Bipod for SPR...swivel or no swivel?

[jrfly3006 42]

Ok up to the bipod part of my build...set on a Harris 6-9" notched..question for everyone here is the swivel version necessary?...do you guys use that feature alot..if at all?..i have heard the swivel tension mechanism can be a weak spot/annoyance sometimes...primarily my SPR would be working mostly on the bench..some prone and a little field work sprinkled in..thanks all!

[Shocker 151]

I like the swivel and you can tighten an adjustment nut to stop the swiveling when necessary.

 

The nut is a bit hard to get super tight but You can purchase or construct a lock: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_19/336786_Make_Your_Own_Pod_Lock_for_the_Swivel_Harris_Bipods__Details_and_Instructions.html

[MidwestPX 172]

I prefer mine with a swivel but loathe them if I forget my sandbags or rest when zeroing a rifle and I do it off the bipod. I can't tell you how many times I've fought the zeroing process only to remember my bipod is a source of variation that I need to control.

[njpilot 671]

I have these on both of my Harris Swivel bipods.

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/153528/alpha-bravo-bipod-lock-for-harris-s-model-bipods-long-angled-polymer-handle

 

 

Help a lot.

[A-Tech 8]

I prefer mine with a swivel but loathe them if I forget my sandbags or rest when zeroing a rifle and I do it off the bipod. I can't tell you how many times I've fought the zeroing process only to remember my bipod is a source of variation that I need to control.

This is a big deal and goes completely unnoticed by a lot of shooters

[jrfly3006 42]

Ok another take on this...how many think that panning capability is beneficial on a bipod.(such as GG&G xds-2 and harris rota-mount)

[A-Tech 8]

Ok another take on this...how many think that panning capability is beneficial on a bipod.(such as GG&G xds-2 and harris rota-mount)

If you plan on shooting multiple targets at different angles, than it becomes valuable. Consider this: If you have a stationary bipod and try to aim at your next target (lets say it's 5° to your right) you may be causing an inadvertent contact of the stock on the barrel, if you don't have a nice spacious or metal chassis. Without the ability to rotate, you're actually just torque-ing the stock. Torque is bad.

[Rob0115 1,105]

Ok another take on this...how many think that panning capability is beneficial on a bipod.(such as GG&G xds-2 and harris rota-mount)

I have a GG&G biood and I love it. It ain't cheap though.

[Vlad G 345]

Consider trying to shoot it without a bipod at all.

[jrfly3006 42]

I have a GG&G biood and I love it. It ain't cheap though.

That ones on my short list...but yeah she's a good chunk o change

 

 

[jrfly3006 42]

Consider trying to shoot it without a bipod at all.

I have no problem throwing a few rounds using just myself..but with the 18" match barrel on her she's a bit pudgy and would like the flexibility of having some quick deploy support available..

 

[Vlad G 345]

Personally I found them to be more bother then help for anything but zeroing, but that's me.

[Targetpractice 3]

Personally I found them to be more bother then help for anything but zeroing, but that's me.

do you ever say anything positive? all you do is bash on peoples post...

[checko 180]

do you ever say anything positive? all you do is bash on peoples post...

Please don't turn this forum into your personal pissing contest. If you don't like his posts just block him.

 

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

 

[raz-0 1,259]

My take on pivot vs. no pivot comes down to what you need. 

 

Do you need to be level on uneven terrain? If so, pivot may be useful. 

 

Are you only going to use it off of a bench or platform that is essentially level? If yes, then pivot won't be useful. 

 

Are you relying on your bipod to aid in zeroing? If yes, then pivot will be a hinderance to consistency unless you REALLY lock it out. Not just think you have tightened it up enough but actually have. 

 

IMO dollar for dollar, if you are only using your bipod from a bench, get a rest. IT does the job better and is easily used with all your rifles. This is based on my experience with harris style bipods. Other designs may fare differently. 

[OfcrFek 21]

do you ever say anything positive? all you do is bash on peoples post...

Dang dude, the OP asked for an opinion, and he gave it... there was no bashing being done....

 

OP, I'm also not a big fan of the swivel bipods either. Unless you're planning on doing something where you're shooting at a moving target or multiple targets (such as hunting), or as Raz said, shooting from uneven terrain, then more than likely a non-swivel will work just fine. 

[njpilot 671]

jrfly, as others have said, if you just plan on shooting off a bench or a mat at the range, you should be fine with no swivel.

 

I bought a swivel for the versatility if I need it.

 

If you decide to take a class, as I am doing this Fall, a swivel is needed because of the terrain we will be shooting from.

[jrfly3006 42]

thanks for all the input guys...I appreciate it...im still up in the air about my true "needs"...the majority of my shooting would be bench and prone so I guess I could get away with the non-swivel / non-traverse models...I am just one of those "I'd like to have it just in case" guys.

 

Ive pretty much ruled out the GG&G XDS-2...it has full cant and traverse capability but comes in around $200 smacks...but I'll tell what I am really tempted to do....I've been looking at a Blackhawk 6"-9" sportster Pivot/Traverse on amazon.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Bi-Pod-Adjustable,1871,1406.htm

..It has full cant/traverse capability..comes with what looks to be a podlock type lever already installed....its gotten some decent reviews..has a lifetime warranty and would fit the bill for me at around $50 until I decide on what I truly need on my SPR...when that time comes I can upgrade to something else and throw the BH on another gun...

 

NJ...if you don't mind me asking...are you taking some type of precision rifle course?...that's something I would really like to do when my build is finished..

[OfcrFek 21]

NJ...if you don't mind me asking...are you taking some type of precision rifle course?...that's something I would really like to do when my build is finished..

 

I'm kinda curious about this class too. 

[njpilot 671]

thanks for all the input guys...I appreciate it...im still up in the air about my true "needs"...the majority of my shooting would be bench and prone so I guess I could get away with the non-swivel / non-traverse models...I am just one of those "I'd like to have it just in case" guys.Ive pretty much ruled out the GG&G XDS-2...it has full cant and traverse capability but comes in around $200 smacks...but I'll tell what I am really tempted to do....I've been looking at a Blackhawk 6"-9" sportster Pivot/Traverse on amazon.http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Bi-Pod-Adjustable,1871,1406.htm..It has full cant/traverse capability..comes with what looks to be a podlock type lever already installed....its gotten some decent reviews..has a lifetime warranty and would fit the bill for me at around $50 until I decide on what I truly need on my SPR...when that time comes I can upgrade to something else and throw the BH on another gun...NJ...if you don't mind me asking...are you taking some type of precision rifle course?...that's something I would really like to do when my build is finished..

I'm kinda curious about this class too.

 

Yes. Myself and 3 other members are doing the Initial/Intermediate Precision Rifle course with Black Hat Training Corps next month.

 

One of the guys has done it before and said it was a good class.

 

The 2nd course listed in the link is the one we are doing.

 

http://www.bhtcorps.com/wp/?page_id=31

 

Here is a review of the course:

 

http://www.bhtcorps.com/wp/?page_id=183