Re: best all around bi-pod for hunting/tactical rifle
Thanks to one and all for the props, I appreciate the support and do not take any of it for granted.
Harris builds a good bipod that continues to serve the shooting community well, it was an honor for mine to meet the man behind it. The fact he felt no improvements could be made to the bipod has resulted in the Atlas.
ToddM, Thanks for the candor and observations which I also appreciate and is what I asked for and got from all of our T&E guys, it is because of this feedback we went from the V5 to today's V7. And I saw no mention of the ability to pan with the Atlas in your post which you know can't be done with the Harris?
Regarding the o-ring Frank talks about, it is actually a replacement screw with an o-ring which acts as a bumper between the two leg components. All of production run 2 will have this upgrade which begins shipping next month. ALL 1st production bipods are eligible for these parts upon request, or the bipod(s) can be returned and we'll upgrade them and then return them. HOWEVER, we are waiting for the new style of screw to be made (the balance of current inventory has been modified for production run 2), once we have them in stock, I am going to contact everyone on the Atlas list regarding this offer.
I am going to make an exception for you, you can either contact me with your address and I'll send you a couple or you can send me the bipod(s) and I'll install them. Then you can report back here with your observations.
Please understand THE ONLY difference is the legs are quiet, there is no change to function. And using the Atlas as is will not effect the installation at a later date.
Regarding the knob vs podloc, first, Terry has done the community a great service by this solution. Second, if you are moving the off hand to the bipod area to makes this adjustment, then it is only hand orientation that is different. The gross movement is the same. I grab the left leg, letting the thumb and index finger to grasp the knob to loosen/tighten.
To those that might think that Frank is blowing wind up some skirts regarding the Atlas. What I know of Frank is that he would not risk his reputation for any product if his personal experience was different than stated. I know some will say; sure Kasey, you say that because he is behind the Atlas. Well, I certainly appreciate his support, just as I do others that have commented on the Atlas but the rest of the story is I have offered other gear to Frank for T&E and got nothing back other than his offer to return said items. ZERO support was offered on or off line.
To be clear, Frank does not have any interest in B&T Industries and he is not a paid spokesperson for B&T. I have hired Frank to take photos (can you blame me?) and work with me on some other promotional stuff (the uber-cool card we handed out at SHOT) all of which paid by the job, not a percentage of sales.
Furthermore, everyone of our four T&E guys got a free V7 Atlas for their effort and involvement and all four have bought additional units.
And last, we have now placed orders in the hands of some military units based on their personal experience with the Atlas. This is our targeted audience as they deserve the best we as Americans can build and what motivates me. The Harris will satisfy many shooters, the Atlas simply offers more features and versatility with less weight which these guys appreciate.
Again, Thanks to one and all for your support and patience with this project.