Bipods on hard surfaces?

[HNDLDR]

What is the LRH consensus on bipods sitting on hard surfaces? Will using my bipod on the concrete range benches throw my shots off? If I go from concrete to something softer will my POI change?

 

[davkrat]

Bipods on hard surfaces.... SUCK! I have actually completely given up on bipods. Always got inconsistent results with them. Part of that was surely my own fault as well as problems with flexing stock. The bigger reason is where I tend to hunt I never am in a position where a bipod is a viable option due to tall grass or more likely sage brush. In cases where I am shooting over rim rock I always have my pack with me which mimics the bag I shoot off from a bench. My bag and shooting sticks are much more useful to me in the field.

Do a search on Gunwerks Bipod Shooting. They have a YouTube video that talks a bit about this.

 

[Deleted member 46119]

What is the LRH consensus on bipods sitting on hard surfaces? Will using my bipod on the concrete range benches throw my shots off? If I go from concrete to something softer will my POI change?

My feelings on bipods are not so extreme. Mostly I like them but there are days when I can't stand them. Of course it's my fault but hey, blaming something or someone other than self is the American Way.

I use them in "tactical" competitions, load development, general practice and fun shooting.

Changing surfaces or not using the bipod can and probably will change the POI. Learn what happens and be prepared.

Something important that I was taught early and prove over and over when I don't do it. Load the bipod the same way every time, pressure forward or rearward but the same. I was taught and use pressure forward.

Real Harris is the bottom grade I'll use. I tried the cut rate bipods and fo ged aboud it. I have a Sinclair and like it but I think any new ones will be Harris.

 

[davkrat]

I gave up on them because I don't want one of those "days when I can't stand them" to be the day I'm aiming at a big buck

 

[HNDLDR]

Glad I'm not the only one that has pretty much given up on them. I've never owned or used shooting sticks. What are some of your favorites?

 

[davkrat]

I have the old Stoney Point polecat tripod. Hard to beat your pack across a rock though.

 

[FEENIX]

What is the LRH consensus on bipods sitting on hard surfaces? Will using my bipod on the concrete range benches throw my shots off? If I go from concrete to something softer will my POI change?

I personally do not have any problem with it. Once I'm satisfied on the bench I simply drop down to prone (my most likely shooting position on my hunt) and compare/practice and make any necessary adjustments as required. lightbulb

My Harris bipod makes a stable platform from prone to sitting position; makes an excellent means to secure my rifle when at rest; and to prop your harvest for a photo op ...

 

[HNDLDR]

[Once I'm satisfied on the bench I simply drop down to prone (my most likely shooting position on my hunt) and compare/practice and make any necessary adjustments as required. lightbulb[/QUOTE]

My range is covered in gravel, which is just another unrealistic surface that you would shooting off of in the field.

I see some P-dog sniping in my 25-06's future before the bipod is trusted again.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I've taken hundreds & hundreds of longrange shots off a Harris bi-pod while in the field. Groundhogs were the primary targets and the results were generally very good. The ground is probably just as hard as a bench top and while a sandbag may have been preferable the bi-pod has always worked well for hunting.
BTW - I shoot a 338 RUM off the bi-pod while in a sitting position and shoot accurately out to 300yds. This combination will easily put you in the vitals of game animals every time if you practice.

 

[FEENIX]

[Once I'm satisfied on the bench I simply drop down to prone (my most likely shooting position on my hunt) and compare/practice and make any necessary adjustments as required. lightbulb

My range is covered in gravel, which is just another unrealistic surface that you would shooting off of in the field.

I see some P-dog sniping in my 25-06's future before the bipod is trusted again.

Use a mat of some sort between you and the gravel; i.e., shooting mat (can be pricey), sleeping bag, sleeping bag rest, blankets, or combinations, etc ...or whatever it takes for you to get comfy.

 

[FearNoWind]

I personally do not have any problem with it. Once I'm satisfied on the bench I simply drop down to prone (my most likely shooting position on my hunt) and compare/practice and make any necessary adjustments as required.

I certainly agree.
I use a bipod for hunting and for tactical competition. Mine is a Harris HBRMS and the only adjustment I've had to make on target is its tendancy to shoot a little high from a solid platform like a concrete bench. A carpet between the bipod legs and the concrete helps mitigate some of that. The remainder of the surfaces on the competition range are gravel and the bipod works quite well there, when properly used. I once thought the gravel was causing me difficulty but when I saw that there are other shooters who can put five rounds into a 3 inch groujp at 600 yards from the same gravel I have to work with I changed my mind.
I don't use the bipod for load development. A good quality rest works better in that category. But when the load is ready to face the competitive or game hunting world I finish polishing my skills with that "perfect" load from the bipod.
In tactical competition we have one position that requires resting the bipod (or whatever rest is allowed) on concrete but with a little practice I've been able to compensate for the difference in trajectory quite easily.
I've found that some shooters who may be new to the world of shooting from a bipod get frustrated and simply abandon it; an unfortunate decision. Shooters who are new to bipod use typically find they need to learn the peculiarities of the bipod and how to use it effectively. Loading the bipod works for some but not for others. Shoulder hold with a bipod can make a huge difference. Placement of the non-shooting arm and hand can also affect results.
If you're new to shooting keep this in mind. There are a large number of shooters who immediately blame their load or their equipment when the results on target are disappointing. Too few shooters understand that the first suspect should always be the shooter him or herself. Working on form, timing, etc. will cure most shooting accuracy problems.
I've been told that the only difference between puppies and shooters is that puppies stop whining after about six months. I've come to believe that statement has merit.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I certainly agree.
I use a bipod for hunting and for tactical competition. Mine is a Harris HBRMS and the only adjustment I've had to make on target is its tendancy to shoot a little high from a solid platform like a concrete bench. A carpet between the bipod legs and the concrete helps mitigate some of that. The remainder of the surfaces on the competition range are gravel and the bipod works quite well there, when properly used. I once thought the gravel was causing me difficulty but when I saw that there are other shooters who can put five rounds into a 3 inch groujp at 600 yards from the same gravel I have to work with I changed my mind.
I don't use the bipod for load development. A good quality rest works better in that category. But when the load is ready to face the competitive or game hunting world I finish polishing my skills with that "perfect" load from the bipod.
In tactical competition we have one position that requires resting the bipod (or whatever rest is allowed) on concrete but with a little practice I've been able to compensate for the difference in trajectory quite easily.
I've found that some shooters who may be new to the world of shooting from a bipod get frustrated and simply abandon it; an unfortunate decision. Shooters who are new to bipod use typically find they need to learn the peculiarities of the bipod and how to use it effectively. Loading the bipod works for some but not for others. Shoulder hold with a bipod can make a huge difference. Placement of the non-shooting arm and hand can also affect results.
If you're new to shooting keep this in mind. There are a large number of shooters who immediately blame their load or their equipment when the results on target are disappointing. Too few shooters understand that the first suspect should always be the shooter him or herself. Working on form, timing, etc. will cure most shooting accuracy problems.
I've been told that the only difference between puppies and shooters is that puppies stop whining after about six months. I've come to believe that statement has merit.

I mimic FearNoWind's post to a TEE. I've been thru and have done and do just as he explains. I learned years back not to pre-load your bi-pod simply because most of the shooting situations you will be in will not allow it. I found this to be true in every Tac Match I ever shot. I use a Harris on my Tac rifle and a Werks Bi-Pod on my FTR rifle. I like the line that Clint said in Heartbreak Ridge, Adapt, Improvise, Overcome, with enough patience and practice all things become second nature. gun)

 

[moombaskier]

Here is a little tidbit that I learned on this forum. I use the Harris leg notch models and it's very important to have the legs set at the first notch or higher. There is about a 1/2 to 3/4 inch movement from the leg springs that can cause accuracy issues.

 

[Mikecr]

I guess my views are in contrast with naysayers. I include my Harris bipods combined with a rear monopod in nearly all of my shooting, and I'm a happy enough there.
I use the tallest swivel model(S-25 I think), and can usually take sitting shots over high grass if I have to.

I use benchrests for hot load development, and go to bipod for cold development.
Off a bench I stack a couple carpet squares to setup on. works fine.
I don't preload, because I don't shoulder stocks, but shoot free recoil. That's where the rear monopod comes into play for me. This works provided the load is developed with it.

An advantage to LR hunting is that you don't have to take shots wherever you happen to be when opportunity first presents. LRH is not skeet.
You can move to a spot for bipod/higher-percentage shooting, even if further away,, or another day.