Harris bipod

[kansas]

I'm the new kid on the block and have been lurking trying to learn a few things about longrange shooting and the gear and tried a search to find out what is a suitable bipod for my rifle. I've seen Harris around for years and they seem to be a pretty good bipod but what do all of you think. Should I spend more and get better or is Harris a pretty good one to start with.
This will go on a Manners T3 stock. For shooting prone which height should I get?
Thanks.

 

[Triad]

Re: Harris bipod

Kansas,

Welcome to the Hide. Fill in your profile so we know ere you are ;-)

Harris 6-9" is a good pod that works well if you shoot on a range out of the time. If you are in the field more, I think you will prefer the 9-13". Take a peek at this video.

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If youow ant to have a even more capable bipod, look at the Atlas. More of an investment, but worth it in the long run.

Here is a link to some bipods and nick nacks you might like to look at.
http://www.triadtactical.com/Bipods-etc./

 

[ORD]

Re: Harris bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kansas,

Welcome to the Hide. Fill in your profile so we know ere you are ;-)

Harris 6-9" is a good pod that works well if you shoot on a range out of the time. If you are in the field more, I think you will prefer the 9-13". Take a peek at this video.

[VIDEO]

If youow ant to have a even more capable bipod, look at the Atlas. More of an investment, but worth it in the long run.

Here is a link to some bipods and nick nacks you might like to look at.
http://www.triadtactical.com/Bipods-etc./


</div></div>

+1 on Steve's advice as well as using him/Triad as a source for your bipod and other gear needs.

While the Harris is a fine product and one that I used successfully for years, I prefer the Atlas myself. If you are on a tight budget, then a Harris with a pod-loc will run you less than half the cost of the Atlas which is a big deal if you are just getting started and need to put money toward ammo, etc.

If going with the Harris, regardless of the height you select, make sure you order the swivel model, with leg notches, and equip it with a pod-loc.

 

[kansas]

Re: Harris bipod

Thanks for the quick response. The youtube was very helpful.
Yes, I'm going to be tight on money. I jumped the gun a little and bought too much rifle but I still want to get out and shoot it some this year so I'm probably going to have to cut a few corners on the extras.

 

[hyoslvr]

Re: Harris bipod

If you look real good you should be able to find a notched leg, swivel hell probably even a podlock for around $85. I wouldn't go any cheaper..

 

[sawman556]

Re: Harris bipod

I have and use an Atlas now but never had a issue with my Harris. You can always upgrade to the Atlas later on and use the Harris as a back-up. A Harris bipod is one of those things I think everyone should own.

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Harris bipod

Harris is fine, I have had about all of them and now only use Harris. Sold my Atlas. Nothing wrong, but Harris does it all. Where in KS are you from? I am south of KC metro

 

[MacM11]

Re: Harris bipod

This is all good advise, especially the swivel/notched legs.

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Harris bipod

I have both, and prefer each one for different uses.

The Harris is on my AR15's that I use in timed events, and also on my hunting rifle.

The Atlas is on my AICS/Remy, which is a big pig.

 

[TRAAV]

Re: Harris bipod

I prefer Harris. I used atlas for a while but couldn't deal with the legs being jacked up all the time.

 

[FormerHR]

Re: Harris bipod

Hyoslvr, your signature pic makes it nearly impossible to read the post above it. I had to start over a couple of times.

 

[kansas]

Re: Harris bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Harris is fine, I have had about all of them and now only use Harris. Sold my Atlas. Nothing wrong, but Harris does it all. Where in KS are you from? I am south of KC metro </div></div>
I live near Meriden.

 

[kansas]

Re: Harris bipod

Thanks for all the advice. I'll probably go with the Harris and notched legs. Wouldn't have known any difference without your help.

 

[jdr724]

Re: Harris bipod

Good advice here all around.

I've got 4 harris and they work perfect all the time for the conditions I use them in.

I do need to get an extra long one for those times when I'm sitting with my back to a tree. Shooting sticks are ok but it's nice to have it attached to the rifle.

Have fun!!

 

[Triad]

Re: Harris bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TRAAV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used atlas for a while but couldn't deal with the legs being jacked up all the time. </div></div>

Can you explain a little about what you mean?

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Harris bipod

I'm curious about the leg comment as well.

 

[USMC mustang]

Re: Harris bipod

I have a couple of Harris bipods and a GG&G. For the money the Harris is hard to beat, it's a quality piece of gear. The advice in previous posts to get the swivel models with notched legs and a pod lock are dead on. I do plan on buying an Atlas someday, everything I have read and seen points to it being an excellent bipod as well.

 

[Jaxdialation]

Re: Harris bipod

I know 2 other shooters who went back to Harris,
The Atlas legs didn't suit them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triad</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TRAAV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used atlas for a while but couldn't deal with the legs being jacked up all the time. </div></div>

Can you explain a little about what you mean? </div></div>

 

[majohnson2]

Re: Harris bipod

Does the Atlas hold up better when your loading it. The Harris can be tough to load, it wants to walk at the worst times.

 

[Engine 22]

Re: Harris bipod

I have both a Harris and Atlas bipods and to answer your question, yes, the Atlas does load better than the Harris.

 

[TRAAV]

Re: Harris bipod

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triad</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TRAAV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used atlas for a while but couldn't deal with the legs being jacked up all the time. </div></div>

Can you explain a little about what you mean? </div></div>

The legs not staying perpendicular to the rifle. When they are like this it cuts down on the amount of cant when loaded. If that makes any sense.

 

[Jaxdialation]

Re: Harris bipod

I think most people agree, the Atlas loads easier.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: majohnson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the Atlas hold up better when your loading it. The Harris can be tough to load, it wants to walk at the worst times.
</div></div>

 

[Kasey]

Re: Harris bipod

TRAAV, I think I get what you are trying to say, but; "the legs being jacked up all the time" is vague and could have several meanings so I appreciate your clarifying it.

It's tough to explain, but for clarity I believe you are saying because the Atlas does PAN, the legs do not stay perpendicular to the barrel. right?

Harris does NOT pan and so the legs remain perpendicular to the barrel channel.

Fair enough, use what works for you and believe me, I'm glad you are out there shooting.

An observation, moving from position to position (not in a competition) I found the legs moving relationship to the barrel different but I also found the ability to get into a good firing position easier than I had with other bipods. The cost of a few seconds to adjust was a easy decision. Our target market requested Pan and Cant and had the same conclusion.

 

[7mmRM]

Re: Harris bipod

Kasey,

I think Traav is trying to say that the legs and pan gets sorta stuck at one extreme, thus really screwing the cant range. We both have found it to be an issue when shooting comps where one traverses the field of fire in a fairly wide width range with out actually lifting and moving the rifle. When time is not an issue this problem becomes less of an issue, as obviously you have time to make the corrections.

As time constraints and type of scenarios I described being more and more common in comps, we both have switched back to Harris bipods on our comp rifles for that reason.

In other ways I do like your bipods better than any other. Ease of loading is #1. They are a very well made product as well. No complaints otherwise.

 

[Kasey]

Re: Harris bipod

Copy that, we are on same page.

Thanks for giving the Atlas a chance and that is something we'll address with the comp model where speed rules, not weight.

 

[Iggy]

Re: Harris bipod

I currently have an Atlas as well and considering going back to a Harris, again.

Like it's been said above, loading an Atlas, and linear recoil is much, much better on the Atlas. The construction on the Atlas is leaps and bounds better than the Harris as well.

I am also having trouble with the legs not being perpendicular to the rifle. It's not a big deal but it takes a little more time to fix. I guess it's a pro/con thing.

Deploying the Atlas can be a bit of a pain as well. I think I liked the legs on the version 1 better than the current push button version. I could just pull and adjust instead of pushing the button. The Harris is easy in this regard because the legs just kick out. The advantage again with the Atlas is there are several leg positions, albeit a little slower than a Harris.

I have also had trouble extending the legs. I have seen all the videos online about how quickly it can be done, and I have practiced at home. But, with a heavy rifle and a soft shooting surface such as dirt or gravel, the problem becomes worse. The more you fight to extend the legs you introduce more horizontal cant, and you are back to the first problem.

All in all I would recommend either bipod. The Atlas is definitely nicer, more adjustable, and light. I really like how light it is, and it makes a big difference when you already carry a very heavy rifle. I may try a Harris S-BRM again and maybe this one from Larue, simply for the speed.

I don't think you will disappointed with either and if you want a light, highly adjustable and superbly crafted bipod go with the Atlas.

 

[aziator]

Re: Harris bipod

Great thread, I am familiar with Harris but was thinking about going to an Atlas for my .338LM. I guess I will be contacting Triad to figure out what mount adapter I need for the 110BA.

 

[kansas]

Re: Harris bipod

Thanks for all the information. The Atlas was out of my price range so the comparison was a moot point however I still learned a lot about how to use the bipod correctly just by reading all of the replies.
Bought the Harris S-BRM with the notched legs and swivel. Looks like I still need a pod lock though.