Looking for experiences with bipods for recce/SPR type ARs. Some choices for what gets your vote based on positive experience:
Tango Down Advanced Combat Bipod
Harris Bipod Mount Combo (LaRue or ADM)
VLTOR BI-Pod
BOBRO Gen 3 BIPOD w/BLAC
Other
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Looking for experiences with bipods for recce/SPR type ARs. Some choices for what gets your vote based on positive experience:
Tango Down Advanced Combat Bipod
Harris Bipod Mount Combo (LaRue or ADM)
VLTOR BI-Pod
BOBRO Gen 3 BIPOD w/BLAC
Other
Larue/Harris swivel. I like it. It's pretty heavy though. I was looking for the tango down ones but could never find them in stock. I'd buy again.
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...z/IMG_6668.jpg
There may be a better choice, but since I have been through two sniper schools now along with all the training I do with my precision rifle, I'll stick with what I know. OOPS! Harris bipod.
Be sure to loctite the screw that hold the legs of the bipods on to the frame. If you use them frequently and run around with them, I have seen them come out before.
Harris / Larue combo here.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...arueSPR-DT.jpg
You won't do better than a Bobro or to save a little bit of money & actually be able to get your hands on one without a long wait, a GG&G which is a early Bobro design.
Some examples of mine!
http://i33.tinypic.com/xfahc9.jpg
http://i38.tinypic.com/1443392.png
The Harris Bipod Mount Combo (LaRue or ADM) sure seems to be kicking ass in the poll.
:cool:
I have a Harris sitting in a LaRue that I thought was the cats .... until I got to handle a buddies BOBRO... IMHO opinion the BOBRO was much nicer and more stable when shooting in various positions.
The BOBRO seemed much more sturdy and the legs had less lateral movement. I will bring the Harris/LT at the end of the month and you can see what you think. I have it mounted on my M6A3 but you can pop it off and use it on the weapon of your choice and make your own judgment...
I only have experience with the Harris/Larue Bipod and I've been very pleased with it thus far so that's where my vote goes.
Go with Harris all the way, if it's good enough for the Military, its good enough for me, and had never let me down. I bought a Versa Pod, and broke it on my first g hog hunt, sent it back, and it broke again while shooting at a deer. I also like Harris due to the fact that you can lean into the gun to help stabilize the shot. And for the $ midway has them for you cant go wrong. I have one on my custom 6mmBR and it's 10 years old, and never failed.
I have the Tangodown bipod and absolutely love it. The height is perfect for the use of 30 round magazines. The thing is bombproof in its build quality and materials and there are no exposed springs, tabs, levers, and knobs, like the Harris has to snag on things.
People are always going to vote for what they have, and with Harris being around for so long that's what people are more likely to have, hence the poll results.
The Larue mount for the Harris is freakin' $80 which is just insane to me. The ADM is nearly $70, which strikes me as equally nuts. and then ARMS at $100? :eek:
I have a Harris on an ARMS that I bought used from another shooter down here. Can't recall what I paid but it works for me.
I like the look of some of the other options on the market. $200-$240 for the Bobro/GG&G? I'd have to be really committed to needing a bipod at that price. I don't "get" the mechanism either and it seems (like most Bobro products) overly bulky to me. Maybe it offers some kind of bomb-proof construction? :confused:
Given all of the options, I'm still happy with my ARMS/Harris, despite the ARMS. I like that it's easy move around, works on almost any gun with little to no modification needed, etc. Based on my very limited exposure to it though, I think I'd like to give the Vltor a shot on a gun with a full rail system.
I have all of the listed bipods and a couple of additional models. The rock creek barrels SOPMOD bipod is very good for the money. They had a group buy on the hide for $125 which was an excellent bargain. The Atlas bipod is also very nice for precision rifles.
http://www.rockcreekbarrels.com/new_page_2.htm
http://www.accu-shot.com/atlas_bipod.html
I have to say the BoBro is my favorite overall, its very smooth to operate and stable. They are so damn hard to get though, thats the downside. I had mine on back order for nearly 6 months direct from Bobro.
It's pretty cynical to paint people with such a broad brush so as to state that they will "always" vote for what they have. What would be the point of asking anybody for their opinion on anything, then?
All you can do is ask people for some opinions on their positive experiences. I don't have a requirement that every poster here (or everyone who votes in a simple poll) be 100% clinically detached; some first-hand knowledge is good enough for me.
[QUOTE=rob_s;537284]
I can tell you it is a little bulky, but I haven't seen a bipod/mount that wasn't, so to me its kinda a wash. I will say that the BOBRO in my limited experience is considerably more stable at extension and does appear to be bomb proof. I own a Harris/LT and I think it is definitely worth the variance in price between the two products.Quote:
I like the look of some of the other options on the market. $200-$240 for the Bobro/GG&G? I'd have to be really committed to needing a bipod at that price. I don't "get" the mechanism either and it seems (like most Bobro products) overly bulky to me. Maybe it offers some kind of bomb-proof construction? :confused:
As you would know, you have a bit of slop at extension with the Harris, the BOBRO seems to eliminate that drawback by its construction.
I think that it really depends on the level of precision you are looking for, as to whether the Harris would be fine, or if the BOBRO would be worth the extra investment... As always YMMV...
Just because it's cynical doesn't mean it's not true. ;)
Go take a look at any poll thread on this or any other forum, or any other "what should I get" thread. Remember that whole thread about an unqualified opinion? All the poll does is allow people to skew the results with absolutely zero qualifications. That's why "what should I get" threads have hundreds of one-sentence posts while "what should I get and tell me why" have fewer posts and "what should I get, tell me why, and tell me your experience with competing products" have almost none.
The more (relative to other products in the segment) a person spent on a product the worse it gets. The more they spent without any actual experience with the competing products the worse still it gets. It doesn't mean they are wrong, it doesn't mean that they bought a bad product, it just means that they will have an almost hysterical attachment to the product and are wholly unqualified to comment on how it compares to any other products.
The data isn't totally useless, as at least people can post that they are happy or unhappy with a product, but in terms of comparing products polls are pretty useless. Especially when you factor in the other part of my original post which is that the Harris probably outnumbers all other comers combined, and probably at a rate of 2:1 or even 3:1.
EXCELLENT post! Do you mind elaborating on why you like the Bobro best? "smooth and stable" I get (even if it's a little subjective) but what, specifically, does it do that the others are lacking?
That Atlas does look nice. I'm not sure, however, if I understand how the legs deploy and are positioned.
[QUOTE=rob_s;537284]I have the Harris but voted BOBRO:rolleyes: Maybe not everybody falls into the category of "what I have is the best".... I was able to handle and use both, based upon that I voted with no bias... I am sure I am not the only one who is capable of the same...Quote:
People are always going to vote for what they have, and with Harris being around for so long that's what people are more likely to have, hence the poll results.
I would agree that Harris owns the market so the poll results will show that.... As they say "ya don't know what ya don't know"... If you haven't handled a product that is superior to the one you own, you think you have the cats ...
I really like the Harris Bipod Larue combo. I have a Harris HBRMS model on a LaRue mount and this combo has been rock solid over the years. I prefer the bench rest model because it allows me, if I need it, to have a lower profile and have the ability to get lower to shoot under barricades. I added a KMW Pod-Loc to it so I can rapidly adjust the swivel feature of the bipod.
The Rock Creek and Accu Shot bipods look like they might good ones to get my hands on to try.
i have no bipod exp. however i was just disscussing bipods with a co-worker who is into precision rifles just showed me this.
http://www.commandarms.com/product.asp?pID=323&cID=20
I currently dont have a bipod on an AR, although I use them on other rifles. Im interested in the poll results, so I can buy a bipod, but dont want to taint it by voting.
anybody wanna help a brother out ? :D
Voted for what I have...
But I wouldn't pay list for it, either. I like it for all the aforementioned reasons. Very solid, no wiggle in anything. Feet are metal with tread, so probably better on dirt / vegetation than concrete / hard surfaces.
Don't like it because it has no quick release features; you need the allen wrench to remove it.
Weighs right about a pound. Folds up back along the handguard so it isn't sticking out under the barrel to snag or affect balance point as much.
I have used the Harris 6"- 9" with swivel and notched legs on a .308 for precision shooting. It is the bipod of choice for most of the precision world that uses a bipod. It is reasonably priced , lightweight, and works well. On an AR I imagine the next size up (9"-13'?) would be better with 30 round mags. Harris makes a quality bipod. The Pod Loc is a noce accessory for the Harris.
The Atlas went through a long development with tons of input from precision shooters; just search snipershide.com for background. If I were to buy a new bipod it would be an Atlas.
I actually did not vote because the only bipods I have any experience with are the Harris bipods. I cannot make a judgement on products I know nothing about.
just received a Larue QR/Harris bipod set up from larue.
the QR and bipod are great but what i was really jazzed about was that in the Larue shipping box, i also found....Larue spice rub for meats, a larue ball cap, stickers and a sweet larue beverage entry tool!
i actually did have a question on the harris bipod. on the front of the bipod where the quick release mounts to the bipod plate...the welding of the swivel to the baseplate looks like a piece of dried gum holding the thing together. is this how they come? just thought the welding would be a bit cleaner. seems to work great regardless.
The only AR rifle I have that uses a bipod has a sling swivel built in to the bottom of the rail, retained with a nut on the inside of the rail. You can buy the studs from Brownells and do this yourself to just about any rail - but SWS incorporates a "finished" method.
I use a Harris bipod, and always have. For field shooting and hunting, I have switched to shooting sticks (primarily), a pack, a truck door/hood/tailgate or anything else that gives the height and steadiness I need.
I voted for what I have. Rock Creek SOPMOD w/ raptor claw feet. The only other one I have any experience with is the Harris but never mounted on an AR. I just plain like the SOPMOD better. The Claw feet will shred a shooting bench though. But they work good on the ground. I can plant the feet and pull back on the rifle "loading" it for extra stability. It really is rock solid and it was $Free.99.:eek:
"Loading" the bipod means pushing forward into the bipod causing it to tighten up.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xa5...oncrete_school
All of my "target" AR's have round free floating handguards so I have never used a bipod with a special mount.
The only one I have experience with is Harris. I have three of them and they have all given me good service. One of them is 15 years old and still works like new. The only downside with Harris is the bluing on the knobs, etc. You have to keep them coated with a good oil because they are not resistant to rust.
On the Bobro, their "CTM" or Collapsing Triangle "feature" is what I think lends the stability and positive feel to the bipod. Their marketing literature does a fairly good job of explaining the design:
"The bipod utilizes Patent Pending CTM (Collapsing Triangle Mechanism) technology to permit deployment without the requirement of control manipulation such as buttons etc. The bipod is deployed by pulling the legs rearward fully until the claw within the clawbox applies pressure to the clawbox post. A conical interface applies constant and even pressure to ensure that the bipod remains positively locked and cannot collapse without Operator input. Having the bipod lock securely and not collapse is the most important feature, and is much safer than a design that permits collapse without dedicated intent. To collapse the bipod, depress the claw pivot and start pushing the leg(s) forward. Once the leg(s) start forward travel, the claw pivot button is released."
When comparing directly to the Harris, the action is far smoother and more consistent. For example, when you deploy the Harris you are overcoming the inherent spring pressure which retains the bipod up or down. There is a progressive tension that holds its position. The Bobro's tension is still enough to provide resistence to deployment but much less than the Harris. The locking mechanism is also very smooth, the buttons on the legs are pressed to return the bipod to the stowed position. The locking mechanism is also what allows them to use springs with a few pound-ft less tension.
The leg deployment is also incredibly smooth. I have to use camera tripods as a point of reference. The Bobro feels like a high end Gitzo vs. a Manfrotto. That's not meant as a slam on the Harris or Manfrotto, its just a comparison.
I wish I would have bought a couple during my first order. The next batch isn't available until May according to the Bobro website.
http://www.bobroengineering.com/view/product/1/
Here are some pics on one of my Sage M1A/EBRs. My other Sage has the Tango Down bipod, I don't have any pics of that with me.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...odClose-up.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...dClose-up2.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...broType3-1.jpg
I'll compress and upload pics of my other bipods. I don't have them all with me but the breakdown of what I'm using is as follows:
Rock Creek SOPMODs on Armalite builds
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...nstowedpos.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...kstowedinr.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...ekdeployed.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...ekdeployed.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...kdeployed2.jpg
VLTOR on PTR91/MSG build
Tango Down on Mod 1 EBR (I have a black TD to replace the BoBro on the above Mod 0 EBR but I can't bring myself to swap it for the BoBro. I wanted to relocate the BoBro to a Mk12 mod1 but I think I'm going to end up mounting the TD on that rifle)
Harris/LaRue BRM-S on HS Precision/Remington 700 build
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...HarrisBRM-.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...hHarrisB-1.jpg
Atlas on AICS/Remington 700 build
The Atlas is a totally different bipod design. They are very smooth and well made, I think I have an older version as they now seem to be on version 7. I'm just not 100% sold on the design yet. If I spent more time with that rifle I might change my opinion. Deploying the bipod and changing the settings is not as ergonomic as I would like. There are extra steps in the process, by design (knobs)--and I can see why it was done. But I'm not all the way there yet in terms of falling in love with it. I'd have to let someone with a much higher round count on an Atlas comment. All I can say is they are stable, I like the 45 degree angle option when shooting from sandbags/prone and they are high quality.
Good to know, Thanks for the link. I have never done any research or training on/with bi-pods. I just sorta thought the word "Loading" was a good way to describe what I was doing, lol. I Just tried Loading it both push and pull, it seems to be just as steady either way, of coarse this is just dry firing on the carpet. :rolleyes:
I have no experience with the other brands listed, however I ran a Harris Bi-Pod on my M4 then on my M14 in theater for some time.
I was using my M4 with TA01-NSN and KAC Can with the weapon acting as a pseudo-SPR HARD for about 4 months of sustained combat ops in Mahmudiyah Iraq.
I ended up taking it off of my M4 and mounting it on my Sage EBR M14 when I got one of those. It stayed on there for 3 more months and kept on chugging.
I was always impressed with the durability and quality of the construction of the Bi-Pod. Never once did the legs jam up, or the mechanism fail in anyway whats so ever, and I bashed the hell out of it on numerous occasions. I wish I would have taken a picture of how beat to shit that bi-pod was after all of that abuse.
I'm one of those who voted "Other."
I've got a Harris, and I'm simply using the Harris AR-specific stud in my regular handguard.
Total cost out-the-door was under $100 ($85 for the bipod on eBay, $10 for the adaptor). It took me about 10 minutes to install the stud.
As a bonus, for another $10 I bought the M14 adaptor, and for nothing I put another swivel stud on my bolt-action .22. The same bipod will do duty on all three guns...
I haven't even taken this to the range yet, but so far I like it at a lot.
Bimmer
Both Harris and Bobro are good units though both install differently. What do you need it for??