Best Bipod for NRL?

[Colorado CJ]

I am going to start shooting NRL22. A local club (Northern Colorado Rod and Gun Club) holds NRL22 matches once a month.

I've already bought a Bergara B14R and Anthlon Midas TAC 6-24, now all I need is a good bipod.

I am kind of up in the air between Atlas or Accu-Tac. I like the idea of the wider base models like the FC5-G2, but I've never shot NRL22, so don't know if they would be a hinderance compared to a more normal bipod like the Atlas PRS.

I am willing to spend up to $400.00 for the best (for the money) bipod in that price range. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Ruff 364]

Never owned a Accu-Tac but have seen and played with a couple. Seems like a nice piece.
I do have an Atlas and it is excellent. Mine is an older pic-style.

I prefer a Ckye-Pod for NRL/PRS on an arca rail. Total gamer bipod.

Your mileage and mission may vary...

 

[littlepod]

Get an Atlas Cal Gen 2.

You don't really need an F-Class bipod. I'd stick with just the standard Accu-tac BR4 G2. If you're an NRL22 member you can get 30% off of one so it's a pretty good deal.

I would consider trying to get an ARCA rail mounted to your B14R.

 

[Sc0-]

Have a Harris 6-9" notched Swivel series on my open 10/22, and a ARCA CKYEpod Gen1 on my open T1x, in the past I have also used Atlas.

With the timed courses and changing positions on the clock, a rapid deployable and retractable bipods are nice. Normally the Harris has no problem but this past weekend it was pretty muddy and the bipod started to sink, the Atlas or CKYE would have compensated better than the Harris. The 9-13" Harris would have also been a better choice than the 6-9" FOR MUDDY CONDITIONS. Use what you got and go to the first match, guaranteed to see all the versions in person and can fondle them with the owners permission. Will see them in use which should help you decide which one you like the best.

 

[CodeMonkey]

I have both an Accu-tac BR-4 G2 and an Atlas BT65 CAL that I use regularly. I've compared the geometry of both and they're very similar in height and width when deployed.

The BR-4 feels very beefy and locks up like a vault. The Atlas locks up very solid, but is lighter and feels a lot more svelte.

I find the push-button leg deployment method of the Atlas to be easier than the spring loaded pull-and-rotate method of the BR-4. I find the spring loaded pull-to-length leg adjustment on the BR-4 to be easier and less fiddly than the collar-unlock of the Atlas when adjusting the legs from the firing position.

I prefer the BR-4 to balance my B14R and the extra weight adds stability to the combo. I like the Atlas on my T1X in the Oryx chassis because that combo is already very stable and well balanced.

They are slightly different tools used for slightly different reasons. If I had could only have one I think I would take the Atlas, but that's based purely on aesthetics and isn't a reflection on quality or functionality of either. They're both solid choices.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

In NRL22 matches does the shooter have time to prepare and set up the bipod and other equipment such as bags before the stage starts?

 

[littlepod]

In NRL22 matches does the shooter have time to prepare and set up the bipod and other equipment such as bags before the stage starts?

Nope. All gear in hand usually. Deploy on the clock.

 

[CodeMonkey]

In NRL22 matches does the shooter have time to prepare and set up the bipod and other equipment such as bags before the stage starts?

At our matches most stages start standing with mag in, bolt open, weapon at the ready, and bag in hand. Most of the time the MD allows us to check target visibility from the firing position before time starts, so there is an opportunity to do an initial bipod setup before time starts. Our MD adds 5 "bonus" stages to the 5 from NRL22, and he's pretty creative (and probably slightly sadistic) so I still end up making adjustments on the clock fairly often.

 

[littlepod]

At our matches most stages start standing with mag in, bolt open, weapon at the ready, and bag in hand. Most of the time the MD allows us to check target visibility from the firing position before time starts, so there is an opportunity to do an initial bipod setup before time starts. Our MD adds 5 "bonus" stages to the 5 from NRL22, and he's pretty creative (and probably slightly sadistic) so I still end up making adjustments on the clock fairly often.

I've been to different matches where they were rules against glassing targets and then some where the MD allows you to check your position and you can adjust bipod and see if you can 'see' the target. I haven't decided which I want to run yet in my local matches, but would be good to know if there's a certain rule for the Nationals.

 

[CodeMonkey]

I've been to different matches where they were rules against glassing targets and then some where the MD allows you to check your position and you can adjust bipod and see if you can 'see' the target. I haven't decided which I want to run yet in my local matches, but would be good to know if there's a certain rule for the Nationals.

That I don't know. I only shoot in the various local matches in my area. I know guys who've been to the national matches that I could ask, but I'd imagine we've got some folks here who've been also that might be able to say.

 

[theLBC]

i use an accu-tac bipod and i really like it. solid and machined from billet, and not made from tubing and easily copied (not that it matters really).

if you get mud in them, they can be disassembled and cleaned without voiding the warranty.
levers instead of knobs are a blessing. one hand pull out and retract is nice.
spiked feet option is good for dirt or gravel. sled feet good for bench shooting and smooth recoil.
made in the usa by a small company.

negatives,
not the easiest to deploy and one old guy had to sell his because it was awkward or difficult to pull and turn the legs (from behind the rifle).
i see that point. they are also not light and not cheap.

if they don't make them, i bet i can drill a hole and screw a rubber ball onto the spikes, so i have both without swapping the feet.

 

[littlepod]

i use an accu-tac bipod and i really like it. solid and not made from tubing and easily copied (not that it matters really).

if you get mud in them, they can be disassembled and cleaned without voiding the warranty.
levers instead of knobs are a blessing. one hand pull out and retract is nice.
spiked feet option is good for dirt or gravel.
made in the usa by a small company.

negative, not the easiest to deploy and one old guy had to sell his because it was awkward or difficult to pull and turn the legs (from behind the rifle). i see that point. they are also not light.

I had one, and regret a little selling it. Luckily I won a cert for one in a match but they're out of stock right now until the new year. Oops.

I replaced the spring on mine with lighter weight springs. It made deploying them super duper easy. I'll get another one as soon as they're in stock again.

 

[Dthomas3523]

The two fastest and easiest to use will be harris and thunderbeast.

I personally use the tbac. But the harris won’t hold you back *in this type of shooting*. The targets are large enough that ease of deployment + speed trumps precision.

If you decide harris, I’d personally get a harris for matches an an atlas for non dynamic shooting. Or get the tbac and be good all around.

Bipods are like everything else, mission specific. I run tbac for prs/nrl type stuff, and either a super cal or elite iron for elr.

 

[1clicktrick]

Get an Atlas Cal Gen 2.

You don't really need an F-Class bipod. I'd stick with just the standard Accu-tac BR4 G2. If you're an NRL22 member you can get 30% off of one so it's a pretty good deal.

I would consider trying to get an ARCA rail mounted to your B14R.

What is the advantage of an arca rail? I have never used one.

 

[littlepod]

What is the advantage of an arca rail? I have never used one.

Allows you to position your bipod anywhere you want on your rail. Certain stages you might move your bipod in. I generally run my bipod in on the 50 gallon drum so I can actually have both front and rear support on the drum.

Also allows you to eventually get things like the grey ops mini pro plate or the railchanger-x.

 

[1clicktrick]

Allows you to position your bipod anywhere you want on your rail. Certain stages you might move your bipod in. I generally run my bipod in on the 50 gallon drum so I can actually have both front and rear support on the drum.

Also allows you to eventually get things like the grey ops mini pro plate or the railchanger-x.

Thank you! Gonna look those up!

 

[mjbaker22]

Get an Atlas Cal Gen 2.

You don't really need an F-Class bipod. I'd stick with just the standard Accu-tac BR4 G2. If you're an NRL22 member you can get 30% off of one so it's a pretty good deal.

I would consider trying to get an ARCA rail mounted to your B14R.

I second the CAL. I switched from a PSR and haven’t looked back. With the RRS BTC-PRO clamp you can attach to both ARCA and picatinny to use with all your guns.

 

[grapo]

Could someone explain the difference between the RRS BTC PRO and the SC-LR? Website makes it confusing. Best setup to run both arca and pic would be an atlas cal no clamp and one of those two adapters?

 

[mjbaker22]

Could someone explain the difference between the RRS BTC PRO and the SC-LR? Website makes it confusing. Best setup to run both arca and pic would be an atlas cal no clamp and one of those two adapters?

Yes. Make sure to get the no clamp option. The BTC-PRO has a screw knob, and the SC-LR has a clamping lever. Some people prefer the clamping action of the SC-LR because it is quicker and can clamp tighter, but it requires a secondary BTCA adapter that also adds height.

Buy the time you buy the $125 clamp and a $35 adapter you are in it $160. IMO, the addition of the clamping lever is not worth $90 over the $70 BTC-PRO. I have no issues clamping with the screw knob and prefer the lower profile direct mount.

SC-LR

OverviewThe SC-LR SOAR Lever-Release Clamp is the perfect fit for shooting enthusiasts. With our Patented Dual Clamp design, the SC-LR easily attaches to RRS-compatible dovetails and sections of Picatinny. Designed so users can use with any of our ballheads our as an add-on with an adapter to...

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RRS SOAR - Home

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RRS SOAR - Home

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[1911Shootist]

It seems like a lot of bipods do not have the ability to pan (outside of the traditional Atlas design). With the movement required in NRL/PRS, don't people find that a hindrance?

 

[theLBC]

It seems like a lot of bipods do not have the ability to pan (outside of the traditional Atlas design). With the movement required in NRL/PRS, don't people find that a hindrance?

jmo, but panning is a great feature for combat operations and relatively close ranges, maybe hunting.
but for long range precision shooting it seems to be in opposition to the basics of marksmanship and being square to the rifle and target, unless you shift your body when you pan around.

 

[littlepod]

jmo, but panning is a great feature for combat operations and relatively close ranges, maybe hunting.
but for long range precision shooting it seems to be in opposition to the basics of marksmanship and being square to the rifle and target, unless you shift your body when you pan around.

I always shift my body when I pan around, so that's why I don't bother with any sort of panning bipod.

 

[ma smith]

Some people prefer the clamping action of the SC-LR because it is quicker and can clamp tighter, but it requires a secondary BTCA adapter that also adds height.

Why RRS designed to need a (height-stacking, cost adding) adapter?

 

[BoltActionBrotherhood]

I always assumed the Cykepod was the option for nrl/prs.

 

[beetroot]

I've used a Harris for years and never had a situation that I felt it held me back. A notched leg 9-13" is great for everything but bench shooting and long grass, on a bench the 6-9" is more appropriate. Long grass is just not great for any normal height bipod.

It seems like a lot of bipods do not have the ability to pan (outside of the traditional Atlas design). With the movement required in NRL/PRS, don't people find that a hindrance?

I used a Versapod for quite a while and never grew to like the panning feature, with my Harris I tension it up a fair bit as I despise a floppy bipod. My mate still shoots with a "floopy" versapod and I hate using it.
I'm yet to find a situation where I've needed a panning bipod, they probably do exist but not one I've come across.

I've always wanted to buy an Atlas bipod, but with the speed of deployment and the fact that my Harris just works I've never felt compelled to buy anything else.

 

[b6graham]

Why RRS designed to need a (height-stacking, cost adding) adapter?

the width doesnt allow for full cant

 

[1911Shootist]

jmo, but panning is a great feature for combat operations and relatively close ranges, maybe hunting.
but for long range precision shooting it seems to be in opposition to the basics of marksmanship and being square to the rifle and target, unless you shift your body when you pan around.

In the 22 matches we shoot, targets are sometimes 20-30 degrees apart, requiring multiple re-engagements during the course of fire. I'd think being able to pan would be a big advantage, and requiring much less time than pivoting on your hips and trying to maintain straight spine to rifle alignment. I get that that's against the fundamentals of centerfire best practices, but this isn't centerfire. Additionally, having a bipod that pans can reduce the stresses on your stock/chassis, if you have a rifle that is sensitive to that and prefers free-recoil.

 

[theLBC]

In the 22 matches we shoot, targets are sometimes 20-30 degrees apart, requiring multiple re-engagements during the course of fire. I'd think being able to pan would be a big advantage, and requiring much less time than pivoting on your hips and trying to maintain straight spine to rifle alignment. I get that that's against the fundamentals of centerfire best practices, but this isn't centerfire. Additionally, having a bipod that pans can reduce the stresses on your stock/chassis, if you have a rifle that is sensitive to that and prefers free-recoil.

that's a good point, and i was going to add that i have cheap panning bipod on my 22lr plinker, but body position isn't so important because there is so little recoil. the shots just go where the dot is placed.

 

[b6graham]

In the 22 matches we shoot, targets are sometimes 20-30 degrees apart, requiring multiple re-engagements during the course of fire. I'd think being able to pan would be a big advantage, and requiring much less time than pivoting on your hips and trying to maintain straight spine to rifle alignment. I get that that's against the fundamentals of centerfire best practices, but this isn't centerfire. Additionally, having a bipod that pans can reduce the stresses on your stock/chassis, if you have a rifle that is sensitive to that and prefers free-recoil.

pick rifle up and move. the 2 seconds it takes to do that and keep fundamentals is worth it

bad rimfire habits translate to bad centerfire practices

 

[1911Shootist]

pick rifle up and move. the 2 seconds it takes to do that and keep fundamentals is worth it

bad rimfire habits translate to bad centerfire practices

Good thing I don't shoot centerfire

Joking aside - somewhere there is a compromise between perfect fundamentals and speed. An extra 2 seconds per engagment x10 = 20 seconds off the clock. Some stages take ALL of the 120 seconds. Loosing 17% of the time available is not insignificant.

 

[db2000]

I have both an Accu-tac BR-4 G2 and an Atlas BT65 CAL that I use regularly. I've compared the geometry of both and they're very similar in height and width when deployed.

The BR-4 feels very beefy and locks up like a vault. The Atlas locks up very solid, but is lighter and feels a lot more svelte.
I find the push-button leg deployment method of the Atlas to be easier than the spring loaded pull-and-rotate method of the BR-4. I find the spring loaded pull-to-length leg adjustment on the BR-4 to be easier and less fiddly than the collar-unlock of the Atlas when adjusting the legs from the firing position.

I prefer the BR-4 to balance my B14R and the extra weight adds stability to the combo. I like the Atlas on my T1X in the Oryx chassis because that combo is already very stable and well balanced.

They are slightly different tools used for slightly different reasons. If I had could only have one I think I would take the Atlas, but that's based purely on aesthetics and isn't a reflection on quality or functionality of either. They're both solid choices.

I agree with this. Accu-Tac is much more stable and easy to deploy and retract single handed. I greatly prefer it over my Atlas PRS.

 

[littlepod]

The only barricade or situation that I've felt any sort of hindrance with my 6-9 Harris swivel notched leg bipod was on top of the vertical 55gal barrel. Atlas guys could reverse tilt and gaining some stability.

So you know what I did? I practiced....and figured out a way to completely remove the bipod altogether.

Slapped a gamechanger on top...slid the rifle up to the balance point and free recoiled it somewhat. Worked great.

Keep in mind there are plenty of ways to skin the cat on certain stages. Some people go prone on the tire for example....some shoot it kneeling. Some favor a side while others support off the rear of it.

With the COF being released early...you can practice as much as time allows to find what works best for you and your particular gear. You don't HAVE TO HAVE the expensive bipods for the basic NRL22 matches. Maybe it's a bigger deal with NRL22X with the unlimited possibilities of that format. I have not shot one yet to make a comment. We have bonus stages at our local Nrl22 matches more akin to NRL22X...still will be using my Harris. Use the money I saved to buy ammo.

Agree that there's no requirement to HAVE TO HAVE an Atlas, or an Arca rail, or a Ckye Pod, etc... but if you're going to buy once and have the funds, there is gear that allows you to have flexibility. When going to traditional PRS matches, or NRL22X, or Nationals where the stages aren't known, having flexibility in your gear is helpful.

 

[ercmilla]

I had one, and regret a little selling it. Luckily I won a cert for one in a match but they're out of stock right now until the new year. Oops.

I replaced the spring on mine with lighter weight springs. It made deploying them super duper easy. I'll get another one as soon as they're in stock again.

Sorry to revive - but where did you get the springs to replace your accu-tac springs?

 

[littlepod]

Originally my first one, a friend had sent me some springs that he found to help his child use the bipod. This time around, I called them and they shipped me with both the original springs and lighter springs.

 

[Moose]

I use the Atlas Cal and it works well for me.

 

[Hoser]

Just go up the street and grab one from Thunderbeast in person. While you are there see if you can get a tour.

 

[Tomiboy]

I just have a Harris BRMS with a quick adjust lever and an ADM quick release and have never felt I needed a different/better bipod. About $180 all in

Harris BRMS 6-9 Short Swivel Bipod - Short Action Precision

Harris bipod with segmented legs and swivel head for side to side tilt. Adjusts from 6'-9" high. Mounts to front sling stud or sling stud adaptor if you use a rail. Very quick to deploy and rugged bipod. Notched legs for easy height adjustment. Adding the quick adjust lever will be the cherry on...

www.shortactionprecision.com

ADM Harris Bipod to Pic Rail 2 Piece Adapter - Short Action Precision

NEW 2 PIECE MODEL! - Clamp with Adapter The American Defense Manufacturing AD-BP-P2 adapter will replace the sling swivel stud mounting plate on your Harris Swivel bipod to allow you to use it on any Picatinny rail out there. It is the is built around their 170-S state of the art quick release...

www.shortactionprecision.com

Rifle Bipods & Tripods – What The Pros Use

This article covers the bipods and tripods the top 170+ precision rifle shooters in the country are ...

precisionrifleblog.com

 

[PPS LRPS.260]

Atlas or warne skyline

 

[mtnbikerid3r]

I went with Warne skyline myself.

 

[PepperX]

I started out with a Caldwell 6-9". After a couple matches I realized I needed something else. This led to a Harris BRM-S, upgraded with an Area419 ARCA adaptor, KMW pod-loc, and Hawk Hill Talons. About $285 all told. No regrets.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

I just bought a tbac bi-pod, with leg extensions, and claw feet + the ones it comes with. I got. These used on the px for $390 including shipping. I would recommend doing this same thing yourself. Either a tbac,an MDT Or an Accutac. If you aren't concerned with weight, accutac. If you want it for PRS , MDT. C-pod, if you want best all around, Tbac.

I also have a tier one carbon fiber tactical bi-pod. It's also very good, but you probably won't find one used, and I like it best for all around 5.56 stuff vs larger calibers.

 

[littlepod]

I just bought a tbac bi-pod, with leg extensions, and claw feet + the ones it comes with. I got. These used on the px for $390 including shipping. I would recommend doing this same thing yourself. Either a tbac,an MDT Or an Accutac. If you aren't concerned with weight, accutac. If you want it for PRS , MDT. C-pod, if you want best all around, Tbac.

I also have a tier one carbon fiber tactical bi-pod. It's also very good, but you probably won't find one used, and I like it best for all around 5.56 stuff vs larger calibers.

Dang you're the one who got that. I've been eyeing getting another TBAC. I sold mine to try out a cal gen2, and miss the TBAC.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

Dang you're the one who got that. I've been eyeing getting another TBAC. I sold mine to try out a cal gen2, and miss the TBAC.

Man I've been watching for a bit to get one, I was hoping to scoop up accessories with one and when that popped up I jumped on it.

Had one in my cart at milehigh. And was about to just buy new.

The seller also made arrangements to ship via UPS instead of USPS, because I explained sketchy I was with USPS. Really good dude to deal with. It will arrive today too!

Good luck finding one bud. If you keep watching you will

If I see one, I will PM it to you also