Newbie with Bipod location question...

[lamrith]

New shooter here, prepping to enter into long(er) range shooting. I am using an AR15 platform, and I understand they are not considered precision shooting rigs, but it is what I have to get started and work on fundamentals. I also want to try my hand at this type of shooting a bit before I invest significant $ into a dedicated gun and caliber.

Right now the rifle is .223/556 16" 1:9 barrel with a 13" Troy Alpha free float, with grip-pod (bleh) and an inexpensive 6-24x40 scope. After trial and error working up a load I have it shooting 55g bulk reloads well. I was able to get Sub-MOA@50yrds with the grip-pod and shooting off shoulder on a bench. Needless to say I was impressed given the budget build, and knowing my limited skills, it also gave me the bug.


The next time I get out I will be shooting 100 & 200yrd.

I have a 24" 1:8twist upper for the gun coming from a family member to pu on my lower for middle range shooting. It has it's own handguards already and I am debating on swapping those out for the same type of handguards as my 16".

And that brings me to my question. My rudementary recollection of geometry and pivot points, I am thinking it makes sense and is more stable to have the bipod as far out on the "barrel" as possible? That way it provides finer control of your shot versus being 1/2 way down the barrel? However if that were true I would think you would see all sniper/precision rifles with the bipod all the way out at the muzzle? Is there a magic point/rule of thumb for that? My current setup is 13" guards on a 16" barrel, the bipod is about 12" mark. The new barrel being 24" I know I can get 15" handguards to let me mount the bipod @14". I am just not sure if that is worth doing, or just use the 13" I have, or do I go even longer if possible.
Current 16" build:


Most of my shooting would be 200yrd off a bench, but my club also opens up a 600yrd range once a month in the spring/summer. That from what I am told is all prone shooting and something I wish to do whenever possible.

 

[KYbulldog]

I was wondering the same...better to mount the bipot further out on the handguard or closer in to the receiver? You should also be supporting the rear of the stock with something other than your shoulder...mono-pod or rear bag, and if so, I'd say the whole platform is going to be more stable with the support points closer to the ends. As long as your handguard is not so long that the further out you mount is actually creating enough lever to put enough pressure on the barrel nut and thus transfer some of the effort to the barrel itself. hmmm Anyone have any range data from experimenting?

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I do not have any data. However, it is mostly to fit the shooter. You want it as far out as possible but not past your arm's length. Then you cannot adjust the bi-pod for different target locations or different angles/terrain.

First off, welcome to long range shooting. It is a great sport that teaches a lot of humility. You will enjoy the journey. Most of us here are still in the middle of that journey.

You might want to upgrade your bi-pod. That and proper shooting mechanics are key to making the shot count. I would also recommend subscribing to Frank's video courses. They are well taught, as Frank is a very knowledgable individual. This guy, known as Lowlight, not only runs these forums but also is a badass shot.

Meanwhile. I will be up in your neck of the woods doing a competition on the first weekend of May. I will be shooting the monthly Upper Nisqually Gun Club precision rifle match while I visit with my father. Maybe you can check with those guys about shooting long range. It is always best to learn from others in this sport. Otherwise you are just pissing in the breeze.

Good luck!!

 

[lamrith]

Thanks for the welcome folks!! Yes this is new to me and I have just found I enjoy precision over other forms of shooting.

I was also starting to think about the torque on the barrel nut. The gun pictured is the current set-up, 13" troy Alpha rail over a 16" Barrel. The new upper is a 24" bull barrel, it has a big heavy solid free float I am not fond of, it would also require drilling and tapping to mount a bipod too. Speaking of, yes that grip-pod is temporary, really only useful on a bench or completely level ground.

Nevada: Good to hear, I might have to touch base with you as that gets closer. Pretty sure Upper nisqually is about 30min away. I have been pointed that direction by a few locals. But it is tough to join a club 3min out, when I have one 3 miles from my driveway!

EDIT: Corrected new barrel length, it is 24".

 

[wigwamitus]

From a pure physics perspective, you want the bipod as far forward as possible. The rifle will be supported by the bipod and the stock/shoulder/human on the ground. So supported that those two points and just like a longer wheel bed, the more distance between the front support and the rear support the better.

Note the above doesn't take into account the ease of adjustment aspect.

 

[lamrith]

Well, been a great few days, My Hawks one the big show, and my new 24" barrel upper arrived today!!



I have looked around a bit for bipods, it seems all the Harris ones are swivel stud mount? Right now my upper has provision for neither swivel or picatinny. However I can buy a quad gas block very easy. If I do not do that I have to drill/modify the handguard somehow which I would rather not do.

I have seen adapters too, but seems odd to change block to then us an adapter, then bipod? I know Atlas does, but I simply cannot afford an Atlas. Does Harris make a Rail mount bipod? Anyone else make a decent one that is rail mount?

 

[wigwamitus]

For Harris to mount to rail you need an adapter. I have ADM (American Defense Manufacturing) QD adapter. It is great adapter, only downside is it costs about $60 (at Midway). But you can move it from gun to gun (or upper to upper) very easily with the bipod attached. I do that all the time.

 

[djskit]

I put mine as far out as possible but can still reach it with out breaking position.