So you have your rifle but need a way to stabilize your rifle to make clean, accurate shots? Well, look no further than a rifle bipod! In this guide, we dive into the best rifle bipod for your setup and needs.
I’ll start with some of the market’s top bipod options and then see the best options for different applications.
Caldwell XLA Pivot
The Caldwell XLA pivot bipod is a compact, lightweight aluminum bipod made for bolt action rifles and AR-15 style rifles.
The XLA pivot is a budget bipod but not a low-quality bipod.
The legs of the bipod are made of aluminum and the other parts are steel.
This bipod has two external springs that allow the legs to flip down and be resecured in the up position to make moving with the bipod easier.
Javelin Spartan Lite
The Javelin Spartan Lite is an extremely simple bipod made by Spartan Precision Equipment.
The Javelin Spartan Lite is a three-piece system that allows you to remove the legs of the bipod via a screw-on and off-based system to achieve your preferred length.
The Javelin Spartan Lite is very accurately named: it’s lite. The short-leg version is only 4.6 ounces.
The disadvantage to the Javelin system is the legs are fixed height.
The attachment system for the Javelin is supplied with a classic rifle adapter kit, which uses the sling stud that is included on most rifles.
The Javelin provides a great deal of stability since the legs are fixed height and stationery.
Harris Series Bipod
The Harris Bipod is probably one of the most well-known rifle bipods on the market. In fact, when you ask someone what bipod you should buy they are likely to recommend to you a Harris Series bipod.
The Harris bipods have earned their stripes and are extremely well known. The Harris excels at what it is for its price point. Sitting right around the $100 range, it is affordable and feature-packed.
The Harris bipod has several ways to attach it to a rifle, including a QD mount system.
One thing to note about the Harris series is the two external springs that function the same way the Caldwell bipods do. The springs all for retraction and deployment of the bipods.
This made for the perfect pairing with my Thompson Center Compass.
Magpul Rifle Bipod
The Magpul rifle bipod is my go-to bipod on my Ruger American Hunter rifle. I love this bipod, but it does have some drawbacks.
The price of the Magpul bipod is in line with other mid-tier rifle bipods. At around the $100 mark, it is incredibly competitive.
Magpul is known for its polymer products, so it’s not a huge shock that the Magpul bipod has a substantial amount of polymer in the design.
They even have a MOE version that is entirely polymer. I’ll talk about that next.
The Magpul bipod is highly compact and uses a button deployment system to allow you to adjust the height of the bipod legs.
While the Magpul bipod isn’t the lightest of the list it is the lightest with its features.
Magpul MOE Bipod
The Magpul MOE bipod is the all-polymer version of the Magpul Rifle Bipod. You may ask, why would I want a polymer bipod?
Two main things: weight and price.
The price of the polymer bipod is $74.95, which is $30-40 cheaper than its metal counterpart.
While it still provides many of the same features, the polymer is not as strong (some say sturdy) as metal.
What it loses in strength, it gains in weight reduction. The MOE bipod is only 8 ounces.
Warne Precision Bipod
Warne Precision is at the higher end of this list but is feature-packed and high-quality.
This bipod is nice because it can be adjusted from the shooting position and has rapid leg deployment and no external springs.
The Warne bipod is excellent for nearing any application from hunting to competition, and everything in between brings excellent stability.
With that stability comes a pretty sizeable cost. At $335, it isn’t a cheap option but very likely the best option for features.
Accu Shot Atlas Bipod
B&T Industries makes the Accu Shot one of the most popular high-end bipods, with everyone from recreational hunters to tier 1 military units using it.
It would be considered the current gold standard of weapon bipods.
ACCU-TAC BR-4
The ACCU-TAC BR-4 is one of the best-looking and feature-packed bi-pods on the market today.
Don’t get this confused with the Accu-Shot; they are entirely different companies.
The Accu-Tac will run on the high end of the price points for rifle bi-pods, but you get many features and an extremely high-quality design.
Adjusting the Accu-Tac Bi-Pod
The Accu-Tac B4 is easily adjusted for height and uneven surfaces. The legs are extremely easy to deploy you simply pull out and set them to the angle that works best.
You can then adjust the up-and-down height of the bi-pod by pulling down on the bottom of the Accu-Tac legs. To retract the legs, press the adjustment button on the side of the bipod.
This design is incredibly simple and one of my favorite bipod designs. It’s sturdy and easy to use.
Attaching the Accu-Tac Bi-Pod
The Accu-Tac BR-4 Bi-Pod attaches via a Picatinny rail attachment that can be adjusted easily and is on a QD mount system.
The QD mount makes it easy to attach and detach your bi-pod if you need it removed. This bi-pod does store well, but if you want to cut down the overall weight of your gun, you may want to remove it for certain applications.
In my opinion, the Accu-Tac BR-4 is one of the best rifle bipods on the mark!
MDT GRND-POD
The MDT GRND-POD bipod is a cutting-edge accessory designed to enhance the stability and accuracy of rifles, making it a favored choice among avid marksmen and professional shooters.
Crafted with precision engineering and high-quality materials, this bipod offers exceptional performance in a variety of shooting conditions.
Its versatility is a standout feature, as it provides both fixed and pivoting modes, allowing shooters to adapt to different shooting scenarios quickly.
Whether you’re in a prone position or shooting from a bench, the MDT GRND-POD delivers unmatched stability, ensuring consistent shot placement.
One of the standout features of the MDT GRND-POD is its robust construction.
It is built to withstand the rigors of the field and can endure harsh environmental conditions.
The bipod’s legs are adjustable, allowing for precise height customization to accommodate various shooting situations and terrains.
Quick and effortless deployment is possible thanks to its user-friendly design, ensuring shooters spend less time setting up and more time focusing on their targets.
With the MDT GRND-POD bipod, shooters can significantly improve their shooting accuracy, making it an indispensable tool for those who demand peak performance from their rifles.
How to Choose a Rifle Bipod
Choosing the best rifle bipod for your rifle is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your shooting experience and accuracy.
With numerous options available on the market, it’s essential to consider several key factors to make an informed choice.
- Bipod Type: There are primarily two types of bipods: fixed and pivoting. Fixed bipods offer stability but limited flexibility in target tracking. Pivoting bipods provide the ability to pan and tilt, allowing for smoother tracking of moving targets. Consider your shooting style and the types of situations you’ll encounter when choosing between these two types.
- Height Adjustment: Look for a bipod with adjustable leg height. This feature allows you to adapt to various terrains and shooting positions, such as prone, sitting, or bench shooting. Telescoping legs or quick-release mechanisms are beneficial for easy and quick height adjustments.
- Build Quality: Invest in a bipod made from durable materials like aluminum or steel. Quality construction ensures longevity and reliability, even in rugged conditions. Weather-resistant coatings can also protect your bipod from the elements.
- Attachment Method: Consider how the bipod attaches to your rifle. Picatinny rail or swivel stud mounts are common options. Ensure compatibility with your rifle’s attachment points.
- Leg Design: The shape and design of the bipod legs can affect stability. Some bipods feature wider, non-slip rubber feet or spiked feet for better grip on various surfaces.
- Weight: The weight of your bipod can impact portability. For hunting or long-distance shooting, a lightweight option might be preferable. However, for benchrest shooting or precision shooting, a heavier, more stable bipod may be ideal.
- Price: Quality bipods come in a range of prices. While it’s tempting to opt for the most budget-friendly option, investing in a reputable brand and model often pays off in terms of durability and performance.
- User-Friendliness: Look for features that enhance ease of use, such as quick-deploy legs or one-handed adjustments. These can be especially handy in fast-paced shooting situations.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Seek out reviews from experienced shooters and consider their recommendations. Online forums and user reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of specific bipods.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands in the shooting industry often have a track record of producing quality accessories. Research the reputation of the brand you’re considering to ensure you’re getting a reliable product.
Ultimately, the choice of a bipod for your rifle should align with your shooting needs and preferences.
Taking the time to evaluate these factors will help you select a bipod that enhances your shooting experience and improves your accuracy in the field or at the range.
Hunting Rifle Bipods
Nearly any bipod can be a hunting bipod but to drill down and find the best hunting rifle bipod you need to know what type of hunting you’ll be doing.
For example, if you are hunting from a tree stand or climbing stand,rr a bipod either doesn’t make much sense or will need to be very specific to your needs since there typically isn’t much to rest your bipod legs on in a climbing stand.
In short, determining what will work as the best rifle bipod for hunting will largely depend on how you plan to hunt.
Best Budget Bipod Rifle
My best budget bipod recommendation will likely come as no surprise as this company has a long-standing reputation.
The Magpul MOE bipod takes the budget best rifle bipod category handily. With its $75 price tag and solid performance, it takes the gold on budget and quality.
Best Rifle Bipod for Long Range Shooting
The Harris series of bipods are the most popular among professional shooters; having over 45% of the professional shooting market, they are #1 for long-range shooting.
While they may not be the best or the most expensive, they are certainly the most popular when it comes to the best rifle bipod.
