Bi-pod....just a gadget or a useful tool?

[j-bird]

OK - I have a new rifle coming. Is a bi-pod a valued accessory or just a "look-cool" gadget?

I will be mostly hunting deer from a tree stand or an enclosed/elevated blind. I will be doing some target shooting but just on a recreational basis, from a shooting bench/table. I always try to find a steady rest to shoot with if I can find one as it is.

For those of you that use/have them....are they worth the $/weight?

 

[Osceola]

I consider a solid rest to be essential except at very close range, like under 40 yards. However, if you hunt from tree stands and blinds, I don't see a bi-pod as the right tool for the job. I would think a bi-pod would only be useful if you intend to shoot from the prone position.

 

[Elkaddict]

For your application, I don’t see the utility.

 

[Turkey Creek]

Invest in a pair of shooting sticks (bipod style). I have had both and found the bipod to be a hindrance at times. You can use the sticks whenever you want a more steady field rest. Nothing beats a "Lead Sled" in my opinion when just paper shooting.

 

[swat1018]

For shooting off of a bench or prone I would. I have them on several of my rifles, but not my hunting guns.

 

[catscratch]

Nothing but in the way for my hunting. I thought I had to have one until I got one. The only way to use it (for me anyway) is from a laying prone position. Where I hunt grass is to tall for laying prone shots. Sitting maybe, but not prone. From a stand or a blind, sticks or a window work better. Analyse your hunting terrain and hunting style, one might be useful for you.

 

[Drycreek]

I had a Harris bipod on a Remington Sendero once. I used it in the field to take my first pronghorn. Never used it anymore so I sold it. Shooting sticks are standard for me hog hunting or coyote hunting when I'm afoot. Much more versatile IMO. I have both Stoney Point and a Primos trigger stick. Either one I could use and be happy.

 

[Native Hunter]

They are okay for some things, but throw me off balance when I'm jumping into the bed of a moving pickup truck from a barn roof..... I don't think you need one. The shooting sticks with two legs should be great for you, if you have room to spread two legs out. One legged sticks are okay but you can't get quite as steady as with two legged sticks.

 

[Drycreek]

They are okay for some things, but throw me off balance when I'm jumping into the bed of a moving pickup truck from a barn roof..... I don't think you need one. The shooting sticks with two legs should be great for you, if you have room to spread two legs out. One legged sticks are okay but you can't get quite as steady as with two legged sticks.

Native, next time you do that jumping thing, would you be so kind as to video that and share it with us. Tv is so dull these days........

 

[George]

I bought a harris before my hunt, put it on, took it off, and took it back. My back pack became my blind and shooting rest.

G

 

[DocHolladay]

I bought some for my coyote rifle and they are about 4" too short when sitting. I ended up getting some shooting sticks and they are much better. I kept the bipod on the rifle because I have been known to lay on a pile of dirt from time to time when hunting coyotes and the shooting sticks are too tall for that.

 

[j-bird]

Sounds like a set of shooting sticks may be more in order vs a bi-pod for my needs. Thanks guys.