Anyone that got the panning model now wished they'd got the non-panning model (or vice versa)?
I like my panning model so I’m NOT wishing I would’ve ordered the non-panning one. But, here are some things I discovered that it would’ve been good to know upfront about the panner.
You use a T27 torx bit (not included) to tighten/loosen the panning tensioner, which is a bolt located on the very top of the “circle”. The way it works seems unique; basically one bolt goes through the top “bridge” that attaches to the legs, and this bolt threads into the circle thing. There’s two Belleville washers that provide spring tension (a
Belleville washer is a type of spring shaped like a washer). One washer sits between the bolt and bridge, and the other between the circle and bridge.
The unique/interesting thing is that there is a tiny bit of red locktite that stops this bolt from backing out. I know this because mine came from the manufacturer
without that red locktite and as I was testing the bipod, the panning bolt backed out on my family room floor. A call to EI resulted in a very sincere apology plus precise instructions as how to rectify the problem without having to send it in. They’re a class act and great people.
Background:
I am a varmint shooter, not a long distance guy. With this bipod, I plan on shooting prairie dogs with my .204 from a swiveling table. I need to get on target within seconds and may have to peel off for another target if the first PD jumps in his hole, so that’s why I choose a panner. Typically, I don’t have time to get in some perfect position. In the past, I used a big-ass X-shaped sandbag, USA made Dog Gone Good brand, but I wanted to try something lighter. That 14lbs sandbag can be a bit of a pain to lug around.
I’ve only used the bipod at the range and simulated panning it around quickly. Seems to work well. It’s my first panning bipod. I own an Atlas Scal and a harrris too, but haven’t used those for PDs yet either. Next year will be the Year of the PD Bipod Test for me!
The EI owner said he likes his for applications like mine (prairie dogs), and that his personal one has never came apart.
It would be nice if I didn’t need a tool to adjust tension, but it makes the bridge top low profile and I think once I get the tension right, I won’t touch it again. Also, since the panning part is not really not something one can lock off, be warned that if you put it in your case attached your rifle, the legs will angle and might scratch your barrel or scope, depending which way you’ve collapsed them. Since I don’t want to be bothered to take the bipod off (no quick release), a big thick red pool noodle over my barrel solved the scratching problem, plus It makes me look
incredibly cool at the range
.