Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

[IslandTime]

Time to order a Bipod for an AR10 type rifle. I have a Harris bipod for my bolt action rifles, but Atlas bipods seem to be getting popular. Do you think the Atlas is worth the extra bucks? If you would go for the Atlas would you spring for the S version?

Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

 

[J-Ham]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

After using the Atlas, if someone offered me a Harris for free, I'd tell them no thanks, I'm good... Does that answer your question?

 

[IslandTime]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Between that answer and a previous comment from Killshot, I'm getting the point!

Appreciate the advice sir!

 

[J-Ham]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Haha, I know a couple hundred bucks on a bipod can be a little tough to swallow the first time, but yeah, the Atlas is that good... Good luck man.

 

[IslandTime]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

How about part B...is the S model worth that third 100?

 

[-Nick-]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I'm going to disagree... After looking at several Atlas bipods and trying them out, I think they're nice, but I'm not seeing the extra $$$ being worth it unless you have the money to blow. I still like my Harris BRMS with a podloc better IMO.

 

[Newtrick]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I have both. They both work well. The function and interface of the Atlas is really nice, as is the machining. That being said, they both work really well. Ammo, wind, coffee, etc. all make more difference in accuracy.

 

[J-Ham]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

As far as the 's' version, that's what I have... I figured it would make it a hell of a lot easier to switch between rifles, and since I can only shoot them one at a time (accurately), I'd only need one bipod right? So far the plan is working well.

 

[JSF]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Harris for me. I have pretty much got rid of all my Atlas bipods. To slow to deploy and adjust. They are built really well and I find them great for static shooting. I like my gear to match as the gear I use in competition so every rifle has a Harris on it.

 

[2Shots]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I have about 5 of the harris, all of them swivel. Half have them notched legs. I have one atlas with the lever release. The harris are faster to deploy and adjust, no buttons like the atlas. The atlas are a very nicely piece of machine shop work, tight tollerances, can lock at odd angles in both forward and backward modes. They are easy to release from a rail and shoot without if need be like an off hand or sling stage. I don't like the spring washer tensioner and the amount of pan it has built in, it is easy to cock at a twisted angle and it will stay until you twist it back. I loose confidence on long shots with a bipod twisted at a 30 degree angle from my shooting line. It sort of boils down to your application and need. Hope I haven't burst your bubble on an atlas. But you probably need to try one, both brands have loyal followers.

 

[ANGLICOMarine]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Broker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm going to disagree... After looking at several Atlas bipods and trying them out, I think they're nice, but I'm not seeing the extra $$$ being worth it unless you have the money to blow. I still like my Harris BRMS with a podloc better IMO. </div></div>

Agreed...I bought an Atlas and had it for sale two days(ish) after purchase (actually purchased by a hide member). Nice piece of machining, but found that the harris was easier to deploy and load. I find that detents tend to loosen up after a while and with hard use. Did not think they were worth the extra coin IMHO.

 

[mattj]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

From a former Harris user, I find Atlas way more versatile, especially from positions other than vanilla-prone.

 

[notyers]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Atlas is for small lightweight rigs. Not for anything in the 308 and up sizing. i bought one and returned it in 2 days. Piece of crap unless it is for show piece on mantle. Then still a piece of crap. If you lean into an Atlas too much Id bet you would snap that thing! Nice machine work though! good for a 10/22. If the shop I bought it from wouldn't have taken it back it would be right next to my Windrunner bipod holding my shop door open!

 

[gmphk]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

The Atlas and the Harris have their merits. I have an Atlas on my GAP-10 and it is really easy to load. The rifle shoots 1/4 inch groups when I do my job. I have a Harris/LaRue mount on a POF308 that at first I thought was tough to use. I have gotten used to it and like it now. I would not change a thing. I think once you get used to one on a specific rifle you stick to it. I like both though they are different. Good luck with your decision!

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I'm with broker and anglico, great kit and very nice but to me not worth that much extra money

 

[IslandTime]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Thanks for all the input gentlemen.

 

[J-Ham]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I don't really see them as being that much more expensive... When you're talking about $3000 rifles & $3000 scopes, an extra hundred bucks on a bipod disappears pretty quick, at least to me. Plus if you have the lever mount & are switching it between rifles, even more so. But I'm not trying to convince anyone to my way of thinking... You like the Harris? Cool!

And I don't see how the Harris is easier to load... At all!

 

[KillShot]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: notyers</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Atlas is for small lightweight rigs. Not for anything in the 308 and up sizing. i bought one and returned it in 2 days. Piece of crap unless it is for show piece on mantle. Then still a piece of crap. If you lean into an Atlas too much Id bet you would snap that thing! Nice machine work though! good for a 10/22</span>. If the shop I bought it from wouldn't have taken it back it would be right next to my Windrunner bipod holding my shop door open!</div></div>

I must say, that's the first time I've heard the Atlas is no good except for lightweight rigs, and not for anything .308 or above.

Perhaps someone should teach you how to properly load a bipod because if you're muscling the shit out of it, enough that you could possibly bend/break the legs of a bipod, then you're doing it all wrong. I'm not being insulting but merely making a casual observation based on what you said.

Refer to the video below for more of an explanation, as taught by Lowlight.

http://wn.com/loading_the_bipod

 

[azimutha]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I've never once felt like I was going to overload an Atlas on any .308. I prefer them, but a 9-13" Harris S with a KMW PodLoc is not far behind.

 

[islandermyk]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Atlas for me...

I had 2 Harris's... but now, I'm down to one Atlas. I love the idea of being able to throw the legs back and forward, unevenly to match the level of the ground... Ha! All that sounded kinda kinky, lmao!

Buy an Atlas Bi-pod... you'll only cry once...

 

[IslandTime]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Thanks for posting Killshot good link.

 

[Blackrifle1]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J-Ham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After using the Atlas, if someone offered me a Harris for free, I'd tell them no thanks, I'm good... Does that answer your question? </div></div>

I completely AGREE. I love my Atlas bipods

 

[M21guy]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Going from Harris to an Atlas improved my groups. I'm more stable now and follow-up shots are quicker for me. I took a chance and it paid off. I love the Atlas.

 

[phreakmode]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I don't think the price gap between the 2 is as great as it is often stated. Atlas with ADM QD is $280, Harris is $100 +$30 Podlock, + $70 ADM QD = $200

 

[77Bronc]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: notyers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Atlas is for small lightweight rigs. Not for anything in the 308 and up sizing. i bought one and returned it in 2 days. Piece of crap unless it is for show piece on mantle. Then still a piece of crap. If you lean into an Atlas too much Id bet you would snap that thing! Nice machine work though! good for a 10/22. If the shop I bought it from wouldn't have taken it back it would be right next to my Windrunner bipod holding my shop door open! </div></div>

I used Harris for many, many years and had great success....I purchased an Atlas and the machining is outstanding, the fit and finish is great, but put the atlas on the front of a 13 LB rifle and I really had the feeling of less that adequate support. I sold it to a forum member and went back to the LaRue/Harris modified combo for my LMT MWS....I do like the Atlas I have on my LMT MRP set ups, it is great on these.

77

 

[NachtKracht]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

If shooting prone is all you do with your rifle the Atlas bipod is a great bipod indeed. They do tend to bend a little when you put them under a heavy rfile. But the posibilities are very good. I have tested them together with the LRA (which i like even better, but that is not part of this topic) and ofcourse the harris hrbm-s with podlock.

Although both the Atlas and the LRA are great bipods indeed, the one issue i have with these types compared to a harris is the fact that it takes more actions to deploy them. Each leg must be indivudually unlocked and put into position. Not much of an issue on the range when all you do is shooting prone. However both during hunting or in the tactical field this might become a bigger issue when you need to deploy them as quick as you can. The same reason why i have tied some paracord between my harris bipods legs, with just one pull both legs are deployed. If that is no issue for your type of shooting, then it is all up to what you fancy most. Personally i do not shoot better or worse with any of these 3 types, they are all great, only the harris is faster deployed in my humble opinion.

NK

 

[IslandTime]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Thanks for the continued input gentlemen. There has really been some great input with lots of details on pros and cons of each.

As with many items there is clearly some personal preference involved here. I've got a Harris for my other rifles and it has served me well. Usage will take me beyond the bench at times and into the field. Seems like the old Harris will be good for the new rifle, but I may need to try an Atlas to compare and see what feels best in the end.

Again, thanks for all the input, much appreciated.

 

[IslandTime]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

NachtKracht,

I checked out the LRA. Very impressive piece of hardware. Probably a little more than I was looking for as far as size and cost, but very impressive bipod, Amazingly light for the size.

 

[DOA]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: phreakmode</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think the price gap between the 2 is as great as it is often stated. Atlas with ADM QD is $280, Harris is $100 +$30 Podlock, + $70 ADM QD = $200 </div></div>

Or, you could get 2 Harris bipods for multiple rifles with the podlocks and wouldnt have a need for the ADM QD. All for about the same price as one Atlas.

 

[Rushfan]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

At about half way between the cost of the Atlas and Harris, how about the GG&G XDS-2 Tactical bipod?

 

[phreakmode]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: phreakmode</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think the price gap between the 2 is as great as it is often stated. Atlas with ADM QD is $280, Harris is $100 +$30 Podlock, + $70 ADM QD = $200 </div></div>

Or, you could get 2 Harris bipods for multiple rifles with the podlocks and wouldnt have a need for the ADM QD. All for about the same price as one Atlas. </div></div>

Sorry but all my rifles have rails, so that just won't work.

 

[sirspeedy]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Used mostly Harris bipods. Added the Phoenix Tactical Claw kit and damn, great setup! Would recommend the Phoenix upgrade from Cheese.

Maybe someday I'll try the Atlas. But at this point, I don't have a need to change. Would take the extra cash into training/shooting.

 

[farmertom]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Like other have said, It really is dealers choice. I have both and I don't know that I really like one better then the other. They are close in price and each has its stong points.

My next bipod with be which ever is for sale in the classifieds when I need one.

 

[Indypendent]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I find that loading an AR10 pretty stout results in more consistency. With that said...Atlas. I feel more confident loading an Atlas because it sorta "plateaus" once I've maxed out the pressure I need for loading the legs. Whereas the Harris seems to keep on giving. I don't like that.

 

[Boxer1]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

+1 for the Atlas they are super stout but still light weight. The only thing I like on the Harris is it is quicker to deploy for 3 gun open but that is it the Atlas wins hands down in my opinion.

 

[Scottmilk9]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

Atlas, hands down!

 

[7fingers]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I have both, Atlas no doubt.

 

[msat10]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I have both the Harris & Atlas bi pod for my REPR .308. The Atlas bi-pod has far better control when shooting the rifle. I doubt if a .308 weapon is going to destroy this bi-pod. The price is high for this unit, but it's worth it. My Harris is from LaRue with the built in mount. If you can't justify the Atlas, then get the Harris from LaRue. I got the Atlas from Mile High Shooting, as they seem to sell fast. I am going to keep both, but prefer the Atlas.

 

[C1AY7ON]

Re: Atlas or Harris? Help me decide...

I have not used an Atlas but I own a Harris S-BRM and a GG&G QD XDS. Both are solid bipods but now that I have the quick detach capability of the GG&G, I just use that on all my guns since it's so easy to swap.