Tripod vs Bipod

[lonely_wolf]

I have never used a tripod as a shooting platform and would like to hear how it differs from using a bipod.

There are a lot of old threads with great write ups on different tripods and set ups, but I only found one thread about how they compare to a bipod. It did not go into detail.

Some specific questions I have are:

Do tripods handle/absorb recoil better than a bipod when used on hard surfaces?

I noticed in a lot of threads people had their tripods set low for prone shooting, but still had a bipod attached. Why keep a bipod if the tripod can be used prone?

I understand some tripods (ie. Alamo) directly attach or pressure hold the rifle, while others (ie. PRS) allow the rifle to move freely in a saddle. Any particular benefits to either setup?

Other than that feel free to post your experiences and preferred uses for both pieces of equipment.

Thanks.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Tripods have their place.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

 

[Chiller]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Bipods are quicker than tripods for low shooting positions. They are attached to the rifle and you just flip the legs out.

Tripods are more useful in field situations where you will hardly ever be able to get a low prone because of vegetation, cars, mailboxes, etc.

With tripod cradles like the PRS the rifle can slide when it recoils. This seems to be better for light weight tripods. With cradles like the HOG Saddle and a heavy tripod it helps anchor the rifle a little more. With the PRS you need to balance the rifle in the cradle before you let go. With the HOG Saddle you just clamp it in and as long as your tripod is heavy duty enough it will hold in whatever position you leave it in.

Basically if you do a lot of field shooting in vegetaion, you need a tripod. If you do a lot of prone on the range, a bipod is quicker and easier. You don't generally see the benefits of a tripod until you are in a low-sitting to standing position.

 

[bm11]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Yep, those guys summed it up. I keep the bipod on my rifle but my DCLW DLOC is always in the bag. Prone is more stable for me, but in deep grass, over obstacles, etc, the tripod is still way better than unsupported or even sling supported. There have been a number of situations where I have been glad to have the tripod. I wouldn't bother for prone though.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Thanks for the pictures Chiller- Looks like a great way to spend the day. I noticed you are using the DCLW. Is there a reason you went with a clamp model instead of a ‘saddle’?

Thank you for chiming in LW. I read of few of your older posts on the PRS and I was hoping to hear more from you.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Basically if you do a lot of field shooting in vegetation, you need a tripod. If you do a lot of prone on the range, a bipod is quicker and easier. You don't generally see the benefits of a tripod until you are in a low-sitting to standing position. </div></div>

I spent two weeks shooting in some abandoned gravel pits and clear cuts and your right- Bipod was useless. I didn’t even pack it after the first day.

I enjoy field shooting more. Considering the tripod is a better tool for field use, wouldn’t it make sense to also use it at the range for increased practice? Maybe I will be retiring my bipod...

Bm11, if I understand correctly, you wouldn’t bother with a tripod for prone. Is this a personal preference, or are you finding better accuracy with a bipod? Consistency?

 

[AMTeam4]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Bipods and tripods are both great tools to keep around and the shooting environment will usually dictate which platform is appropriate.
For stability, accuracy and concealment, the lower the better. The problem is that it is difficult to shoot over vegetation and through loop-holes from a bipod.

Tripods allow for stable shooting as high as the tripod allows and also have the added benefit of using optics/cameras with the tripod.
The two most common styles of tripod rests either have the rifle freely sit onto the rest or in some way clamp to the rifle.
The rests that have the rifle freely sit on the tripod are usually lighter and cost less. I used a homemade PVC pipe rest when I went through Scout Sniper School and it worked great.
The clamp style tripod rests are the second option and they will typically cost more and be heavier than a PRS or PVC pipe rest. Depending on the tripod used and brand of rest, the clamp style rest can reduce recoil and make follow up shots easier.
For military and LE shooters, these rests also make it easy to talk on radios, make range cards, conduct shift rotations, etc… due to the rest maintaining control of the rifle.

Shooting off of a tripod is not easy and requires practice. With the proper equipment and skills it is possible to consistently achieve hits past 800 yards.

Keep in mind that you are not held hostage by the “Bipod vs. Tripod” scenario. On many occasions I’ve chosen neither and decided that a log, dirt mound, piece of furniture, brick wall, etc. was the best option for my shooting position.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonely_Wolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the pictures Chiller- Looks like a great way to spend the day. I noticed you are using the DCLW. Is there a reason you went with a clamp model instead of a ‘saddle’?

Thank you for chiming in LW. I read of few of your older posts on the PRS and I was hoping to hear more from you.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Basically if you do a lot of field shooting in vegetation, you need a tripod. If you do a lot of prone on the range, a bipod is quicker and easier. You don't generally see the benefits of a tripod until you are in a low-sitting to standing position. </div></div>

I spent two weeks shooting in some abandoned gravel pits and clear cuts and your right- Bipod was useless. I didn’t even pack it after the first day.

I enjoy field shooting more. Considering the tripod is a better tool for field use, wouldn’t it make sense to also use it at the range for increased practice? Maybe I will be retiring my bipod...

Bm11, if I understand correctly, you wouldn’t bother with a tripod for prone. Is this a personal preference, or are you finding better accuracy with a bipod? Consistency?
</div></div>

I have both heads and use the one that works with the rifle I am using.

The Hog Head below is another very good option and will at some point own one of those.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonely_Wolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I enjoy field shooting more. Considering the tripod is a better tool for field use, wouldn’t it make sense to also use it at the range for increased practice? Maybe I will be retiring my bipod... </div></div>

It absolutely makes sense to use a tripod at the range if the tripod is how you will be shooting in the field most of the time.

However I feel that they are all tools that have a place in my toolbox.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonely_Wolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Bm11, if I understand correctly, you wouldn’t bother with a tripod for prone. Is this a personal preference, or are you finding better accuracy with a bipod? Consistency?</div></div>

I won't try to answer for BM11, but I find that for low-prone a bipod is faster and more stable. The tripod comes into situations where you would exceed the height allows by fully extending the bipod. I am more consistent and accurate with a bipod, but that doesn't help if I can't use it due to the shooting situation at hand.

At an advanced school that I went to we were required to setup a firing position in a furnished building. We could use/rearrange any of the furniture we wanted. I had my old rigged tripod with me (before I had a PRS or HOG Saddle) and could have used that. However I chose to turn a waterbed frame on end and use it as an extra tall shooting bench. I was then actually able to fold my tripod and use the flat base on the bedframe for my position. It was extremely stable and allowed me to make a very accurate intermediate range shot.

In the next room over we had almost nothing and I ended up using the tripod in a sitting position. It was not as stable, but still accurate enough to take the shot.

The absolute joy of the market today is we can choose from a variety of products. There are some applications where I like the speed and light weight of the PRS. In a traditional stalk I think I would choose that type of cradle since that is what I have used for many years. The SLIK tripods Danel uses are nice and light, but still adequate for mid-height positions. For urban hides, rooftop positions or many LE situations I prefer the HOG Saddle. It allows me to dial the rifle into position and leave it there for hours. While I was testing it at the range recently I had it in a full standing position with an AR10. The wind was gustin from 15-20 and I never once thought the rig would fall over. The drawback is that setup on the Manfrotto 055XPROB weighs a ton. I wouldn't want to stalk with it, but I can set the rifle in and make sketches, radio, drink water, etc and not worry about loosing the sight picture.

In a couple weeks I hope to get a rifle support system video done outlining some of the options and going in depth into the use of tripods, bipods, bags and monopods.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMTeam4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Shooting off of a tripod is not easy and requires practice. With the proper equipment and skills it is possible to consistently achieve hits past 800 yards.

</div></div>

In my photos we were hitting to 8-900 in that COF (I also cleaned that stage). It is VERY much a learned skill also to use a tripod.

 

[bm11]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonely_Wolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Bm11, if I understand correctly, you wouldn’t bother with a tripod for prone. Is this a personal preference, or are you finding better accuracy with a bipod? Consistency?
</div></div>I am more comfortable with a bipod and rear bag in the prone, but my DCLW does get nice and low and is very stable. The reason I prefer to use a bipod when possible is because it is much smaller, much lighter, and much easier/faster to deploy. The tripod I have to take out of the separate pocket in the bag, press 3 different buttons to adjust each leg angle, press the leg extension buttons on each leg until the leg is the proper length, then lock the rifle into the DLOC. I dont see the point in that when I can deploy my Atlas in 10 seconds, and fold it up in the same amount of time if I am moving to a different shooting position.

 

[Lazlo]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Like the others stated, we used a tripod for sitting and standing - where firing prone off a bipod would be impractical.

Notice in the pictures that we used a Manfrotto tripod with the "joystick" head. Once you turn it sideways, it can be cushioned with a lightly-filled rear bag, shooting glove, or oven mitt.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

LW, solid point on not getting stuck on a piece of equipment. Always better to adapt. I try to keep this in mind, but as a hobbyist and hunter I can't help sometimes getting excited and over killing a new piece of gear!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> In a couple weeks I hope to get a rifle support system video done outlining some of the options and going in depth into the use of tripods, bipods, bags and monopods. </div></div>

Looking forward to it. I've enjoyed your videos and appreciate the effort you have put into them. It would be great if the video went into shooting positional techniques for beginners.

@bm11- Well, when you put it like that, I clearly see your point.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMTeam4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Shooting off of a tripod is not easy and requires practice. With the
proper equipment and skills it is possible to consistently achieve hits past
800 yards.</div></div>

In my photos we were hitting to 8-900 in that COF (I also cleaned that
stage). It is VERY much a learned skill also to use a
tripod. </div></div>

@ Chiller and AMTeam4: Excuse my ignorance, but I figured shooting off a tripod would be somewhat similar to shooting off of bags, especially if using a cradle type support.

Not to take my own thread off topic, but would either of you be willing to share some tips for correct tripod shooting technique? I'm guessing from the pictures posted, holding the tripod is an important part of using the tool properly.

Great pictures everyone. I wish I had a tripod when I shooting in the pits and clearcuts. I kept throwing my rear bag on rocks and stumps to shoot off. It worked 'good enough' but didn't always allow for comfortable positioning.

 

[AMTeam4]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

LW, here is what works for me and other guys I've worked with. Just like any style of shooting, consistency equals accuracy. That's the best tip I have.

When shooting off of a tripod you are going to want to incorporate a sling. Unhook the sling from the buttstock and wrap the sling around or under the tripod. Over torque the sling so it's pulling the front of the rifle downwards a little then shoulder the rifle. The sling will help take up the extra movement and keep the rifle from jumping off the tripod during recoil. (if using a non-clamp style rest)
It is easier to stabilize a tripod without a head.
Shooting off of a tripod is an acquired skill and it takes a little practice. The first time shooting off of a tripod is usually a humbling experience.
Also keep in mind that the lower the tripod is to the ground the easier it is to stabilize the tripod.

The positioning of the tripod works well when one leg is towards the target. When leaning into the tripod and rifle, more body weight will be able to be put into the tripod without the tripod tipping forward.

Other tricks that can help are leaning your back against a wall or tree, sitting on an ammo box or ruck, hanging a sandbag from the bottom of the tripod, and using a day pack to support the strong side elbow while kneeling or sitting.

Below are some pictures of shooters incorporating their slings. I've posted these already but they are good examples.
In the top two photos the shooter is leaning his butt against a wall for added stability while standing.

 

[bm11]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

It's not as easy to get stable as a bipod is. As others have mentioned, it is a skill that requires practice. I need more practice. That said, as others have mentioned, the key is to get in as stable a position as possible, and practice it until you get it down. I spent a while dry firing before I brought it out live.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Thanks for the tips. I ordered a PRS and am looking forward to its arrival. I've got a few more questions, but I'm going to wait and use the tripod a bit first. No point in bothering you all with my theoretical musing.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

I suggest a bit of dry-firing first.

However learning to control the rifle through recoil is an integral part of tripod shooting.

 

[223man]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Also don't forget the use of both together. For example I deployed my bipod legs and rested that on the trunk of my car and used the tripod(very flimsy cheep POS)to support the rear of the rifle. I had to do this at a place I used to shoot at as the veg was over grown. But that was my first time shooting out to 700yrds and worked out pretty good. Kinda slow position but very stable.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

Rereading this thread, there is mention of engaging targets out to 800 yards using tripods.

I'm going to assume that most people using tripods are doing so in the field, tactical competitions, or real world scenarios- not bench shooters. With this in mind, what kind of accuracy should one be aiming for? If a person is consistently achieving MOA hits out to 800 yards, is it fair to say they have 'mastered' this tool? Half MOA?

Obviously, professionals need to be as accurate as possible and focus on continued improvement, but what's a realistic goal for a hobbyist?

 

[223man]

Re: Tripod vs Bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonely_Wolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Rereading this thread, there is mention of engaging targets out to 800 yards using tripods.

I'm going to assume that most people using tripods are doing so in the field, tactical competitions, or real world scenarios- not bench shooters. With this in mind, what kind of accuracy should one be aiming for? If a person is consistently achieving MOA hits out to 800 yards, is it fair to say they have 'mastered' this tool? Half MOA?

Obviously, professionals need to be as accurate as possible and focus on continued improvement, but what's a realistic goal for a hobbyist? </div></div>


I think that is totally dependent on the individual. For example one person might get to where he can shoot 1 moa @ 800 yrds and totally be happy with that. The next guy (such as my self) has a want,no,a need to always try to improve each time out. I feel that when I go out to shoot with my friends and they just want to blast paper targets @ less than 100 yrds I feel like its a waist of time cause I am not being challenged. But then again they are not in the pursuit for precision as I am.