It is evident that the popularity of the bipods has risen over the past decades and it is hard to find an experienced shooter who does not own one. If you want to be able to find a comfortable shooting position and achieve accurate shots, you should buy one too.
For this reason, we will try to inform you on everything there is to know about bipods and what the best bipods currently on the market are. If you are ready to learn about bipods and easily decide which one will serve your personal needs the best, just sit back and enjoy reading the rest of this article.
Image | Product Name | Price | Score | |
---|---|---|---|---|
$$$ |
95
/100
| |||
$$$ |
92
/100
| |||
$$$ |
90
/100
| |||
$$$ |
87
/100
| |||
$$$$$ |
97
/100
|
**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
More...
What is a Bipod?
If you have never encountered a bipod before, we will shortly explain what it is. In simple terms, the bipod is an adjustable stand that you place the rifle on in order to achieve a more precise shot. As the name suggests, it has two (bi) legs (pod) and is basically a rather simple device used since the time of World War II.
Why Own a Bipod?
As already suggested, bipods are mostly usedfor the purpose of aiming accurately and achieving the best shot possible. They also allow the shooter to assume themorecomfortable position and reduce the fatigue he or she might feel when holding the rifle and aiming at the target for long.
Besides increasing shooter’s stability, they enable him or her to tilt and rotate the gun from one side to another and adjust the proper height to obtain the most desirable shooting positions. In short, owning a bipod is a sure way to achieve better shots and become a better shooter, what else could you desire?
Types of Bipods
The bipods can be differentiated by the length of the legs. It is better to have different height adjustments since that allows you to find the best shooting position and shot more accurately. To illustrate the point, imagine shooting from a15-inch vegetation using a nine leg-length bipod- impossible, right?
Types of Bipods According to Leg Length
6-9 inches bipod | They extend from 6 to 9 inches and thus offer you five different height settings to choose from. This category is the best for off the bench shooting and pistol shooters. |
9- 13 inches bipod | They extend from 9 to 13 inches and offer four height settings. These bipods are mostly used for prone and off the bench shooting. |
13-24 inches bipod | They are a bit taller and extend from 13 to 24 inches, allowing for many shooting heights to choose from. They are convenient for rather heavy or tall shooters and are ideal for snow areas. |
25- 62 Inches bipod | These are the longest of all Bipods as their legs can be extended up to 62 inches or about 5 feet! If you shoot in kneeling or sitting positions, this type of bipods will allow for you to be comfortable and accurate. |
Do You Need A Bipod or Not?
There are some important features a good bipod must possess, and you should be aware of them before committing yourself as to make sure you are not wasting your money on a low-quality bipod and later regretting it. We have comprised an easy-to-follow table guide of the most important features to look for when purchasing a bipod:
Adjustable Height |
Although already mentioned when we have discussed the types of bipods, the adjustable legs feature is a top factor and deserves to be mentioned once again.
In other words, this feature allows you to use the bipod in different situations and makes it flexible. Regardless of the shooting position you assume, be it a prone or sitting one, you can adjust the height of the bipod and always settle comfortably and shot precisely. For this reason, choose a bipod that gives you the widest range of steady height settings to choose from in your price range. |
Durability | Durability mostly depends on the materials that are used to construct the bipod. The best bipods are made from durable but also light weighted materials such as aluminum. Avoid plastic bipods if possible as they will not last long in the fields. |
Rotating/Swivel Feature |
Always make sure that the bipod you are buying houses a rotating or swivel stud feature. It is a highly important feature as it enables a shooter to gain a stable shooting position, even when shooting from a restrictive ground. |
Lightweight Construction | This is especially important if you often carry your bipod for long distances, if you are a hunter, or you engage in tactical shooting activities. Every pound counts in the fields. However, be careful not to sacrifice durability for the light weight, as those two features should go hand in hand. |
Rifle Sling Compatibility | A bipod which allows you to attach a sling to your firearm is always a good choice as it makes carrying the rifle more convenient and reduces the possible damage you bipod or rifle might suffer. Some bipods, for example, come with an extra sling mount that allows the shooter to use the sling with the bipod attached to the rifle. |
The Top Five Bipods for Long Range Shooting Currently On the Market – Our Reviews
Image | Product Name | Price | Score | |
---|---|---|---|---|
$$$ |
95
/100
| |||
$$$ |
92
/100
| |||
$$$ |
90
/100
| |||
$$$ |
87
/100
| |||
$$$$$ |
97
/100
|
**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Caldwell XLA Pivot Model Bipod is available in four different sizes (6-9, 9-13, 13-23 and 13.5-27 inches) and two colors- black and camo. It is mostly made of aluminum except for the hinge pins, springs, and leg length adjustment hardware which is mostly made of steel. No tools are required as it attaches by a swivel stud and a large thumb screw on to the drop down on your rifle. It is relatively easy to attach and remove.
This bipod is designed for a rifle with the sling swivel stud. Sling guns with only a rail will not be compatible unless you purchase an adapter. The legs are very solid, a convenient button springs them out to the shooting position,but there are no thumbscrews to tighten them.
As the feet are made of rubber, the bipod is stable. The pivot allows you to compensate up to 20 degrees for uneven ground. At the back of the mounting plate, you will find a lock nut and knurled tension knob that control the amount of spring tension resistance for the pivot.
It swivels on the longitudinal axis, and that allows you to tilt left andright to level the crosshairs.It is ideal for hunting but not as suitable for bench rest target accuracy.
Pros
- Notched legs to quickly adjust to the desired height
- Quick adjust legs
Cons
- No positive leg locks
- Not suitable for target accuracy
[amazon box=”B0032MUIL4″ description=” “]
Made of aircraft grade alloy, Tiptop® EZ-Pivot& PAN Rifle Bipod has a black anodized finish which reduces reflection and is rust resistant. The telescopic legs are adjustable from 6” to 9” and can be folded parallel to the barrel which allows for easy carrying and storage. The legs snap out and retract smoothly and quietly, and their rubber base prevents the slipping.The engraved tiptop is useful for achieving maximum accuracy at shooting.
It supports all gun weights and features a standard stud sling just below the tension leverto which you can attach a slingwhen needed. The pivot allows for up to 34 degrees adjustment on uneven terrain,and there is also a pan for thehorizontal scan to 40 degrees. Pivoting and horizontal scan can be done simultaneously which is very convenient.
Due to the length, this bipod is most suitable for prone shooting, bench rest, and floor use. It is appropriate for precise targeting sincea special spring load holds it in a strong and steady position.
Pros
- Durable and stable
- Adjustable and fold able legs
- Lightweight
- Simultaneous pivoting and horizontal scan
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Somewhat complicated attachment mechanism
- The legs are not notched
- The legs are spring loaded to retract but do not spring out
[amazon box=”B00QJ67A1Q” description=” “]
Harris Engineering 1A2-BRM Bipodis made ofheat treated steel and hard alloys with a black anodized finish. It is rather light as it weighs around 10 ounces but appears well-built and sturdy as well. It is easy to attach to any rifle with a swivel stud; if your rifle has only a rail, you will need an adapter.
It is a brand made in the USA, used by military and highly appreciated by many shooters.On the downside, there is no swivel, and it does not pan or rotate. However, it functions well enough for users who are not exceptionally demanding as they can adjust each notched leg individually on uneven surfaces. The legs turn up or down without any delay;you adjust the length by pushing a small button- they are spring loaded and will extend until contact with the ground.
The 6-9 inch version should be primarily used for targets as that is the best height for this application. For in the field use you might want to buy a taller bipod.
Pros
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Easy to attach
- Notched legs allow adjustment by 1 inch
- Affordable bipod of a well-known brand
Cons
- Does not pan or rotate
- No swivel
- Not appropriate for in the field usage
[amazon box=”B000JJL81M” description=” “]
Harris Engineering S-BRM Bipodis made of high-quality aluminum alloy and heat treatedsteel parts; it is lightweight and heavy-duty at the same time. The black anodized finish allows for it to be used in all weather conditions. The construction quality is excellent,it is quick-detachable and does not obstruct shooting off-hand or carrying your rifle with a sling.
As all the other bipods reviewed so far, it is not designed to affix to a standard rail but a swivel stud or an adapter instead. A sling swivel can be mounted to the bipod's swivel stud clamp. The legs can extend from 6 to 9 inches and when not in use they easily fold up against the rifle.
There are rubber feet on the end of each leg which add stability and prevent slipping while shooting.To eliminate tremor and looseness in the crotch area, this bipod is armed with tension adjustment of hinged bases.
The only criticism we can address to the Harris S-BRM is that it is a bit noisy to work with which might bother hunters the most. It is an excellent choice for bench/table or prone shooting.
Pros
- Solid support
- Easy to adjust and fold spring loaded legs Rubberized feet for steadiness.
- The flawless hinged base for maximum fitting.
- Durable.
- Easily attachable/detachable
Cons
- Noisy to work with
- The tilt lock knob cannot be hand-tightened
- No locking lever to lock the swivel in place
[amazon box=”B000JJGXAI” description=” “]
Accu-Shot Atlas Bipod BT46-LW17 PSR is the most expensive bipod we have reviewed. It is designed with precision, made of quality aluminum alloy and weighs 13.61 ounces. If you do not regret spending the extra money, you will surely find this bipod to be a stable platform for your precision rifle regardless of its weight or the terrain used on. It easily mounts straight to any Pica tinny rail thanks to the ADM 170-S Lever.
You can adjust the notched legs easily from 4.75-inches out to 9-inches. There are five pre-set height settings which allow you to find the best angle for an accurate long-range shot more quickly. The non-rotating legs can be locked at 45 or 90-degree angles and have the interior build of T7075 aluminum securing a more steady position.
The preload can't and pan features allow for right and left movement and leveling. This allows you to search the scene for targets without moving the entire gun. Pivot limiting bosses at the front and the back, and the reinforced leg bosses enable the quick PSR adjustment to any state. Excellent for precise long range shooting.
Pros
- Preloaded Pan and Cant of 150 and more
- Front and rear Pivot limiting bosses
- High quality and flexible unit
- Mounts on all Picatinny rails
- Notched legs
Cons
- You must move every leg separately
- High-price
[amazon box=”B00R3OQQ7W” description=” “]
The Best of The Best
We have paid special attention when choosing the bipods to review, and for this reason, you will not regret buying any of them. However, there is always the best even among the best, and in this case, that is Tiptop® EZ-Pivot & PAN Rifle Bipod. It balances the price and quality perfectly and offers some excellent features that will secure the most precise targeting and shots.
If money is no issue for you, and you want the most luxurious bipod on the market that will never fail you and have all the features you could desire already incorporated go for Genuine Accu-Shot Atlas Bipod BT46-LW17 PSR.
In any case, owning a bipod will greatly benefit your long range shooting making it more accurate and thus more enjoyable, quickly choose and buy one and become the best shooter you can be.