Bipod or Front Bag for PCP?

Bipods still require a back rest to stabilize your gun. I am far from a benchrest champion but would think a front and rear bag combo gives greater stability. Another essential implement for real accuracy is a scope level -- helps you eliminate hold cant. That issue can otherwise really impact your POI, especially at longer distances and with bullpups or more elaborate gun stocks.

That is not to say I don't like the convenience of a good bipod for hunting in a prone position in the fields. 

Also look into the different types of bipods. The Atlas bipod swivels, hence is more flexible (but also heavier) than a flip-down Harris setup. Horses for courses! Both named bipods knock-offs can be had for around 20 usd if you look around the Web. Just read the fine print so you don't end up with polymer if you wanted aluminum !

Bipod is far more stable and good ones have cant lock which is very important. For the front a good bipod is critical. 

I’ve come to prefer a bipod... shooting off the bench and afield...

 

Just a front bag, but not afixed to a benchrest? If that's the case a bipod makes it easier to align with the target by using a squeeze bag under the butt. It takes a while to set up a front bag and a rear bag to get the heights lined up when using them together, or you can use a squeeze bag in the back as well.

I think if you have a very sturdy and stable bench that does not move at all, coupled with a top of the line benchrest set up, then you can realize a sight advantage with this system, especially so with a super precise rifle. If any of 3 mentioned parts of that system are compromised then any advantage is swallowed up. There's a reason benchrest shooters in other rifle disciplines use these. 

The bipod is faster and requires less effort to transition from target to target. It is the most convenient method to hold a rifle in most any situation one would need to steady a rifle and works great.

Darn, I have come to hate drilling holes in all those nice rifle stocks ... Used to do it all the time but no more! 

Tripods

Anyone take tripods seriously?

"Bipod is far more stable... For the front a good bipod is critical."

Hey, don't let those blanket opinions get out; lest my competition figure out someone cheated to post club records Overall, and in both classes (35 Foot Pounds and 80 Foot Pounds) at Ranchito Robinson Bench-Rest Silhouette using just a front bag (rear rests are not allowed). BTW, that shooter used Korean rifles costing about the same as most of his competitions' bipods!

"To add insult to injury", that damned Neanderthal's bag cost less than a tin of his competitions' pellets (not counting the duct tape holding it together).  Sad... but true!

So either that cave-man is actually a space alien, or bipods ain't always superior. Just my opinion, mind you.

I,ve shot bench rest on a budget against $2000 rifles and very expensive adjustable rests...always finshed in the middle of the pack..(money wins folks)

Good front rest with a joy stick any day of the week.{ SEB, Farley }. Also Shadetree Engineering makes a joy stick top that fits most standard front rests. Remember, you get what you pay for!

Good front rest with a joy stick any day of the week.{ SEB, Farley }. Also Shadetree Engineering makes a joy stick top that fits most standard front rests. Remember, you get what you pay for!

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yes especially for some 25 meter targets where you run out of adjustment.....although i found 20 minutes was plenty of time. I miss my old socks full of aqaurium gravel.

Tripods

Anyone take tripods seriously?

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i use a tripod and use it a lot, and like it. I want a Primos trigger stick, I have a bipod and shooting rest as well, all have their place, and purpose. What type of shooting you do and were you do it, would be my first consideration. For me the trigger stick / tripod style, all around portability, from Hunting, & Target shooters, to field and target, work.. Best Bang for your buck !

I'm with you. Love my tripod for bench. I can level and lock the cant and I can pan and adjust elevation. I can use a bag or a precision rear rest if I want to adjust from the rear.

When you say "tri-pod" are you referring to the 3 legged heavy weight adjustable precision front rests like Bald Eagle and The Rock style rests or are you referring to something like a Bog Pod or Primos Trigger Stick like a photography camera style tri-pod?

Good question

I think you'll have a hard time convincing me that bipods are more stable than a front rest... At least when a true benchrest rifle is involved.

Ok, I'm going to run some tests with front and rear bags and a tripod and rear bag. I've just been using the bags. It will be fun to see the results. Thanks for the subject.

Cheers

C

crazyhorse said:

I,ve shot bench rest on a budget against $2000 rifles and very expensive adjustable rests...always finshed in the middle of the pack..(money wins folks)



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The leveling Jack is brilliant. How did you attach the rest to it???

I prefer a tripod front and bag for the rear, even a sock filled with sand is good