Hunting bipod

[SVT_Tactical]

Going on a west texas hunt next year where the likely engagement is 400yds +. Trying to figure out the best lightweight bipod to use. I've only had experience with Harris and atlas. From what I'm learning needs to be rather versatile to use prone, sitting, and on uneven terrain.

There are several that pop up like the MDT mountain, the tricer, the rugged ridge extreme, and others. Then i ran across the swagger stalker qd42. It's considerably cheaper. Anyone gone down this path and determined the better option.

I want light and durable . I'd rather buy once than be unhappy.

 

[STOMP442]

I use the swagger on a couple rifles for coyote hunting. They work surprisingly well but I shoot mostly from a sitting or kneeling position with them.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

I use the swagger on a couple rifles for coyote hunting. They work surprisingly well but I shoot mostly from a sitting or kneeling position with them.

Could you go prone with it, if needed??

 

[ELR LVR]

Going on a west texas hunt next year where the likely engagement is 400yds +. Trying to figure out the best lightweight bipod to use. I've only had experience with Harris and atlas. From what I'm learning needs to be rather versatile to use prone, sitting, and on uneven terrain.

There are several that pop up like the MDT mountain, the tricer, the rugged ridge extreme, and others. Then i ran across the swagger stalker qd42. It's considerably cheaper. Anyone gone down this path and determined the better option.

I want light and durable . I'd rather buy once than be unhappy.

I like the Harris Cantable bipod the most 9-13"

 

[STOMP442]

Could you go prone with it, if needed??

You can, but in my opinion the Harris type work best for that position. The Swagger requires a lot of real estate to get low with and that generally isn't happening in a real world hunting scenario, at least in the terrain I hunt.

 

[std7mag]

I've learned not to use a bipod.
Hunting on gaslines in PA.
Distances can be from contact to 1,500+ yards.

If I'm in prone, I use my backpack for a front rest.

For when I'm sitting, I have a lightweight folding stool.
For longer distances, I set the stool up, put my backpack on it, and sit on the ground. Puts the rifle at almost the perfect height. Nice and stable.
Took a doe at 413 yards this way.
One shot. Bullet impacted perfectly behind the front leg.

Note, I carry the stool on my backpack anyway for impromptu sits. So I always have it.
Don't need to add any extra weight with a bipod also.

 

[Rick Richard]

Hard to beat a Hatch when varying heights may be encountered.

 

[dthomas]

I would also recommend the hatch

 

[SVT_Tactical]

The hatch seems well made. I like the USA manufacturing. But it's pricey.....

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I use the swagger on a couple rifles for coyote hunting. They work surprisingly well but I shoot mostly from a sitting or kneeling position with them.

Looking at it, are those stiff springs on top of the legs that the rifle pivots around on?

 

[STOMP442]

Looking at it, are those stiff springs on top of the legs that the rifle pivots around on?

Stiffish. Hard to explain, they feel different than what you are used to with a normal bipod but are surprisingly stable. Hard to describe. I love them for what they are designed to do and thats sitting a coyote stand.

 

[Daveofiowa]

I've learned not to use a bipod.
Hunting on gaslines in PA.
Distances can be from contact to 1,500+ yards.

If I'm in prone, I use my backpack for a front rest.

For when I'm sitting, I have a lightweight folding stool.
For longer distances, I set the stool up, put my backpack on it, and sit on the ground. Puts the rifle at almost the perfect height. Nice and stable.
Took a doe at 413 yards this way.
One shot. Bullet impacted perfectly behind the front leg.

Note, I carry the stool on my backpack anyway for impromptu sits. So I always have it.
Don't need to add any extra weight with a bipod also.

I was just out west for an elk hunt, I did not get a chance to shoot, but my plan was to shoot off of my pack, my tripod (arca mount), or a tree.

std7mag, I would like to know more about this stool though as it might fit well into my pack and make a glassing sit much more comfortable.....

 

[FeMan]

I also use the Hatch for my hunting bipod. It is pricey, but it flat works in any terrain and position. I just got a new model and it is even better!

 

[SVT_Tactical]

I also use the Hatch for my hunting bipod. It is pricey, but it flat works in any terrain and position. I just got a new model and it is even better!

Want to sell your old one lol?

 

[std7mag]

I was just out west for an elk hunt, I did not get a chance to shoot, but my plan was to shoot off of my pack, my tripod (arca mount), or a tree.

std7mag, I would like to know more about this stool though as it might fit well into my pack and make a glassing sit much more comfortable.....

I strap it to the outside of my pack.
Just a little folding stool from Dunham's.
I think I got it for under $20.

 

[WV Hitman]

I've used Bog POds on 8 African trips, 2 AK trips & A LOT of western hunts. I use a PSR handgun rest since I don't own or shoot rifles, but Bog makes a decent rifle rest. They make light, medium & heavy weight tripods, which are far superior to bipods. My kills with my "lowly" handguns include 15 or more deer from 500 to 565 yds.
The bonus on the Bogs is that can be used as a walking staff, so nothing extra to carry.