My solution to stiffen up Atlas bipod cant

[carbonbased]

Ok, sparked by this post by @Old Man with Gun:

Atlas Pod Lock (won't)

I have the Atlas cal (at least I think its the CAL) with the built in pod lock /ARCA rail attach No matter how much a crank down the tension its still way too loose and easy bumped off center. Is there any kind of tension adjustment. I'm not superman by any stretch, but its waay to loose for...

www.snipershide.com

I began a quest to find a carbon fiber drag washer for my CAL v2 bipod. Drag, as for fishing reels, not for drag shows.

Anyway, I found one, which amazingly needed no cutting, sanding, fitting, cursing, or anything! Heads up: I shoot from a bench, I want to lock the cant ability off (or make it very, very stiff). The CAL, for me, was not cutting it even after messing with the locknut's gross tension adjustment, and I was ready to sell it.

My mod doesn't give me 1000% lockup like my Elite Iron or LRA bipods, but close enough for government work. I wiped off the existing grease that was in the area where the original washer resided before slapping the new CF one in there. I didn't use acetone to remove ALL of the grease, which maybe wouldn't be the worst idea if you want max max max lockup.

I did alert @Kasey (owner of Atlas/B&T Industries) to my research and he's looking into washers like these. Btw, @Terry Cross, the creator of the Pod-Loc cant tightening device that's on the Atlas (and other) bipods told me that his invention works the way it does is by design, a design which was driven by his end users. Out of shape lusers like me were not his focus lol (nor should they have been).

Anyway, I use bipods at the range sometimes because they are light, and I want to set it and forget it. Can't guarantee anything if you like to have a looser cant. Kasey said the previous CF washers his team tried were grabby; if they added lube they didn't lock off enough. Maybe I got lucky…mine is not grabby either.

THE SECRET WASHER​

----> Ask for model number: 8** (yeah, with two asterisks) <-----
Carbontex Drag Washer - 19.54 x 8.06 x 0.76mm
https://www.smoothdrag.com/wp/
Fits Atlas Cal pretty much perfectly. I see no need to trim.

I texted (760) 949-0271 and they texted back. Or you can email, whatever. $2.85 + $0.68 for first class shipping. Ask 'em how to pay.

I got one for free. It wasn't a comp for review thing. They just offered as I suppose they usually get larger orders.

Don't ask for a free one you idiots. It's tree fiddy!!! Do you live in your mom's basement???

1. Unscrew handle
2. Use socket or wrench to remove locking nut. Various other parts will slide off.
3. Slide "mount" off of spindle. Kinda tricky.
4. Remove white plastic washer, decide if you want to remove all grease or just wipe excess off
5. Put your new CF washer on
6. Reassemble and fine-tune the gross tightness by tightening/loosening locknut
7. Spin on handle and go shoot

Carry on.

 

[lash]

Excellent DIY fix! Glad it worked out. I’ll order one up for tree fiddy for my Cal.

Good write up too.

 

[Baron23]

1. Unscrew handle
2. Use socket or wrench to remove locking nut. Various other parts will slide off.
3. Slide "mount" off of spindle. Kinda tricky.
4. Remove white plastic washer, decide if you want to remove all grease or just wipe excess off
5. Put your new CF washer on
6. Reassemble and fine-tune the gross tightness by tightening/loosening locknut
7. Spin on handle and go shoot

Er, might want to look at your font color or something...I think you have it as being "white". Text is not visible but if you highlight it with your cursor then it indeed does appear. Cheers

 

[Huskydriver]

Or just don't run a pos atlas bipod....

 

[carbonbased]

Er, might want to look at your font color or something...I think you have it as being "white". Text is not visible but if you highlight it with your cursor then it indeed does appear. Cheers

Ok, darn it, thx for the heads up. I think I fixed it…lmk if that worked.

After my big red admonition I thought I had to switch the text back to white (I run a dark background and white text). But what I really needed to do is strip the color tags out of the code entirely.

 

[carbonbased]

Or just don't run a pos atlas bipod....

Hey! I have a fetish for slummin’ wit da poors

Ok, no, seriously I run an EI and phat LRA too. The Atlas was way cheaper and adequate for my lighter rifles. The EI only fits a couple of my guns and the LRA is such a wide boi the gun+LRA won’t fit in a soft case. Have to separate bipod to fit.

Sometimes the little CAL is just the ticket.

LRA F-class Lite-Tactical in action with an AIAT and a KRG Tikka Bravo . LRA needs shorter names for their bipods.

 

[lash]

I have one of those too, though I need to find a decent way to have both picatinny and arca quick connections on it, without adding too much height.

 

[carbonbased]

Only way I have done that is one of those 17s pic rail adapters to the bottom of a RRS SC-Arc BTC-PRO screw clamp (the SC-ARC lever clamp won’t work due to lever clearance issues).

Currently I just go native LRA pic rail because I’m sort of tired of Arca.

 

[lash]

Only way I have done that is one of those 17s pic rail adapters to the bottom of a RRS SC-Arc. Currently just go native LRA pic rail because I’m sort of tired of Arca.

Me too, but mine isn’t quick connect, so it’s a bit of a pita to me. As you said, it doesn’t fit the case with it on.

1st world problem for sure.

 

[rmfield]

carbonbased: Thx for the tip! Just ordered a couple of the Carbontex washers.

 

[carbonbased]

Me too, but mine isn’t quick connect, so it’s a bit of a pita to me.

You saying your LRA pic clamp isn’t quick release? That does sorta suck.

I do have a small beef with LRA in that they charge near $80 for their QR clamp. That should be included and standard.

I first didn’t like their QR clamp. But I have grown to see that when trying to attach a darn bipod in the range shed without putting the muzzle up (horizontal gun), that LRA clamp actually works better than other clamps. We’re not supposed to go muzzle up in the shed as some people have accidentally shot holes in the roof . It’s also easier to change the clamp tension on the LRA than on other pic clamps (including RRS SC-ARC).

 

[lash]

You saying your LRA pic clamp isn’t quick release? That does sorta suck.

I do have a small beef with LRA in that they charge near $80 for their QR clamp. That should be included and standard.

I first didn’t like their QR clamp. But I have grown to see that when trying to attach a darn bipod in the range shed without putting the muzzle up (horizontal gun), that LRA clamp actually works better than other clamps. We’re not supposed to go muzzle up in the shed as some people have accidentally shot holes in the roof . It’s also easier to change the clamp tension on the LRA.

I think I need to dust off my wallet and get one.

 

[carbonbased]

I think I need to dust off my wallet and get one.

Oh yeah? You’re struggling to buy an $80 clamp while I’m taking out a home refinancing loan to buy just one extra CF washer.

The struggle is REAL brahs.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Off topic:

Is this some aftermarket madness as well on the cheek rest?

 

[carbonbased]

Off topic:

Is this some aftermarket madness as well on the cheek rest?

View attachment 8369720

Yeah, I’m a weirdo and like angled cheekpieces. The stock one on an AT does angle with no mods.

6br is probably the largest caliber I’d try with that setup. You can get a little “reminded” that recoil exists even with 6br.

I also have my KRG chassis (W3, Bravo) set up that way. KRG sells an optional kit to mod the stock cheekpiece. Only shoot 204 with those chassis.

Adjustable Cheekpiece Mount for W-3, X-Ray – Kinetic Research Group

kineticresearchgroup.com

Angling the cheekpiece allows me to get my head directly behind the gun’s centerline the absolute most for some facial geometry reason that sort of doesn’t make obvious sense?

 

[spife7980]

Just slide the whole thing over laterally to the side, at least the loggerhead and better chassis do that so you don’t smash your face with each trigger pull

 

[carbonbased]

Just slide the whole thing over laterally to the side, at least the loggerhead and better chassis do that so you don’t smash your face with each trigger pull

I have tried just that in the past. The weird thing is…the angled orientation works/feels better? I can’t explain it.

I need someone to make a cast of my skull so I can grab it and move it around on the buttstock so I can see what’s going on from an ergo standpoint.

My guess is angling the cheekpiece the way I have has moved the back of the cheekpiece even further away from my face than just laterally sliding the entire cheekpiece over to the right.

My cheek still gets a nice reference point and my head is as straight up as possible.

Somebody must like it as KRG offers the option. That or I’m using it off-prescription lol

 

[Baron23]

Ok, darn it, thx for the heads up. I think I fixed it…lmk if that worked.

After my big red admonition I thought I had to switch the text back to white (I run a dark background and white text). But what I really needed to do is strip the color tags out of the code entirely.

I have spoken to Atlas on this subject...I too want to really lock down cant when I want to really lock down cant. lol

I asked if I could get/buy a couple of whatever parts provide the friction (flat spring, brass washer thingy, white plastic washer thingy, whatever) so I could repair it myself. Looks dead simple.

Answer was no....yeah. Very nice gal I spoke with, I'm still a fan of BT and I think they have great CS. But what she said was "just send it back to us, we will repair it under warranty"

Yeah, but I don't really want to pack and ship a whole bipod back and forth just to replace a friction washer.

And yes, it does seem like @Terry Cross main focus is on his LEO organization customers and their mission. But this thing is widely sold and used on other bipods so perhaps for civilian use he might want to look at a different friction washer/device.

But I still do really like my CAL....no matter what @Huskydriver says! haha

 

[carbonbased]

I have spoken to Atlas on this subject...I too want to really lock down cant when I want to really lock down cant. lol

I asked if I could get/buy a couple of whatever parts provide the friction (flat spring, brass washer thingy, white plastic washer thingy, whatever) so I could repair it myself. Looks dead simple.

Answer was no....yeah. Very nice gal I spoke with, I'm still a fan of BT and I think they have great CS. But what she said was "just send it back to us, we will repair it under warranty"

Yeah, but I don't really want to pack and ship a whole bipod back and forth just to replace a friction washer.

And yes, it does seem like @Terry Cross main focus is on his LEO organization customers and their mission. But this thing is widely sold and used on other bipods so perhaps for civilian use he might want to look at a different friction washer/device.

But I still do really like my CAL....no matter what @Huskydriver says! haha

Yeah, to be frank, from a design standpoint I am not sure why one needs to choose between “smooth cant motion but unable to lock cant off” and “able to lock cant off” (or kasey’s “grabby but able to lock cant off”).

I think the TBAC bipod has a similar design with a single pivot point. I’ve heard it totally locks the cant, but am not 100% on that info.

 

[Huskydriver]

I have spoken to Atlas on this subject...I too want to really lock down cant when I want to really lock down cant. lol

I asked if I could get/buy a couple of whatever parts provide the friction (flat spring, brass washer thingy, white plastic washer thingy, whatever) so I could repair it myself. Looks dead simple.

Answer was no....yeah. Very nice gal I spoke with, I'm still a fan of BT and I think they have great CS. But what she said was "just send it back to us, we will repair it under warranty"

Yeah, but I don't really want to pack and ship a whole bipod back and forth just to replace a friction washer.

And yes, it does seem like @Terry Cross main focus is on his LEO organization customers and their mission. But this thing is widely sold and used on other bipods so perhaps for civilian use he might want to look at a different friction washer/device.

But I still do really like my CAL....no matter what @Huskydriver says! haha

It's an overrated pos but good on ya for clinging to old tech... Way better bipods out there these days without these issues...

 

[carbonbased]

It's an overrated pos but good on ya for clinging to old tech... Way better bipods out there these days without these issues...

Aren’t you into Accutac bipods now? For a narrow bipod, what would you suggest?

I guess if I had my druthers I’d get a LRA Ultralight Scout.

 

[carbonbased]

Only way I have done that is one of those 17s pic rail adapters to the bottom of a RRS SC-Arc. Currently just go native LRA pic rail because I’m sort of tired of Arca.

My mistake, I meant the BTC-PRO screw clamp from RRS, not the SC-ARC as that won’t work due to lever clearance issues. IIRC.

 

[Huskydriver]

Aren’t you into Accutac bipods now? For a narrow bipod, what would you suggest?

I guess if I had my druthers I’d get a LRA Ultralight Scout.

Accutac is aight wouldn't say it's the best but the sr5 model is what I run and hd50 for a big boy they lock up super tight..

 

[carbonbased]

Accutac is aight wouldn't say it's the best but the sr5 model is what I run and hd50 for a big boy they lock up super tight..

What’s the “best”? For you.

For me, it’s the EI for its amazing floating cant feeling. But due to the big circle it uses it doesn’t have a flexible mounting system. Plus it tends to jut WAY out there, which is great for stability but no range bench at the clubs I belong to are long enough unless I sit at the back of their narrow “T” shape…which introduces its own set of problems.

So then, for me, the 2nd runner up is the way-more-adaptable-to-every-rifle-but-has-a-stupid-name LRA F-Class Lite-Tactical.

 

[Terry Cross]

I have spoken to Atlas on this subject...I too want to really lock down cant when I want to really lock down cant. lol

Yeah, but I don't really want to pack and ship a whole bipod back and forth just to replace a friction washer.

And yes, it does seem like @Terry Cross main focus is on his LEO organization customers and their mission. But this thing is widely sold and used on other bipods so perhaps for civilian use he might want to look at a different friction washer/device.

Points to consider:

1) RE: The CAL bipods will not lock the tilt feature solidly.
The very first production of the CAL was with the tilt feature of ALL of them locking up solid and tight. Tons of internet customers complained that they preferred a slight amount of softness or give to the locking tilt feature so that the user could force a little english/tweak into the sight picture without having to reach up and unlock, re-level and lock again.

B&T responded by giving the market a change that allowed just that. This disenchanted the slice of the market that wanted a solid lock.
The disenchanted portion of the market is verbalizing in this thread and others.

B&T was responsive to (some of) the market.
It is impossible to make everybody happy and it is probably not a smart move to have two completely different SKUs in inventory.

Anyone can go back to the old threads that surrounded the first 6 months of the CAL product rollout and see the uproar of unpleased users because the cant feature locked too solidly.

I do not envy B&T or any other company in that lane. Even with stellar products, you cannot please the entire market.

**I am not trying to speak for B&T. This is solely my own opinion and take on the background leading up to the current CAL threads. I'm sure they can address this on their own far better than I can.

2) RE: The Pod-Loc kit was produced for the LEO market.
Indeed the LEO niche is where 90% of KMW rifles go and ton of Pod-Locs are in use there but it was LE was not the catalyst for the origin of it.

The KMW Pod-Loc kit was initially built and produced in response to seeing SS Marines tearing up their new Harris S-model bipods with Leathermans, SOG pliers and other tools in an attempt to lock and un-lock the tilt feature during the week long NASC championship in 1999.
The USMC was in the process of finalizing the kit specs for the M40-A3. The Pod-Loc kits were tested, added to the kit specs and issued an NSN by 2000.

The complete history of the Pod-Loc kit can be read here: https://www.kmwlrs.com/pod-loc

3) RE: The Pod-Loc does not produce a solid lock for the tilt feature of the CAL.
The Pod-Loc does only one job. It allows a reasonable amount of torque to be imparted to the center pivot rod component of the CAL and Harris S bipods. The actual result of whether the bipod achieves a solid lock of the tilt feature is not dependent on the Pod-Loc. It is dependent on the design and materials used in the mechanical clutch/lock feature of the bipod itself.

This is proven by the fact that the very first CALs produced a solid tilt/lock which a ton of people complained about. B&T responded by modifying the tilt/lock components to allow a soft lock which is what you see today. No changes were made to the Pod-Loc during the product evolution and transition.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am going to copy and paste this post to the other thread as well in an attempt to explain things better and perhaps allow a better resolution to both camps (I want my lockup tight vs I want my lockup soft).

Hope this helps.
T

.

 

[Baron23]

Points to consider:

1) RE: The CAL bipods will not lock the tilt feature solidly.
The very first production of the CAL was with the tilt feature of ALL of them locking up solid and tight. Tons of internet customers complained that they preferred a slight amount of softness or give to the locking tilt feature so that the user could force a little english/tweak into the sight picture without having to reach up and unlock, re-level and lock again.

B&T responded by giving the market a change that allowed just that. This disenchanted the slice of the market that wanted a solid lock.
The disenchanted portion of the market is verbalizing in this thread and others.

B&T was responsive to (some of) the market.
It is impossible to make everybody happy and it is probably not a smart move to have two completely different SKUs in inventory.

Anyone can go back to the old threads that surrounded the first 6 months of the CAL product rollout and see the uproar of unpleased users because the cant feature locked too solidly.

I do not envy B&T or any other company in that lane. Even with stellar products, you cannot please the entire market.

**I am not trying to speak for B&T. This is solely my own opinion and take on the background leading up to the current CAL threads. I'm sure they can address this on their own far better than I can.

2) RE: The Pod-Loc kit was produced for the LEO market.
Indeed the LEO niche is where 90% of KMW rifles go and ton of Pod-Locs are in use there but it was LE was not the catalyst for the origin of it.

The KMW Pod-Loc kit was initially built and produced in response to seeing SS Marines tearing up their new Harris S-model bipods with Leathermans, SOG pliers and other tools in an attempt to lock and un-lock the tilt feature during the week long NASC championship in 1999.
The USMC was in the process of finalizing the kit specs for the M40-A3. The Pod-Loc kits were tested, added to the kit specs and issued an NSN by 2000.

The complete history of the Pod-Loc kit can be read here: https://www.kmwlrs.com/pod-loc

3) RE: The Pod-Loc does not produce a solid lock for the tilt feature of the CAL.
The Pod-Loc does only one job. It allows a reasonable amount of torque to be imparted to the center pivot rod component of the CAL and Harris S bipods. The actual result of whether the bipod achieves a solid lock of the tilt feature is not dependent on the Pod-Loc. It is dependent on the design and materials used in the mechanical clutch/lock feature of the bipod itself.

This is proven by the fact that the very first CALs produced a solid tilt/lock which a ton of people complained about. B&T responded by modifying the tilt/lock components to allow a soft lock which is what you see today. No changes were made to the Pod-Loc during the product evolution and transition.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am going to copy and paste this post to the other thread as well in an attempt to explain things better and perhaps allow a better resolution to both camps (I want my lockup tight vs I want my lockup soft).

Hope this helps.
T

.

Thanks Terry! No, I didn't know that background and thank you for posting it. And, I wouldn't say that I'm "displeased" with the current soft lock, I just would prefer to be able to fully lock but I defer to your historical knowledge that many wanted exactly the opposite and so BT responded with the current CAL cant function.

Take care and, as always, thanks for participating here on the Hide and sharing your knowledge and experience.

Cheers

 

[oldrifleman]

Points to consider:

1) RE: The CAL bipods will not lock the tilt feature solidly.
The very first production of the CAL was with the tilt feature of ALL of them locking up solid and tight. Tons of internet customers complained that they preferred a slight amount of softness or give to the locking tilt feature so that the user could force a little english/tweak into the sight picture without having to reach up and unlock, re-level and lock again.

B&T responded by giving the market a change that allowed just that. This disenchanted the slice of the market that wanted a solid lock.
The disenchanted portion of the market is verbalizing in this thread and others.

B&T was responsive to (some of) the market.
It is impossible to make everybody happy and it is probably not a smart move to have two completely different SKUs in inventory.

Anyone can go back to the old threads that surrounded the first 6 months of the CAL product rollout and see the uproar of unpleased users because the cant feature locked too solidly.

I do not envy B&T or any other company in that lane. Even with stellar products, you cannot please the entire market.

**I am not trying to speak for B&T. This is solely my own opinion and take on the background leading up to the current CAL threads. I'm sure they can address this on their own far better than I can.

2) RE: The Pod-Loc kit was produced for the LEO market.
Indeed the LEO niche is where 90% of KMW rifles go and ton of Pod-Locs are in use there but it was LE was not the catalyst for the origin of it.

The KMW Pod-Loc kit was initially built and produced in response to seeing SS Marines tearing up their new Harris S-model bipods with Leathermans, SOG pliers and other tools in an attempt to lock and un-lock the tilt feature during the week long NASC championship in 1999.
The USMC was in the process of finalizing the kit specs for the M40-A3. The Pod-Loc kits were tested, added to the kit specs and issued an NSN by 2000.

The complete history of the Pod-Loc kit can be read here: https://www.kmwlrs.com/pod-loc

3) RE: The Pod-Loc does not produce a solid lock for the tilt feature of the CAL.
The Pod-Loc does only one job. It allows a reasonable amount of torque to be imparted to the center pivot rod component of the CAL and Harris S bipods. The actual result of whether the bipod achieves a solid lock of the tilt feature is not dependent on the Pod-Loc. It is dependent on the design and materials used in the mechanical clutch/lock feature of the bipod itself.

This is proven by the fact that the very first CALs produced a solid tilt/lock which a ton of people complained about. B&T responded by modifying the tilt/lock components to allow a soft lock which is what you see today. No changes were made to the Pod-Loc during the product evolution and transition.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am going to copy and paste this post to the other thread as well in an attempt to explain things better and perhaps allow a better resolution to both camps (I want my lockup tight vs I want my lockup soft).

Hope this helps.
T

.

I hope we all understand that you can always please everyone, Companies need to prioritize their biggest market. It is up to the niche part of the market to DIY a solution to solve for their needs. I appreciate the fix because I am one of the Niche users that dislikes the cant feature. Just ordered a bunch of the washers and will be retrofitting my Atlas bipods.

 

[carbonbased]

Points to consider:

1) RE: The CAL bipods will not lock the tilt feature solidly.
The very first production of the CAL was with the tilt feature of ALL of them locking up solid and tight. Tons of internet customers complained that they preferred a slight amount of softness or give to the locking tilt feature so that the user could force a little english/tweak into the sight picture without having to reach up and unlock, re-level and lock again.

B&T responded by giving the market a change that allowed just that. This disenchanted the slice of the market that wanted a solid lock.
The disenchanted portion of the market is verbalizing in this thread and others.

B&T was responsive to (some of) the market.
It is impossible to make everybody happy and it is probably not a smart move to have two completely different SKUs in inventory.

Anyone can go back to the old threads that surrounded the first 6 months of the CAL product rollout and see the uproar of unpleased users because the cant feature locked too solidly.

I do not envy B&T or any other company in that lane. Even with stellar products, you cannot please the entire market.

**I am not trying to speak for B&T. This is solely my own opinion and take on the background leading up to the current CAL threads. I'm sure they can address this on their own far better than I can.

2) RE: The Pod-Loc kit was produced for the LEO market.
Indeed the LEO niche is where 90% of KMW rifles go and ton of Pod-Locs are in use there but it was LE was not the catalyst for the origin of it.

The KMW Pod-Loc kit was initially built and produced in response to seeing SS Marines tearing up their new Harris S-model bipods with Leathermans, SOG pliers and other tools in an attempt to lock and un-lock the tilt feature during the week long NASC championship in 1999.
The USMC was in the process of finalizing the kit specs for the M40-A3. The Pod-Loc kits were tested, added to the kit specs and issued an NSN by 2000.

The complete history of the Pod-Loc kit can be read here: https://www.kmwlrs.com/pod-loc

3) RE: The Pod-Loc does not produce a solid lock for the tilt feature of the CAL.
The Pod-Loc does only one job. It allows a reasonable amount of torque to be imparted to the center pivot rod component of the CAL and Harris S bipods. The actual result of whether the bipod achieves a solid lock of the tilt feature is not dependent on the Pod-Loc. It is dependent on the design and materials used in the mechanical clutch/lock feature of the bipod itself.

This is proven by the fact that the very first CALs produced a solid tilt/lock which a ton of people complained about. B&T responded by modifying the tilt/lock components to allow a soft lock which is what you see today. No changes were made to the Pod-Loc during the product evolution and transition.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I am going to copy and paste this post to the other thread as well in an attempt to explain things better and perhaps allow a better resolution to both camps (I want my lockup tight vs I want my lockup soft).

Hope this helps.
T

.

This is what Terry told me via dms, and what I hope I summarized in an understandable fashion in my initial post.

One question that I didn’t ask, Terry, that maybe your answer would help me understand the lock issue a bit better.

From an engineering perspective only, why did you have to choose to either to have a total lock off vs a slightly gradual tightening (but no total lock off)?

Was it a thread pitch thing? Just looking to learn here. And sorry, you’re probably totally sick of this topic lol

 

[rmfield]

It seems that you should be able to set the "gross tightness nut" to the soft spot where you can nudge the cant from behind the rifle and then use the Pod-Loc (with Carbontex washer) to lock it up when desired so that it can't be nudged by the shooter or the torque from a shot.
Am I wrong?

 

[Terry Cross]

One question that I didn’t ask, Terry, that maybe your answer would help me understand the lock issue a bit better.

From an engineering perspective only, why did you have to choose to either to have a total lock off vs a slightly gradual tightening (but no total lock off)?

Was it a thread pitch thing? Just looking to learn here. And sorry, you’re probably totally sick of this topic lol

I chose a 10-32 thread because that is the default thread on the Harris bipods. Kinda had to.

B&T defaulted to the same after doing their own R&D.

Again, I didn't (I don't think I even can) dictate whether the tilt is a hard or soft lock.
That is 95% a function of the actual clutch in the bipod design. To a certain extent the tension/torque applied to the host spindle by the Pod-Loc kit might be varied to achieve a softer or harder lockup, how the actual torque translates to the pivot locking is more of a function of the bipod design.
This is going to be true whether discussing B&T CAL, Harris-S or any other adjustable tilt body bipod.

.

 

[Terry Cross]

Take care and, as always, thanks for participating here on the Hide and sharing your knowledge and experience.

Cheers

My knowledge and experience in a nutshell....

 

[carbonbased]

I chose a 10-32 thread because that is the default thread on the Harris bipods. Kinda had to.

B&T defaulted to the same after doing their own R&D.

Again, I didn't (I don't think I even can) dictate whether the tilt is a hard or soft lock.
That is 95% a function of the actual clutch in the bipod design. To a certain extent the tension/torque applied to the host spindle by the Pod-Loc kit might be varied to achieve a softer or harder lockup, how the actual torque translates to the pivot locking is more of a function of the bipod design.
This is going to be true whether discussing B&T CAL, Harris-S or any other adjustable tilt body bipod.

.

Thx for that. If I had more carefully read your earlier explanation I would’ve seen your info about how bipod design has more to do with lockup than the Pod-Loc. Apologies.

I guess Atlas can weigh it if they want or not. If, longer-term, if my little Cal loosens up and doesn’t fulfill my meager small bipod needs then I’ll go looking for a different one. LRA or that Accutac FD-4 look interesting…Accutac is another company in which they should really not let engineers name their products…I see a trend in the bipod industry here lol.

The FD-4 is their model that you can just swing the legs down, like a Harris. You lose the front 45°, but that seems only good for beauty pictures lol (incoming!)

P.S. the Accutac Rosetta Stone https://accu-tac.com/pages/compare-and-differentiate-products

 

[carbonbased]

It seems that you should be able to set the "gross tightness nut" to the soft spot where you can nudge the cant from behind the rifle and then use the Pod-Loc (with Carbontex washer) to lock it up when desired so that it can't be nudged by the shooter or the torque from a shot.
Am I wrong?

Even after getting that gross tightness nut in the perfect place + adding that CF washer, when you initiate full gorilla-mode! you can move the cant a little.

With a lot of force, and by getting on top of the gun where the bipod is and fucking going to town. Or, when the bipod of off the gun, by grabbing the thing like it’s an oiled up pig and yelling, “Rwrraaauh-uh-uh-UHHHH!!!” as you try to move the pic clamp/Arca clamp area.

Humor aside, let me qualify a bit; you’ve got to use disproportionate force. If you use the wife & baby in rolled car! force you’ll have no problem moving it.

Obv the heavier the rifle the easier it will be to move it.

In other words, even when using my mod, it isn’t like the 100% lock up on some other bipods, where you’d need a damn sledge to move the cant if you’ve locked it off.

But from behind the rifle, I don’t see someone moving it. Or maybe shooting a large caliber would still move it? Biggest I’ve shot with it at this time is a 204, so there is that unknown.

Remember, I left an invisible thin coat of the existing grease on the CF washer bipod area. If you want the mostest lockup, acetone that area throughly before installing the new washer, and realize you might get a grabby cant adjustment experience.

You can always add grease later. The CF washer company sells some special fishing drag grease.

No idea how that special grease would change the drag equation…too slippery? Not enough?

 

[M8541Reaper]

Or just don't run a pos atlas bipod....

Must you shit on everything I have sir?

 

[carbonbased]

Must you shit on everything I have sir?
View attachment 8370220

Coat that bipod with Elite Sand to really get the juices flowing…

 

[Kasey]

Sorry folks, just seeing this, carbonbased did advise me of releasing the hounds. But I had cats to herd so late to the party!

Thank you Terrry, I appreciate your efforts here.

We have tried many washers, to include the ones mentioned here. Our findings were not smooth but did provide a 95% ish lock-up. And while grease provided smoothness, it also allowed it to slip... I'll verify, but I think we got six of the *8* washers and built six bipods with same result. So maybe priority based positive result? Which all that matters is carbonbased likes the result. We are still working towards a solution because that's what we do, we try, we dont just sit in the bleachers and point. Once we have one that covers the bases, we'll use it.

Regarding taking the CAL bipods apart, taking the cradle off the mount is doable, I'll visit with staff. We literally can't tell that's been done and don't care. However, taking the legs off to make the Atlas quick to deploy, is a NO-GO.

Sincerely, carbonbased, thank you for your patroanage and being the person you are that tries to impove stuff you use and I'm glad you found success. One reason I love this industry.

 

[Kasey]

And, leaving in AM headed to Edenburg then Fayetteville, Lord willing we'll be back around the 26th so no SH for me till then.

 

[Ape_Factory]

Just did this. F*cking perfect. Thanks for the writeup.

 

[carbonbased]

Just did this. F*cking perfect. Thanks for the writeup.

Ha! Alright!

Now watch just me and @Ape_Factory like this mod while everyone else complains lol

 

[Ape_Factory]

Well with this mod, you can set it so the tension is about the same as the original setup or lock it down. No brainer IMO.

 

[lash]

Ha! Alright!

Now watch just me and @Ape_Factory like this mod while everyone else complains lol

Sure! And I’m just chopped liver?

 

[carbonbased]

Sure! And I’m just chopped liver?

Lol whoops pal! Everyone but me, @lash, and @Ape_Factory!

(Did you get the washer yet, lash? What’d you think?)

 

[oldrifleman]

My package of washers is on it’s way, hit us customs this morning.

 

[lash]

Lol whoops pal! Everyone but me, @lash, and @Ape_Factory!

(Did you get the washer yet, lash? What’d you think?)

lol! No, I’ve been traveling and busy, but will order a couple this weekend.

I was just busting chops.

 

[rmfield]

It seems that you should be able to set the "gross tightness nut" to the soft spot where you can nudge the cant from behind the rifle and then use the Pod-Loc (with Carbontex washer) to lock it up when desired so that it can't be nudged by the shooter or the torque from a shot.
Am I wrong?

Washers arrived. They work as described above. Happy with my CAL for the first time since I bought it.

 

[Baron23]

I also just received my washers from Smooth Drag. One night this week when I feel in the mood to break some stuff I’ll take the CAL apart and try them. I truly am dangerous with hand tools. I can break just about anything! lol

But, if my friend @carbonbased can do it then prob so can I. Haha

 

[carbonbased]

I also just received my washers from Smooth Drag. One night this week when I feel in the mood to break some stuff I’ll take the CAL apart and try them. I truly am dangerous with hand tools. I can break just about anything! lol

But, if my friend @carbonbased can do it then prob so can I. Haha

I, my friend, specialize in dropping small parts.

My family can attest to that. Many swear words emanate from the basement when I work on guns. Like the Dad in A Christmas Story.

Especially fucking AR15s with their tiny pins & springs!!!

It is time for subby's most cherished, beloved personal holiday tradition: A full and complete transcript of Ralphie's old man swearing at the furnace in "A Christmas Story"

It is time for subby's most cherished, beloved personal holiday tradition: A full and complete transcript of Ralphie's old man swearing at the furnace in "A Christmas Story"

m.fark.com

 

[carbonbased]

^ now with a link to A Christmas Story swearing-at-furnace transcript!

“Again?!! Aw, blast it! Poop flirt rattletrap camel flirt! YOU BLONKER! Rattle feet sturcklefrat!"​

​

"Smick melly womp walker! Drop dumb fratten house snickle fifer!"​

 

[chris4823]

So happy to find this thread. Just installed my CAL bipod and found the inability to actually lock out the cant feature frustrating and surprising. Partly it is expectations set by the name “Cant and Lock”!

The backstory is helpful - thanks Kasey. Will try the Carbontex washer.

Chris

 

[carbonbased]

So happy to find this thread. Just installed my CAL bipod and found the inability to actually lock out the cant feature frustrating and surprising. Partly it is expectations set by the name “Cant and Lock”!

The backstory is helpful - thanks Kasey. Will try the Carbontex washer.

Chris

The carbon washer improves the lockoff, but there’s still no 100% lockoff. After some further testing it’s maybe 95% lockoff now (carbon washer + leftover grease that was there) whereas it was 85%-90% from the factory.

I’m hypothesizing that for max lockoff, acetone ALL the grease off of the bipod surfaces that the carbon washer would touch before install. I haven’t tried that yet.