Tripods and Bipods

[iego]

So I bought a nice long distance rifle, and I bought a "cheap" bipod (and relatively expensive) monopod.

It's really loose, the bipod. Should it be? Or should it be stiff, barely able to move?

It angles almost everywhere, which I suppose is good for people shooting around obstacles, etc., but mainly I am just straight up target shooting.

Is the right way to use bipods, is to be comfortable using them while they rotate, and making them fix, stay, where you want them, when you want them there?

Or am I better off tightening this thing on up, so it stays basically in one position, and then I shoot around it?

Thanks for any guidance.

-John

[Irving]

Does it stiffen up when you load it up?

[iego]

No, it seems to me to be very loose no matter the load or position.

The moving of the legs into position, is very tight (too tight?) but the head itself is very loose.

-John

[CS1983]

Which bipod?

[iego]

Pretty cheap one, it appears. That might be the problem?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z9JTFJE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-John

[CS1983]

Have you tightened the set screw in the front?

[iego]

No, I haven't. There were basically no instructions, and this is my first experience with a bipod. I guess I should?

Thanks, I will try that. Are they supposed to swivel every which away?

-John

[buffalobo]

The bipod in your link swivels pretty much every direction. There is tension screw front and back, tighten both. Go slow and use care, they are known to strip out.

[CS1983]

The bipod in your link swivels pretty much every direction. There is tension screw front and back, tighten both. Go slow and use care, they are known to strip out.

Good info about the rear one - didn’t know it was there. I’ve never used that one (always used a Harris or Atlas).

Iego, FWIW, a bubble level isn’t a bad thing to have when properly used. A bipod which has multiple axis rotation is great for getting off the bench (uneven ground, propping on obstacles, etc.).

If you are invested in a nice rifle and monopod already, consider an Atlas bipod. Look for a used one if you want to save a little money.

[buffalobo]

https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Adapter-Tension-Adjustment-Shooting/dp/B07TZRM5T2/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=caldwell+xla&qid=1580569603&sr=8-17

I have had good luck with the Caldwell bipods. They seem to be the best of the lower priced units.

Depending on use/purpose, swivel/pivot features can muck up the game if not needed.

[iego]

Great, thank you all. I will take this out again soon (hopefully this weekend) and get it as dialed in as I can per this thread, and if still not satisfied, I will look at some of the alternates mentioned.

-John

[Delfuego]

Don't waste you money (ammo) on that bipod. Get a good bipod, at minimum an authentic Harris BRSM or Atlas BT10. The bipod is important to shooting long range, you will use it almost every shot! It's like putting cheap or used tires on a new sports car.