Bags or Bipod??

[Point Blank]

I currently use bags at the bench,both front and rear.I notice a lot of shooters using a rifle rest and bipods too.Whats the best setup for someone looking for extreme accuracy at the bench??

 

[Dave R]

Never used a bipod, but I don't see how it could possibly be as good as bags. With bags, you can generally adjust the rifle so it rests at point of aim. Then all you do is use your finger on the trigger, shoulder to keep the gun from jumping, and maybe another hand to keep the barrel from jumping. That pretty much insulates the rifle from your breathing, heartbeat, pulse, etc.

With a bipod, you have to control the back end of the rifle, so I assume you are introducing the variables of your breathing, heart & pulse, shivering, whatever.

I'm sure you'll get better replies from those that have experience with both.

 

[PreserveFreedom]

IMHO, a bipod is more for a combat situation where you don't feel like lugging a bag of sand along. If you are at a stationary range, a little gear isn't a big deal so a bag of sand makes sense. It's a lot cheaper too.

 

[KenBerry]

Like PF said, the bipod is for when you have to walk a distance before shooting and don't want to lug around heavy, bulky sandbags. As a general rule, sandbags give better results.

 

[Point Blank]

Thanks for the replies...I have been looking over the metal rifle rests lately,would one of them be better than sandbags??Looks like they have clamps to hold the rifle steady and adjustable legs.

 

[scouter27]

I use both, at the same time. A bipod in front, and a sandbag in the rear. It works well for me. Untill I get a screw adjustment leg put into my stock.

 

[JBP]

I use a Outers Varminter Rifle Rest where I can adjust both the front and back heights. That works really well when I switch rifles and go from 50, to 100, and out to 200 yards. The range I do most of my rifle shooting at supplies the sandbags and I use them around the rifle rest to keep it from moving.

 

[Legionnaire]

Agree with Scouter. Long range rifle training I've had supported this. Bipod in the front, sand sock in the rear. Extremely stable platform. Get a bipod that cants, and crank it down tight so it only cants when you force it to, or get a "pod-lock" attachment so the angle of cant can be locked in place. Very helpful if shooting from prone or some other position where your forend is less than perfectly horizontal.

 

[HankL]

Bags are the best from the bench. Bipods are great in the field if you have the time to work with them. At the bench you will really end up using a front rest with bag and one if not more bags is the rear.
HTH

 

[dZ]

heres a deal:
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/outvarrifres.html

Outers Varimter Rifle rest is ideal for target practice, sighting-in, and long range varmit
hunting. This rest can be used on pick-up hoods where law allows. This portable bench
rest give stable support, yet is adjustable vertically and horizontally. Eliminates the need
for heavy, bulky sandbags. This gun cradle can be moved up or down and locked into
position. The entire top assembly pivots 360º and can also be locked into place. Elevation
knob has a knurled adjustment cylinder for fingertip control when zeroing in on target.

Outers Varimter Rifle Rest is manufactured of durable, square tubular steel,
electrostatically coated with a textured black non-glare finish. The three point stance
gives stability on uneven surfaces, and the bottom of the legs have protective feet. Gun
cradles are vinyl coated to help protect the rifle barrel and stock.


OUT40802Price: $94.99 SALE: 39.99

wanna see some nice sandbags?
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[blades67]

I think sand bags are best for bench shooting.

 

[ArmySon]

I use both. When I go to the range with my varminting rifles, I usually use the bipod. Sometimes, I'll use sandbags.

I've fired many sub 1" groups at 200 yards with a bipod. It's all in your technique. However, my tightest groups have always been with a good rest (Sinclair) and Owl or Bunny Ears.

All the best.

 

[ArmySon]

Forgot to add, the reason I try to use the bipods on my varminting rifles as much as possible is because that's the rest the rifle is on when it's used for hunting. This way, I know how good/bad of a shot I'll be with the bipod in the field.