Locked or Unlocked?

[McReef]

I think this probably qualifies as a stupid question...

I am running an Atlas 5-H bipod. Should I be locking this down when I shoot, leaving it unlocked, or setting the tension adjustment somewhere in between to just take up some slack?

I have been locking it up most of the time, honestly just because the locks are there, so I assume I should be using them. I can’t really find anything specifically discussing this aspect of their use.

So far, pretty much everything I have read (before coming here), and everything I thought I understood has proven to be all back asswards. Set me straight please.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Situationally dependent. Shooting prone, you can get it leveled and lock it down.

Positionally, tight enough it only moves when you want it to, and loose enough you can level it out when you need.

 

[McReef]

Situationally dependent. Shooting prone, you can get it leveled and lock it down.

Positionally, tight enough it only moves when you want it to, and loose enough you can level it out when you need.

Thanks. Every time I shoot I find myself second guessing myself on something new.

 

[bschneiderheinze]

I've always run mine so that it will move with some pressure. It doesn't bother when shooting prone but when shooting of a truck hood or other uneven obstacle it will move.

 

[OlieTheDog]

When you say “locked” I assume you’re referring to the pan/cant being locked out?

 

[McReef]

When you say “locked” I assume you’re referring to the pan/cant being locked out?

Yes.

 

[OlieTheDog]

I have a Harris, but I can mostly lock the cant out of it. I choose to run it pretty tight so that I can move it where I want it to go, but it won't go all floppy noddle on me with every movement. Think of it like a metal hangar; you can bend it, and when you do, it stays in the new position you bent it to.