Re: Weaver Tactical Precision Bipod
Talk about service! I ordered the bipod yesterday from Bud's Gun Shop, and it was delivered today. I didn't request overnight delivery so I didn't expect to see it until next week. I also bought a Picatinny adapter for my Remington 700 which mounts to the swivel stud. Total cost for everything including S&H was $126.66.
The Weaver does resemble the GG&G somewhat, but after looking at close-up photos of the GG&G, there are some obvious differences. I'll just give a quick rundown and my impressions.
First thing I did was weigh the Weaver and my Harris SL. The Weaver came in at 12 oz, the Harris 15 oz. I then mounted it on my Sig 556 to take a couple of pics. Mounting is pretty straightforward. Loosen the uppermost wing nut on the rail clamp, position it on the rail, and tighten the clamp. No surprises here.
There are only two pivot positions for the legs, either up or down. In either position they lock firmly in place. Just press in on the thumb paddles to pivot the legs, and release to lock. These can be seen more clearly in the second photo, as can all the wing nuts.
The wing nut below the mounting block controls the friction on the tilt. You have to crank down pretty hard to get it firm enough to eliminate wobble. My son just graduated Scout Sniper school at Camp Pendleton,and he complained about this not being stiff enough. I thought it was OK once I tightened it well enough.
The two wing nuts on either leg are (obviously) for height adjustment. Retracted, the legs measure 6-3/4 inches. Extended they are 9-3/8 inches. Measuring from the front pivot screw to my workbench, that translates to 6-1/2" and 9" respectively with the bipod mounted, and the buttstock resting on the work bench. Overall quality is pretty good. All parts are metal except for the hard rubber foot pads. Machining is well done.
I haven't actually range tested it yet, but just tried it out on my floor. There's a small amount of fore and aft play due to machining tolerances, but it's considerably less than what I'm used to with the Harris. I like that the legs are not spring loaded like the Harris units. On the whole, first impression is that I like this better than Harris.
