Sell Me on a Bipod/Tripod

[Sheltowee]

I've shot several animals off my backpack Uncle Randy-style but I'm really only solid to 200ish that way. I've practiced shooting off my spotting scope tripod with the scope swing down and am sort of comfortable that way, especially when I can get my pack under the buttstock for rear support. So, this year, I'm leaning toward putting a bipod on my Western hunting rifles. Goal is for something strong, relatively light but more importantly unobtrusive and able to be mounted using the existing sling studs on my Pure Precision Altitude carbon fiber stocks.

The Spartan Javelin series looks pretty interesting and would allow quick change between multiple rifles but I'm not wed to those just yet. Any insights on the Spartans or other recommendations? Should I forget the bipod and go Arca-plate and tripod? Should I just spend the time and money practicing shooting offhand, like Jesus Christ and Sgt. York intended?

 

[Forkyfinder]

Ive used harris or their copies and liked them. Different heights/function/cost depending on features you want.

To be honest - im wishing i had an arca mount on all my rifles and both an arca tripod/bipod. Id consider leaving the bipod behind a lot and just using a tripod for spotter and rifle.

 

[gwhunter]

My Tricer bipod just showed up in the mail about 2 weeks ago. I haven't installed it yet, but it looks promising.

 

[nrpate05]

Are you planning to shoot sitting with a bipod? IMO it won't extend your range that much over the backpack method (which I have used extensively). Prone is a different matter. Arca/tripod thing is interesting, but I don't have the patience to deal with that setup in the field.

 

[Sheltowee]

Are you planning to shoot sitting with a bipod? IMO it won't extend your range that much over the backpack method (which I have used extensively). Prone is a different matter. Arca/tripod thing is interesting, but I don't have the patience to deal with that setup in the field.

Nah, idea for this would be shooting prone.

 

[peterk1234]

I have found an arca plate and tripod to be a game changer. I'm already lugging the tripod every single time. Might as well use it for more than my binos. I shot a deer at 200 yards standing at the edge of a field last year. I had no choice because of the curvature of the field. Piece of cake. No way I could have pulled that off otherwise. My preference is to use it whenever possible.

 

[Sheltowee]

I have found an arca plate and tripod to be a game changer. I'm already lugging the tripod every single time. Might as well use it for more than my binos. I shot a deer at 200 yards standing at the edge of a field last year. I had no choice because of the curvature of the field. Piece of cake. No way I could have pulled that off otherwise. My preference is to use it whenever possible.

What setup are you using?

 

[Wild Bill]

I threw the SRS Arca + Pic on my Tikka and I like it so far.

As for bipod, I've shot a handful of critters off of my Magpul bipod. No clue how it stacks up against others weight-wise and whatnot, but it's never bothers me while carrying it, not has it ever failed me in any way.

 

[Robert N]

I've hunted Africa a few times...learning to shoot off standing sticks is a real thing. I can do it out to 200 yards but it took a lot of practice and patience.

For local deer, because I know the property I hunt on (ground hunting), I do use a magpul bi-pod on my deer rifle. I need to get the rifle off the ground a bit (prone position) from the elevation and foliage I shoot from.

 

[Elktrack]

Are you planning to shoot sitting with a bipod? IMO it won't extend your range that much over the backpack method (which I have used extensively). Prone is a different matter. Arca/tripod thing is interesting, but I don't have the patience to deal with that setup in the field.

This is the only reason I’ve intentionally veered away from the whole tripod thing. It seems like a huge time suck to setup and a pain to pack around. I have zero doubt that it is super stable. I’m trying to get back to less crap that I pack around. I remember the days when I had a knife and a PBJ and a couple little things stuffed into my pockets. Seems like nowadays I can’t leave the truck for a day hunt without 45 pounds of crap stuffed into my pack.

 

[peterk1234]

What setup are you using?

SRS. I was using a panhead because I prefer that for the binos. But it requires you to get the tripod level. Now I use a small ball head. Much better.

The SRS is full length and also allows me to quickly attach a bipod.

 

[peterk1234]

This is the only reason I’ve intentionally veered away from the whole tripod thing. It seems like a huge time suck to setup and a pain to pack around. I have zero doubt that it is super stable. I’m trying to get back to less crap that I pack around. I remember the days when I had a knife and a PBJ and a couple little things stuffed into my pockets. Seems like nowadays I can’t leave the truck for a day hunt without 45 pounds of crap stuffed into my pack.

I bet I can be setup in 30 seconds. It's that easy. Less if the tripod is already out for the binos.

 

[nrpate05]

Nah, idea for this would be shooting prone.

In that case, for a bipod I'd go with the spartan precision if you're weight conscious. If not, any of the short ones will work, but I don't like strapping one to the forend. I don't think I've actually ever shot an animal while prone come to think of it. Laying your pack down will usually give as much elevation as a prone bipod and you can use your bino harness for a rear support.

 

[INMT]

I bought the Primos Trigger Stick w/spartan technology-short last season and love it. Shot three deer prone with my pack under my elbow and never felt more solid. Magnetic attachment, super easy to take off put on, easy adjustability. They make kneeling and standing size too.

Might not be as flashy as some but works great and seems durable.

 

[MTLabrador]

The Harris type bipods are great for a solid prone rest until you need to quickly adjust for tall grass or brush, awkward terrain, etc., then I find that they become a hindrance, and I hate carrying them on the rifle. I’ve used them but I find myself always going back to using my pack for a rest. Never tried any of the more expensive quick detachable options.

 

[Wild Bill]

and you can use your bino harness for a rear support.

Nailed it. Makes a huge difference.

 

[It’s Bucky]

I’ll probably put the Oryx on my Seekins Element M3 7PRC whenever it finally comes..

All my other rifles wear a Harris and I’ve never felt hindered. I prefer the 9”-13”. I’ve probably shot 95% of the animals I’ve killed while prone, in a pretty big sample size.

I bought and returned the MagPul for another Harris. There was too much play in the MagPul for my liking.

 

[Nick87]

Going to give the spartan a try this year.

 

[VMHunter]

Gunwerks made a really good bipod (gen 2) that is easy on and off, lightweight, good extension with ease of use and it’s surprisingly not that expensive.

 

[Jamen]

I bought the new tricer and love it! Can go from prone to sitting or kneeling. Pretty light weight, comes with arcade mount and pic rail mount.