A question of bipods....

[cornstalker]

I have been shooting off Harris bipods in the field for the better part of my hunting career. Never noticed much of a problem with them before.

Lately I have sworn off the bench and benchrests and have gone prone for practice, load development, everything.

Since I have started using the Harris bipods on concrete I have become aware of how much they bounce when the shot is fired. I have still been getting good groups but have to wonder, would I have a different point of impact if rested on a softer surface?

When I am through hunting predators for the year I'll get out and test this, but thought someone here may have already done it.

Next questions:

Are Atlas bipods a lot better?

Do they bounce less?

 

[SidecarFlip]

I don't believe it's the bi-pod. I believe it's muzzle jump in relationship to the rifle itself.

I use Harris' bi-pods on all my rifles but shooting prone, I rest the forestock on a bag or backpack or other suitable rest. I've even used a jacket.

My bi-pod shooting is all bench..... or Lead Sled...

 

[sp6x6]

You tend to get more flip on concrete. Depending on shooting style also, if you suck it in shoulder pocket firmer may get less jump . My light 325wsm jumps bad.The Atlas is a great bipod and I find myself putting more rails on other rifles of mine. I have a QD, that mnts to rail,the SEEKIN SRS, is the rail I like.

 

[cornstalker]

I am pretty sure the muzzle flip is amplified by the flex in the pods.

Maybe I am doing something wrong, but I put sandbags in front of the bipods and push my bodyweight forward into the rifle to "load" the bipod.

The "bounce" is noticeably more flip than if I shoot off bags or a pack.

sp6x6,
Thanks for the heads up on the Atlas. Might have to pony up the dough and give them a whirl.

 

[sp6x6]

What I like about the Atlas are the legs are independent. Can have one fore and one back. I have set mine length wise on a log and made a solid rest, with legs opposite.

 

[Greyfox]

Surface texture/hardness can definitely effect accuracy with a bipod. I was at a match a couple of years ago. My regular range has smooth wood benches. My rifle was shooting great. Went to the match at another range with heavy weave base carpeting in the bench. My impact points were off by inches at 200 yards. I put a piece of plexiglass under the bipod legs and my rifle's performance returned. The bumpy weave was bumping the legs during recoil. Soft surfaces do not seem to cause this problem. I use a Harris.

 

[thehulk]

Personally if my shot placement is good on the first shot I dont really care if it bounces, I need to reload and readjust anyways for a possible 2nd shot. .02$

 

[SidecarFlip]

Surface texture/hardness can definitely effect accuracy with a bipod. I was at a match a couple of years ago. My regular range has smooth wood benches. My rifle was shooting great. Went to the match at another range with heavy weave base carpeting in the bench. My impact points were off by inches at 200 yards. I put a piece of plexiglass under the bipod legs and my rifle's performance returned. The bumpy weave was bumping the legs during recoil. Soft surfaces do not seem to cause this problem. I use a Harris.

I'll have to experiment a bit. Our range has both wood and cast concrete benches for shooting. I usually use the concrete but I'll have to try the wood.

My Harris' all have the 2nd axis which I like. If the surface is uneven or unlevel, you can angle the cant out of the rifle easily.

me thinks Harris' patent ran out. There seems to be a proliferation of Harris look alike's now.... Back in the day, it was Harris or zip.

 

[Muttt]

The proper way to use a standard bipod (not a bench rest monstrosity .... which they shoot free recoil) is to load the bipod. It allows for a faster follow up shot and keeps you "into the bipod" for better follow through. If you aren't loading your bipod and it is allowed to jump freely, then you aren't following through on your shot.

On concrete, I like to use my Midway pro shooting mat. It has a strap sewn into the mat that allows you to push the bipod feet into the strap and load the bipod. It doesn't bounce at all when I do this. Sandbags in front of the feet works well too.

 

[Broz]

Lately I have sworn off the bench and benchrests and have gone prone for practice, load development, everything.

Since I have started using the Harris bipods on concrete I have become aware of how much they bounce when the shot is fired. I have still been getting good groups but have to wonder, would I have a different point of impact if rested on a softer surface?

Next questions:

Are Atlas bipods a lot better?

Do they bounce less?

Is your Harris bipod one with notched legs? If so do this little test. Put the legs all the way in. Now push on the legs inward. The notched legs are spring loaded and when all the way down with the right weight rifle will jump. The non-notched leg modles have a friction lock and will help prevent this. I have only had this be an issue on a few occations. It can be curred, or at least helped a lot if you come up one notch on the legs to get rid of the springing. Or, a friction locked model might be a better choice for that rifle.

Jeff

 

[cornstalker]

Muttt, that sounds about like how I do it. I have the cheaper Midway mat without the pockets, but I do use sandbags.

Jeff,
I do use the Harris bipod with the friction locks, non-swivel.

I will try to get out for some field practice soon and pay a lot closer attention to how it reacts on dirt. Also comparing POI's.

 

[Broz]

Jeff,
I do use the Harris bipod with the friction locks, non-swivel.

I will try to get out for some field practice soon and pay a lot closer attention to how it reacts on dirt. Also comparing POI's.

Ok cool, then I would also suggest looking at form, preload and follow through.

Jeff