6-9 inch bi-pod vs 9-13 inch

[SS427]

I can't decide which of these two height bi-pods would meet my needs. Part of the shooting will be done off a bench, part will be prone at our range on relative flat pavement, and part of it will be done hunting sage rats in the field. I'm thinking the shorter of the two will work, but I don't want to leave myself short either. Any suggestions or experiences you can share?

I am of relative small build with not much of a beer gut yet, so I might not have enough personal elevation to reach the 9 inch minimum height in a prone position of the taller model....your experiences?

One more question. I had a 13.5 to 27 inch model that didn't swivel. I would never buy another one that tall that didn't swivel. Is it worth the extra money to get the swivel model in the shorter versions? Since most the shooting will be off a flat surface, I'm not sure it would. However while hunting I would be shooting it off a small table that may or may not end up level. Any suggestions or experiences on this you can share?

 

[ericskennard]

9 to 13 is the way to go. Many stocks are not flat enough to get behind at the correct angle with the 6 -9.

If you must get a swivel get a pod lock handle. I personally have never understood the swivel. It is a lot like putting a ball bearing on top of a watermelon.

ERIC

 

[6BRinNZ]

hey Otter,

I have gone from the 9-13 fixed to a 6-9 swivel, I have used both of these for varminting, and off a bench.

Could be a good point about the stock height, I have only used them on a sako in .223, Howa supreme varminter and an H&H flexistock by TrueFlite.

The only advantage I have found with the 6-9 is; it isn't as high so typically I get a steadier hold in the field or off a bench. In terms of the swivel, it is a lot faster to correct any cant compared to adjusting the legs of the bipod. Out in the field the pod lock makes this real easy as you can adjust the cant and lock it in tight real quick, so I wouldn't be without a swivel now.

For support under the rear of the stock I just use a sand sack for varminting or a proper rear bag if off a bench.

I haven't used the sinclair bipod, but it may be worth a look, lota coin though...

 

[Taildrag15X]

Get a 6"-9" swivel, add the pod lock (t-nuts.com about $10) and go shooting.

 

[bobinpa]

Off a bench I use the 6"-9" version. Off the ground or prone, I use the 9"-13" version. Both swivel.

I have a spare 9"-13" swivel top, smooth leg Harris I would be willing to sell for $85.00.
Good luck,
Bob

 

[SS427]

Thanks Bob. I'm favoring the 6-9 inch height right now, but if I get a few other posts that change my mind I will send you a PM.

I wish there was a place close by where I could test a couple, but none of the sporting good stores in my area carry a variety of styles. I'm lucky if I can even find one in stock.

I might have to get nosey at the range and ask someone, but I don't see many of them at the range I use. In fact most of the shooters are pretty primitive and use old shot bags filled with sand.

 

[Forum Boss]

I went through the same dilemma. Eventually I bought swivel versions of both, and I'm 100% glad I have both. I use both with about equal frequency. For bench shooting, the short version is the most useful of course, but as soon as you get down on the ground, you'll encounter terrain that demands the larger version.

 

[JerryMay]

I used the 9-13 inch for years, I found I never really adjusted it but a lot of the time I needed it lower, I changed to the swivel 6-9 inch and have never looked back, it was a good move for me.
Jerry.

 

[SS427]

Was able to look at a 9-13 inch model today and clearly it isn't what I want on the bench or smooth flat ground. But I can see where it would be very useful in the field. Unfortunately it wasn't mounted on a gun or I would be 100% convinced the 6-9 inch model is what I need.

Ideally I would like to buy two, but they are not cheap, especially the swivel model. Still leaning toward the 6-9 inch model but more opinions would be appreciated.

 

[UK]

otter, the 6-9 works perfectly on the bench and with the right hieght rear bag you can have the legs on the lowest setting for the steadiest hold, the legs extended to 9" will work fine in all but the tallest grass whilst laying prone, the 9" however is too high for the bench unless you hav a very high rear bag, the two most important points are MAKE SURE YOU BUY THE NOTHCHED LEG VERSION WHICH USES SPRING EXTEND, the spring retact version is useless unless you are a sniper that cant afford the noise the spring extend version makes, and make sure you buy the swivel version and fit a podloc, most people dont realise the studs in the stock are very rarely central and if you fit a bubble level to your scope you will see how much you can be canting without realising it.

 

[SS427]

I've decided on the 6-9 inch model with swivel this time around. Will add the 9-13 inch model if needed at a later date.

I had not thought about the notched versus non-notched version much. Price is the same. Any other thoughts about this other than what UK said?

I'm not sure I want the notched version because I'm not sure 1 inch increment adjustment would meet my needs. The non-notched version is infinitely adjustable, correct? Adjust the legs to the height you want and tighten it down, right? Does the notched version have this ability, or are you locked in wherever the notch is at?

 

[6BRinNZ]

Otter,

the non notched is infinitely adjustable but it can be a pain locking them in, I have had them slip on me. The locking nuts do work well, its just some times with walkabout varminitng you have to setup pretty quick and locking the legs in "real tight" sometimes doesn't happen. Having said that I still like it.

 

[nirish]

I shoot of the bench and prone 6/9 inch get pod-lock .

 

[UK]

otter you will find especially prone that having to stretch your hand around to tighten the nuts on the non notched version is a pain, what you invariably end up doing is adjusting them with the rifle to your chest with the muzzle pointing up and then laying down only to find the hieght is wrong so you take the shot uncomfortably, I have never needed to use anything but fully closed or first or second notch on the legs from the bench, depending on the rear bag hieght, when prone fully extended to 9" is perfect for all but the highest grass, it never ceases to amaze me when I go out shooting with people they will spend hours loading perfect ammo and thousands of dollars on a rifle scope combo only to see quarry when out and lay down and faaf the shot because the dont practice with using the bipod as an integral part of the gun.

 

[dmg264]

Otter lock at the Caldwell bipods. They may not be a Harris but for the money they are hard to beat. You can get a 6-9 and a 9-13 for less than $80 at Academy Sports. I have 3 of them and haven't had a problem with any of them. The 6-9 was $36 and the 9-13 was $39 (both were leg notch and swivel models).

 

[SS427]

UK and 6BRinNZ, thanks for the detailed info...very useful. I've since found out the notches are closer together than I thought, so I've settled on that version.

dmg264, I've seen some reviews of the Caldwell bipods and most of them make comments about the Caldwell not being as sturdy. Chuck Hawks did a favorable review of them but makes the same comment. On the other hand, they are half the price of the Harris. I would have to see one before I would commit to the purchase.