Bi-Pod vs. Mechanical Rest for LR Bench Shooting

[Mr. Ree]

I am starting into LR shooting, and need advice as to whether I should use of a bi-pod or a mechanical rest for shooting off a bench. If relevant to the question, the rifle intended for this purpose is a Sako TRG 22 in 6.5 CM. To those expressing a preference for a bi-pod, I pose this question: would the factory Sako bi-pod or a Harris be the better choice. To those in favor of a mechanical rest, I would appreciate recommendations. Thanks in advance for your patience in putting up with this type of question.

 

[Delfuego]

would the factory Sako bi-pod or a Harris be the better choice

Sako TRG Bipod is waaaay better than a Harris. Atlas or LRI are also good options.

 

[Mr. Ree]

You are the second opinion that I have read that the Sako is better for the way the TRG's weight is balanced. Thank you.

 

[Delfuego]

It also has a cool lock-up feature none of the others has, the downside is the price...

 

[Sniper338]

Youd be better off with an f class bipod. SEB bipods and front rest are among the top of the line.

Edit*** however your shooting a factory rifle.. it has limitations. The bipods probably best until your ready to from 8k on a custom rifle set up and another 1500 to 2k on front rest.

 

[Mr. Ree]

Thank you.

 

[Falfan2017]

Youd be better off with an f class bipod. SEB bipods and front rest are among the top of the line.

Edit*** however your shooting a factory rifle.. it has limitations. The bipods probably best until your ready to from 8k on a custom rifle set up and another 1500 to 2k on front rest.

This is not true. Your factory 6.5 will shoot better with a 139$ bald eagle rest than with any bipod unless you are extremely practiced with a bipod

 

[Mozella]

This is not true. Your factory 6.5 will shoot better with a 139$ bald eagle rest than with any bipod unless you are extremely practiced with a bipod

I agree except to add that even if you are extremely practiced with a bipod, a rest will still be a better choice. I shoot F/TR prone from a bipod, because them's the rules. However, when load testing I shoot from a bench with a heavy front rest because I'm trying to evaluate a load, not a shooting discipline. The bench/rest combination reduces errors. If anyone doubts it, take a look at any BR match. Do you see anyone shooting from a bipod rather than a rest? I didn't think so.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Get both.......You will use both and really enjoy what each has to offer. They each have their limitations and advantages.....Happy Shooting.

I suggest a Sinclair Heavy Varmint rest with a windage top......I think they may be on sale right now. And a rear bag from Protector....Call them and let them know what you are shooting....Rear bag is important..

Regards
Rick

 

[walker2713]

Get both.......You will use both and really enjoy what each has to offer. They each have their limitations and advantages.....Happy Shooting.

I suggest a Sinclair Heavy Varmint rest with a windage top......I think they may be on sale right now. And a rear bag from Protector....Call them and let them know what you are shooting....Rear bag is important..

Regards
Rick

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What he said X 10

 

[shoot4fun]

You should not limit yourself to thinking of bipod OR rest.
For BR match shooting the rest, especially the joystick variety, is a solid platform that allows precision repeatability and (very important for long-range BR) getting your required shots all on paper in the shortest amount of time (same conditions).
My personal feeling is that anyone who shoots rifles must have a good knowledge of the bipod, how it works and how to best deploy and use to your advantage. Your rifle's cartridge will not allow you to shoot FT-R as it is only for 308/223 but there are many fun and challenging matches out here that will only allow bipods. Some even want you to know how to steady up off a ruck sack or shooting bag.

 

[Falfan2017]

Also if it's not a stock designed for shooting from a rest then get a rest with a 3" bag and buy the Sinclair bag rider with a 3" plate.

 

[kzin]

I can't get a sporter forearm in a 'small' bag on a rest to work as well as a good f-class bipod solidly clamped to a stud or rail.

That could just be me failing.

3" flat bag rider in a 3" flat bag then yeah, rest ftw.

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

If anyone doubts it, take a look at any BR match. Do you see anyone shooting from a bipod rather than a rest? I didn't think so.

Bipods aren't legal in sanctioned benchrest (at least short-range benchrest). Not saying that anyone would use them if they were legal, though.

 

[Mozella]

Bipods aren't legal in sanctioned benchrest (at least short-range benchrest). Not saying that anyone would use them if they were legal, though.

That depends on which sanctioning body is conducting the match. Some organizations require front sand bags of one kind or another. Others have a class for "restricted" rests as well as "unrestricted" rests and a bipod is indeed legal in the unrestricted class.

5.3 UNRESTRICTED RESTS
5.3.1
Unrestricted rests
may incorporate guiding means, and adjustments for elevation
and windage in any or all of the rests.
5.3.2
Unrestricted may be used with or without sandbags, and may be comprised of only
one rest, or of two or more rests. They are as the word implies "unrestricted".

But you get the point. The discussion was not centered around match rules, but rather about the advantages of a conventional heavy front rest as compared with a bipod, even sophisticated bipods. Given the choice of aiming from a genuine rest vs a bipod the edge goes to the heavy front rest all other things being equal.

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

That depends on which sanctioning body is conducting the match. Some organizations require front sand bags of one kind or another. Others have a class for "restricted" rests as well as "unrestricted" rests and a bipod is indeed legal in the unrestricted class.

Sure, a bipod is perfectly legal when shooting against railguns.

 

[palo]

I have used a few bipods on my trg but my favourite is the fortimer bipod.
It fits onto a versa pod spigot that fits into the slot in the front of the forend.

 

[TIMO]

I am starting into LR shooting, and need advice as to whether I should use of a bi-pod or a mechanical rest for shooting off a bench. If relevant to the question, the rifle intended for this purpose is a Sako TRG 22 in 6.5 CM. To those expressing a preference for a bi-pod, I pose this question: would the factory Sako bi-pod or a Harris be the better choice. To those in favor of a mechanical rest, I would appreciate recommendations. Thanks in advance for your patience in putting up with this type of question.

I use both, with my TRG, bipod wise I prefer to use my Sinclair F Class bipod. It has a much wider foot print than the factory TRG bipod. Try both types of rests to see which works the best for you and develop your technique. At my local club benchrest matches, I can shoot as well or better with my Sinclair bipod than most of my fellow shooters that use a rest. My only issue with the bipod is when needing to adjust a little for windage.
Tim

 

[gambleone]

Get both.......You will use both and really enjoy what each has to offer. They each have their limitations and advantages.....Happy Shooting.

I suggest a Sinclair Heavy Varmint rest with a windage top......I think they may be on sale right now. And a rear bag from Protector....Call them and let them know what you are shooting....Rear bag is important..

Regards
Rick

Best advice, right here.