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harris or atlas v8??

sootytom

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Minuteman
Jul 19, 2010
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I've got my .308 precision rifle together now, I bought all the parts from sniperhide "for sale". The gun is shooting GREAT I'm using a non swivel harris I took of a mini 14 I'm looking to buy a harris 6-9 notched swivel w/ podloc or a atlas V8. There's a difference in price, I leaning towards the atlas because of what I've read on the hide about the atlas. What do you guys think? I'm installing it on a rem 700 5R it looks like I'm going to need to istall a pic rail at the front sling swivel bolts on the stock. I was going to talk to triad tact on Mon. to figure which rail to use THANKS
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

If you plan to just shoot at the range/hunt/take pictures of your rifle go with the atlas. If you plan to compete go harris 6-9 notched swivel w/ podloc.


**Flame suit on**
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Juice5610</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you plan to just shoot at the range/hunt/take pictures of your rifle go with the atlas. If you plan to compete go harris 6-9 notched swivel w/ podloc.


**Flame suit on** </div></div>Please expand.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

First you need to figure out what's in your wallet. Both of these have a gap in the price range. Then figure out what your going to do with the gun, because both the Atlas and Harris have there own unique features.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

The Harris deploys faster and easier. The legs are much faster and easier to manipulate. In a timed stage, it will have and advantage over the Atlas.

The Atlas, however, provides a better platform, is easier to load (IMO), and is infinitely more adjustable.

Juice has it right.

ETA: I love the Atlas, and think it is much more than just "bling" gear. It is what I use exclusively now, I don't have a Harris anymore. But I don't compete in the comps with timed stages. I shoot at a known distance range or from a stand or the prone on a hunt. IMO, on a "which is better" thread, the Atlas will win hands down. But that is not to say that it is the top dog at everything. There still is a place for the Harris. Plus its a lot cheaper.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

Juice is saying that the Atlas is for disco 'look at me' gear queer mall ninja types, and the Harris works well for competitions.

While that may be true, there's a reason that the Harris lasted so long in the industry, and is the standard by which other bipods are judged. I've got two Harris, and between a smooth leg fixed, and the notch leg swivel, I'd go for the notch leg swivel just about every time. If weight ended up being a primary concern, I'd go for the smooth fixed.

But I've got an Atlas on order, so let that that tell you what it will.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

the price is not the issue,and I'm not a bench shooter I'll be shooting prone mostly,I'll be shooting mostly for fun at matches and the range thanks
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

Brand692 said it best I think. You will be happy with either though.

Another thing to concider is weather or not your rifle is setup to accept an Atlas?
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

I have both and used both... They depoly with the same amount of effort and time. They both do the same thing and will provide years of service. With that said, I prefer the Atlas because it provides you better leg placment and differnt attachments dependant on the terrain. The atlas also seems a bit more solid, and you dont have to worry about catching your fingers in the springs when the legs swing back to the up position.

At the end they all do the same thing-- so it is all personal preference, try both.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Apophas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both and used both... They depoly with the same amount of effort and time. </div></div>

Sorry but this is not true. I got to mess around with a Atlas This past Thursday and I didn't like it. Too slow/tedious to manipulate during a timed/hectic competition. One yank on the paracord tied around the legs of a harris bipod and its good to go. No detents to depress no fine sand to get stuck in a tight areas. Both have their place. EVERYONE has an opinion.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

This is a repost, but needed. It is a training issue.

Plus, if you are deploying your bipod after you get into position, you are doing it wrong. You should be droping the legs as you are getting to the position. It is rare that this is not an option.

As for the height adjustment, Kasey is working on a change that will make field operation much faster...it is no slower than a Harris.

To me, I would rather spend thr time making sure my shooting position is correct and this is much easier with an Atlas. In the real world, an Atlas is not slower than a Harris.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdOu2AbHejI"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdOu2AbHejI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

i am also thinking about getting one of these. But how dificult is it to instal a pic rail? Also if anyone is wanting to see there atlas V8 let me know.
smile.gif
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You should be droping the legs as you are getting to the position. It is rare that this is not an option.

As for the height adjustment, Kasey is working on a change that will make field operation much faster...it is no slower than a Harris.
In the real world, an Atlas is not slower than a Harris.
</div></div>



Yea thats nice. Its easy to do things when not under pressure and your hands are not freezing because your being rained on. I dont shoot in the real world I shoot in the competition world. What works Superb in one world has the possibility to not work so well for the other. Even the guy that makes these things says its slower then the harris, I guess its a training issue for him to?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kasey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">jeepone, Thanks for sharing your experience. I fully understand the leg folding up/down is slower with the Atlas (the method described above definitely speeds up the folding up). I did not understand this;

I ran a V8 and did not care of all of the issues which have already been menioned above.

I got your PM as well and will respond in kind. </div></div>

Heres the link from where its posted.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2389541&page=1

I am nobody. I am not attacking you for your decision to go with the atlas. You don't have to justify your purchase to me. You don't have to agree with my opinion. But don't say something when its an obvious lie to those who know.

Kasey has FANTASTIC costumer service. I'm sure he will think of a way for to fix the problems people are having with his product but until that day comes I will stick to my Harris.
MY OPINION stands. Some will like it some will not.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

I have both.

I will say that if I am running a timed competition where I have to start from a closed pod, the Harris BRM-S would be my choice.

However, for the other 99.99% of the shooting I do the Atlas is the better option. It is most definitely better than the Harris for the real world simply due to the options the legs give you. I have even considered picking up the extensions to toss in my pack.

I don't plan on getting rid of any Harris bipods. But I don't plan on buying any more either.

8541 Tactical - Atlas and AI Spigot Review
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Juice5610</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Apophas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both and used both... They depoly with the same amount of effort and time. </div></div>

Sorry but this is not true. I got to mess around with a Atlas This past Thursday and I didn't like it. Too slow/tedious to manipulate during a timed/hectic competition. One yank on the paracord tied around the legs of a harris bipod and its good to go. No detents to depress no fine sand to get stuck in a tight areas. Both have their place. EVERYONE has an opinion. </div></div>

Sorry mate .. it sounds like you have a training issue.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdOu2AbHejI"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdOu2AbHejI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

</div></div>Thanks for posting this. I hadn't really considered this method before, but it gives me something new to practice.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

Something that is getting overlooked here is that I have owned and used both in every configuration (not just seen or played with them).

whatever difference there is gets eaten up when you actually are doing this under presure.

My point is the Harris legs drop down quicker, but not much. But, it is quicker to get a good position with the Atlas...it really is a wash. Again, you should have the legs down on either before you start getting into position anyway.

I am not trying to talk anyone into an Atlas, I am just dispelling a major argument people make. Both are good products.

There is a difference between theoretical and practice and in practice, the Atlas is just as fast to get into position. I will agree that it is faster to fold the Harris legs when getting out of prone (just pull the rifle back) but this has happened to me unintentionally before too.

Oh, and it is actually easier to drop the legs with the rifle slug using the above method than it is to do it sitting.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

LOL, Juice5610, I appreciate your opinion and candor but why the picture taking reference? "If you plan to just shoot at the range/hunt/take pictures of your rifle go with the atlas." How does that help the OP? Did he mention wanting a bipod for taking pictures?

Why not suggest to a new shooter the Harris and with the savings, buy more ammo?

What was your motivation here?

And to be clear, using the para cord trick makes moving the Harris legs into the down position faster than the time it takes to move the Atlas legs down into any of the three usable leg positions. Furthermore, just because I designed it, does not mean I can function it as quickly as some of our customers, in FACT the opposite is true. However, making leg length adjustments are just as fast and more controllable than with the Harris. (you ever have the Harris leg release knob/detent buried in mud? Did you get your hands muddy?)

History lesson, the only reason we did a bipod was the constant request from our customers for a bipod other than the Harris. In fact during the early stages of development of the Atlas, I spoke to Mr. Harris about the possibility of Harris taking the concept and running with it. He passed and offered that the Bipod could not be improved upon. Shortly there after, Harris offered their "Swivel" model (and Bobro, GG&G and Tangodown all introduced their bipods!), I believe Harris was working on this when we spoke thus his position. So taking the features believed to be worthwhile and incorporating the SCAR guidelines, which the Atlas meets or exceeds, the Atlas was born.

And last Juice5610, have you ever had any issue with the Harris? If so, please share them here as well, our candor is appreciated.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

so I have supernatural psychic ability and I predict:

Everyone who has handed over their precious pennies on an Atlas is going to push it down your throat as the best thing since sliced bread. Those who have never seen an atlas in person will tell you that Harris is fine and you don't need to spend the money as there can't be any real difference. And since they've used their Harris alot more it must be the best for them.

I've got an Atlas on my AICS build and I moved my Harris to my .22 trainer. I like the Atlas better but 100 dollars better? I don't know, but I feel like I can load the heavy rifle better on the Atlas, and the .22 is so light I don't really think it matters...

Like one other other posters said, "I'm not selling my Harris, but I'm not buying any more either"

 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aggiesig</div><div class="ubbcode-body">so I have supernatural psychic ability and I predict:

Everyone who has handed over their precious pennies on an Atlas is going to push it down your throat as the best thing since sliced bread. Those who have never seen an atlas in person will tell you that Harris is fine and you don't need to spend the money as there can't be any real difference.

I've got an Atlas on my AICS build and a Harris on my .22 trainer. I like the Atlas better but 100 dollars better? I don't know...

</div></div>

lol +1
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

I have an Atlas on an AIAW and love it. It is pos mounted so goes on and off very easy. It is easy to load. It has way less parts involved in its construction upon examination.

I have a Harris on a national match AR15. It works well with that rifle. Legs extend a little faster I think that the Atlas but it is takes much longer to take on and off.
Loading takes a little more effort than the Atlas. More parts exposed such as springs and knurled knobs to attach to the rifle sling post.

If I could only have one, it would be the Atlas.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

Get an Atlas V8 and a couple rails. It can be used on multiple rifles.
If you don't like it, you can always sell it quickly for enough money to get a couple Harrises for the same couple of rifles.

Only you will know what works best for you and your shooting style, and you won't know until you try both withan open mind.

I tried the V7 Atlas and found it to not be my cup of tea.

I ran a lot of shooters last month through a stage I devised where the shooter started port arms then shot from in the bed of a small import pickup, then over roof of the pickup (from outside the bed) then from inside the cab, then from across the hood, then from prone in front of the truck. The shooters had 2 minutes to do this-3 different targets at different ranges, out and back without adjusting their scopes.

This is one of the exact comp scenarios that have people commenting about the speed of deploying and adjusting the bipods in question.

If you will notice there is a lot going on rather quickly, requiring the shooter to decide what and how they were going to do things on the fly.

My point in typing all that, is that as the guy running 69 shooters through this stage, I got to see that was very easy to f*@k up no matter what bipod you were running if you lost it mentally.

I saw more guys fumbling with their Atlases, but I also saw guys run it fine with the Atlases. For example-where many shooters dicked around with trying to fold their legs to shoot over the roof of the truck, others just stuck the front of the deployed bipod against the open doorframe and shot with good effect.

Most practical matches (and real life situations for such employed shooters) consist of a mental factor that is much greater than any gear factor. Its easy to blame gear, but if you train with what you have and really try to solve the problem within the limitations of the problem rather than forcing your will upon the problem you will find the gear much less to blame.

'nuff said, rant off.

I didn't like the way the older Atlases loosened up, but that has since been fixed.
I really think the V8 looks much improved and if I weren't a broke SOB I'd get one to try give them another shot.

By the way, when we tried out all the stages in the RO match prior to the competitors, I came off a baricade with my Harris's swivel assembly attached to my stock and the leg assembly attached to nothing-I had to rip off my kneepads and use them to support my rifle to finish the stage. I called Harris and a kindly sounding older gal told me to send the pieces in and I got the pieces back in short order rewelded back together. Run it hard enough and long enough and anything will break.

I know Kasey and Harris stand behind their goods, so that's a tossup.
I haven't seen anyone from Harris Engineering come online here and adress a shooter's issues. I have seen Kasey change his product to what we as shooters want, as a direct result of shooter input here-that point would definitely go in Kasey's/BT's favor!!

I guarantee that a shooter with his head together can use three sticks lashed together better than someone that's flustered can use the best bipod, whatever that may be....



 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

I got my first Atlas recently and think it is a great heavy duty bipod that is a little easier to load up than the Harris.

I also have several Harris BRMS with locks on them.

After using both I prefer the Harris for ease of use.

It is much quicker and less hassle to deploy. It deploys much faster, for me. And the height adjustments are way faster. I just lift the rifle the apx amount that I want to increase the height of the bipod, then it is just a simple button press and you are done.

Maybe I could figure out a different way to do it with the Atlas, but it basically almost takes two hands for each leg to make the height adjustment. It can be done with one hand, but for me it is very awkward. Pulling down on the collar and then on the leg is just awkward for me.

I dont compete, but if I did, I would definitely prefer the Harris. As it is, I prefer it just for ease of use.

Not a knock on the V8, it really has made some improvements over the Harris, but overall, the Harris is still the better option for me.

I just traded my V8 off. Will definitely try another if they make the height adjustment as easy as the Harris.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

A few reasons why I like the Atlas V8:
- very fast extensions of the legs. Pull colar down with the leg. Too easy
- Inbuilt ability to cant rifle
- Inbuilt ability to pan the rifle
- Solid machined build. No springs on the outside
- Loads very well
- Utilises modern rail systems NOT sling studs
- Superior to the Harris
- The combination of leg notches and ability to cant makes the atlas super easy to get your scope level out in the field... in this regard it absolutely craps all over the standard model of Harris. The only model Harris IMO that even shines a light on this is the more expensive Swivel with notched legs version.


In saying all of this, if you need a bipod NOW you dont have much option besides buying an Atlas from someone that has one on hand, or buying a harris from a store.

If you get a Harris, get the swivel version its much nicer for shooting in the field on slopes. The Harris is still a good bipod and has been used with success for a very long time by a lot of people.

I think you should eventually try and have a play with an Atlas bipod. They really are a thing of beauty and really compliment a shooter and his/her rifle both aesthetically and in function.

Kasey is a real nice guy to deal with, his customer service and products are A1 top notch stuff.

gugubica, I like that little mod you have added to the pull collar. Good idea

Vin
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

Vin, Kasey is taking the concept to the next level. Soon all Atlas bipods will have the ability to run something very similar. I had an issue with a piece of gear, instead of whining, I fixed it. I told Kasey about it and he actually listened. The result is an improved overall product.

Kasey does business the way it should be done, and we all win.

Hydro, the problem you were having is soon to be rectified. Take a look at the video I posted. I adjust the leg up and down...fast and easy.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

THANKS for all the imput I went with the harris for now 6-9 brms w/podloc I probably would of bought the atlas but nobody has them in stock and I need it in a few weeks for a class and the harris mounts on one of the sling swivel bolts on the stock no rails to mount
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

Thanks for the support guys, it is honestly a pleasure and it is because we have great customers, we are driven to provide the best customer service we can.

hydro556, thanks for giving the Atlas a try, I appreciate it. For clarity, to extend the legs, you grab the outer leg closer to the foot than the top, then reach up with thumb and index finger and grab the collar and pull it down. You have all the moving parts in your hand which you now pull down to the deck, release the collar and done.

sooty, Thanks for your considerations and you will do just fine with your choice.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sooty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">THANKS for all the imput I went with the harris for now 6-9 brms w/podloc I probably would of bought the atlas but nobody has them in stock and I need it in a few weeks for a class and the harris mounts on one of the sling swivel bolts on the stock no rails to mount </div></div>

Which was going to be my advice. If you need it now a Harris is your only option. If you want a Harris with a pic mount:

Harris/Larue
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Vin, Kasey is taking the concept to the next level. Soon all Atlas bipods will have the ability to run something very similar. I had an issue with a piece of gear, instead of whining, I fixed it. I told Kasey about it and he actually listened. The result is an improved overall product.

Kasey does business the way it should be done, and we all win.

Hydro, the problem you were having is soon to be rectified. Take a look at the video I posted. I adjust the leg up and down...fast and easy.
</div></div>

I watched the video, and was like damn, that dude can work that Atlas like a mofo, LOL.

I cant manipulate mine like that, but I am sure with practice I could get better.

I am going to stick with what I know for now, but once the newer Atlas comes out, I will absolutely give it a try.

I love the product and it is easy to see some of the inherent advantages it offers over my Harris brms'. It is definitely an evolution and clearly the way Kasey is around here all the time, dealing with the target market is a big advantage over Harris.

I very much look forward to owning another and in the end I think the Atlas will be the hands down king. Simply because you apparently have a group of people behind it determined to make it so. The product is relatively new and already is bad ass, a few tweaks and this will no longer be a contest, IMO.
 
Re: harris or atlas v8??

The problem I run into is I keep my Atlas folded to the rear to prevent it from snagging on anything and to protect the legs from impact should I drop the rifle or slam it into a hatch.

Now for competitions I may fold them forward and use the described technique. It really isn't that difficult.