Bipods...

[MaxStar]

I was thinkin about picking up a bipod for the Remington 700 I recently bought. Does anyone use them? Any pro's and cons? Should it have a swivel? I took a shot at a hog with my buddy's 7mm rem mag on a bi pod sitting down, downhill, shooting across a valley and it seemed pretty comfortable. Will I still be able to attach a sling? Any recomondations as to which one/ brand? As always, thanks guys. Oh yeah, the rifle's a .30-06.

 

[sidepass]

Use one on my 17 hmr Ruger 77 with heavy barrel, it's fixed and i will be replacing it with a swiveling model in the near future. Used mostly prone for distant ground squirels.

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

I'm gonna install one on my Stevens 22-250. Sitting calling coyotes or shooting other varmits its a great tool. There are many brands out there on the market. Most of the ones I have seen you can attach your sling right to the bi-pod. Personally, I like Harris bi-pods, they are a little pricey, but they dominate the bi-pod market IMO. I dont use a bi-pod on my pig/deer rifle for a few reasons, but I have seen guys who do it.

 

[larrysogla]

I bought those Stoney Point shooting sticks and the MM shooting stick also. Never did fire a shot with them in the field. Just either sat down and fired from the sitting position or kneeled on one knee and fired from the kneeling position. It was faster and steadier. Shooting sticks, bipods, are OK, just never did get the hank of the extra gadget to lug around. The bipods according to folks who went into the brush, just snagged on the bushes. I am just steadier in the sitting position with both elbows locked into the knees and the shoulder leaning forward. With that I can easily hammer a hog at 200 yds. 'Nuff said.

 

[pbrdog]

I have a bipod on my 700 BDL. I use it when I'm glassing or just sitting watching. It has a swivel stud attached so it's no problem.

 

[Mel Carter]

I have one on my 300 mag. It's kind of one of those deals where if you may not need it all the time, but it's nice to have when you do. As long as you don't mind the extra weight. Also, for me the terrain i'm hunting will determine if I leave it on or take it off. I have the Harris Bipod with the swivel.

 

[muskeg]

I have some observations .... about the bi-pod users .... as a guide.

I have had several hunters in the past that used bi-pods. It does add some extra weight. Some are lighter now-a-days though. Some are still very heavy.

You basically have just one shot. If you need a quick follow up shot there is usually not time to get the bi-pod back into position. They can even get in the way, when extended, while trying to get follow up shots off.

Also I have had hunters that wasted valuable time trying to get into position (with the bi-pod) on the first shot.

Basically I do not like seeing a hunter show up with one.

There is usually plenty of rests available in most situations.

The walking stick type rests or shooting sticks have worked better ... IMHO.

But a hunter must have practiced alot (in different scenarios) with those in order to get it right in the heat of the moment.

 

[Franklin3]

I carry on my belt a collapsable aluminum shooting stix made by stoney Point. Last year on deer hunt and also a pig hunt. I never even had a chance to reach for them and I made both shots clean. I'll still carry them cuz they are lightweight but Like Muskeg says there are usually plenty of things to use for a rest in the field if not use your buddies shoulder.

 

[MaxStar]

awsome. thanks everyone.

 

[Wild1]

I don't have as much experience as Muskeg, but I do agree with him. I bring some portable, lightweight adjustable "steady-stix" with me - just in case. Last year at Tejon I personally saw my uncle miss a shot because of a bi-pod (see March 27 2005 "Tejon Hog Hunt" - "my first hunt, my story"). My uncle spotted four good sized pigs running single file on a hillside, across a conyon from us. They were over three hundred yards away, but within range. As we both got settled on a mini-plateau to take a shot, he unfolded the bi-pod and tried to pick on off. The problem: it was almost Springtime at Tejon and the grass was too long (or the bi-pod legs were too short). By the time he stood up to take a shot it was too late. Just my humble observation(s). Good luck.

 

[easymoney]

Shooting sticks for me, especially when I shoot my 300 win mag. I even use them whem varmint hunting with my 223. I can sit down with the gun testing on the sticks, gun butt on my lap(till I shoot), can scan with binos or spotting scope, then raise up and be dead on steady...
Most people I see that miss shooting off hand or trying to use branches for a rest, is they are hurrying, shaking and the rest moves...