Bipod question/help..

[Texas Republic]

Hey fellas,

I was wondering if I could get some clarification from some of you guys on bipod terminology and compatibility. Forgive me for the length in detail, but I am not wanting to pay return shipping once again for a bipod that doesn't work out. Besides, I am sure I am not the only guy out there wondering some of these same questions.

I am fixing to order a bipod for the SECOND time this week and want to make sure I understand the function terminology correctly before I do so. I would rather just go look/buy one at a store, but what I want isn't sold around here.

I am fixing to return a Harris Bipod I just received in the mail. Mainly due to two reasons.
1) I could not get the thing securely mounted to my MCTAR-02 adapter. It was pretty loose.

2) I was under the impression than it was capable of panning (being able to track animals running left to right).

After looking around on the net, I realized different companies don't all use the same terminology when describing function. (swivel, cant, pan, tilt, etc.)

What I am looking for mainly is a heavy duty bipod for .338LM. To be precise, a Savage 110BA. I need it to "pan" left to right and be good on rough terrain with multiple shooting positions. I understand "pan" to mean tracking an animal as it runs from left to right. It would be a plus if it could also "tilt" up and down for shooting from higher elevations. So pan and tilt. Height adjustment isn't as much of an issue.

The tricky part is this. I want to be able to switch it out between the Savage and my DPMS LR-308. As of right now, I have a swivel stud attachment point on my DPMS and a "MCTAR-02" adapter on my Savage. This is basically a picatinny rail/swivel stud attachment. Any of you have experience with this attachment? The protruding swivel stud on mine is quite loose it seems. It can be pushed back and forth into the picatinny rail. Seemed strange to me.

First the bipod. I think I am going with a Versa-Pod All-Steel Model 52-160052.
Web Link . I considered an Atlas bipod, but I am trying to keep cost down as much as possible. While Atlas quality/function is better, I don't think they are THAT much better to justify such a high price. Not for recreational purposes anyway.

From what I understand, the Versapod does everything I need it to. However, correct me if I am wrong. Below is its product description from LG Outdoors.

The Model 52 the classic prone length Versa Pod but now with the added friction lock knobs for pan & tilt and cant rotation. So whether you are following a moving target or wanting to lock everything in place it is only a few quick turns away. Now in the All Steel model the model 52 is more rugged and sturdy for use with higher caliber rifles and heavier hitting gun. The legs have rubber feet that extend from 9 inches to 12 inches.

The adapter part is where I am totally lost. Vera-pod adapters can be found here.

Versa-Pod Bipods: Prepare For Battle*|* Shop Adapters

After looking at Vers-pods website, I am confused on how exactly it attaches. Is there an attachment that I could buy that would work on both the swivel stud and picanny rail? If I had to, I could always take off the MCTAR adapter that is on the Savage. This would leave me with two swivel stud attachment points. It just seems to me that a picatinny rail attachment would be more secure. So which adapter listed within that maze is the one for me?

I really appreciate the help guys. I am just tired of going in circles on this thing.

 

[royinidaho]

From you discussion of the picatinny swivel arrangement I don't think you will be satisfied with either the Harris you have or the one that you are considering.

To pan w/a 338 anything doesn't seem compatible with LRH and making that first shot count. The Harris would work will on the Savage with a little creativeness with your system. For instance a thick piece of material, such as properly cut leather (if I'm envisioning things correctly) will allow the bipod to tighten up, against the forearm.

The comment that height makes no difference is somewhat vague also. The rifle should be as close to the ground as practicable considering the pilot's body build and obstruction (grass) height. The bipod should have enough height to allow shooting up at least 20 degrees while being positioned on level ground.

I don't like any of the current bipod offerings for one reason or another, especially the ones that have to be "loaded". A solid, fixed height bipod that can be pushed around with the rifle stock to level, etc is my choice. However, I couldn't find one and ended up designing and making several of my own.

Hope this helps..

 

[Texas Republic]

From you discussion of the picatinny swivel arrangement I don't think you will be satisfied with either the Harris you have or the one that you are considering.

To pan w/a 338 anything doesn't seem compatible with LRH and making that first shot count. The Harris would work will on the Savage with a little creativeness with your system. For instance a thick piece of material, such as properly cut leather (if I'm envisioning things correctly) will allow the bipod to tighten up, against the forearm.

The comment that height makes no difference is somewhat vague also. The rifle should be as close to the ground as practicable considering the pilot's body build and obstruction (grass) height. The bipod should have enough height to allow shooting up at least 20 degrees while being positioned on level ground.

I don't like any of the current bipod offerings for one reason or another, especially the ones that have to be "loaded". A solid, fixed height bipod that can be pushed around with the rifle stock to level, etc is my choice. However, I couldn't find one and ended up designing and making several of my own.

Hope this helps..

Appreciate the reply.

While I understand your reasoning on not needing to pan a .338LM, I would like to pan with the DPMS .308. I would still like to have the pan function on the Savage in case I needed to as well. Right now, I have a Caldwell bipod on the DPMS and love the panning ability and clip capacity. The problem I found with Caldwell is that I dont believe they make a lower base bipod that pans. Its only on the taller/lighter models that I have seen the panning function.

As far as the Harris being rigged up with a leather strap for a tighter fit, I would just rather have a bipod that securely attaches and not have to worry about the leather stretching from weathering, etc. Especially if I am buying a new one.

By saying height isnt a issue really, I meant that I dont want a tall bipod. Perhaps one that would shoot while I was laying down or sitting on the ground. There are some spots you just cant lay down at.

The search continues.......

 

[Texas Republic]

No one???

 

[Texas Republic]

Nevermind. I went to a Texas hunting forum and found some advice. I figured this would be an easy question for a lot of people here. I do appreciate Roy's helpful advice. I just figured a lot more people would be willing to help out. Guess not.

 

[mrbigtexan]

i have the stoney point polecat qwik detachable bipod and love it. you can take it off and use as walking sticks or stick in your backpack. i highly recommend them. you can get additional aluminum posts and mount them on different rifles and then you only have to have one bipod.

 

[esshup]

I didn't post because I didn't have any first hand experinece with what you wanted. I'm pretty satisfied with my Harris swivel detent leg model, but it doesn't pan like you want.

 

[bb204]

It's not that no one is willing to help. Most people on this forum don't post unless it is something that they have first hand experience with. Most guys here probably shoot prone. So not much panning can be done without moving your body/bipod. JMO

 

[Bravo 4]

Look at www.precisionriflesolutions.com
I have a 6-9" notched leg swivel bipod mounted on most of my rifles because most of my shooting is from the prone position. But I have one of these tall tripods for shooting from any position, they will even pan and go at any angle you want. You can even go prone, so maybe a tripod is what you are wanting.

 

[Willys46]

The one that I think your looking for is the Atlas V8 bipod. It dose everything you want, but it is PRICEY!

Triad Tactical, Inc. :: Bipods etc. :: Accu-Shot Atlas Bipod (V8)