Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

[Captain Kirk]

This is a reveiw I did a few years ago, I tried to find it for some info and it seems to be missing MIA, so here it is again


For most tactical shooters, the bipod is a very important tool. While searching for a quality bipod, I chose to compare the Harris, Accuracy International, GG&G, Versa Pod, and the Rock Creek bipods.

Here is a pic of all but the AI bipod. Rock Creek (top left). Harris BR 6-9(top right). Versa Pod (bottom left). GG&G (bottom right)

Here is a pic showing the various designs for the bipod feet. (left to right) Harris, Versa Pod, Rock (Raptor feet), GGG

now for some specs.

-<span style="font-weight: bold">Rock Creek</span>: This is a quick detachable bipod made primarily of aluminum. Attaching the bipod requires a picatinny rail, and is fastened swiftly using the side locking lever. Its legs feature an adjustment range of 5.5" to 7.5" fully extended. Legs are deployed and stowed by squeezing the legs together. Legs are spring loaded and fully extend with a press of the locking lever, and it offers four height choices in 1/2" increments. Its unique Raptor feet offer unparalleled support in soft terrain, other feet designs are available. It also features a locking lever for cant. Its unique design allows the rifle to recoil rearward while the legs stay in contact with the ground, virtually eliminating bipod "hop"


- <span style="font-weight: bold">Harris </span> The Harris unit tested is a BR model 6-9 non swivel with the newer style knurled fastening nut. The Harris requires a standard sling swivel stud for attachment. Legs extend from 6" to 9", and can be adjusted and tightened in any position, a unit with notched legs is available as well. Made of aluminum, its the lightest, simplest, and least expensive unit tested. With its rigid legs, it offers a very solid feel but tends to "hop" when the rifle is fired, often making fast follow up shots and spotting impacts more difficult

- <span style="font-weight: bold">Versa Pod </span> The Versa Pod is very similar in design to the Accuracy International/Parker Hale bipod. It is made from aluminum and steel, and is noticeably heavier than the Harris, and offers more support as well. It features spring loaded legs that are deployed and stowed with a squeeze of the legs. Legs have a range of 7" to 10", and offers 6 height choices in 1/2" increments. Options are height, swivel or locking, and rubber feet or AI style "ski" feet. It has knurled locking knobs for cant and swivel. Using a unique "spigot" design to attach, the unit is shipped with a hand stop that attaches to a standard sling swivel stud. A picatinny adapter is also available. Same design as the AI, Parker Hale, and Rock Creek bipod, it exhibits very little bipod hop.

- <span style="font-weight: bold"> GG&G</span> Hands down, the best thought out and most expensive bipod in the test. With every part machined meticulously from bar stock aluminum, this bipod is a work of art. Legs are deployed using independent locking levers located at the top of the legs. The legs are not spring loaded, making this a very quiet design without the possibility of "pinching" like the Harris. The legs have a height adjustment, and are infinitely adjustable. Adjustment range is from 7.5" to 10.5". The unit tested is a swivel design and offers no locking option. It requires a picatinny base and is fastened by tightening a machined wing nut on the base of the mount. With rigid legs, it performs similar to the Harris, and tends to "hop" durring recoil.

Now for a few specs

<span style="font-weight: bold"> GGG</span>
Discription - Tactical Heavy Duty Bipod w/built in swivel
Price - $204
Weight - 11.5oz
Adjustment range - 8"-11"
Material - Aluminum (CNC), steel fasteners
Finish - Matte black Mil Spec anodized
Options - solid (non cant), standard and "heavy duty" models

<span style="font-weight: bold"> Rock Creek</span>
Discription - Sopmod Tactical Bipod with cant lock and Raptor feet
Price - $249
Weight - 1.5lbs
Adjustment range - 4.5"-6.5"
Material - Aluminum, steel fasteners
Finish - Matte black Mil Spec anodized
Options - short, standard, and tall versions, 3 choices of feet

<span style="font-weight: bold">Versa Pod </span>
Discription - Prone Bipod with pan/tilt and cant friction lock, rubber feet
Price - $85
Weight - 1.28lbs/1.68lbs w/universal adaptor
Adjustment range - 9"-12"
Material - Aluminum, steel fasteners
Finish - Matte black Mil Spec anodized
Options - multiple heights, pan/tilt and cant friction lock option, rubber feet or aluminum "ski" feet

<span style="font-weight: bold"> Harris</span>
Discription - 1A2 BR 6-9
Price - $64
Weight - 10oz
Adjustment range - 6"-9"
Material - Aluminum, steel fasteners
Finish - Matte black Mil Spec anodized
Options - Height, swivel or solid, notched leg or multi-height adjust

Here is how I rated them.

1. Rock Creek
2. Versa Pod
3. GG&G
4. Harris

All things where considered in the test, weight, price, fit/finish, and performance. While the others performed better, I feel the Harris offers a good product for the money. The Rock Creek bipod is hard to beat, only setback is many precision rifles will need to be fitted with a picatinny base

 

[problemchild]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

Nice review. I have the atlas and like the simplicity. It does hop on recoil with the legs straight down. With the legs forward it does not do that.

 

[pazzo]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

I am using the Harris with my McMillan A5. I would like to try the Atlas but don't really want to spend the time modifying the stock to put the rail on in order to mount it

 

[PistonPete]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

i have two Harris', three GG&Gs, and four "others", they are all solid, durable and sturdy in construction, all USA made, your test and eval. was excellent, i tend to disagree with your rating, i would put GG&G #1, Rock Creek #2, Harris #3, Versa pod #4

GG&G #1, because of the weight

R. C. #2, because of it's huge "foot print", almost gave it a #3 due to it's weight

Harris #3, because of it's light weight, don't care much for the spring loaded legs.

V.P. #4, because of it's weight and "looks cheap"

 

[NCBullshooter]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

I'm new to the Hide and recently signed up for the Online Training Program ... I'm learning a great deal and working on correcting some flaws in my shooting form. Part of improving, IMO, is having equipment that doesn't get in the way.

This topic is very timely for me because I have been struggling with pulling the trigger on a new Atlas bipod. I currently have an older style Versa-pod that doesn't have the locking knobs, so it's pretty wobbly, but a practical design. It is also quite heavy in comparison.

My concern with the Atlas are that it doesn't give very much height, unless the leg extensions are purchased, an additional $50. My Versapod gives 12" from surface to bottom of stock forend, using the swivel-stud adaptor. I haven't seen a photo or description of how the Atlas leg extensions attach ... are they added-on or do they replace the lower leg section?

Also, I'm curious about the comment that the Atlas tends to hop unless the legs are deployed forward at 45 degrees. However, the accushot website shows a video of the legs at 90 degrees being shot (probably with an AR-10) off of a painted pick-up truck tailgate without hoppng.

The Rock Creek seems worth considering, but I would like to have a rubber-foot option, but didn't see one on their website?

Thanks for any comments,
NCBullshooter

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Piston Pete</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> your test and eval. was excellent, i tend to disagree with your rating, i would put GG&G #1, Rock Creek #2, Harris #3, Versa pod #4

GG&G #1, because of the weight

R. C. #2, because of it's huge "foot print", almost gave it a #3 due to it's weight

Harris #3, because of it's light weight, don't care much for the spring loaded legs.

V.P. #4, because of it's weight and "looks cheap" </div></div>

Well, since I have rated them, 3 years have gone by, my veiws have changed some as well. I still love the Rock pod, but I think it wasnt fair to take the best offerings from the others against a non swivel Harris. I wanted to repost it mainly for specs and pics in hopes it may help someone decide.


Kirk r

 

[totenfleisch]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

Sorry for the BTT on an older thread, but where can I buy the Rock Creek bipod? Their site says they don't do civilian sales of the raptor foot 'pod, and I haven't seen them elsewhere.

 

[Pete E]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KTags</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry for the BTT on an older thread, but where can I buy the Rock Creek bipod? Their site says they don't do civilian sales of the raptor foot 'pod, and I haven't seen them elsewhere. </div></div>

Can I ask why go with the Raptor foot? It looks a bit specialised forgeneral use; probably great on soft ground/earth, but poor on hard surfaces such as concrete?

I'm surprised makers don't use screw spiked feet as you find on tripods....

 

[totenfleisch]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

According to this review and the MFG, it has a wide range of motion(s), and seems to be a very heavy duty item. I have narrowed it down between this and LaRue's integrated Harris for my rifle. This appears to be more towards what I am looking for.
Thanks,
KT

 

[mcm308]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

Ok.. I always had Harris. I just got a GG&G XDS in the mail and it makes a Harris look like a toy...LOL For a rail mount.. The GG&G just flat out looks superior in all ways and adjustments. It can serve double duty as a VFG if needed. You can lock a leg into the vertical position. Very nice and VERY solid construction.

 

[CK_32]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

I have a Harris bi pod and I love everything about it. I'd say +1 for harrid and maybe rated at 2 or 3 due to simplicity and how many different models they offer and just solid as can be. And the feet work well on all surfaces..

But nice review. +1 for this thread.

 

[MacMan]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

I have been using the Rock Creek now for about two months.Most of my shooting is done at the farm on soft ground.The bipod is a little heavy but it is rock solid and the raptor feet help keep it firmly in place.Functioned well of the wood bench also.

 

[MacMan]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

Where can I purchase a locking lever for the SOPMOD bi-pod?I did not see them listed on Rock Creek web page.

 

[Lola85]

Re: Bipod reveiw, Rock, Versa Pod, Harris, GG&G

bipod upgrade is in my near future. thanks for the good info