I am looking for a bipod for my rifle. I recently used on that was mounted on my friends rifle that was a shooters ridge pivoting 9-13 and i really liked it. I found only one drawback and that was if the animal was moving you could not track him without moving the legs. My question is, does anyone make a bipod that pivots and rotates?
Bipod Question
- Thread starter stinky
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
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cloverleaf
Handloader
- Sep 10, 2006
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Just a thought- but thats exactly why i switched to sticks. If I need to move more than the bipod allows I can just lift up out of the sticks. I havent figured out how to keep them from tipping over and scaring Mr. 'yote away. Nothing is perfect I guess. My current "sticks" are adjustable for length (I shoot from a wheelchair or on the ground, depending on how energetic I feel) and have a yoke that rotates 360 degrees. I havent actually hunted with them yet but thats the plan. CL
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
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CL - interesting thoughts. PM sent. Thanks, Guy
- Oct 30, 2004
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JD hit the nail on the head! Harris is my fav.
- Thread starter
- #6
JD & Pop, I looked at the Harris pods but I am still not sure that they do what i was looking for. Do they just pivot for uneven ground or do they swivel from side to side also. Clover that is a good point but i have worked with sticks before but i am not that comfortable with them, i don't know why.
- Nov 4, 2004
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I am not sure if Harris offers what you are looking for. You might want to give them a call.
JD338
JD338
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
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stinky - tracking a moving target while shooting from a bipod is tough if a guy has to move the rifle barrel very much. There's a little built-in "give" but not much - so yes, the bipod legs get dragged across whatever surface you're on.
I've found two remedies that I like, and teach:
1) Shooting from a ruck/pack or other rest instead of a bipod. Much easier to swivel the rifle to follow a moving target. I've done this quite often. Move into position, toss the ruck on the ground, put the rifle on the ruck, and get on target. It's fast and accurate.
2) Learn to use a sling properly as a shooting aid. I can track moving targets real well from a sling-supported position, and am almost (not quite) as accurate from the sling as from a bipod.
Regards, Guy
I've found two remedies that I like, and teach:
1) Shooting from a ruck/pack or other rest instead of a bipod. Much easier to swivel the rifle to follow a moving target. I've done this quite often. Move into position, toss the ruck on the ground, put the rifle on the ruck, and get on target. It's fast and accurate.
2) Learn to use a sling properly as a shooting aid. I can track moving targets real well from a sling-supported position, and am almost (not quite) as accurate from the sling as from a bipod.
Regards, Guy
- Nov 4, 2004
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Guy Miner":2zo7pmy0 said:
Two very good options.
Back in my High Power competition days, a properly adjusted sling is tough to beat.
JD338
I will start by saying that most of my shooting is done at 100 to 150 yards. If its further than that I tend to use a large rock and lie prone for the shot. At the closer ranges I always use a single stick which I cut to my shoulder height (give or take an inch). I can then use it as a rest no matter where I am and if necessary I can rotate to follow a moving target. A number of my sticks are available at the following link
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/alb ... 4379OtlOng
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/alb ... 4379OtlOng
roysclockgun
Handloader
- Dec 17, 2005
- 736
- 1
I have used the Harris bi-pod when hunting pronghorn and mule deer and it does a great job, even on walking game at longer ranges (300 yds. out to my personal limit of 400 yds.) Once you get into position the swivel on the Harris bi-pod gives me plenty swing to follow game until I am ready for the shot. On running game or even trotting game, I do not see a bi-pod doing the trick. Game that is spooked must usually be taken under fire from what ever position that you find yourself in with perhaps a "hasty sling" being your only aid in steadying your shot. I cannot remember having a tree close enough to use, when I have spooked game. For me, the real value of the swiveling Harris, is the ability to get above tall grass, usually found blocking the shot on pronghorn.
When glassing for mule deer, I will most often have time to build a rest of some sort using pack, rocks, logs or sometimes even boots. On occasion a binoculars case has served.
The trade off with the Harris is that it causes the rifle to be heavy. When walking all day to glass for elk, mule deer or pronghorn, every ounce is felt. Still, I would rather have the Harris on my rifle than to go without.
I sold my friend on using the Harris and on his first mule deer, with him sitting in tall grass with the legs extended, he got a nasty cut, from the scope. The deer were moving at 275 yds. out and as he swung the swivel bi-pod, he neglected to keep his proper shooting position and the scope in recoiling caught the bridge of his nose. Things happen! He did connect and drop the deer!
When glassing for mule deer, I will most often have time to build a rest of some sort using pack, rocks, logs or sometimes even boots. On occasion a binoculars case has served.
The trade off with the Harris is that it causes the rifle to be heavy. When walking all day to glass for elk, mule deer or pronghorn, every ounce is felt. Still, I would rather have the Harris on my rifle than to go without.
I sold my friend on using the Harris and on his first mule deer, with him sitting in tall grass with the legs extended, he got a nasty cut, from the scope. The deer were moving at 275 yds. out and as he swung the swivel bi-pod, he neglected to keep his proper shooting position and the scope in recoiling caught the bridge of his nose. Things happen! He did connect and drop the deer!
- Nov 4, 2004
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roysclockgun":2kgimc0g said:
I put my Harris bi-pod on my 700 VLS 22-250 for predators and woodchucks. With the Nikon 5.5x15 scope this rig is heavy, going well over 10 lbs. It is rock steady out to 500 yds.
JD338
roysclockgun
Handloader
- Dec 17, 2005
- 736
- 1
"I put my Harris bi-pod on my 700 VLS 22-250 for predators and woodchucks..."
Yes, I agree. On a varmint rifle the weight of the Harris means little or nothing and the rest that the Harris provides is very steady.
On a deer rifle, however, the Harris does add noticeable and most of the time, unwanted weight. In these days where many hunters are going to ultra light rifles, the Harris weight can be a big factor.
I was never able to get as steady with shooting sticks as I can using the Harris. It is a grand tool.
Yes, I agree. On a varmint rifle the weight of the Harris means little or nothing and the rest that the Harris provides is very steady.
On a deer rifle, however, the Harris does add noticeable and most of the time, unwanted weight. In these days where many hunters are going to ultra light rifles, the Harris weight can be a big factor.
I was never able to get as steady with shooting sticks as I can using the Harris. It is a grand tool.
