Atlas Bipod

[rickp]

Hey guys,
I've been doing some reading about the Atlas bipod, and everyone for the most part has very positive things to say about it.

I've always used Harris and to me a bipod is just a bipod, so when I read the rave reviews about the Atlas I can't help but wonder why the excitment.

All of this has me thinking about taking the plunge. I'm shooting AI AW so if I do take one, I want to use the spigot hole as the mount.

Can anyone give feedback on this setup and why it's better than the Harris.
Does mounting a bipod further forward help with running the gun?

R.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Atlas Bipod

If you've read all the many posts here about Atlas, you'll already have a good idea as to why it is so popular.

Here's my £0.02 based on using Harris, AI/PH nad Atlas over the years:

Quality of engineering
Flexibility
45 Degree leg capability
Optional feet/leg extensions
Kasey's top drawer CS
Superior foot mechanism (universal joint) for use with claws

If you've spent out on your AW and want a change from the AI (or PH) bipod go with the Atlas V8 and V2 spigot.

For me Harris doesn't even come close to either of these solutions either in terms of their build quality or their usability (unless you kit it up with Podlocks, Claws etc etc. and even then they are a long way behind the Atlas!!)

You may also want to look at Pete Lincoln's bipods?

 

[Victor Co Heather]

Re: Atlas Bipod

The Atlas is a great piece of gear. Well made and simply works. The only downside is the price... though if you are running an $6k AIAW, 300 bucks for a bipod should be no problem.

How is it better than the Harris? Smooth tilt and panning, easy to load and lighter.

Here is a pic of my V8 with the AI spigot:

 

[rickp]

Re: Atlas Bipod

thanks for the reply guys.

Everyone raves about the quality of the bipod.

Let me ask you this, how does the gun handle with the options the Atlas brings to the table. Does having the bipod further out help running the gun?

Since I'm use to running the Harris a bit further back I don't have anything to compare it to.

Also what about it with the legs canted forward to lower the profile.

I know a lot of this is different with each shooter and shooting the gun with the bipod will answer these questions. I'm just trying to get a feeling for the difference before I get the Atlas.

R.

 

[Tommy5.56]

Re: Atlas Bipod

check out Youtube for some vids. I was a Harris guy until I tried the Atlas.

 

[Victor Co Heather]

Re: Atlas Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rickp</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Does having the bipod further out help running the gun?

Also what about it with the legs canted forward to lower the profile.</div></div>

I don't notice the forward mounting making it easier to run the gun over where the harris sits... if it does, it's minimal.

The forward cant to the legs is awesome, esp on uneven ground. I just shot a match where we were shooting down hill and I needed the bipod very low and stable.. the 45 degree forward was perfect. Couldn't have shot it that way with the harris.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Atlas Bipod

I really HATED running a Harris on my AW, the balance of the rifle felt all wrong. I only ever use bipods on the spigot now.

I still really like the AI/PH but have just ordered up my third Atlas to use with the AW on Kasey's V2 Spigot mount so that I can control the slop a little better...and to save some weight over the AI/PH

+1 on Michael's comments on the leg cant capability

I run my other Atlas with the standard rubber ball feet on hard surfaces and pop in the claws to shoot off wet or slipery surfaces.

I haven't tried the Atlas Ski feet yet (I'm a big fan of the AI/PH feet) so it would be interesting to see what some of the guys who have make of them.

 

[rickp]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Again, thanks guys.

R.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Atlas Bipod

I have used Harris bipods for awhile. I too wondered what all the fuss was over the Altas until I used one.

It's sleeker, lower profile and works better.

It can lock the legs in positions the Harris can't. It pans and tilts smoother and with the AI Spigot it's just a better solution than the Harris.

The drawback is I now want two more.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rickp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Let me ask you this, how does the gun handle with the options the Atlas brings to the table. Does having the bipod further out help running the gun?</div></div>

I don't know if having it forward helps or not. It definitely doesn't hurt. The last match I shot had a mover stage as well as snaps. I didn't have any problem tracking the target or getting onto the snaps.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rickp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also what about it with the legs canted forward to lower the profile.</div></div>

With the AI you really can't lower the profile much before you have the pistol grip set on the ground. I can't shoot it with the legs in the 45* and collapsed. I have to extend them to get any use unless I am shooting downhill.

 

[gugubica]

Re: Atlas Bipod

It is better in every way imaginable.

It is lighter, yet more stable. It is stronger, it does not have those fucking spings that get caught on everything, it is more flexable, you can shoot in possitions and off things that you can't with a Harris. They pan, they are smooth, they can be loaded way more than a Harris, they absorb recoil, you can load them when shooting down hill or over the crest of a roof. The legs can be folded forward or backward, makes a great hand stop, and makes it easier to get in a scabard. The feet stick to surfaces better. You can use it to brace against vertical barriers.

I am sure there's more, but you get the point.

The ONLY thing I have seen that is better about the Harris is it can be folded up quicker (by pulling the rifle backward).

 

[gugubica]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Oh, and Kasey kicks ass.

 

[Tommy5.56]

Re: Atlas Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh, and Kasey kicks ass. </div></div>

+100000

 

[ubet]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Not to hijack, where can you get the additional feet for an atlas?

 

[VKC]

Re: Atlas Bipod

pan, tilt, cant, solid, rail mount, compact, etc. Nice pick of gear.

 

[Postal0311]

Re: Atlas Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It is better in every way imaginable.

It is lighter, yet more stable. It is stronger, it does not have those fucking spings that get caught on everything, it is more flexable, you can shoot in possitions and off things that you can't with a Harris. They pan, they are smooth, they can be loaded way more than a Harris, they absorb recoil, you can load them when shooting down hill or over the crest of a roof. The legs can be folded forward or backward, makes a great hand stop, and makes it easier to get in a scabard. The feet stick to surfaces better. You can use it to brace against vertical barriers.

I am sure there's more, but you get the point.

The ONLY thing I have seen that is better about the Harris is it can be folded up quicker (by pulling the rifle backward). </div></div>

I felt the opposite.

No matter how much I turned the knob on the bottom, the bipod would swivel and pan on its own under the weight of an AR. The feet would rotate and the rifle would roll forward like it was on wheels. The legs had side to side flop, and moving the rifle around you could feel the legs of the bipod move.

It was good, but I found I just didn't like it. So I sold it and bought another Harris. The best thing about the Atlas is that it holds its value.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Atlas Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ubet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not to hijack, where can you get the additional feet for an atlas?</div></div>

Kasey's webshop

 

[Kasey]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Thanks for all your support guys, I am humbled by it and appreciate it a ton.

Postal0311, I also appreciate your feedback. A couple of things here, one I suspect you had an early V7 with the pull positioning on the legs. The V8 (the only version we sell today) uses a push button method to position/hold the leg positions removing most of the slop/play in addition, fellow member here Hellbender came up with a washer stack that improved the ability to add and maintain the tension. The Atlas is still fairly new in the world of bipods so changes and improvements should be expected and one thing we have tried to do is make these improvements available as an up-grade to the consumer at no at low cost.

Regarding the rolling, I have heard this from about 6 customers and I too can duplicate this. However, IMHO it is more about positioning than anything and I offer a thread here at SH also by Hellbender where he demonstrated what I'll call the "free load" on a couple of bipods, by dragging them (on a rifle) using what I believe is a trigger pull gauge, the Atlas had more resistance.

Last, if you ever decide to try the Atlas again, buy it from us and if you still don't like it, return it and we'll give your money back. See, not only do the Atlas bipods hold their value, we have always offered a money back guarantee.

And to be clear, I did not know this Hellbender nor did I have any business association with him prior to this testing and washer fix. I have since met him and he is a a fount of ideas and is as good of a man that can be found.

 

[gugubica]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Postal...you either had a really old one or a bad one. The current models exhibit none of those attributes.

 

[rickp]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Hey guy,
Thanks for all the feedback. I ahve spoken to Kasey and placed an order for a bipod and the AI spigot adapter. Now it's a matter of waiting until it comes in and shoot with it.

R.

 

[Postal0311]

Re: Atlas Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Postal...you either had a really old one or a bad one. The current models exhibit none of those attributes. </div></div>

Would be just my luck to get a bad one. Seems like the more expensive item is that I buy the more likely it is to be defective.

I had what I think was a v7. I heard about the Atlas in the thread where Hellbender was making the stack suggestion. After reading nothing but good reviews of the Atlas, I went and bought one some time later. I was under the impression that I had the new washer stack.

As to the rifle rolling, I didn't have an issue with the bipod completely collapsed. There is an o-ring the extending part touches which gave it good resistance. It was only when I extended the bipod that I had issues with the rifle being able to roll on a hard surface. Sadly I had to let the legs out two notches when I used 30 round mags.

When I started thinking about replacing it with another Harris, I then saw that the v8 was being offered. However I read that the v8 upgrade was $50ish. Already the Atlas is an expensive bipod, having to sink another 50 into it to maybe get the result I wanted was not going to happen.
I was able to sell it and get most of the money I put into it back. When that I was able to buy a Harris BRMS, throwlever mount, and a pod-lock; with cash left over.

Rickp, the Atlas bipod is a good bipod, and I think you will like it. When Accushot comes out with a new model, you should be able to sell yours and get most of the price towards the next model.

However I think many people would be fine with a far cheaper Harris.

 

[ubet]

Re: Atlas Bipod

I just pulled the trigger on an atlas, supposed to be here tomorrow, I can't wait

 

[Kasey]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Postal0311, thanks for clarifying your experience and I'm glad you found something that satisfied your expectations, after all, that is what matters. And I agree, "many people would be fine with a far cheaper Harris" which is the standard. But I must admit I'm glad there are some out there that <span style="text-decoration: line-through">want</span> demand more from a bipod than what the Harris can deliver.

 

[ubet]

Re: Atlas Bipod

I just got a V8 today, I can DEFFINETLY see why everyone raves about one. From loading the bipod to helping managing recoil, it just seems to flat work, that and being so versatile. They could double the price tag on these and still would be worth the money, I am sold.

 

[Tommy5.56]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Welcome to the fan club ubet

. Hey Kasey how about a FB fan page haha

 

[bigsteve]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Hopefully it's cool if I post this here, it seems to relate. Any leads on who has an Atlas in stock? I've been searching the Internet and calling distributors for a while and haven't been able to locate a V8.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Atlas Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bigsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hopefully it's cool if I post this here, it seems to relate. Any leads on who has an Atlas in stock? I've been searching the Internet and calling distributors for a while and haven't been able to locate a V8.

Thanks,
Steve</div></div>

Just place an order with Kasey. You should have it in about 3 weeks or so. The V8 is a big improvement over the V7.

 

[brutus895]

Re: Atlas Bipod

Just a quick FYI, I placed my order today and was told 6-8 weeks or sooner. Sounds like they anticipate sooner, but 6-8 weeks disclaimer keeps me from calling every other day

 

[country888]

Re: Atlas Bipod

tag for great info.