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Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Milan metal

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 9, 2012
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I am building my Grendel (AR Platform) and I am getting ready to buy a bipod. I have seen alot of them and to be honest they all look pretty much the same. I know I am going to get a 6-9" but beyond that I have no clue on which to buy. I am not really looking to spend more than $100. Opinions?
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

I own 5 and 4 are Harris bipods. Worth every penny. But the s model is the way to go.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

I was looking at a few harris bipods today a Cabelas and they seem really well built. I like how the legs had hand screws on them and then a detent type pin for each leg.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I know I am going to get a 6-9" but beyond that I have no clue on which to buy. I am not really looking to spend more than $100. Opinions? </div></div>

Harris BRM-S 6-9"

That is the one you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mF9-wwFxj0&hd=1&t=9m50s
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

The durability of the Harris is better than my Versa-Pod, but i like the versapod better. You can mount it higher up with a pin and it will not roll when you give it a slight push forwards. The harris will roll forwards on the range if you have the notched legs version. In the field its great.
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If you shoot a lot at the range, i would get the steel version, because my aluminium is starting to wear down after just 500 shots.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I know I am going to get a 6-9" but beyond that I have no clue on which to buy. I am not really looking to spend more than $100. Opinions? </div></div>

Harris BRM-S 6-9"

That is the one you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mF9-wwFxj0&hd=1&t=9m50s</div></div>

+1 Excellent bipod. Use them on all my rifles.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

I like the 6-9 for shooting on a range and the 9-13 for shooting in the field.

Here is some good information on Harris Bipods:

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We carry three sizes of Harris Bipods and generally have them in stock:

http://www.triadtactical.com/Harris-Bi-pod-6-9-Swivel-Notched-leg.html

There is plenty of info here on SH about the Atlas Bipod. Although it costs more, it does way more than a Harris:

http://www.triadtactical.com/Accu-Shot-Atlas-Bipod.html
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Ok, so the video has confirmed that I want the notched legs. So what is the difference between the HBRM that I see on harris's website. and the others 1A2BRM at cheaper than dirt. I want the "S" for swivel right. Is that for tilting the rifle(left to right)? Or tracking a moving object? I will be target shooting, but want what is the most common/popular new model for sale if needed.

thanks and yes I'm new. Rem 700 Long Action 7mm.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

hgo for hbrms, order from triad.

on cheaper-than-dirt ... do you see them answering your questions here? do you see them providing helpful videos? do they help/sponsor these forums that you approach to get your questions answered?

with that in mind, please forget a few bucks that you might save from going to the cheapest supply ... think of the few extra bucks as an investment via 'sh connected shops' into these forums
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

atlas is the way to go, it will cost twice as much but last and function 10x better.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7fingers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">atlas is the way to go, it will cost twice as much but last and function 10x better. </div></div>

The OP said he would like to spend around $100. With that budget in mind the harris will do.

The atlas is a very good bipod and so is the harris. I shoot on both but with a budget in mind the harris fits the bill better.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Harris is great. I just recently bought a blackhawk tho for the .22 and its great so far. Cost about $45
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Henry Rempel Bipod

This is a f-class bipod, but I don't see why you couldn't use it for other applications. I have heard really good things about these, but I have not had the privilege of using one yet. I think it would work well to carry it in your ruck or something similar and then attach it to your rifle when you got to your firing position.

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2011/04/equipment-canadian-f-class-bipod.html

http://ukvarminting.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8424
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

I was thinking of making something like this. There is not much I cannot do with a piece of metal.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was thinking of making something like this. There is not much I cannot do with a piece of metal.</div></div>

If you decide to do this please post some pictures when you are finished with it.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Hard to go wrong with a Harris S type - the only thing the Atlas (great bi pods without a doubt) will allow you to do is pull against a barricade. Helpful but can be worked around.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hgo for hbrms, order from triad.

on cheaper-than-dirt ... do you see them answering your questions here? do you see them providing helpful videos? do they help/sponsor these forums that you approach to get your questions answered?

with that in mind, please forget a few bucks that you might save from going to the cheapest supply ... think of the few extra bucks as an investment via 'sh connected shops' into these forums </div></div>

You motivated me. I just ordered one from Triad.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Bipods all approach a common task, but many from different directions.

Some make a weight sacrifice in favor of simplifying the user's mission.

I would rather do the work myself, and carry less weight.

Greg
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hgo for hbrms, order from triad.

on cheaper-than-dirt ... do you see them answering your questions here? do you see them providing helpful videos? do they help/sponsor these forums that you approach to get your questions answered?

with that in mind, please forget a few bucks that you might save from going to the cheapest supply ... think of the few extra bucks as an investment via 'sh connected shops' into these forums </div></div>

Thanks for the mention threetrees. I checked CTD pricing and we would have to offer a considerable price matching to do that price. But why would we RAISE OUR PRICE just to match CTD????
grin.gif
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jhTexas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hard to go wrong with a Harris S type - the only thing the Atlas (great bi pods without a doubt) will allow you to do is pull against a barricade. Helpful but can be worked around. </div></div>

Although the Atlas does cost more, I dont know if I can agree with you. A few things I think the Atlas has that Harris does not:

-Less bulk
-Less weight
-Ability to pan left and right (think moving/multiple targets)
-Readily accepts modular feet
-Ability to add leg extensions
-45 degree leg position allows getting LOW.

Dont bet me wrong, I think the Harris is a great bipod for the money, and I still use "several"..

An addiction to Atlas is a commitment that takes a little financial planning.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: crouse1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hgo for hbrms, order from triad.

on cheaper-than-dirt ... do you see them answering your questions here? do you see them providing helpful videos? do they help/sponsor these forums that you approach to get your questions answered?

with that in mind, please forget a few bucks that you might save from going to the cheapest supply ... think of the few extra bucks as an investment via 'sh connected shops' into these forums </div></div>

You motivated me. I just ordered one from Triad. </div></div>


Good going, and good bit of advice from threetrees. I'm headed there next to get one myself as I have the non-swivel version and it is great for the bench but sucks on the ground. I always seem to be set up in a position that is 1/2 way in between the adjustments of the notched verison and end up shooting crooked.

On this note, I did some research and Triad has it for less $$ than the big-box store-- yet another reason to support the guys on the forum.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Steven Lunsford</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was thinking of making something like this. There is not much I cannot do with a piece of metal.</div></div>

If you decide to do this please post some pictures when you are finished with it. </div></div>

Will do. I have a few interesting ideas.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pupdawg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7fingers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">atlas is the way to go, it will cost twice as much but last and function 10x better. </div></div>

The OP said he would like to spend around $100. With that budget in mind the harris will do.

The atlas is a very good bipod and so is the harris. I shoot on both but with a budget in mind the harris fits the bill better. </div></div>

while the harris bipod may only run in the $90 range, when you add the necessary attachment accessories, you eventually end up around $160-$200 range depending on which route you go. May as well get the Atlas.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

And what "necessary" attachments would those be? I must be missing some as I have never spent $160-200 on a Harris bipod.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

for the price range a harris will fit your needs, thats what I run on mine, I did buy a couple of the blackhawks, there a knock off harris but you can feel they have more play in them than the harris does. then down the road if you want diffrent feet for the bottom of the harris they make kits to change the rubber feet out with diffrent type seld or claw style http://www.phoenixtactical.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=3
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lethal93ta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">for the price range a harris will fit your needs, thats what I run on mine, I did buy a couple of the blackhawks, there a knock off harris but you can feel they have more play in them than the harris does. then down the road if you want diffrent feet for the bottom of the harris they make kits to change the rubber feet out with diffrent type seld or claw style http://www.phoenixtactical.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=3 </div></div>

I think I am going to run the Harris for now until I find something I like better. I was looking at Phoenix last night and it seems pricey for what you get. I am going to order my monopod first.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

the adapters are farly expensive, but look at bipods with that style feet on them there 200+ for those so till you add up the price of the harris and the phoenix feet your in the same price range.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am building my Grendel (AR Platform) and I am getting ready to buy a bipod. I have seen alot of them and to be honest they all look pretty much the same. I know I am going to get a 6-9" but beyond that I have no clue on which to buy. I am not really looking to spend more than $100. Opinions? </div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"Yes", it does matter.</span></span> For the $100.00 definitely get a Harris - stay away from the Shooters Rest, Caldwell, and other cheapie knockoffs floating around. They may look the same at a glance, but when you pick them up it's easy to see and feel the differences. The Harris look-alikes' are made of thinner, cheaper metal (they're definitely less robust) bend easily, and they rattle. The adjustments feel like shit too.

A 6-9" is a very good overall height and works great off a bench and prone for most people. However - if you're a big guy and/or are on the "thick" side you may want the extra height of a 9-12" when shooting prone. I highly recommend getting the Notched & Swivel model of whichever height you decide on. With Harris bipods, <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"BR"</span></span> denotes a <span style="font-style: italic">"Bench Rest"</span> (6-9" height), while <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"M"</span></span> denotes a notched leg model. So the <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">BRM-S</span></span> is a 6-9" Notched & Swivel and the LM-S is a 9-12" Notched & Swivel. The <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">M</span></span>'s legs <span style="font-style: italic">spring-out</span> under tension to deploy.

A big difference between the notched (<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"M"</span></span>) and non-notched Harris is that the legs of the <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"M"</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">spring-out</span></span> under tension (you just press a tab on each leg), making them faster to deploy than the non-notched versions. However, because the legs are notched about every 3/4" you may not get the "perfect" height to line-up your reticle perfect. The legs of the non-notched models <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">retract</span></span> under spring tension, <span style="font-style: italic">so you have to manually pull the legs out to the desired length and turn a thumbscrew to lock the length while they're trying to retract.</span> This is tedious but the advantage here is that the legs are infinitely-adjustable so you can fine-tune the height <span style="font-style: italic">exactly</span>.

I would get a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">BRM-S</span></span> - it's more likely to work for you, and in the event that you want/need more height the BRM-S will be easier to sell than an <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">LM-S</span></span>. I also highly recommend that you get a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"KMW Pod-Loc"</span></span> because the Pod-Loc makes loosening, adjusting, and tightening the swivel tension much easier and faster than the Harris's knurled thumbscrew tension knob. The KMW Pod-Loc also features a geared sprocket "clutch" so you can "park" the Pod-Loc's lever out of the way too.

Finally, what are you mounting the bipod to? Are you mounting underneath old school handguards? If so, you'll need a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Harris H5 Adapter</span></span>. It's inexpensive and does the job admirably but it doesn't mount the bipod as solidly and isn't as quick to attach and detach as a bipod mounted on a rail with a good QD Mount.

If you'll be mounting the Harris to a Rail you have a lot of different QD mounting options. Most bipod adapters designed to work with a Harris or Harris clone consist of a block that attaches to the rail and a bipod stud is screwed into the block. The bipod then attaches to the bipod stud with the picatinny rail bearing against the Harris Bipod's saddle/platform. Theres' a lot of parts stacking there. Yankee Hill Machine, GG & G, DoubleStar, some American Defense, ProMag, the Larue LT130, and Knight's Armament attach in this way.

A much better way to attach a bipod (Harris or other) is directly to the Rail. If you're using a Harris this means you'll be eliminating several unnecessary parts - the block and bipod stud and the "saddle"/platform that the bottom of the fore arm or Rail usually bears against. This is good, as eliminating these parts does several things: (1) provides a more rigid and stable mounting point, (2) eliminates the weight of the platform (saving weight), (3) reduces parts stacking and overall height.

There are several excellent direct-mount QD solutions available including the Larue LT706, the American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">AD-170-S</span></span>, and the and <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">AD-170</span></span>. All three are QD mounts that mount directly to the picatinny rail, increasing rigidity, saving weight, eliminating parts stacking, and slightly lowering the center-of-gravity.

I prefer a Harris + LT706 QD Mount setup. You can buy a complete <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Harris BRM-S + LT706 QD Mount</span></span> or <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Harris LM-S + LT706 QD Mount</span></span> from Larue for $179.00, or buy the LT706 QD Mount separately from Larue for $79.00 and convert an existing Harris bipod - it's easily done with a socket wrench. Yeah - it's an extra $80.00 over your $100.00 budget, but it's money well spent.

The LT706 QD Mount isn't listed separately on the Larue site, but they do sell it separately (I've bought five of them myself). <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">If you want to order the LT706 without any hassle call or email:</span></span></span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Tyler Guyett
Senior Technical Support
LaRue Tactical / APPI
Phone: 512-259-1585
[email protected]</span>


Setup with an LT706 QD Mount and a KMW Pod-Loc you'll be looking at around $207.00, but it's a great mounting setup. Triad Tactical sells the <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">KMW Pod-Loc</span></span> for $22.95 (plus shipping). I now have three BRM-S and two LM-Ses setup with the LT706 QD Mounts on ARs' and bolt rifles.


Keith
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Aries, that was a great post about the Harris and explained everything very clearly. Not my post but it answered some questions that I had, thanks.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bayou1535</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Aries, that was a great post about the Harris and explained everything very clearly. Not my post but it answered some questions that I had, thanks. </div></div>
Glad it helped you. I went back and fixed all my typos (I hate those).


Keith
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Aries, thank you for the informative post. I picked up a Harris LM-S and an AD-170s to achieve a set-up similar to yours, but the stock saddle appears to be welded to a tube that the swivel mechanism slides into. Any insight as to how I could make this work would be greatly appreciated. UPDATE.. OK, so I took the bipod apart and dug a little deeper. The American Defense AD-170s doesn't come ready to replace the stock saddle on a Harris. It's made for the Atlas. I couldn't find pics of an LT706 but I'd bet it has an integral tube to replace the one thats welded to the saddle on a Harris..... if anyone is thinking about going this route. I know Triad sells the Alamo Four Star bipod lock so they might be able to get you the "D-Locs", which is made as a direct replacement for the saddle on the Harris. And they have the best price on Harris bipods. I always prefer a one stop shop.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

Harris 6-9, swivel, pod-loc, and go......
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lethal93ta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">for the price range a harris will fit your needs, thats what I run on mine, I did buy a couple of the blackhawks, there a knock off harris but you can feel they have more play in them than the harris does. then down the road if you want diffrent feet for the bottom of the harris they make kits to change the rubber feet out with diffrent type seld or claw style http://www.phoenixtactical.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=3 </div></div>

I think I am going to run the Harris for now until I find something I like better. I was looking at Phoenix last night and it seems pricey for what you get. I am going to order my monopod first. </div></div>

I agree "monopod first". I have two years with mine on a Ar-10 with a PRS and I can't believe I went so long with out it.

I use both a Harris BRM-s and the Atlas, the Harris well get the job done.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

I have used Harris bipods in tactical and competition for over ten 20 years and can trust them to work well. I have broke one bipod in all this time, and I use my gear, and Harris replaced it after owning it for over five years. Harris stands behind their products
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

I like the Harris, I've used it for 15 years or so and I used one in the military. They were used on SDM rifles also. The KAC mounts are what I use to put 'em on rails.

Now harris is good, but there are more costly, better built ones out there. It depends on what you are gonna do with it. If you are gonna beat it up or shoot a heavy, high recoil rifle, I'd definitely get a heavier one. But for a light rifle like an M4 or AR or for a medium rifle that will see light use, that Harris is really nice.

I have a Harris on my Grendel, 20" heavy barrel. One on an FAL too, and I had one on a 700 PSS in .300WM. No problems with either.

They tend to wear out after awhile of abuse in the sandbox, but other than that they hold up really well.
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graybeard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Aries, thank you for the informative post. I picked up a Harris LM-S and an AD-170s to achieve a set-up similar to yours, but the stock saddle appears to be welded to a tube that the swivel mechanism slides into. Any insight as to how I could make this work would be greatly appreciated. UPDATE.. OK, so I took the bipod apart and dug a little deeper. The American Defense AD-170s doesn't come ready to replace the stock saddle on a Harris. It's made for the Atlas. I couldn't find pics of an LT706 but I'd bet it has an integral tube to replace the one thats welded to the saddle on a Harris..... if anyone is thinking about going this route. I know Triad sells the Alamo Four Star bipod lock so they might be able to get you the "D-Locs", which is made as a direct replacement for the saddle on the Harris. And they have the best price on Harris bipods. I always prefer a one stop shop. </div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Graybeard</span></span> -

I just saw your question. The LT706 Mount does indeed have an integrated housing for the swivel pivot screw. Below is a photo of the underside of an LT706 I shot just for you. I agree about Triad having the best price on Harris bipods - they also have the best price on the KMW Pod-Loc. Unfortunately, they don't sell the LT706 Mount solo - you have to get it direct from Larue. And in that case if you need a Harris anyway you might as well buy a complete Harris + Larue LT706 "Combo" from Larue for $178.95 shipped. Unfortunately, Larue doesn't sell KMW Pod-Locs.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Underside of LT706 showing the swivel pivot screw housing:</span></span>
LT706MountSwivelHousing8x6.jpg



Keith
 
Re: Which bipod? Does it really matter?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: send-it</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Harris 6-9, swivel, pod-loc, and go...... </div></div>What he said!