Ellite Iron Revolution Bipod

[WaltHer]

There are a number of threads here about bipod recommendations. There are several quality bipod options for standard weight rifles, but for heavy rifles there are fewer choices that deliver the required stability. The Elite Iron Revolution would be an excellent choice for just about any rifle, but it and the LRA are the only ones that I have found with the stability, durability, features for rifles like the Armalight AR-30, HTI, etc. The Revolution's stability, build quality, and functionality are outstanding. It has a very tight lockup to the rifle, and very little flex, even when preloaded. It's wide 60 degree stance adds to this. Additionally, with the bipod's arms being above the height of the bore, the rifle's center of gravity is suspended below the ams making for an extremely solid position. The bipod's unique foot design grips the ground much better than the rubber designs I have used in the past. It's rotational feature, and leg adjustability suit it to work on just about any terrain combination. That being said, they may not be the best choice for use on a concrete bench. Here are some pictures of the revolution on a DTA HTI:







Lastly a shot of the bottom mount for the Revolution while the rifle is inverted in the bipod mount:


For anyone who is interested, here is a link to the EI page, and a video fully outlining all of the Revolutions features and benefits. EliteIron High Quality Suppressors P.S. I am in no way affiliated with EI, but have had excellent success with their suppressors, and now their bipod.

 

[Massoud]

Elite Iron makes some nice stuff. There's a version of this that fits our Whiskey-3 as well as the TRG. You don't see these very often on here it seems.
Justin

 

[secondofangle]

I've been looking at these because my LRA is not tall enough on my HTI. I await the leg extensions and the QD hardware kit. At that point, I will have $600+ in the LRA and I'm beginning to think I should have just gotten the EI.

Practical questions:

1.) With the legs extended is the front of the rifle higher than with the LRA? We had problems shooting uphill with the LRA on the HTI
2.) what's the lead time from EI?
3.) is there a QD option? If not, will it fit in a rifle case without removing it or is it too wide like the LRA?
4.) Mind stating how much they cost? Seems liek you have to go through EI directly, so I presume price is fixed....
5.) does it FEEL noticeably heavier than the LRA?

Also, what MOA cant is your Spuhr? I have 44 MOA on mine and it's too close to the rail to fit a BC cap....

 

[WaltHer]

I've been looking at these because my LRA is not tall enough on my HTI. I await the leg extensions and the QD hardware kit. At that point, I will have $600+ in the LRA and I'm beginning to think I should have just gotten the EI.

Practical questions:

1.) With the legs extended is the front of the rifle higher than with the LRA? We had problems shooting uphill with the LRA on the HTI
2.) what's the lead time from EI?
3.) is there a QD option? If not, will it fit in a rifle case without removing it or is it too wide like the LRA?
4.) Mind stating how much they cost? Seems liek you have to go through EI directly, so I presume price is fixed....
5.) does it FEEL noticeably heavier than the LRA?

Also, what MOA cant is your Spuhr? I have 44 MOA on mine and it's too close to the rail to fit a BC cap....

1. With the legs fully extended, and the monopod fully retracted, it is 13.5" ground to bore, because the Revolution's legs are above the centerline, it does sit lower than a bipod mounted beneath the rifle on a pic-rail. My friend has the LRA on a Tac-50, I've asked him to measure it when he gets off work, I'll let you know if he responds.

2. Lead time from EI- That's a hard one. You are better off to give Dale Poling a call there directly. It took him a couple of months to get to mine, but he had it done in just days once my "turn" came. I ordered this one with a steel raceway/mount and I think that took longer. I believe this was the first HTI he had built one for, as we did some precise measurements prior to actual build, so maybe after doing the first, it will be quicker. My best advice- Call Dale, be patient.
3. QD- Again ask Dale, mine has set screws that secure it to the pic-rail, pretty fast on/fast off with the allen wrench. That being said, with the legs folded forward it still fits in the HTI soft case, the legs go around the muzzle protector in the case just fine. I ended up repositioning the 3/9 o'clock rails one position back, so now the legs fit fine when folded rearward. When folded rearward though, the legs are very close to the forearm, so I intend to move them to the forward locked position in the carry case so the don't ding anything up in transit.
4. Even with the steel/custom mount it was 695+S/H.
5. Weight- hoping to see my friend with the LRA and do a comparison, it might have to warm up first tho...The weight spec is on EI's page, and as for feel, the whole thing seems light compared to my M82, and that's no shit...

With regard to the mount, yeah its a 44.4moa also, and yeah I had to coax the BC cap onto the objective like, well you know-a virgin on prom night. There is contact between the cap and the forearm, I just take the cap all the way off when shooting. The BC cap is very tight, but NF's rubber protector was, as you know, a full "no go".
Merry Christmas, Walt

 

[secondofangle]

Walt,

THANKS so much for the detailed reply. It's nice to compare notes on these rigs.

I cut the NF rubber from the cord and cut a notch in the bottom so it would clear the rail - worked great - until I lost it.

I figure that the sunshade prevents most stuff from getting on the objective.

I see that the all steel is 2# and the other one is 1.5#, but it does not say what and where they replace the steel with. I'll have to ask Dale.

It says the LRA is 1.4# on Eurooptic. Hard to believe the EI can be 1.5# given that the LRA is aluminum and I think the extensions are carbon or composite if I'm not mistaken just by looking at mine.

If you get the chance to compare the two I'd be VERY interested in your thoughts/comparisons. I can't afford to have TWO $700 bipods laying around.

Merry Christmas!

SOA

PS: Here's mine in 375CT with the legs retracted. I just measured with the legs extended and it's 11.0" to the center of the bore at the end of the brake.

<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/user/secondofangle/media/DTA_zps6ce12ea3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk43/secondofangle/DTA_zps6ce12ea3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DTA_zps6ce12ea3.jpg"/></a>

Legs extended, 11"
<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/user/secondofangle/media/IMG_20131224_141548114_zpskjqd8jk7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk43/secondofangle/IMG_20131224_141548114_zpskjqd8jk7.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20131224_141548114_zpskjqd8jk7.jpg"/></a>

 

[WaltHer]

I'm green with envy about the chey tac. I've been waiting for a .375 conversion since May. All 'Desert Technology' left me this year was a lump of coal for now, but I'm committed to being better in 2014 so...
Are you running anything besides .375? Dale never expressed any concern about the aluminum when I framed my discussion from the .375 framework, it wasn't until I started talking about .50 that he wanted to do steel, and that was part of the delivery delay. I believe the steel is in the mount and internal raceway.
What pros/cons have you had with the LRA bipod, it sure looks good in the pics.
Can I PM you in the next couple of days and pick your brain on ammo and loads for the .375CT? I've been stashing away some components and whatnot, but no conversion kit=no hurry. Thanks for the pics and Merry Christamas!

 

[secondofangle]

Walther -

Sorry to "detour" your thread (but I hate to write a bunch of info for only one person to see/benefit from, so.....). My only complaints about the LRA so far are the inability to shoot uphill or to be on a downhill plane shooting across a canyon. In the field in these situations, I found myself moving to other ground to get the required elevation of the front of the rig, or digging out grass in the rear to get the monopod (retracted) down enough for the shot. The leg extensions should fix some/all of this. Only other thing is the width makes it impossible to fit in a Pelican 1750 or Storm 3300 without removing the bipod. Not a BIG deal, but enough to induce me to spend another $75 on the QD mechanism. If it fit in a case without removing the bipod, I would not care about QD. Other than those 2 things, it's bomber.

As for the 375CT - it's an INCREDIBLE round. I've fired 40 "factory" loads from DT (352 copper solid) and about 40 from CheyTac USA - the 350 SMK that they load. Both shoot great (just over 1/2 MOA on testing the first 20 rounds at 100 yards), but the CT rounds are hotter (and compressed). By field observations, they're going about 3150 fps (they chrono at about 3100). I have some of the CT rounds with the 350 copper solid with a 1.02 BC but have not fired them yet. The latter, compared with the DT rounds are seated deeper, have a more pointed tip, and have less noticeable lathe grooves in the bullets. The DTs (which are chronically OOS) come in Bertram brass and the CTs come in Jamison brass. I would have to say that the CT rounds are the way to go if you want to buy loaded ammo to get started because 1.) they're in stock; 2.) two bullets to choose from; 3.) Jamison brass which, judging by internet opinions, is superior to Bertram.

I have not reloaded for the 375 yet. I just received 500 350SMKs from CTD (about $0.75/round - the box of 500 weighs about 25#!!!) and I expect 100 Jamison cases from CheyTac tonight according to UPS tracking. I still await dies from Dave Viers at Viersco. Those were recommended to me by a DT employee that works their loads (I'm in SLC and I was introduced to shooting DTA by this guy whom I know through friends - as soon as I shot the HTI, I knew my Big Mac was gonna be history). He said stay away from C2D (sp?). I looked at the CheyTac dies, but they don't have the sleeve mechanism for the seating die like the Viersco dies, so that made my decision for me. I plan to use 130-135 gr Retumbo based on what I've found on the forums - we'll have to see - with a Fed 215M primer. I've heard that other primers may not reliable ignite 130+ grains of Retumbo. The biggest cartridge I've reloaded up until this is 300 RUM - I have a 50 BMG setup that I've never used b/c the factory AMAX ammo shot lights out with my Tac-50 (which I sold to get this rig.) Fortunately, I can use the 50 BMG press for the Viersco 375CT dies! PM me for updates in the next few weeks - and pray that 375CT becomes an official round and that Hornady and Lapua and Nosler begin making brass for it (and Hornady an AMAX) - if those things happen, we'll be dancing in the streets!

Here's one of 3 deer this rifle took over 1075 yards recently - this one at 1100, one shot to the neck. Beware that the 350 SMK expands like depleted uranium, so you have to hit a vital zone or you'll be chasing game all over creation....

<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/user/secondofangle/media/375_CT_1100_yards_zps5d868f81.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk43/secondofangle/375_CT_1100_yards_zps5d868f81.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 375_CT_1100_yards_zps5d868f81.jpg"/></a>

 

[WaltHer]

I'm glad you have had great luck with the .375. That's a nice deer and a solid shot! How has your real-world performance matched the predictions of your ballistic program? After reading Litz's book it made me a little nervous shooting solids and having an accurate ballistic profile. Currently I'm running a Kestrel/Horus 4500, so I'm stuck with G1 bc curve, but it's worked fine with my SRS .338 at ranges past 1500, so I'm cautiously hopefull. You and I are on the same plan- .50 press/Viersco dies/Bertram/Retumbo, etc. My plan as it stands is just to roll the CEB 352gr. solid If you have any DTM factory ammo left, would you send me the factory C.O.A.L.?

Walther -

Sorry to "detour" your thread (but I hate to write a bunch of info for only one person to see/benefit from, so.....). My only complaints about the LRA so far are the inability to shoot uphill or to be on a downhill plane shooting across a canyon. In the field in these situations, I found myself moving to other ground to get the required elevation of the front of the rig, or digging out grass in the rear to get the monopod (retracted) down enough for the shot. The leg extensions should fix some/all of this. Only other thing is the width makes it impossible to fit in a Pelican 1750 or Storm 3300 without removing the bipod. Not a BIG deal, but enough to induce me to spend another $75 on the QD mechanism. If it fit in a case without removing the bipod, I would not care about QD. Other than those 2 things, it's bomber.

As for the 375CT - it's an INCREDIBLE round. I've fired 40 "factory" loads from DT (352 copper solid) and about 40 from CheyTac USA - the 350 SMK that they load. Both shoot great (just over 1/2 MOA on testing the first 20 rounds at 100 yards), but the CT rounds are hotter (and compressed). By field observations, they're going about 3150 fps (they chrono at about 3100). I have some of the CT rounds with the 350 copper solid with a 1.02 BC but have not fired them yet. The latter, compared with the DT rounds are seated deeper, have a more pointed tip, and have less noticeable lathe grooves in the bullets. The DTs (which are chronically OOS) come in Bertram brass and the CTs come in Jamison brass. I would have to say that the CT rounds are the way to go if you want to buy loaded ammo to get started because 1.) they're in stock; 2.) two bullets to choose from; 3.) Jamison brass which, judging by internet opinions, is superior to Bertram.

I have not reloaded for the 375 yet. I just received 500 350SMKs from CTD (about $0.75/round - the box of 500 weighs about 25#!!!) and I expect 100 Jamison cases from CheyTac tonight according to UPS tracking. I still await dies from Dave Viers at Viersco. Those were recommended to me by a DT employee that works their loads (I'm in SLC and I was introduced to shooting DTA by this guy whom I know through friends - as soon as I shot the HTI, I knew my Big Mac was gonna be history). He said stay away from C2D (sp?). I looked at the CheyTac dies, but they don't have the sleeve mechanism for the seating die like the Viersco dies, so that made my decision for me. I plan to use 130-135 gr Retumbo based on what I've found on the forums - we'll have to see - with a Fed 215M primer. I've heard that other primers may not reliable ignite 130+ grains of Retumbo. The biggest cartridge I've reloaded up until this is 300 RUM - I have a 50 BMG setup that I've never used b/c the factory AMAX ammo shot lights out with my Tac-50 (which I sold to get this rig.) Fortunately, I can use the 50 BMG press for the Viersco 375CT dies! PM me for updates in the next few weeks - and pray that 375CT becomes an official round and that Hornady and Lapua and Nosler begin making brass for it (and Hornady an AMAX) - if those things happen, we'll be dancing in the streets!

Here's one of 3 deer this rifle took over 1075 yards recently - this one at 1100, one shot to the neck. Beware that the 350 SMK expands like depleted uranium, so you have to hit a vital zone or you'll be chasing game all over creation....

<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/user/secondofangle/media/375_CT_1100_yards_zps5d868f81.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk43/secondofangle/375_CT_1100_yards_zps5d868f81.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 375_CT_1100_yards_zps5d868f81.jpg"/></a>

 

[secondofangle]

Since we were hunting the only time I had the rifle in the field for extended periods, we mostly shot the SMK. But we ran out of them and started shooting the DTA stuff on the last day. They claim velocity 3080 FPS. I think I chrono'd them at more like 3000 - which is what field conditions at 1600 yards appeared to confirm. I think G1 with Shooter or Ballistic AE, G1, and a reasonably velocity guess/measurement will get you to a mile. Beyond that I can't comment.

Note that the DTM bullet is loaded just to the gas ring/driving band/whatchyamacallit. They're SUPER long, about 4.437" OAL

<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/user/secondofangle/media/IMG_20131225_133759366_zps7cxbhmzn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk43/secondofangle/IMG_20131225_133759366_zps7cxbhmzn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20131225_133759366_zps7cxbhmzn.jpg"/></a>