Bipod review

Defining an SDM

Before starting the Designated marksman Rifle build, some definition of what we want to achieve is needed. The US Army definition of a Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) is as follows:

“The primary mission of the SDM is to deploy as a member of the rifle squad. The SDM is a vital member of his squad and can engage targets from 100 to 600 meters. The SDM rifle has been designed to close the gap between the rifleman and the highly trained sniper. The secondary mission of the SDM is to engage key targets and aid the squad in target prioritization. Therefore, the SDM must possess a thorough understanding and master of the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship as well as ballistics, elevation and windage hold-off, sight manipulation, and range estimation.”

With this definition and the current development of marksmanship, the DMR capability should extend past that range and into 700 to 800 yards. This is especially true with the average rifleman being able to engage 500 yards on the regular.

Defining a Civilian DM

We have a rich American history full of marksmanship. One could even argue it was marksmanship that liberated this great nation. Keeping with this tradition of trained, capable, and free men, our level of marksmanship should be held to a higher standard. After all, we don't have "nukes and F -15s," as we've been reminded by Brandon.

As capable civilians trained with a DMR, you want to be able to move fast. You need to have ammo that is interchangeable with your group’s. Be an asset rather than a liability by ensuring you won't slow anyone down.

Laying out the parameters: Rifle

In keeping with what most groups are utilizing, a good caliber choice is 5.56. The DMR should be able to engage targets from 5 yards to 700 yards on a point target and 700 to 800 on an area target. The SDM needs to be able to move with their group, and therefore, the complete weapon system needs to weigh less than that of a SAW, LMG, or SASS. A good goal to aim for is 15 lbs or less as a complete system with a full mag. When factoring in optics and accessories like bipods, bags, binos, or range finders remember that ounces equal pounds and pounds equal rounds. With this in mind, I have taken a close look at several accessories. The following is a comprehensive review of some bipod contenders including the Harris, Atlas, Tier 1, Accutac, and Magpul. For each of these, I examined weight, stability, range of motion/ergonomics, field uses, and speed on the clock.

Bipod Overview

Harris S-LMP 9: 13 inches 13.4 oz $125

Atlas cal BT69 gen2 tall with clamp: 6.1 il- 12.6 inches 14 oz $259

Tier 1 tactical bipod 230mm tilt only: 8.5 to 12 inches 12 oz $380

Accutac SR 5 gen 2: 8 - 10 inches 22 oz $320

Magpul bipod: 6.8 - 10. 11 oz $110

Weight

Weight was, by far, the easiest thing to measure. The Magpul, Atlas, Harris, and Tier1 are all within a few ounces of each other. A model without the QD clamp would have dropped a little weight. While the 2 oz difference is not a deal breaker, the 22 oz packed on by the Accu-tac very well could be. The Accu-tac would have had to outperform in every other area to make up for this heavy fall back. This is especially true considering Magpul is the clear winner in its lightweight yieldability.

Ergonomics and Range of Motion

Accu-tac and Atlas both get bragging rights for ergonomics and range of motion. Not only do these two allow for the user to deploy the legs in 3 different directions, the legs can also fold up in the forward and rearward position. This creates unique situations in which one can use a bipod where they couldn't before. Such situations might include spanning a hole or setting up on a short platform.

The Harris, Mag-pul, and Tier 1 only have an up and down position. The legs of each bipod have notches which allow for height adjustment; Accu-tac is the only bipod that has a simple pull function to extend the legs. While this creates quick setup on height, this feature potentially creates problems that are addressed in field use.

By far the most difficult to set height while behind the rifle, is the Harris. This bipod forces the user to hold the release down while manually sliding the leg out. Essentially, the shooter has to do two jobs at once to adjust for height. On the Atlas, however, the legs are designed so you pull the release and set height at the same time. The system is well thought out and doesn't leave much to be desired. Tier1 sets the bar for leg height and ease of use. This bipod’s legs are always under spring tension. The user can simply hit the release and set it to the height desired. It is very easy to use from behind the rifle.

Bipod Speed

Both the Accu-tac and the Atlas are slow to deploy and fold up. This is largely because the user must manipulate each leg independently. The Accu-tac has a simple design in that one must only grab the main support and pull away from the chassis while rotating the leg into position. However, with this design it is easy to accidentally depress the release button for your leg length. The Atlas is slightly more difficult. The user must operate the release button to be able to rotate each leg in place. It is slightly hard to use from behind the rifle.

The Harris, Mag-pul, and Tier 1 can each be rapidly deployed with one hand. The Tier 1 and Mag-pul have 2 buttons that need to be depressed in order to fold the legs, while the Harris legs can be folded by simply dragging the the feet on the ground or a barricade forcing them to fold.

Field Use

Field use is somewhat subjective from shooter to shooter. Each of these bipods were tested on the same rifle and used in several contexts including training, hunting, and match use. Doing so exposes areas of potential flaw, failure, or advantage that could be missed if they were only tested in one division. For example, while hiking and training several points of contention became obvious that would not be an issue in a match. Shooting competitions often do not restrict the shooter from making preparations to their bipod prior to a stage start. However, you may need to manipulate the bipod on the clock. While this is not usually the deciding factor of the stage, knowing issues that might arise very well could be. Another thing about matches is that pre stage prep makes life easy. Hunting, rucking, and training can create situations you won't find on a manicured range. Each one of these bipods were put through a couple of rucks, hikes, and several drills. I also used each of them in competition.

Accu-tac was designed with the competition shooter in mind. The bipod is heavy and slow to deploy. Still, the legs have good range of motion and are easy to use from behind the rifle. Most problems for Accu-tac come from field use. Vines seem to really like the legs on this bi-pod. While hiking in a heavily wooded area, the vine monster continually grabbed the legs and click, click, click - they were extended. I also lost one of the feet while rucking on the hillside. The feet have no detent or pin locking them in. The leg release has exposed springs and the green briers of Appalachia love to take anything you don't have tied down to include that small spring. Careful consideration must also be taken to not hit the leg release when trying to move the legs from one notch to the next. Even so, Accu-tac proved to be the most stable. The legs are easy to utilize and set height. Overall this bipod is a rock and I'm sure it would support a very heavy weapon. If using it in the field, go ahead and loc-tite the feet and leave the legs pulled out to max length to avoid any thickets making any adjustments for you.

Atlas CAL is a very smooth, versatile, and light bipod which makes it a high contender for the best bipod overall of those reviewed. It has a low profile and doesn't create a pivot point when folded up to be rested on a car hood or other deep structures like rocks. One downfall is its slow deployment speed. Still, the bipod has a great range of motion that is helpful in solving several field and stage problems.

The Tier1 bipod is amazingly light and has the smallest flat profile. It is easy and fast to deploy. Because of its design which uses constant outward pressure from internal springs, it is easy to adjust for height while already in use and from behind the rifle. Additionally, everything is buttoned up and enclosed from the elements. If cutting weight is your goal, this might be a good option. One of its biggest downfalls is that the leg tension is set with a screw which tends to get loose as parts wear. The screw must be tightened monthly, bimonthly, or even quarterly depending on use and wear. This is not necessarily a deal breaker but it is something to consider.

The Harris bipod is a fast piece of equipment. It can be snapped in place and folded up quickly. The weight is low, however there is some added signature to the design. It has exposed springs which are not a reliability issue although they do tend to grab additional vegetation when walking through wooded areas. The springs are strong and keep what they take. The biggest downfall is adjusting the legs out when a rifle is already set on the bipod. Extending its legs from behind the firearm is not as intuitive as the Atlas or Accu-tac and not nearly as easy as Tier1. The most attractive part of this bipod is its price.

The Mag-pul bipod is a good entry-level bipod for the budget minded shooter. This bipod is easy to use and fast to deploy. However, it lacks range of motion and height. There is a round knob on the bottom of the bipod which, when folded, creates a wobble point. This is a nuisance when trying to stabilize your platform with use in deep cover and using it on objects such as rocks or car hoods. For the fifteen dollar difference, Harris is the better investment.

Top Pick/Overall Winner

This particular bipod review is all about a DMR build and everything in that spectrum to consider.

WEIGHT - the Tier1, Atlas, Magpul and Harris should all be considered. The winners are Magpul and Tier1. The Accu-tac needs to start counting calories.

RANGE OF MOTION and ERGONOMICS- The Accu-tac and Atlas provide the most range of motion and good ergonomics. The Tier1 got bonus points for how easy it is to set the leg height when already deployed. This is one area that both Harris and Mag-pul left something to desire.

STABILITY- I shot groups with each bipod and used each bipod on my rifle engaging targets out to 500 yards. I noticed no group size difference from bipod to bipod. However, it is obvious the Accu-tac is the most stable and the Mag-pul is the least stable. All in all any of these will support your rifle. I would say the only two bipods that stuck out in this test were the Accu-tac and the Magpul. All other bipods tested met the standard.

SPEED- Speed was measured by conducting shooting drills with a shot timer. I started drill one standing. On the buzzer, I went prone unsupported and fired a shot on an 8 inch steel target. Next, I deployed the bipod and fired a shot on a 3 inch plate. I measured the split time between the shots to get deployment speed. The second drill tested manipulation of the bipod on the clock. I started in a prone position with the bipod deployed. On the buzzer the bipod was folded and moved into a porthole on the barricade. A shot was fired on a 4 inch plate at 100 yards. Time was measured between the buzzer and shot fired. The Harris is far superior to the others in speed. It averaged 2 to 3 seconds faster than the slowest two. While Mag-pul and Tier1 tied for second place, the Atlas and Accu-tac were the slowest. This is the price you pay for the extra articulation of the legs.It’s important to remember that in a 6 to 9 seconds drill, 2 to 3 seconds is a big deal

FIELD USE and PROBLEM SOLVING - I took every bipod for a ruck up the hills and through thick brush. I then set up in different positions resting on creek banks, defilade, rocks, trees, and grassy fields. I looked at each bipod's ability to help me solve problems. I also observed any issues that created problems when moving across long uneven terrain. While all bipods did well, the Accu-tac stuck out as the weakest contender. It doesn’t comply with wooded areas. The pull out legs and the exposed springs are failure points. However, the Atlas proved to be a best friend in problem solving. The Atlas also folds in close to the rifle and stays out of the way. Tier, Harris, and Mag-pul were all unimpressive in either direction. The Atlas definitely took first place on the leaderboard here while Accu-tac took 5th.

The following is my personal rank overall. With little surprise Atlas gets first pick. Second is Tier1, 3rd Harris, 4th Accu-tac, and last is Mag-pul. Unfortunately, the Accu-tac is not a field bipod. I'm sure the Accu-tac is great on a manicured flat range, but it needs training and attention in the field. On a tight budget Harris is a solid option. If your rifle is on a diet get Tier1 or Mag pul. If you want the best overall, the Atlas is recommended. Whichever you choose, get the 9 to 13 inch - or tall - model. After all, this is about DMR field use. Thank you for sticking through part one. I have many reviews for my DMR setup series coming so stand by. As always, thank you for your support and I hope to see you on the range.