NEW - Atlas CAL (Cant and Loc) Bipod - PRE-ORDER (added 12.14)

[DOA]

You wouldn't need springs on both sides of the pivot point. The POD-LOC could just be mounted on the same side it is, just on the pivot point instead of on another screw below the pivot point, as it is on the ones I just received.
I don't think you would lose and angle of adjustment. The lower slot and screw could still be used for the limit on travel either way, or I believe the slot may be even made a little wider to allow more travel for angle of adjustment.

I may just pull mine apart and see how much room to play with there is.

 

[Praeger]

Don’t know how he is going to correct the tension. we discussed in detail what I am experiencing with and without the spring they sent out. We talked how it was set up and functioning. I explained I wasn’t looking for it to totally loc up unless needed, but would like to see a 60% drag in order to position my rifle in any situation for canting. I used the term “set the desired tension and leave it” and have it stay there until changed (not loose or locked) He will get it done trust me we just need to give him some time for the resolution for those of us that are looking for this “tension” set up out of the CAL
He gets it!!!!

I have the same complaint about the CAL's function. I disassembled mine and believe the problem lies in the contact between the brass washer and the anodized face of the leg bracket. The anodized texture of the leg bracket does not slide easily against the brass washer - which results in the either locked up or loose condition. Anywhere in between is a jerky movement as your have to push to overcome the friction between the bearing surface of the washer and leg bracket.

I coated the two contact areas with white lithium grease and it improved the feel, but would be hesitant able using it this way in the field as it would likely trap grit and dirt. Perhaps polishing the contact point smooth would help.

 

[dirthead1]

I have the same complaint about the CAL's function. I disassembled mine and believe the problem lies in the contact between the brass washer and the anodized face of the leg bracket. The anodized texture of the leg bracket does not slide easily against the brass washer - which results in the either locked up or loose condition. Anywhere in between is a jerky movement as your have to push to overcome the friction between the bearing surface of the washer and leg bracket.

I coated the two contact areas with white lithium grease and it improved the feel, but would be hesitant able using it this way in the field as it would likely trap grit and dirt. Perhaps polishing the contact point smooth would help.

I haven't received the official spring yet from B&T, but did find one about the right length to go between the lever and brass washer. I also put three .020" thick delrin washers between the brass washer and the bipod body. My bipod cants very smoothly with the delrin washers, and also has a much more gradual increase in tension. Once I receive the correct spring from B&T, I'll swap it and see how it feels. Adding a delrin washer really smoothed out the cant motion.

 

[m6z]

Any idea on when they'll be back in stock?

 

[CBeck]

Can someone post a picture of the spring? I’m not sure if mine has it or not

 

[04JRB]

Can someone post a picture of the spring? I’m not sure if mine has it or not

It looks similar to this spring. if you unscrew the pod lock lever off of the stud, it will come right out of the cavity in the lever.

 

[Kasey]

Want to update you on the CAL, as I told fellow member bas402 my focus in design was to be able to go from free to tight. DONE!!! Well I simply was too close to the forest to see the trees. So I apologize for designing this with blinders on!

We have made a couple of simple changes that give that 60-70% tension desired and it'll still lock up with a bit more Pod-Lok rotation.

We are getting pricing and once we have parts, we'll be sending them out to everyone thats bought the CAL in the pre-order offer. There will be a un-assembly and re-assembly required, I apologize for this. All CAL shippments moving forward will have these features so there will be a bit of a delay.

 

[M77]

thank you

 

[Killswitch Engage]

I installed copper washers fore and aft on the pivot and coated with dry moly powder and that has helped a bunch. interested to hear what the fix will be

 

[M77]

A small fibre washer before the brass washer has helped a fair bit . Keen to see your final fix though

 

[Meety Peety]

Want to update you on the CAL, as I told fellow member bas402 my focus in design was to be able to go from free to tight. DONE!!! Well I simply was too close to the forest to see the trees. So I apologize for designing this with blinders on!

We have made a couple of simple changes that give that 60-70% tension desired and it'll still lock up with a bit more Pod-Lok rotation.

We are getting pricing and once we have parts, we'll be sending them out to everyone thats bought the CAL in the pre-order offer. There will be a un-assembly and re-assembly required, I apologize for this. All CAL shippments moving forward will have these features so there will be a bit of a delay.

I am really happy to hear you have already jumped on this, and thank you for all of your efforts. I really look forward to seeing what you came up with!

 

[CanonSterVA]

Great looking bipod.
Will have to add one to the inventory.
Myron

 

[bas402]

Want to update you on the CAL, as I told fellow member bas402 my focus in design was to be able to go from free to tight. DONE!!! Well I simply was too close to the forest to see the trees. So I apologize for designing this with blinders on!

We have made a couple of simple changes that give that 60-70% tension desired and it'll still lock up with a bit more Pod-Lok rotation.

We are getting pricing and once we have parts, we'll be sending them out to everyone thats bought the CAL in the pre-order offer. There will be a un-assembly and re-assembly required, I apologize for this. All CAL shippments moving forward will have these features so there will be a bit of a delay.

Thanks again for your time and your quick response and solution looking forward to it.

 

[CBeck]

Want to update you on the CAL, as I told fellow member bas402 my focus in design was to be able to go from free to tight. DONE!!! Well I simply was too close to the forest to see the trees. So I apologize for designing this with blinders on!

We have made a couple of simple changes that give that 60-70% tension desired and it'll still lock up with a bit more Pod-Lok rotation.

We are getting pricing and once we have parts, we'll be sending them out to everyone thats bought the CAL in the pre-order offer. There will be a un-assembly and re-assembly required, I apologize for this. All CAL shippments moving forward will have these features so there will be a bit of a delay.

Awesome. I really look forward to this. Thank you for being so responsive.

 

[DustinCo]

Mine showed up today, pretty stoked. They are solid and lock up very tight. Can't wait to get them to the range.

Hey, the bipod on the right, is that for an ARCA/Swiss rail? If it is, what model and part #s did you use to make that setup?

 

[Meety Peety]

Hey, the bipod on the right, is that for an ARCA/Swiss rail? If it is, what model and part #s did you use to make that setup?

Indeed, it is the MPA Rat base

https://masterpiecearms.com/shop/mpa-rat-base/

A buddy of mine has the RRS one linked below which will attach to both a picatinny rail and an Arca

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BTC-Pro-Clamp-for-Atlas-Bipod

 

[man32ahan]

Any update on where we’re at on order numbers/order dates.

For reference, I ordered on March 8 with order #24527.

I don’t mind waiting, but was wondering on an approximate eta? Thanks!

 

[Basher]

Want to update you on the CAL, as I told fellow member bas402 my focus in design was to be able to go from free to tight. DONE!!! Well I simply was too close to the forest to see the trees. So I apologize for designing this with blinders on!

We have made a couple of simple changes that give that 60-70% tension desired and it'll still lock up with a bit more Pod-Lok rotation.

We are getting pricing and once we have parts, we'll be sending them out to everyone thats bought the CAL in the pre-order offer. There will be a un-assembly and re-assembly required, I apologize for this. All CAL shippments moving forward will have these features so there will be a bit of a delay.

Excellent news Kasey! Thanks for turning out a quality product and staying on top of it with updates as needed. I'll keep my eyes peeled for an updated parts package!

 

[skierhs]

Any update on where we’re at on order numbers/order dates.

For reference, I ordered on March 8 with order #24527.

I don’t mind waiting, but was wondering on an approximate eta? Thanks!

I pre-ordered in january and theyre telling me end of may for my order.... just for refrence.

 

[Clearlight]

Spring received in Aus thanks Kasey . My bipod ran ok , I had moly greased the pivot ,
the spring makes it even better , cheers .

 

[Srgt. Hulka]

Want to update you on the CAL, as I told fellow member bas402 my focus in design was to be able to go from free to tight. DONE!!! Well I simply was too close to the forest to see the trees. So I apologize for designing this with blinders on!

We have made a couple of simple changes that give that 60-70% tension desired and it'll still lock up with a bit more Pod-Lok rotation.

We are getting pricing and once we have parts, we'll be sending them out to everyone thats bought the CAL in the pre-order offer. There will be a un-assembly and re-assembly required, I apologize for this. All CAL shippments moving forward will have these features so there will be a bit of a delay.

Kasey, I purchased a new CAL from a fellow Hide member, who decided to go another direction. Can I get put on the mailing list to get this upgrade? I purchased the bipod before you sent the springs out, but he forwarded it on to me, so I'm GTG there. (Thanks again Hide member) I would just like my new, and first, Atlas to be the best as it can be. So far I am really impressed with it...and I don't even have a rifle to put it on yet.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Besides the normal mounting options like the ADM mount........what else is everyone using for picatinny? The RRS looked good. Any others?

I really like the ZRODelta DLOC mount that I am using on a Harris, but they don't seem to make one for Atlas.

 

[Kasey]

Update -


First, thank you for your patience on this CAL intro. As I’ve stated before, my (NARROW!!!!) focus was on the ability to go loose/lock, DONE! Totally overlooking the “in-between” tension that is desirable. Which we promptly heard about from several people while others “love” the CAL as is. However, this upgrade will deliver the 50-60% tension for a more “controlled” feel to adjusting for CANT and I hope the latter group will love the CAL even more.

Second, we are planning to start shipping the upgrade parts to SH intro buyers starting around Wednesday, 2 May. The installation of these parts will require some basic skills and tools such as a 1/8th hex wrench and heat gun (not torch) to break the 263 Loctite free you will also need a drop of Loctite 263 (red) for reassembly. We will offer to do this service at no cost or send the parts for the end user to install.

NOTE - IF YOU WANT TO RETURN IT TO US TO INSTALL THESE PARTS, PLEASE SEND EMAIL TO BRANDI AT CUSTOMER SERVICE- [email protected] INCLUDE YOUR ORDER NUMBER IN SUBJECT LINE AND REQUEST RMA AND SHIPPING LABEL.

If we do not hear from you we will send you the parts and instructions for installation. IF YOU RECEIVE THE PARTS AND DECIDE YOU WANT US TO INSTALL THEM, NO WORRIES, JUST EMAIL BRANDI AND ASK FOR RMA AND SHIPPING LABEL.


Thank you for your patience with this and it is my goal to take lessons learned here and make the next intro much smoother!

 

[M77]

same will apply to international customers i assume?

 

[tomcatfan]

Any one have an idea of when these will be available to the public so those who missed the preorder can pick one up? Thanks.

 

[diverdon]

I think mine came in toward the end of the preorder. The next batch should be available soon. All speculation on my part of course.

 

[ssteve]

Update -


First, thank you for your patience on this CAL intro. As I’ve stated before, my (NARROW!!!!) focus was on the ability to go loose/lock, DONE! Totally overlooking the “in-between” tension that is desirable. Which we promptly heard about from several people while others “love” the CAL as is. However, this upgrade will deliver the 50-60% tension for a more “controlled” feel to adjusting for CANT and I hope the latter group will love the CAL even more.

Second, we are planning to start shipping the upgrade parts to SH intro buyers starting around Wednesday, 2 May. The installation of these parts will require some basic skills and tools such as a 1/8th hex wrench and heat gun (not torch) to break the 263 Loctite free you will also need a drop of Loctite 263 (red) for reassembly. We will offer to do this service at no cost or send the parts for the end user to install.

NOTE - IF YOU WANT TO RETURN IT TO US TO INSTALL THESE PARTS, PLEASE SEND EMAIL TO BRANDI AT CUSTOMER SERVICE- [email protected] INCLUDE YOUR ORDER NUMBER IN SUBJECT LINE AND REQUEST RMA AND SHIPPING LABEL.

If we do not hear from you we will send you the parts and instructions for installation. IF YOU RECEIVE THE PARTS AND DECIDE YOU WANT US TO INSTALL THEM, NO WORRIES, JUST EMAIL BRANDI AND ASK FOR RMA AND SHIPPING LABEL.


Thank you for your patience with this and it is my goal to take lessons learned here and make the next intro much smoother!

So those of us that ordered one and received it already won’t need to do anything? The parts are automatically coming?

Just used mine, great product but I agree this will make it even better.

 

[GIXXER2000]

Payment cleared on Jan 14... Would like to get mine SOME DAY SOON!!

 

[Kasey]

M77 - International pre-order customers will be treated same as domestic pre-order customers.

tomcatfan - I have not asked about total units sold in pre-order, I do know we are going to get the SH pre-orders completed before shipping to dealers. Once dealer pre-orders are satisfied, we will offer them for sale directly. So you can contact you local dealer ( our authotized dealers - http://www.accu-shot.com/bt/dealer-listing ) and ask about getting on a waiting list or order from us and be on a waiting list.

ssteve - correct

GIXXER2000 - Thank you for your patince. 99% of the problems associated with this pre-order can be laid at my doorstep. Learned a lot. And trust me, I want you to get yours soon! Two things, one, if you prefer, you can cancel your order and get a full refund. Two, if you decide to continue waiting, yours will be what they should have been from the start with no assembly required!

 

[GIXXER2000]

Thanks for the update no sense in canceling as I STILL WANT IT. When it gets here that will be fine.
Thanks again.... Business is easy right??? .... LOL

 

[tomcatfan]

Thanks Kasey. I just put an order in on your website. This is for my nucleus build so waiting is no problem.

 

[M289]

@Kasey Keep up the good work ??

 

[physikal]

This level of support and commitment to customer service is rare these days. The interaction you have with your customer base is the best I've experienced in a long time. I am a HUGE B&T fan now and will be for as long as you guys continue to do business like this. I appreciate the ownership you take and all that. take care!

 

[LawnMM]

Photos of the fix and parts would be interesting to see how it all evolved from initial release, feedback, to revised design.

Fun stuff to read and see for the tinkerers

 

[6point5CM]

Pretty awesome customer service here. I had the same cant issues, and understood it was immediately meant for those who want a solid lock up like a BR guy, so put my Harris back on for my match. I was about to list it and swap with another Harris, and thought I would check the Hide for any updates or quick washer hacks, and am sure glad I did. If this can get the same feel as the cant on a Harris with Podloc, it will be the perfect setup. Looking forward to breaking some red Loctite! Thanks for getting a fix out so quickly for what frankly is probably the minority of people who want this ability. It is surely appreciated.

 

[MarinePMI]

Just got my shipping notice on the replacement parts...

 

[Crews]

Do we know when these units will start shipping to distributors and be available for retail purchase?

 

[dirthead1]

Just got my shipping notice on the replacement parts...

Ditto

 

[Dooby]

Just got my shipping notice for the updated parts too!

Appreciate the hard work Kasey!

 

[Ruggedtouch]

Received shipping confirmation for parts, too.

Hey, Kasey, there's a reason why this newest model is my fourth B&T Industries bipod.

Thanks for taking care of us.

 

[M289]

Received shipping confirmation for parts, too.

Hey, Kasey, there's a reason why this newest model is my fourth B&T Industries bipod.

Thanks for taking care of us.

Got to catch them all! ?

 

[Kasey]

You guys are the best group of people. This was a perfect example of how NOT to introduce a new product and it's like we gave everyone puppies to play with... I sincerely appreciate your patience and support.

Yes we got the parts and are bagging, packing and shipping the upgradekits now. I saw several orders going out with 2-4 parts kits so shipping was doing a great job. However, I suspect somewhere along the way, something will not be right, over looked a multiple order or possibly totally missed one. IF YOU DO NOT GET THE NOTICE BY FRIDAY, please email Customer Service at [email protected] and be sure to put - "SH ORDER - (your order number)" in the subject line. We are trying to get all upgrade kits sent in the next 3 days. ( Please note - the round Two Hole Brass Washer will be modified in next production run to be an oval instead of a circle..... It'll help with alignment, you'll see. )

Also, we are buidling CAL's I cannot tell you where we are on the back-orders, I cannot tell you where we are on Dealer orders but can tell you we are putting a lot of energy in getting these up to "normal" back log of < 2 weeks. Best play is to contact your local dealer and ask about getting on thier CAL list, (see dealers here -http://www.accu-shot.com/bt/dealer-listing ) OR order from us. we prioritize LEO and Military but otherwize try to ship in sequnce as ordered.

Last, while this was a cluster in many ways, I was blown away with the response, the fact so many laid thier money down for this product, several buying up to 4 units, without handling them....is humbling. This response just drives us at B&T to do more and to do it better. Thank you.

 

[Sig Marine]

Kasey,
I would like to say "thank you" for keeping us updated with reports and providing us with a level of communication that other vendors and gunsmiths should strive to accomplish. We all know that problems can occur but it's frustrating when an individual or company does little to acknowledge or provide information without prompting on what they are doing to remedy the situation. You have remained on top of this thread, been honest about the problem(s) and have given us periodic updates whenever possible to keep us up to speed.

 

[grinnergetter]

HA! I own a hardware store. This aint no cluster....

 

[Timetoshoot]

Just received shipping notice for parts to improve an already great product. Only time I’ve had a manufacturer follow up like this without a court ordered or being federally mandated; Bravo you’ve earned my future loyalty.....again.

 

[Triggs75]

I received a shipping notice today and had no idea what for. Came on here and now I know. That is what you call customer service.

Great product and amazing customer service.

Thank you Chad

 

[leftyk82]

Just received a phone call from B&T customer service. They called to let me know they received my CAL bipod and will be working to add the new parts and ship it back out.

Unexpected. Pleasant. Solid. Good on your team, Kasey!

 

[DOA]

Got shipping confirmation yesterday for updated parts but tbh, I probably won't put them in. I'm in the "works fine as is" camp.

 

[LawnMM]

You're the man, Kasey!

 

[fb40dash5]

I'm interested to see what comes in the mail tomorrow. I added a nylon washer & rubber washer from the hardware store, and a spacer to preload the spring, as a quick & dirty test, and it gave it a lot more "firm, but not locked up" adjustment. I was trying to find some more "right" stuff, but wasn't having much luck finding larger diameter stuff with a #10 hole.