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What makes a bipod so great?

taseal

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 18, 2011
1,575
38
SE FL
I have a cheap utg bipod at the moment, and honestly, if I properly load the bipod, it works great and is very stable. It's decent made as well.

Now I had a few people call me out on my 'piece of shit' bipod. I've used a Harris bipod before and honestly the 2 work the same to me.

I've also seen people use expensive bipods like the atlas bipods.

What would make me wan to get an atlas bipod over my 'cheap shit' that actually works? Is it because this tug will fail and fall apart soon? Will the atlas make my rifle even more stable for follow up shots?

Just curious what makes a good bipod like the atlas a 'good' bipod.

Perhaps I can spend my money on an atlas next...

Thanks!
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

There is nothing wrong with the cheaper bipods as long as you are just shooting off the bench or prone. I have a Caldwell that I use on the bench and hunt with sometimes that works just fine. However, if you are planning to do any true field work, I would certainly recommend a Harris and possibly the Atlas. The Harris is definitely better built than the Caldwell, and probably the UTG. It doesn't mean the UTG or Caldwell won't work. They are probably just a little more likely to fail on you at some point, but it depends on how hard you use them. The advantage of the Atlas is that it loads better than the Harris, the legs have a greater range of motion, and their is the ability to pivot and rotate. Whether or not your UTG is a POS is beside the point. If it works for you, then end of story. Most of mine are Harris and they do just fine, but I do like some of the advantages of the Atlas.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

For now, it's only bench and prone at ranges. No true field work (we don't even have fields in Fl lol)

Rotation would be nice I guess. Perhaps if it's heavier, I can have more stability. I don't know
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

Durability is also an issue. Slam some of those cheap pods around and you will have bits dangling off.

Honestly I have shot other guys rifles with the cheap bipods, and I can definitely tell when the rifle recoils.

If a chap bipod works for you, count yourself lucky.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

From what I understand, you do not have to "load" the atlas type bipods to get consistant accuracy. For field shooting you cannot guarantee a good surface to load the bipod every time.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

Maybe I'll check that atlas v8.1 bipod. If I see no difference I think I can sell it faster than I can blink on the exchange here...

Maybe the utg is good to me, but then atlas will be 'awesome'
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

Nothing...The best tactical shot I ever saw always shot off his rucksac. The best BR shot I ever saw shot using a front rest.

If your utg works and you can shoot at the level of accuracy you need, you're done.

Get what you need..

Nemesis41.jpg

FultoninPosition.jpg

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CrackShots1875medres.jpg
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

You don't <span style="font-weight: bold">have</span> to load a Harris bipod either. People just do it as it feels better to some. I have never loaded a bipod.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

The Harris is OK, and it has worked for ages.

For me at least, and a lot of others, the Atlas simply feels nicer to use.

Its a product that I was without a doubt happy to have changed to.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

Two things come to mind when discussing bipod vs bipod.

First is durability. 3 dollar sneakers are no bargain if you need a new pair every week. A cheap bipod that doesnt stand up to more than twice a month bench work isnt a bargain to me.

Second is stability. I have compared the cheaper bipods to the Harris. The Harris doesnt flex like the Cabelas/Wallmart knockoffs. It allows for accurate shots even if you are having to work at staying in position such as on slopes, over rocks, other uneven positions.

The cost of this is very subjective. I dont have a need for an Atlas at the current price. The Harris does all I ask for alot less cash.

But that part is entirely on the owner.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

I finally caved into the Atlas hype. I put one on order today. Yesterday I had the pleasure of getting behind one for a very brief moment. One thing with me is I have a tough time loading a Harris when it's not extended, and I'd rather not shoot extended if I don't have to. If I can get by with it, I'll toss a sandbag in front of the Harris and I'm GTG. But that's not always feasible, nor practical. If I don't shoot a loaded bipod the thing hops all over hell, and I can't spot my hits. The first thing I noticed with the Atlas was how easy it was to load. Granted, I didn't play with it but a minute, so I don't really know how I'll like it. But I'm giving one a try anyways.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

The main difference is durability and backing by the company. Harris or Atlas is going to replace your pod no-questions-asked if it fails. And it pretty much will NEVER fail. That being said, I've always used the $30 Rock Mount bipods and have never had an issue in more than five years. If it does what you need it to do, keep it. The Atlas is too rich for my blood, and the Harris's durability is not needed for my usage.
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fisky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I finally caved into the Atlas hype. I put one on order today. Yesterday I had the pleasure of getting behind one for a very brief moment. One thing with me is I have a tough time loading a Harris when it's not extended, and I'd rather not shoot extended if I don't have to. If I can get by with it, I'll toss a sandbag in front of the Harris and I'm GTG. But that's not always feasible, nor practical. If I don't shoot a loaded bipod the thing hops all over hell, and I can't spot my hits. The first thing I noticed with the Atlas was how easy it was to load. Granted, I didn't play with it but a minute, so I don't really know how I'll like it. But I'm giving one a try anyways. </div></div>

Fisky,

You should like the Atlas. I picked mine up a year ago after years of using Harris'. It took a bit of getting used to but once you get used to it it's really a great peice of equipment. Easy to load and simple to use. The only thing I wish Accushot did was give some useful instructions with it. It took two of us to figure out how to drop the legs down.

Jason
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

If it works why worry? Some people just have extra money to spend and like to get the best. If it's working for you save the money and put it into something more significant
 
Re: What makes a bipod so great?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RollingThunder51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Nemesis41.jpg

FultoninPosition.jpg

back04.jpg

CrackShots1875medres.jpg
</div></div>

Not to derail a thread but dont let Frank or Jacob see these or youll be shooting from similar positions at the next 'Cup...