Cheap bipod for a plinking rifle?

[mtnman31]

I want a bipod for a blasting rifle I have. I do not want a 2-400 dollar bipod since the rifle is a "junker" and just for plinking and letting others use. I'd like to keep it under 50 bucks. I just need something that gets the rifle up 6-12 inches and can attach to a picatinny rail. I already have one of the Grip-pods (broomstick w/ pop-out bipod). I'm looking for something that folds up like a traditional bipod. Any recommendations on a bipod that fits the bill?

I've seen some of the Atlas and Accu-tac knock-offs online and am tempted to try one. With the cheap, knock-off bipods, what specifically are their short comings? Keep in mind, this is not a competition rifle that I'm willing to invest lots of $$$ in. It's a truck rifle that I just need basic functionality from.

 

[Mark W]

I’ve got a few Caldwell’s that work for what you describe. I’ve not tried these yet https://peletontechnology.com/product/series-iii-rifle-bipod/ but I have heard good reviews.

 

[tmwinds]

I use a $40 Caldwell and it works fine. Mine attaches to the sling swivel.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I would look at the Harris. You will pay around $80-$120 depending on model and store. I purchased one of the Caldwell and took it back after the first time to the range.

I ordered one of the Atlas knock offs on Ebay for $25. What a piece of junk as far as I am concerned. Gave it to a friends son who wanted something for his 22LR rifle.

 

[mtnman31]

I ended up getting one of the Atlas knock-off's from eBay. For 22 bucks it is not bad at all. Some observations;

The good - The legs are solid and lock positively in place both with their vertical adjustments and the swivel adjustments.
- The clamp for locking it onto the rifle is solid and positive.
- The finish is nice.

The bad - The feet aren't removable for swapping with spikes, claws, etc. They just have a slip-on rubber feet. It works fine for now, but when the rubber feet eventually tear or fall off, I'll have to find a way to replace them.
- The tension knob has a very fine line between too tight and too loose. That could get better with use, or worse.

The ugly - this one is a straight up counterfeit. I get that people will copy a successful design and try to sell it. But, this one was designed to be sold as an Atlas. It says "Atlas" on the bipod and comes in a box labeled "BT10-LW17-Atlas Bipod". The eBay listing did not say it was an Atlas or even use the word "Atlas" in the listing, but the packaging and marking show that one could easily try and screw over an uninformed customer. It's one thing to copy someone else's design, but another to try and sell something with the intent of fooling people. A few years ago I personally got taken on a set of ARMS iron sights that were counterfeit. I also know a few people have been scammed with counterfeit optics.

As for the bipod, so far, I've only put it on one rifle (15lb, .260 Rem), but it seems sturdy enough to handle most any rifle I have for general use. Because the tension knob hasn’t earned my trust, I would definitely say it is not up to the task of competition use or duty use. I also wouldn't feel comfortable putting it under a heavy weight rifle.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Another +1 for Caldwell on cheap bipods. Their Harris copies work very well. They are identical. Get better nuts for the leg pivot bolts and they'll perform and last as long as any Harris costing 3 times more.

 

[Dgd6mm]

The springs are weak on the Caldwell, change them out.

 

[SealT5]

Harris. My $0.02

 

[Dgd6mm]

I shot my Caldwell the other day. I can't believe I'm still using it once in a while. I owned my first Harris long before the Caldwell. I have 5 Harris bipods that get a regular workout on heavier reconciling rifles, they work great. The Caldwell belongs on a .22.

 

[284winner]

Outers, champion and caldwell all are cheaper than the Harris non pivoting pods. Leapers even makes cheap ones. UTG is another. Great run and gun bipods for field use. Especially for beater guns or 22s

 

[Toolbreaker]

I bought a cheapie several years ago off ebay. The tension screw assembly wasn't built well at all and would loosen up constantly, so I wound up removing all of it & rebuilding it how I wanted. I'd really suggest keeping an eye out for a used Harris to keep it in your budget ballpark.

 

[Richard Whitcomb]

I want a bipod for a blasting rifle I have. I do not want a 2-400 dollar bipod since the rifle is a "junker" and just for plinking and letting others use. I'd like to keep it under 50 bucks. I just need something that gets the rifle up 6-12 inches and can attach to a picatinny rail. I already have one of the Grip-pods (broomstick w/ pop-out bipod). I'm looking for something that folds up like a traditional bipod. Any recommendations on a bipod that fits the bill?

I've seen some of the Atlas and Accu-tac knock-offs online and am tempted to try one. With the cheap, knock-off bipods, what specifically are their short comings? Keep in mind, this is not a competition rifle that I'm willing to invest lots of $$$ in. It's a truck rifle that I just need basic functionality from.

I have bought the made in China knock off for the Harris and the Atlas 5H. First let me say that if American mfg. want their stuff made in China cheap then put their name on it and sell it HOD Bless em. But, I found that the Harris knock off doesn't have the angled leather where it meets the stock. I cut up some leather and glued it on. The 5H has plastic feet with no push button holes to install the feet and remove. I have had no problem with either. Although a Harris for $100 is a bargain.