Tips when shooting off a bipod???

[Fergus Bailey]

Guys

I have a fair amount of experience on long range shots, but generally prefer to shoot from a bench. I now need to set up for long shots using a bipod (either prone or off a vehicle hood). I would be interested to hear from people with any issues I should consider for this style of shooting, technique, etc. I am interested in anything people can suggest to increase my odds for a hit from field positions at long range targets.

Thanks

Fergus

[ATH]

It really helps if you have a packpack/clothing item to use as a rear "sandbag". If you are lucky to be hunting/shooting somewhere with low obstructions, you can use a short bipod and accuracy won't suffer horribly from bench (IMO). If you're like me and have to shoot over grass and such, you have to go with something taller like my Harris 25(C?). It's a LITTLE too tall for ideal prone shooting, but not awful.
I like to push the gun into this bipod a little bit. This automatically pushes the gun into my shoulder, and makes me shoot a lot better. I'm actually as good off the bipod as the bench (ok so my bench skills aren't perfect!).

[PeterC]

Here is a very interesting article on this subject:Bugholes from Bipod

[Nighthawk]

Keep yourself steady.
[img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[ 09-23-2004: Message edited by: Nighthawk ]

[Aussie]

Fergus ,
I shoot over the boot (that's Aussie for trunk) of my car a lot using a bipod . I have found that groups are inclined to string vertically unless I hold onto the forend and apply a little downward pressure . I like to use a rolled up jacket or something similar under the butt . I usually stand but try to avoid having the centre and left side of my chest resting against the vehicle as the heartbeat moves things around . No trouble to shoot 1/2 MOA or better with a 10 pound rifle .
Shooting a rifle with heavy recoil accurately off a sloping surface with a bipod is tougher I think .
Where are you at ?

The most important single thing is to keep that rifle level!! By a bubble level that attatches to the rifles scope rail!!
I did some testing on angles and stuff and just how level I thought I could be while looking and different hills and slopes of hills..
Well let me tell you I challenge anyone to shoot out here and be consistient without a level...

[Holmes]

<<Well let me tell you I challenge anyone to shoot out here and be consistient without a level...>>

Amen. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

~Holmes