Bipods

[Cameron358]

I have a couple of rifles around and I'm looking into buying a single shot .223 from a friend. I need to invest ina bipod, and I've been wondering are the Harris one;s really worth the extra $30 or $40 or even more? One in Bass Pro Shops, from Stoney Point, I believe runs $40. Any thoughts or comments would eb greatly appreciated.
Cameron

[jhughes]

I am not sure about the other brands - but I can tell you that I don't think you can go wrong with a Harris Bipod. I've used them on several guns, in a variety of climates, weather conditions and terrain. Never a problem.

There are some other styles, that do not attach to the gun, allowing you to use them on multiple firearms, and offer the flexibility to use them with and without - but, then again - with the sling mounts, Harris Bipods are pretty easily removed and reinstalled (within a few seconds) from most any firearm.

Hope that helps!

--Jeff

[scubasteve_1221]

Take a look at the SnipePod. It allows you to swivel the gun from side to side. I have a Harris on my 22-250 and it is nice but i wish it would allow me to swivel the gun from side to side. I do like the fit and finish that the Harris has, top notch. The legs on the SnipePod fold up like tent poles and that doesn't work for me when I'm callin in yotes. So my overall take on this is will you need to move from side to side easily to avoid being seen? For me, I 'd still take the Harris over the Snipepod.

[LLOYD]

I used a standard Harris Bipod in 2004 on a Cabelas antelope hunt in Wyoming and was pleased with it. Cabelas sells the basic non-pivoting model for about $63. Another, more expensive model which pivots is some $30 more expensive. I honestly cannot say how some of the other, less expensive brands compare with the Harris, but considering the reputation of Harris, I feel you will not go wrong with one of their models.

[DogDude]

Part of the question of which is better isn't revealed until you've used a product in the field for a while. Some products are like a screen door, once they've been banged a few times, they loosen right up. Bi-pods that slip because they've begun to loosen up and don't tighten properly can cost you a lot of shots.

A key issue with bi-pods or any other mechanical device is how they are being used and how often. For stationary targets, and those who require little adjustment, just about any will do. Prairie dogs would be a good example. You can setup on P-dogs and shoot without a lot of adjustment for most radical shots. Coyotes is another story. 'Yotes can come in from any direction and be in your lap before you know it. Suddenly you find yourself set up for a 200 yard shot you were expecting, and the dog is at 50, starring right at you. With attached bi-pods you're basically going to shoot the way you're set up, or pick your firearm up and shoot off hand because there isn't time to move and readjust. Slower moving game like deer and antelope (at least while sneaking or feeding) tend to leave more time to set up, but not always.

For me flexibility is the issue that has frustrated me most often. For that reason I've gone to using shooting sticks. You can make dramatic adjustments without only slight movement, and they're much easier to use on uneven terrain. Stoney Point makes a descent set. I've used Harris bi-pods and they're very good. I'm not familiar with Stoney Point's bipods, but like I said, there's always a reason. If you don't use them more than a few times a year, either would probably be fine.

As far as the price of Harris - over the years, I've come to relalize the value of an old adage. "The bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a cheap price has long departed. There is always a reason that one costs less than the other and usually it is related to the quality of the materials, the manufacturing process involved and often where it is made. I've been a Cabela's customer for a long time and they're one of the exceptions to this rule of thumb. Their house brand products are top quality, and the savings I enjoy come as a result of the fact that they make their own, eliminating the middleman. Unfortunately, they don't make a bi-pod that I'm aware of.

DD

[Coug]

I purchased Carlson's Predator Camo Snyper Sticks from Cabela's and have been really happy with them. They adjust easily for a range of shots and allow you to pan horizontally and vertically to track an animal as it moves. They come with me on all of my rifle and muzzleloader hunts now.

Coug

[tykempster]

Check out the versa-pod. It comes with mounts for multiple guns, you can get it to fit slug guns to. It's pretty nice and the spring loaded version isn't much more.