bipods for rifle in open?

Tactica · Oct 17, 2012

Just curious about bipods in open for rifles. I've never used a bipod. I also don't know if I even need one for 3-gun. I've been practicing getting into different shooting positions, and so far, never looked at using a bipod. I read that using the arendondo base pads, or similar, you can rest the gun on the base pad and use it as a make shift support as needed - not sure how often that's really done either, but I digress.

First, is there much advantage to be had using a bipod in 3-gun?

If so, when are they most advantageous? I assume at longer distances, and I assume that is in the 300-400+ yards mark?

How often are bipods used in the mid / larger matches on rifles in open?

Does anyone use the bipod to double as a make shift forward weak hand grip?

If you have a bipod, are you allowed to throw it on and take it off as needed at a match... or, if you have it mounted at the start, must it remain on the rifle for the duration of the match?

*If* I need to be considering one of these - what characteristics should I be considering? I started looking at Harris as a possible option because I read on benos that 6-9 or 9-13 Harris bipods seem to be common from some random person I don't know... so, no idea if that's valid. However, I'm back to... do I need this?

Thanks for any feedback.

benjamin-benjamin · Oct 17, 2012

Tactica said:
Just curious about bipods in open for rifles. I've never used a bipod. I also don't know if I even need one for 3-gun. I've been practicing getting into different shooting positions, and so far, never looked at using a bipod. I read that using the arendondo base pads, or similar, you can rest the gun on the base pad and use it as a make shift support as needed - not sure how often that's really done either, but I digress.

First, is there much advantage to be had using a bipod in 3-gun?

If so, when are they most advantageous? I assume at longer distances, and I assume that is in the 300-400+ yards mark?

How often are bipods used in the mid / larger matches on rifles in open?

Does anyone use the bipod to double as a make shift forward weak hand grip?

If you have a bipod, are you allowed to throw it on and take it off as needed at a match... or, if you have it mounted at the start, must it remain on the rifle for the duration of the match?

*If* I need to be considering one of these - what characteristics should I be considering? I started looking at Harris as a possible option because I read on benos that 6-9 or 9-13 Harris bipods seem to be common from some random person I don't know... so, no idea if that's valid. However, I'm back to... do I need this?

Thanks for any feedback.

ok, may not be right on all of these, i am far from an expert but

First, is there much advantage to be had using a bipod in 3-gun? yes

If so, when are they most advantageous? I assume at longer distances, and I assume that is in the 300-400+ yards mark? yes but can also be used very effectively for shorter distances if the stage calls for it...

How often are bipods used in the mid / larger matches on rifles in open? depends on stage design..

Does anyone use the bipod to double as a make shift forward weak hand grip? yes when you have to shoot multiple targets from a "table surface". i saw a guy use this very effectively on a stage with 15 paper targets and 4 poppers ranging from 50 to 200 yards, i was surprised by how well he was able to "drive" the gun from target to target...

If you have a bipod, are you allowed to throw it on and take it off as needed at a match... or, if you have it mounted at the start, must it remain on the rifle for the duration of the match? Yes you can take on and off

Tactica · Oct 19, 2012

Thanks for the feedback.

So, any suggestions on brands / make / model I should be looking at.... alternatively, any suggestions on features I should be looking at?

Cheers,

jtischauser · Oct 19, 2012

Bipods are amazing! It's the biggest advantage an open rifle had over a Tac Optics rifle.

Tactica · Oct 20, 2012

Fair enough... I have much to learn.

Tactica · Nov 6, 2012

If interested, here's a vid of me shooting my Predator Tactical AR-15 as I'm still trying to get ready for an upcoming local and my first 3-gun match Saturday.

I've only ever shot one other AR, and this is the fourth time I've had my own AR out. It's also the first time with a bipod. I have around 400 rounds through this gun. So, to say I'm green with it us an understatement. I'm practicing dryfiring with it regularly. I include practicing going to kneel and prone as well with rig. For the purpose of this trip to the range, I wanted to see how the bipod worked and what wait it would add to the front of the gun when shooting freestyle and what the zoom differences offered me (since I'm still waiting for my offset 45 degree mount to show up...)

The bipod on it is from Allied Precision Arms. It is a very high quality manufactured unit. The unit is in service overseas at present and has received quite a bit of praise for the craftsmenship and flexability in firing platform positions in the field... however, I'm not shooting in the sandbox, just competition. I can foresee any requirement to quickly deploy it in competition becoming an issue for me. The vendor asked me to put it through it's paces in competition, so I plan to do so. We'll see how it goes Saturday.

I've got the optic sighted to hit about 2" below point of aim at 100 yards. In this vid, I'm shooting at 60 yards and walk up to show impacts after each round of shooting.

I'm sure I'm doing plenty wrong in form and technique, like I said, I'm green... advice welcome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlj8qJBklLg

jtischauser · Nov 6, 2012

Be acreful what ag you use during a match. The longer mags will limit your ability to shoot upwards because it will bottom out like your 60 rounder was doing on the bench. I try to run my coupled 30 rounders with my bipod.