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sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

corey4

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 11, 2012
1,464
527
pittsburgh pa
does it make a difference for accuracy to shoot of off sand bags or a bipod?

rifle is a 5R 308 (stock trigger still), FGMM 168's, in a mcree precision stock with a $30 bipod from dicks i bought about 8 years ago.
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

Personally, I'm more accurate off of a rest with a bag on it. I normally shoot off of a Caldwell "Rock" rest (1/2" 5 shot groups) My groups do open up a little when I shoot off of my Harris Bi-Pod (3/4" 5 shot groups) but, that's just me shooting. You may be different. Shoot off of both and see what works best for u.
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

I normally shoot my TRG with it's factory bipod, but I have shot it of sand bags. For me the bipod works best, I guess it's what your used to. If I were looking for a bipod I would go with the Atlass. check them out.....
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

i remember a comment i read here, i have no idea what thread or when, that bipods are not for bench shooting. i was just wondering why.

wadep, i know. putting that crappy bipod on that rifle is like taking a fat chic for a ride in a ferrari. it just doesn't make sense.

but, it is what i have for now. the next upgrade is a jewel, then a real bipod.
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

I think there's a lot of personal preference in this. You don't mention whether you're shooting from a bench or prone. You also didn't note if your punching paper targets, hunting, or shooting steel. As with most things related to shooting, your specific usage will go a long way in determining what is best for YOU. In the end, after enough trigger time, you will know what meets your specific needs. It may or may not be the same as that which works best for someone else.

HRF
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

I grew up shooting from the bench with bags, specifically a bull bag up front and a rear sand bag. The object was to get the most solid set up you could.
I have now learned to shoot from a bipod with a rear bag in prone. I have gotten much better and have shot 1/4" groups in that position (cherry picked group of the day).

USing a bipod on a bench doesn't work very well, you can't get straight behind the rifle and the hop is terrible. It may work for some but not me.

If your looking for accuracy from the rifle alone, a bench and bags or get a sled with a vice. If your looking for both, prone and a bipod. I find shooting prone will make you a better shooter in real world situations like comps and hunting.

The other bonus to prone with a bipod is I'm not carrying 50 pounds of sand bags to the range or the field.
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

I'm with Montgomery627. I use the same front rest with the rifle clamped in good and snug and a heavy Doktor bunny ear bag on the rear. I usually use these when doing load work ups (on the bench).
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

I also do "better", from bags, but they are a pain to haul around. Especially when you're in a tree stand! Just kidding. It has bothered me, that my "long range" shooting , so far, has been from bags. It doesn't quite feel "Real world". My plan is to do more prone, off a bi-pod, and "free hand", in the classic stances. If I can manage to hit bulls, then, well, I'll feel "better" about my shooting.
 
Re: sand bags or bipod for accuracy?

I have used a Ruck sack with the rifle basically wedged in the middle. With the proper technique you can shoot high powered rifles and maintain a visual on your own vapor trail for spotting corrections. It also allows better movement than a bipod. Groups are phenomenal! Bipods are useful as a cleaning apparatus... LOL...