as shooting up a hill - forget it. I feel like the button mechanism that allows the monopod to extend and retract vertically, quickly, without screwing the whole unit SHOULD actually be a feature that allows a quick folding away action. Or, heck, have two button mechanisms for those different functions. I know I'm asking a lot with those last few comments and I know it's a great product - but there you have my ideal improvements to it's retracting functionality..
In any case, I'm happy with the purchase - I lined up a target after the install and I really liked the control the device gave me - particularly if I decided to roll the rifle in the harris bipod with the swivel functionality.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Note on shipping</span>: Accu-shot were <span style="font-weight: bold">very </span>quick
Monopod folded with Harris 9-13" SLM at min extension:
[img:left]http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9199/2011janpastamonopods041.jpg[/img]
Harris 9-13" SLM at full extension, monopod not extended.
[img:left]http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2369/2011janpastamonopods028.jpg[/img]
Extended, before loosening the two nuts:
[img:left]http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/9130/2011janpastamonopods033.jpg[/img]
Folding after loosening:
[img:left]http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7500/2011janpastamonopods036.jpg[/img]
Folded, before retracted:
[img:left]http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2168/2011janpastamonopods038.jpg[/img]
The screw that needs to be tightened:
[img:left]http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2933/2011janpastamonopods049.jpg[/img]
First off - the unit is lighter than I thought it would be and also 'not as tall' as it appeared in illustrations. I thought I'd go for the taller model designed for ARs purely to meet my needs in the field. You can check out the height differences with the monopod folded, erect and extended in some more pics below..
The install is basic enough, but not 'as simple' as a harris bipod - there is a little screw that needs to be tightened to make sure the frame grips the stock.. which is no problem if you have at least one hand, half a brain and an Allen key (which <span style="font-style: italic">Accu-shot</span> provide), but if you think you're going to take this baby off on the move without the Allen key: you're dreaming. It's not like a Harris or V8 where you can just whip it off if you need to shed some weight. [<span style="font-style: italic">edit note: since writing this review I took the monopod off- then couldnt seem to get the unit to grip the stock firmly- see below in the thread for solution - requires install of a washer under the swivel stud - it's a rare occurance</span>]. Maybe the same people who found a niche with Harris bipods by developing <span style="font-style: italic">Pod-Loc </span>might have a solution for <span style="font-style: italic">Accu-shot</span>? <span style="text-decoration: line-through">I'm surpised <span style="font-style: italic">Accu-shot</span> didn't consider such an option.</span> [<span style="font-style: italic">edit: they have this feature on the weaver rail model mentioned below in the thread</span>]
I also found, like some have previously, that the monopod does not fold away as nicely as perhaps it could or should. I find that once you have folded the thing and begin to screw the tightening discs that they hit the top of the unit - despite the designated groove- and it means it doesnt folder up closer to the stock. In the end, that will not impact me personally for functionality, but its worth the mention.
What does impact on functionality, though, is the process it takes to fold it down if you needed to quickly. If you were positioned to shoot in some kind of decline and then have an immediate need to shoot at an inclination, such as shooting up a hill - forget it. I feel like the button mechanism that allows the monopod to extend and retract vertically, quickly, without screwing the whole unit SHOULD actually be a feature that allows a quick folding away action. Or, heck, have two button mechanisms for those different functions. I know I'm asking a lot with those last few comments and I know it's a great product - but there you have my ideal improvements to it's retracting functionality..
In any case, I'm happy with the purchase - I lined up a target after the install and I really liked the control the device gave me - particularly if I decided to roll the rifle in the harris bipod with the swivel functionality.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Note on shipping</span>: Accu-shot were <span style="font-weight: bold">very </span>quick

Monopod folded with Harris 9-13" SLM at min extension:
[img:left]http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9199/2011janpastamonopods041.jpg[/img]
Harris 9-13" SLM at full extension, monopod not extended.
[img:left]http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2369/2011janpastamonopods028.jpg[/img]
Extended, before loosening the two nuts:
[img:left]http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/9130/2011janpastamonopods033.jpg[/img]
Folding after loosening:
[img:left]http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7500/2011janpastamonopods036.jpg[/img]
Folded, before retracted:
[img:left]http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2168/2011janpastamonopods038.jpg[/img]
The screw that needs to be tightened:
[img:left]http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2933/2011janpastamonopods049.jpg[/img]