Re: Which bipod to buy??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bobbyblank</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In the process of setting up a .22 caliber setup to try to get into a little more precison shooting. Always shot of sandbags but never used pods before. what hight do most you guys use for bench shooting? would you suggest 6-9" or 9-13" ? I would hate to buy one to short, im 6'1. Its going on a savage .22 rifle.
Also, if buying a harris, are there any special adapters needed for the savage rifles? Or will most harris models fit without?
Thanks again,
bobby
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If you're shooting off a bench most of the time, a 6-9" should work well for you, and should also work in the prone position with two possible exceptions:
(1) Frequent shooting at high-angle targets. The 9" maximum height may be too low for high-angle targets. When this happens you have to use whatever is handy to elevate the front end more (place additional support under the bipod such as a ruck).
(2) If you have a large overall build, large upper body or a big belly the 6-9" may also present the problem with high-angle targets, because you may not be able to get your body low enough in relation to the muzzle to get on target. This is especially true while prone.
If you're going to shoot off the bench you may not need a "swivel" bipod (on a Harris the swivel allows the rifle to arc in a fairly large radius so you can level the rifle on uneven ground, ect). Another feature that often comes in handy is the "notched" legs of a Harris. The notched model is much faster to adjust the legs than the non-notched equivalent, although the notches won't always be at the exact height that you want. I think its' a fair tradeoff because in order to adjust the height of the non-notched models you have to turn a thumbscrew, pull the leg out to the desired length, then tighten the thumbscrew. Doing this for both legs is tedious.
If you do get a swivel model you should order a
<span style="font-weight: bold">KMW Pod-Loc</span> at the same time. The Pod Loc replaces the knurled factory thumbscrew on the Harris swiwel bipods (it probably works on some other swivel bipods too). While its' just a simple lever, the Pod-Loc is definitely recommended because it makes loosening, adjusting, and tightening the tension adjustment of the swivel easier and faster. The Pod-Loc can also be "parked" out-of-the-way when not in use (handy because it does stick-out more than the factory knurled knob). KMW produces what I believe is the original, but there are knock-offs out there too. As much as I like saving money, I do not believe in supporting counterfeit and other knock-off producing people and companies. That is all I'll say about that.
You can order Harris bipods and KMW Pod Locs from
<span style="font-weight: bold">Bauer Arms</span>,
<span style="font-weight: bold">Triad Tactical</span>, and
<span style="font-weight: bold">Big River Tactical</span>. All are Hide' supporters. I've bought from both Triad and Bauer and they are GTG. While I haven't dealt with Donnie at BRT I've heard only good about him.
Finally, the Harris will attach directly onto factory swivel studs your Savage .22. No adapter is needed.
Keith
