Which bipod to choose.

[Jake200]

Forgive me for asking and I have searched with conflicting results.
I am a first time bipod buyer and am looking into a Harris. My question is since I am no skinny guy, 6’3” close to 280, will the 9-13 inch bipod fit me better or the 6-9?
Unfortunately I have no one else close to me to try one or the other out. Suggestions anyone?

 

[hafejd30]

I have both. 6’3” 270 lbs. I use the 6-9” for range work. Anything field related 9-13”. For bench/range shooting the 6-9 works well. But a bit short if you want to hunt etc

That said I rarely am able to run at 6” from the prone position. Usually closer to 8-9”. Mostly due to the clearance needed for my chassis

 

[Jake200]

Thank you for the response and I forgot to add that my shooting position is mostly prone. I feel the 9-13 as my first bipod may be more useful set at 9" due to my height and husky build.

 

[FIRE_9]

I’d go 9-13. It’s definitely short enough for prone and is more versatile in my opinion

 

[Jarrodb1975]

I agree.

 

[Jake200]

This helps a lot and thank you for the advice. I was leaning towards the 9-13 but I am glad I asked this question.

 

[m1match]

Have you considered an Atlas CAL BT-65? I have a Harris, but I think for precision rifle shooting, the Atlas works so much better because it is a much higher quality bipod. The Atlas allows you load the bipod better, and it much more stable.

 

[Jake200]

@m1match I have read up on Atlas and they are top of the line but I pulled the trigger right after my last post and bought the Harris from Triad Tactical. Having said that I would bet after sometime with the Harris I may move up to an Atlas. Guys thanks a million for all this excellent advice,

 

[m1match]

The Harris will do you just fine as you build your skills, enjoy!

 

[FIRE_9]

Did you go with the notched or smooth legs. I definitely prefer the notched

 

[Jake200]

I did buy the notched legs and swivel base. So I am assuming these bipods come ready to attach to a sling stud?

 

[ofl0926]

I would do a 9-13in as well. Harris makes a great bipod. I just sold mine to try something different. probably an atlas

 

[ofl0926]

I did buy the notched legs and swivel base. So I am assuming these bipods come ready to attach to a sling stud?

yes they are. there is a little clamp that you will latch on to and tighten with a thumb screw.

 

[Jake200]

Excellent thank you for the heads up. I spent much time reading and looking at the picture. It looks obvious that it clamps to the stud but my first one so I asked.
So I do most of my shooting prone. So any pointers on loading the bipod when I am in prone? Is it just a slight shove forward with my shoulder?

 

[hafejd30]

You will want a pod loc if it doesn’t have one. I believe there’s vendors here. Well worth it. Google it and you’ll see what I mean. Tighten the tension of the bipod

 

[hafejd30]

Excellent thank you for the heads up. I spent much time reading and looking at the picture. It looks obvious that it clamps to the stud but my first one so I asked.
So I do most of my shooting prone. So any pointers on loading the bipod when I am in prone? Is it just a slight shove forward with my shoulder?

Just enough pressure to take up the slack.
My 9-13” with spikes

 

[ofl0926]

Excellent thank you for the heads up. I spent much time reading and looking at the picture. It looks obvious that it clamps to the stud but my first one so I asked.
So I do most of my shooting prone. So any pointers on loading the bipod when I am in prone? Is it just a slight shove forward with my shoulder?

its better to ask than assume lol
yeah its just slight forward load of the rifle/bipod.

 

[Jake200]

Just enough pressure to take up the slack.
My 9-13” with spikes
View attachment 7318689

I can see the spikes being very beneficial, I will be looking into a set. I don’t see the bipod moving with these so a better load.

 

[M8541Reaper]

Is it just a slight shove forward with my shoulder?

No. Shrugging forward/into the bipod with your shoulder results in you muscling the weapon/your body into position. Load with your hips, not your shoulder, that way you maintain muscular relaxation under recoil. If you’re shrugging, even slightly, your position requires some adjusting.

 

[hafejd30]

No. Shrugging forward/into the bipod with your shoulder results in you muscling the weapon/your body into position. Load with your hips, not your shoulder, that way you maintain muscular relaxation under recoil. If you’re shrugging, even slightly, your position requires some adjusting.

This^

When I load the bipod it’s more of just my body laying in a position that takes the slack out. Almost a natural position. You shouldn’t have to push with your shoulder or pull the rifle to you. Just a natural relaxed position. I also like to set the gun so it’s as centered left and right on target when getting into final shooting position. So I’m not twisting the rifle left or right etc using muscles to hold the rifle on target.

I literally feel like I’ve done enough practice with this that I could fall asleep while on the rifle and still maintain a fairly close point of aim when I wake up. As you practice the loading of the bipod will just feel like the most relaxed position you can be in as your muscles are all relaxed. This also helps with fatigue over long periods of shooting or observing. Also keeps the heartbeat and breathing down when you remain the most relaxed

Dry fire is a great way to practice this

 

[Jake200]

This^

When I load the bipod it’s more of just my body laying in a position that takes the slack out. Almost a natural position. You shouldn’t have to push with your shoulder or pull the rifle to you. Just a natural relaxed position. I also like to set the gun so it’s as centered left and right on target when getting into final shooting position. So I’m not twisting the rifle left or right etc using muscles to hold the rifle on target.

I literally feel like I’ve done enough practice with this that I could fall asleep while on the rifle and still maintain a fairly close point of aim when I wake up. As you practice the loading of the bipod will just feel like the most relaxed position you can be in as your muscles are all relaxed. This also helps with fatigue over long periods of shooting or observing. Also keeps the heartbeat and breathing down when you remain the most relaxed

Dry fire is a great way to practice this

Guys thank you so much for the tips and recommendations. Each time I am here it feels like a learning tutorial. Unfortunately I have no one around me, that I know, into precision shooting let alone bolt actions. If I shoot with them it’s got to be the AR and while I like them it is just not as satisfying as making a precise shot while taking your time, no mag dumps.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

After reading Lowlight's new book, I'm replacing my Harris bipods with these. They require an M-Lok handguard, and preloading the bipod should be done according to LL's advice in the book. These Bipods do not flex, and that affects how you preload them. As above; loading should be accomplished with the hips, not the shoulder/and back.

Since I have a significant number of bipods to replace; they won't be the top shelf Omigosh models. These conform to at least some of LL's guidelines in bipods. These are the taller height, a lower height is also available.

I am 6' 5"+, but quite skinny these days (you have more than 100lb on me). After reading the book, I'm going with the taller one to improve my head and body position. The taller bipod also allows for a taller magazine.

UTG-Leapers:

In 2009, we made an important decision to start our Made-In-the-USA Manufacturing Operation. We will continue to follow our vision for U.S. made products, to be innovation-driven.

Greg

 

[hafejd30]

Guys thank you so much for the tips and recommendations. Each time I am here it feels like a learning tutorial. Unfortunately I have no one around me, that I know, into precision shooting let alone bolt actions. If I shoot with them it’s got to be the AR and while I like them it is just not as satisfying as making a precise shot while taking your time, no mag dumps.

I’m gona save you a bunch of time/money etc in the future. You will want to buy and try a bunch of stuff along the way. The Harris is a great choice and I’m by no means saying don’t get that. But I can see your very interested and you will get addicted. Soon you will be the go to guy for your buddies as well when they get a taste. The rabbit hole is real, it’s deep and expensive! So here’s my advice,

Rifle: Save for a AI (AIAT/AX etc depending on what calibers you want to run)
Scope: NF ATACR
Bipod: Atlas Cal Gen II or Super Cal
Rings: NF/Badger/Spuhr/Seeking etc

I’ve spent a lot of time and money in the last 10 years in this sport. I ended up with a AIAT in 308 (post 2014 model so I can switch my barrels to a 308/6.5/260 in a matter of minutes with no gunsmith needed) topped with a NF 4-16 ATACR F1. Spuhr Mount and Atlas Cal Gen 2.

Trust me when I say I’ve spent a lot of money only to wish this combo was available in 2010 when I started out with a Savage and a Sightron. I have no regrets in my learning process but you can buy and sell as you go or save and buy once on a bullet proof setup.

Eventually you’ll want to reload if you don’t already but that’s another days conversation.

Just my $.02 as a fellow shooter who started out as the only one in his group to branch into the world of long range and precision shooting.

Unless you decide it’s not for you. Then don’t sink tons of money off the bat if your not truly in love with the sport.

The precision shooting world is a different and addicting animal vs banging away on an AR etc. Welcome to the hide, welcome to the brotherhood and welcome to your next disease!!

FYI I still own and shoot the Savage/Sightron.

 

[Jake200]

It is tough as my friends are AR shooters. But I find myself more alone now, I shoot on private property with my bolt guns, as I just enjoy it more. Every time I go out it’s with the bolt gun now and my AR’s are in the safe. I get more satisfaction and enjoyment making every shot count as good as I can make it. I shot of off my backpack for awhile now and I thought it’s time to move up to a bipod.

 

[hafejd30]

It is tough as my friends are AR shooters. But I find myself more alone now, I shoot on private property with my bolt guns, as I just enjoy it more. Every time I go out it’s with the bolt gun now and my AR’s are in the safe. I get more satisfaction and enjoyment making every shot count as good as I can make it. I shot of off my backpack for awhile now and I thought it’s time to move up to a bipod.

I sold my Daniel Defense DDM4V11 to buy my AI and have absolutely no regrets