Bipod pro's and con's?

[Dave3006]

For a long range tactical rifle, do most people put bipods on their guns? Some of the advantages are obvious (stability, ect..). I am interested in hearing the downsides (besides weight).

Do Army snipers have bipods as standard issue?

Thanks

 

[4V50 Gary]

The US Army's M24 sniper weapon system is equipped with a Harris bipod. The USMC prefers not to use bipods and rests their guns on their rucksacks.

While bipods can be shooting aids, the disadvantage (besides lack of repeatability) is bulk and weight. The same may be accomplished by resting the foreend on the rucksack or other stable surface.

 

[Dave3006]

Wouldn't a rucksack be unstable?

 

[Michael]

On my office bulletin board I have two targets, one fired from 100 yards with a 308, the other with a 22-250.
The 308 group was prone with bipod, 5 rounds into 0.339".
The 22-250 group was 10 rounds into 0.249".
These groups were fired from a Harris "S" model bipod, so I suppose there's evidence of repeatability.
Bipods in the hands of a competent shooter are very repeatable and I would recommend one to any shooter looking for a good field rest.
There is technique involved, and every rifle tends to respond in a different manner, although my two rifles were heavy varmint, and sporter weight.

 

[KilgorII]

http://www.thefiringline.com/NonCGI/Forum3/HTML/003805.html

 

[Rex Feral]

I shoot my 700PSS off bipod and M1907 sling, there is a 1/4 MOA shift in POI with the two different methods, but it is a consistent and predictable shift. The bipod always shoots to the same POI, and the sling always shoots to the same POI, 1/4 MOA apart!

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Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war.

 

[HankL]

Dave, Bags are always better than bipods, you can always haul a bipod and often can't haul a bunch of bags! I always hump a bipod in hope of finding something better.