View Full Version : Need opinions on bipods for ARs
I just became the proud owner of a PA10 with very few rounds on it. I have managed to get some 10 shot groups in 1.5" range at 100 yards off the bench but I don't like my bench set up and was wondering about what is the best way to go with a bipod.
I have Harris bipods and they are OK but my rifle has a M LOK forearm that I like and I am seeing M LOK bipods that are bolted on each side separately. I don't know anyone else with a AR and MLOK forearm much less MLOK bipod so thought I would ask those here the plus and minues of bipods and if there is something else I would like to know about it as well.
It just seems with all those mounting points there has to be more than two bipods. Also every MLOK I see has to come from Wuhan Virusity. New term for the education we are getting about Covid 19.
Thanks for the help yawl.
I had given some thought to trying the UTG Flex bipod, which is the arrangement that you mention - the bipod legs direct mount to the handguard at the 3 and 9o’clock positions and can fold backwards or forwards when not in use. It was an interesting design and I came close to buying one but decided against.....partly because the idea of putting anything made by UTG on my gun is extremely off-putting to me, but mostly because while not hard to attach and remove, being Mlok, they aren’t exactly QD and I didn’t want that amount of weight hanging off of my gun.
Another disadvantage is that you can’t really pivot the gun much with this setup, you have to just move the whole rifle.
Another design I looked at was the Heathen Assaulter bipod. It’s an ultralight design with a version available that mounts direct to an Mlok handguard. The mount doubles as a barrier stop. Rather than fold, ultralight legs actually detach from the mounting sockets and can be stowed in a position where the legs sit horizontally along the handguard, or removed completely and stowed in a pack. I gave this one some real thought however I started reading reviews that indicated that after some use the sockets start failing to retain the legs, making them apt to fall out or stay behind in the ground after you get up from prone. I decided that wasn’t a problem I felt like dealing with in a $100 bipod.
So I don’t have any first hand experience with either design but that is just my opinions of the two designs that I had considered and concluded that they weren’t the right choice for me. However you might arrive at a different conclusion.
I just bought a Magpul bipod mount stud and will likely eventually just get a QD Magpul bipod. Personally the ability to quickly attach and remove the bipod is appealing to me since the bipod will be going on a 5.56 AR which I’d like to keep reasonably nimble most of the time if possible.
Yes the Harris pivots a bit and two the ability to tilt the rifle is a attribute. Maybe somebody else knows something. Its really hard to beat the original M16 bipod and for those that do not know they will fit a M4 groove forward of front sight. Thanks for the response.
I would suggest just to get the appropriate adapter for your Harris bipod and use it. Harris makes a very good product. I have heard less than great reviews of the bipods like the UTG mentioned. Mostly related to loosening and not being real sturdy.
1_click_off
08-27-20, 22:31
https://www.gggaz.com/m-lok-harris-bipod-adapter.html
I use one of these and seems very well built. The saddle of the Harris is fully supported with the adapter.
My solution has been to add picatinny rails to the front 6:00 position of all free-float handguards, which KeyMod, M-Lok, or Magpul MOE.
Most of my Harris bipods have LaRue picatinny adapters, so they'll work on any AR, or even bolt guns that also have picatinny sections installed.
The Atlas PSR is also an excellent option. There's no worry about it folding up under load, and the 45 degree leg option has come in handy to lower the rifle further than is possible with the legs at 90 degrees. The ADM and LaRue interfaces allow them to work with picatinny.
Harris, Atlas, or Magpul. Add appropriate adapter for mounting.
Its really hard to beat the original M16 bipod
No it isn't. It wasn't a serious contender in its day, much less in our current time of widely available units at a variety of price points that actual stabilize the rifle.
99cobra2881
08-28-20, 07:26
The ADM q/d 1913 mount makes the Harris about as good as a Harris is going to get and that’s on a Harris with a podloc already installed.
I had to bridge the low profile gas block on my Aero SPR build. The atlas R-one is very slim and the hardware for the bipod mount hit the gas block. I used a mlok 7 slot 1913 rail section that was long enough to bridge the gas block.
B&T makes a 1913 rail section that’s curved to fit most bolt action stocks so I installed one of those on my bolt gun to allow the Harris Bipod to perform double duty between both rifles.
Renegade04
08-28-20, 08:57
If you are looking for a bipod that mounts directly to the M-LOK handguard, the MAGPUL bipod is offered in a model that will do that.
https://magpul.com/magpul-bipod-for-m-lok.html?mp_global_color=118
titsonritz
08-28-20, 10:47
I like my Atlas.
turnburglar
08-28-20, 14:17
Atlas if you have the money, but I have been rocking my Magpul mlok for a year now in precision gas gun matches and it has taken some serious hits and keeps rocking.
This is the setup Im taking to tomorrow's match. Rear bag included.
https://i.imgur.com/cfTP95c.jpg
Atlas if you have the money, but I have been rocking my Magpul mlok for a year now in precision gas gun matches and it has taken some serious hits and keeps rocking.
This is the setup Im taking to tomorrow's match. Rear bag included.
https://i.imgur.com/cfTP95c.jpg
Agreed 100%, if you have the scratch, buy an Atlas and if you don't buy a Magpul Mlok.
PB
The ADM q/d 1913 mount makes the Harris about as good as a Harris is going to get and that’s on a Harris with a podloc already installed.
This, just ordered one. Love me my old Harris bipods, but it needed a modern mount no more of that sling stud BS. I ordered the new one with the 1913 mount, makes the Harris the best thing going--if you can find one in stock.
ETA: Midsouth has them: https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/00053sbrmp/picatinny-rail-bipod-6-9inch-leg-notch
Atlas. It's what a Harris wishes it was.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I took the old Harris I’ve had since 2004 off of the .308 I barely shoot and attached it to my AR via the M-Lok bipod mount.
https://i.imgur.com/vT2Q0j5.jpg
It will probably do in a pinch but something is up with the bipod as the whole gun is slightly canted to the right when I deploy the bipod. This is the third gun I’ve tried this bipod with and it has exhibited this canting with all three so I’m assuming the angle must differ slightly between the two bipod legs when extended. I’m thinking if I want to level it I’m going to have to wrap an elastic band or some tape around the right leg to keep it from telescoping all the way in order to correct the asymmetry.
But it will at least let me practice as I don’t shoot off if a bipod much.
When funds allow I’m getting a Magpul bipod.
AccuTac is what an Atlas wishes it was.
:)
LaRue’s modified Harris is worthy of considering.
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I use a tilt leg-notched Harris (https://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/bipods-monopods-amp-accessories/bipods/s-brm-bipod-sling-swivel-mount-6-9-black-sku416005100-87337-17793.aspx?sku=416005100) with a pod lock (https://www.amazon.com/POD-LOC-by-KMW/dp/B00GPSJF84) and a Magpul mlok adapter (https://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/bipods-monopods-amp-accessories/bipod-accessories/m-lok-bipod-mount-prod71787.aspx?avs%7cManufacturer_1=magpul). I've been leaving the adapter on the rifle instead of moving it around, so far have bought two. For pic rail I used a Badger Ord adapter (https://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/rings-mounts-amp-bases/mount-sets/low-profile-harris-mount-picatinny-sku093000108-109704-207775.aspx?sku=093000108http://). Been very happy with the Magpul mlok adapter, very low profile and makes a decent hand locator when the bipod is off the rifle.
Atlas. It's what a Harris wishes it was.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
....but I see a lot of Harris
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/b47df50cfc5667170842f70a36deebb3.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/02e53666b57d8f5276646ad26b38c2d1.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/83be34402a98c9cc1fb553cb63ae7dcd.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/4c233107442af97321276d076abf0b0e.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/689e6c5ce09194da94145742aefa85be.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/af25516801564a8939fa27fa923e874e.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/4854638d7b162b3ee39842cb2c1f5a77.jpg
Hammer_Man
08-30-20, 01:52
I’ve used both the pic style, and Mlok version of these mounts, with a Pod Loc with good results.
https://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/rings-mounts-amp-bases/mount-sets/low-profile-harris-bipod-mounts-prod109704.aspx
I would do the Magpul one but I haven't heard if they fixed the issues with theirs yet from the initial release. Personally, if I found an Atlas at the right price, I'd be on it.
63623
https://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/product-p/ad-bp-p2.htm?1=1&CartID=0
the right way to QD mount a Harris bipod to a pic rail. gets rid of that whole Rube Goldberg contraption with the pegs that pull on the sling swivel stud.
Badger and KAC are similar but not QD. I personally have zero issues using the stud attachment with an mlok or keymod adapter. For pic rail I've been using a badger 093-000-108WB (https://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/rings-mounts-amp-bases/mount-sets/low-profile-harris-mount-picatinny-sku093000108-109704-207775.aspx?sku=093000108).
TexasAggie2005
08-31-20, 20:22
I would do the Magpul one but I haven't heard if they fixed the issues with theirs yet from the initial release. Personally, if I found an Atlas at the right price, I'd be on it.
What issues?
63623
https://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/product-p/ad-bp-p2.htm?1=1&CartID=0
the right way to QD mount a Harris bipod to a pic rail. gets rid of that whole Rube Goldberg contraption with the pegs that pull on the sling swivel stud.
I agree it's a technically superior solution. Unfortunately it nearly doubles the cost of a Harris bipod and requires a pic rail.
Andy
You see lots of Harris in those .Mil photos because .Mil bought them.
On a bolt gun, I like Harris but on most AR pattern rifles, the pod lock and Harris bipod size (front to back) cramp my grip when not using the bipod.
So on ARs, I prefer ATLAS by a large margin due to it's form factor.
What issues?
A lot of people were having problems with the legs not staying extended. Something in it wasn't jiving and part of the polymer was wearing prematurely.
What about Accu-Tac bipods?
Hammer_Man
09-01-20, 11:36
What about Accu-Tac bipods?
Compared to an Atlas, I’d go Atlas all day everyday.
Would you mind explaining why?
turnburglar
09-01-20, 12:43
A lot of people were having problems with the legs not staying extended. Something in it wasn't jiving and part of the polymer was wearing prematurely.
Never heard of that. Mine works. I extend the legs all the time and it has never released unexpectedly. The only thing I noticed made a BIG difference in the usability of the bipod, is locking out the rotation feature. When you pull it out of the box it will swivel, but locking out that feature made it so much more useable. Since the bipod isn't super stiff you still have about 15* of adjustment, but because it is now locked up the rotation knob will never work loose.
Hammer_Man
09-02-20, 00:58
Would you mind explaining why?
The Accu-Tac bi-pods that I’ve handled were bigger and bulkier than their equivalent Atlas bi-pods. I examined both brands in person with my eyes and hands, and found the Atlas does everything the Accu-Tac does with less bulk and weight. I also like how the legs on the Atlas are faster to deploy, you just push a button and the leg swivels down. The Accu-Tac requires you to pull the leg out of a notch before it will move. It is a simple concept, but in practice there is more resistance in pulling the leg out, versus pushing the button on the Atlas.
The Accu-Tac seems solid, and well made. For my rifle, I felt the Atlas suited my needs better.
CubeWarrior
09-08-20, 18:12
Harris BRM-S with Pod-Loc works well if you want to pre-load it while firing in the dirt/grass--with an AR you can watch your rounds go into the target at long range. I use them with my precision guns. Problem is that you have to get the adapters so the swivel can hook to the picatinny and the sling swivel tensioning knob on the Harris will work its way loose over a course of fire. I prefer the Harris BRM-S with Pod-Loc for bolt guns with sling swivels. I hate shooting Harris bipods without the locks.
The CAL-Atlas is the Atlas bipod with a Pod-Loc. This is rapidly becoming my favorite bipod because I never could ratchet the disk at the bottom of a normal Atlas to remove all the slop and it worked itself loose faster than the BRM-S. The CAL-Atlas stays tight, and you don't have to worry about a tensioning screw because it is locked to the pic rail. Pre-loading the bipod is a little more difficult (at least for me) because the legs on the Atlas are far more rigid than the BRM-S. The CAL-Atlas shines shooting from a bench or concrete, and its better for any gas gun because little will work loose. The CAL is bit wider than the normal Atlas---maybe 1/2" wider than a Harris. The body isn't obnoxious, but it does put those legs out a bit farther when stowed.
The Atlas V8 with Pic Rail mount (BT10?) is a really good bipod. My problem with it is that you have to mess with that disk underneath the bipod to tension it down. If you like leaving your bipod a little looser to make it easier for transitions, then this is a great bipod because less is hanging down under the gun when the bipod is stowed.
I've seen the Accu Tacs -- seems like it has too much leg and would prevent decent pre-loading. You want a little flex in your bipod legs. I could see it mounted on a .50 cal or a .338, but it seems like overkill for an AR or anything south of a 300WM.
A lot of people were having problems with the legs not staying extended. Something in it wasn't jiving and part of the polymer was wearing prematurely.
I got an mlok one a year or so after they came out(and I think 2 to 3 months prior to the sling stud model announcement) and I have had zero in use problems with mine.
I sat mine on my truck roof as I was getting my stuff out to go hunt and it slid off and snapped somewhere in the pan/tilt guts, but the flipped out legs were fine. Magpul said they didn't send out repair parts for it so they had me send it in and sent me back a new one at no cost and it was totally my mistake.
If anyone is 100% sure they want it on 100% of the time the mlok is low profile and nice. I keep a hex key velcro'd and Velcro wrapped to 1 of the legs for removal, but in hindsight, if you think you might not want/need it all the time then I vote one of the other models would be a better choice.
My first AR had the VLTOR side mounted bipod legs, similar to how the new MLOK side mounts work.
Did not care for it. While it freed up the bottom rails, I didn’t like losing the side-side swivel and even with the wider stance the polymer legs weren’t as solid as a Harris. Made for a pretty wide setup too.
militarymoron
09-14-20, 14:14
I had given some thought to trying the UTG Flex bipod, which is the arrangement that you mention - the bipod legs direct mount to the handguard at the 3 and 9o’clock positions and can fold backwards or forwards when not in use. It was an interesting design and I came close to buying one but decided against.....partly because the idea of putting anything made by UTG on my gun is extremely off-putting to me, but mostly because while not hard to attach and remove, being Mlok, they aren’t exactly QD and I didn’t want that amount of weight hanging off of my gun.
Another disadvantage is that you can’t really pivot the gun much with this setup, you have to just move the whole rifle.
I have a UTG Flex on a .308 AR. It was cheap enough to take the risk and try it out. I wanted something similar to the tangodown/vltor bipod that attaches to the sides of the rail. Better build quality than I expected. It's on a range toy, so I don't have concerns about 'real world' use - I'm just a recreational shooter anyway. I've used it on a bench and in the dirt and it's worked just fine. It doesn't cant, so you just adjust and lock the legs to account for cant. You can pivot, just like you would with any fixed bipod, within a limited arc.
My favourite rail-mounted bipod is the Bobro, but I haven't see those around for some years.
Devildawg2531
09-15-20, 12:33
I have an Atlas bipod and a Harris bipod.. the Atlas blows it away in every way including price. The Harris is serviceable and the Atlas is basically perfection.
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