Bipod Question

[Vince]

I wasn't sure where to put this but seeing as how I want to use the intended bipod for hunting I thought this might be an appropriate location.

I finally got to shoot a rifle from prone with a bipod. Let me just say I'm convinced in their usefulness and leave it at that. The problem is, which legnth do I get? 9" to 13" or the 12" to 23"? I seldom get to shoot from prone but do so when I can. In the field my favorite shooting position, if I can't go prone, is sitting.

I usually carry shooting sticks as well and they work for the sitting position if I choose to not "hunker down and get low" due to my knees. "Hunker down and get low" refers to the person pushing between my shoulder blades as I was sitting and shooting.

So which one?

 

[Too Tall]

One might be too tall to shoot down hill, a little. I use the 9-13", and carry sticks for sitting.
I have the long ones for coyote hunting. I always sit when using a call. You can change position faster.

 

[Guy Miner]

12 - 23 has proven far more useful in the field for me and my son as it lets us shoot from sitting, getting over low brush and grass.

I don't use a bipod a lot, but yes, the taller one is more useful.

Also, if it's a Harris, get the "swivel" model - it's been much easier to be accurate with that one, particularly when shooting from uneven surfaces.

Bipod hop is something you may experience, depending on how you hold the rifle and the amount of power you're dealing with. There are ways of taking out some or all of that.

Too Tall's suggestion on the sticks is sound. I've used them quite a bit, and prefer them to a bipod.

Guy

 

[JD338]

I have a Harris 9-13" Bi Pod that has done well for me when shooting prone.

JD338

 

[6mm Remington]

Jim that sure is a pretty antelope. Are you mounting him sir? I use the shorter 9-13 quite a bit, but do also like the next size taller version. Guy is right about spending a few extra dollars for the one that swivels a bit for uneven ground. They work very well.
David

 

[Oldtrader3]

I use a shooting stick and shoot sitting mostly. If I can even get prone, there is the issue of getting back up again.

 

[Vince]

Jim that sure is a pretty antelope. Are you mounting him sir? I use the shorter 9-13 quite a bit, but do also like the next size taller version. Guy is right about spending a few extra dollars for the one that swivels a bit for uneven ground. They work very well.
David

David,

How does that next size taller work for you shooting prone?

 

[6mm Remington]

Jim that sure is a pretty antelope. Are you mounting him sir? I use the shorter 9-13 quite a bit, but do also like the next size taller version. Guy is right about spending a few extra dollars for the one that swivels a bit for uneven ground. They work very well.
David

David,

How does that next size taller work for you shooting prone?

It works. It's not as nice as the 9-13, but it's workable. I have to raise up a bit so your foundation isn't quite as steady, but it still works and is pretty stable. It does give you a bit more elevation over tall grass and sagebrush, plus you can shoot sitting with the next length of bi-pod which is also very nice. One downside is that it does add a bit more weight though. My favorite is the 9-13.

 

[JD338]

I've had mine for 25 years and it has help up well. If ever get another one, I will get one that swivels.

JD338

 

[BeeTee]

I have the 9-13 Harris. Love it. It's perfect for pdogs and ground squirrels, and I used it once for a 450 yard cow elk that would have been much-much harder without it... But, a bipod may not be worth the extra weight when hunting in the timber (shorter ranges, quicker shot requirements & can't often shoot prone). I also like the 9-13 Harris while shooting off the bench at the range.

I've noticed that nearly all of the hunting shows on the Sportsman's channel have the shooters using hand carried tripods (like a camera tripod) or tall hand carried bipods. I think some of it is for simply pushing product sales, and some of it even looks silly (quickly setting up to shoot fairly close range in timber). Those guys need to practice shooting offhand for the <100 yard shots... :wink:

 

[Guy Miner]

"Those guys need to practice shooting..."

I like those words! :grin:

 

[Vince]

My big concern is having to shoot over low lying bushes from prone. I know the 6" version is too short. I'm just trying to decide if the 9" version is tall enough for prone shooting given my location and obstacles presented.

 

[CAhunter]

Vince
Here is my experience. I have the 9-13 and also 12-25. Ive found the 9" to be perfect for shooting from the bench but when hunting always pull the legs all the way to 13. Maybe its just habit. So thats why I use the 12-25 now for hunting. Same height to start vs my 9-13 extended but gives me the ability to extend it up to 25 and shoot from many more positions or angles.
Get a swivel for sure and if you do go 9-13 get the leg notch.

 

[jmad_81]

In most all my hunting I take shooting sticks and leave the bi-pod home. If I can get prone, my pack makes a great rest.

I do really like the shooting sticks though. If a guy practices with them, it's nothing to be able to hit deer vitals @ 400 yrds pretty regular. If I'm taking my STW out in some really open country the bi-pod (9"-13") makes the trip, everything else is off the shooting sticks.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I've noticed that nearly all of the hunting shows on the Sportsman's channel have the shooters using hand carried tripods (like a camera tripod) or tall hand carried bipods. I think some of it is for simply pushing product sales, and some of it even looks silly (quickly setting up to shoot fairly close range in timber). Those guys need to practice shooting offhand for the <100 yard shots... :wink:

What I notice is that it takes them so long to turn off the the safety and actually fire a shot! I would have the deer dressed by the time most of these guys shoot, let alone setting up the monster contraption they are using to hold the rifle. I guess acting is more important than hunting!