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Joined: Jun 2015
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 79 |
To attach, or not to attach. That is the question. How much does an attached bi-pod really help with in field shooting, or does it usually take more time and effort than it's worth? Does a set of loose shooting sticks serve just as well ?
"Be polite, be professional, and have a plan to kill everyone you meet." Gen. James Mathis, USMC
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 10,282 |
If you are set on a stand covering a known area it's good, otherwise it's simply in the way. Carry it detached
The older I become the more I am convinced that the voice of honor in a man's heart is the voice of GOD.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
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Ditto! G If you are set on a stand covering a known area it's good, otherwise it's simply in the way. Carry it detached
"If you don't stand up for what you believe,,you stand for nothing"
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 60,149 Likes: 11
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 60,149 Likes: 11 |
Depends on the terrain. In open, fairly flat country, with low grass (which describes a lot of pronghorn and even mule deer country) you're likely to be able to use it, so it's handier to leave it attached.
But except for specific purposes I don't use a bipod much for big game hunting. I'm usually carrying a daypack anyway, for cameras, lunch, extra clothes, etc, so use the pack for a forend rest when shooting prone. And I'm also always carrying a set of light, sitting height sticks for when prone isn't practical due to the height of the grass, or whatever other reason. Have shot lots of animals off both.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,249
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,249 |
In a lot of areas, it's useless. I am with the above, shooting sticks are way more useful.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 19,086
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 19,086 |
Antelope hunting I have a set on my 6.5. Can't fit a gun in a scabbard with them. I always carry shooting sticks
Last edited by saddlesore; 06/20/15.
If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,165
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,165 |
IMHO and limited experience, attached bipods make a rifle very off-balance and uncomfortable to carry on ones shoulder.
However, there is no substitution for them when it comes to dead nut stability required for long range shooting. If I was making a short walk to a known spot and planned to sit on the ground and hunt, I would definitely opt for a 13-24" adjustable bipod. In my area, prone shots are almost impossible due to rolling terrain and crops.
That being said, I carry a set of lightweight sticks with me almost every hunt and can confidently kill whitetails from a sitting position out to 400 yards or more. A good back rest such as a tree or fence post greatly improves ones stability when using a set of sticks.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,577 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,577 Likes: 2 |
The Harris 25s is a great tool for hunting antelope or other open area hunting. Attached to the rifle it is quite useful. It will extend to 25 inches and makes it great for sitting shots above the sage brush. Prone works great as well due to the 3 piece legs that collapse short enough for those shots.
The 25s is a swivel that allows you to level the he rifle in uneven terrain. The 25s is a great tool to assist your steady shooting in open country...
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I use a high power style shooting sling, lighter, as stable as, and necessary to pack the rifle when dragging/packing an animal out as well as only 1/4 the weight. JB is right about the day pack, used mine in Augusta, MT last month for gophers.-Muddy
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Joined: Jul 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,586 |
I gave a Harris bipod a go for a while, on the range and in the field, and on a couple of different rifles, and found that I was at least as accurate shooting using my daypack or a similar improvised rest (over a log or stump, for example). The bipod just added weight, spoiled the balance, and got in the road, for no gain at all, and I sold it without a moment's regret.
YMMV
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,968
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2001
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Climbing poles work great for shooting sticks. Put wrist thru loop hold pole and rest rifle on top of wrist. Poles adjust for height also.
kk alaska
Alaska 7 months of winter then 5 months of tourists
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35,900 |
To attach, or not to attach. That is the question. How much does an attached bi-pod really help with in field shooting, or does it usually take more time and effort than it's worth? Does a set of loose shooting sticks serve just as well ? This is gonna vary,depending on the shooter and conditions. Only way to tell is to shoot both ways and see.I certainly would not want to get in the habit of not being able to function without one. I don't care for them myself but understand they can be useful sometimes. I also understand they can be a PITA and get in the way for a lot of hunting.
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6 |
I use a high power style shooting sling, lighter, as stable as...... As stable as a good bipod???
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 983
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 983 |
General Field use, without a doubt, IF you know how to properly use one. Muddy
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43,901 Likes: 11 |
I love the combination of a lightweight rifle and a bipod. Bought my first Harris when I was about 15 years old.
People say, "oh it ruins the point of a lightweight" but I'd rather have a 7.5-8lb all-up rifle with a bipod over a 7.5-8lb rifle without one.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,098 Likes: 6 |
General Field use, without a doubt, IF you know how to properly use one. Muddy So a sling is as stable as a bipod? Who knew?
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,583
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
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IMHO and limited experience, attached bipods make a rifle very off-balance and uncomfortable to carry on ones shoulder.
However, there is no substitution for them when it comes to dead nut stability required for long range shooting. If I was making a short walk to a known spot and planned to sit on the ground and hunt, I would definitely opt for a 13-24" adjustable bipod. In my area, prone shots are almost impossible due to rolling terrain and crops.
That being said, I carry a set of lightweight sticks with me almost every hunt and can confidently kill whitetails from a sitting position out to 400 yards or more. A good back rest such as a tree or fence post greatly improves ones stability when using a set of sticks. Cmon country_boy20 everybody knows that Mississippi folks don't need to shoot anything at 400 yards unless it's out the window of a truck. I tote the 13-24 on my rifle on my guns unless I'm on a hill overlooking my fields.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,702
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
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I've used Harris off and on for years. For me, the attached bipod is much more stable than using the bungy/tent pole type sticks for sitting shots, but I prefer laying over a back pack for prone shots. The other beefier telescoping shooting sticks are about as stable but unless you are carrying them not as fast to set up. As noted, the attached bi-pod does add weight to the gun. I would say it depends on what you find less annoying the added weight of the gun or transporting the other types of sticks. I use the telescoping leg models a lot these days because I normally hunt with my son and can extend all the way up to his standing height if needed.
Lou
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I'm not a fan for my own use but they really help newer hunters stay steady on target. My son in law has used them for 20+ years and is smooth quick and accurate. I've always felt slow and awkward with them attached to my rifle. The coolest thing about them to me is the built in rest off the ground when you aren't holding the rifle.
I bought a tall tripod this year "trigger stick" model that i hope can be walking stick and rest in difficult slope / vegetation or very long range conditions.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2006
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that's a schitty choice for a walking stick....
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