I know the WWSD project is over, but I think you should revisit this. Magpul released their bipod at the NRA show and it is very lightweight has m lok, keymod, and 1913 rail attachment capabilities.
Now that the Magpul bipod has been released it seems like it would be exactly what they are looking for. Sturdy, light, nice features and adjustability
I never had a bipod on my deployments in theater, but i would think that a monopod would be sufficient enough while still being simple lightweight and soldier proof. Thanks for all you do InRange. Keep up the good work.
I don't see a reason why the Harris frame could not be made with aluminium and legs with carbon fiber tubes. Naturally it needs slight engineering changes to allow for the different materials but that is doable imho.
Could be cost. Just regular steel is a bunch cheaper than fiber or aluminium. At least when it comes to mass production. And if they got the machienry set up for the steel stuff, switching to Aluminium is not a overnight thing. I could of course be wrong, it was just the first thought which came to mind. I'm just assuming its some kind of steel though.
Machining aluminum is however, cheaper and easier, because it is softer than steel. Not an overnight changeover, but pretty darned quick, especially if you use 7075 instead of 6061. Unfortunately, 7075 costs quite a bit more per lb.
+Michael Smith dirt quality aluminium (e.g unalloyed AL1040) is dirt cheap, proper aluminium alloys are always quite a bit more expensive, where-ever you life. In order to substitute a steel part for similar strength aluminium you or need to an aluminium alloy (and might still need some redesigning to counter stiffness issue's) or redesign and make everything 3 times as thick to get a similar strength as regular steel.
+Chemech the Harris is designed to support anything from stuff like the WWSD rifle to stupid stuff like M240s, 50 caliber rifles and other absurdly heavy weapons, it's bulk is intended to service all weapons it could be put under.
Thanks for the Saturday morning InRange video goodness! I really love this channel. Everything about it: the high production value, the humor, modern relevance, the historical investigations and the ALWAYS practical first focus. Thanks!
I started reading the comments and took a shot every time somebody suggested a GripPod. I'm not as drunk as I feared, but I'm more drunk than I should be. Shame on all of you.
What about Spartan's other product the Spartan 300? From my understanding it folds and locks in a way that is closer to the functionality that the Harris provided for you.
I own the 300 and ran it at Tiger Valley. It suffers from the same issues as the standard Spartan. I took it off my carbine and put it on my Ruger Scout.
Shouldn't be like the other way around - lightweight bipod stays on the rifle most of the time, while a heavier one is quick to remove and attach? So, like many guys already wrote - take the construction of Harris one as a base and develop it onto something much lighter.
Everyone will probably hate me but I'd recommend a utg recon flex bipod. They're solid but stagnant. Like 11oz or something. Affordable for a college student though.
Weren’t the Marines complaining about the “weakness” of the Harris on the M27? Beating up a bipod that was designed for use on long range precision rifles doesn’t seem to be the greatest idea anyway
Pablo Gappa Well the Marines kind of have a reputation for breaking everything. That's still a good point though, the Harris probably wasn't designed with maximum durability in mind.
ChaseTheStars I guess it’s an infantry thing... threre’s a TFB Video on the M27 where they enlighten the point quite detailed. ... maybe we should start making titanium bipods. But who wants to pay 400$+ for a bipod
“Stamp of hubris”. Absolutely made me laugh out loud. Excellent choice of words. Also very cool of you to explain the processes that go into this design. I have enjoyed this series immensely and I’m not a gun owner and I don’t want to become one. That’s a level of responsibility which I am not in a financial position to be in (safety classes, the gun itself and enough range time to become a safe gun-owner is just not in the cards currently); plus I live in California so there is that as well. But I love your content and feel I can learn a lot from watching the videos even as a non gun owner with no plans to become one.
Those cacti in the background are REALLY impressive (at least to me, a Northern European who lives nowhere near anything that could be remotely described as 'desert').
Same as the other comments here. Did you guys try a Atlas bipod yet? I've been wanting to try the non quick detach Atlas bipod (screw on variety) with a Kinetic Dev group quick Kinect mlok rail for a quick detach option without having to put a picatinny rail section on your handguard. That keeps everything clean on the handguard but should be a very fast on off operation.
Atlas is a great bipod. It is much slower to deploy when on the clock. Unless they have updated from the model I run. Generally atlas is easier to “load” on a flat surface. -Marky
Same problem, they still are heavier then they need to be, they are built to hold crazy 20+ pound precision rifles if needed, so they are over built for the 5 pound WWSD build.
Presently I use a Weaver "tactical" bipod, very similar...if not identical...to the GG&G Standard XDS. Lightweight and sturdy, lots of adjustments and positive locking. The biggest caveat was needing to pull apart every connection and blue loctite them. Definately not as bulky/weighty as a Harris, positive locking in positions, QD M1913 mounting, canting is tension adjustable, pans a bit right and left.
Apart from the weight, lower profile is the way forward for a bipod I think. Top mounted so that the legs can be folded to the side, with rearward folding legs to move some of the weight towards the centre of balance.
I have struggled with this one. My latest solution (which is working very well so far, but needs more testing) is the Kinetic Development KINECT extended bipod mount. It goes onto your harris via the normal swing swivel mount, then just snaps in and out of your mlok slots. The first version had some problems, but the extended seems good to go (so far). I think I showed it to you briefly at Jan. 2GACM. Another interesting but untested possibility is the Heathen Assaulter bipod.
Tango Down bipod. It's polymer, so it's very light. The legs are rigid and stay open. The springs for the legs are internal so they can't be damaged or get dirty. Also, the legs fold backward under the rails but make a good hand grip. I use the folded legs as a fore grip and it really is comfortable. I don't know if they were designed to function that way when folded, but it seems so. The bipod has a pivot. Downsides are that the pivot is very limited. The buttons to release the legs to move forward are independent of each other and on opposite sides of the mounting, so it can be awkward to deploy quickly. Lastly, there's no quick release. When mounted, it's mounted. Still, I think you guys should check it out.
wonder why theres no simple rotating mlok bipods ala the famas. not saying it would be the nicest thing in the world but two mountable, aluminum rods on a pivot seems like it would be really lightweight. wonder if the MLOK slots just aren't up to the stress.
I use the Harris with the American Defense bipod swivel mount. It took a while for me to trim the fat while still having a premium bipod. It fits directly onto the “axel” and removes a lot of weight. It also reduces the space taken up on the rail. I just hope the firearms industry finally starts taking carbon fiber seriously for a lot more applications due to its strength and reduced weight.
try the UTG recon 360° bipod. its about $55, 12 oz and has a tension adjustable heim/ball joint base with full 360° traverse, about 25° of cant and tilt . the legs lock into 5 positions through a 180° arc, stow fore or aft, and telescope into 5 positions via a very sturdy lock lever. its not spring loaded but its very versatile, solid and well made. i have 3 of them on my go to rifles both 5.56 and 7.62. id say its just capable of handling a lighter weight .338 lapua but id draw the line there. its ideal for anything up to 18 lbs id say. its a great bipod. looks good too. check it out!
UTG has some great bipods actually. I have one on my lr308 it it has done really well. The "UTG New Gen Med Pro Shooters Bipod, Quick Detach, 6.2"-6.7"" should be around 10.5 oz and there is a "high" version that should be around 11.3 oz. There is also a UTG Rubber Armored Full Metal QD Bipod, Height 6.0"- 8.5" which might have better adjustments but I have not tried out that version personally.
Leaper's UTG makes a very good light weight rail mount aluminum extending leg bi pod for cheap. It would be a great match for the WWSD rifle. Great series. Please continue "The Lever Action Operator" thought experiment and application.
Try an Mloc bi-pod. Attach one to each side of your rail. They can be mounted as far forward/backward as you want. The problem would be no traverse in it though.
Ian should have a close look at the NeoPod bipod, it is much lighter and more secure than this magnet weirdo thing, and just as quick. I love mine, and last used it to drop a deer at 200y. It is seriously what you are describing which is wrong about the javelin bipod. Every bit of it is fixed with the NeoPod bipod. It is also made of lightweight carbon fiber like materials. Go look it up, you will love it. For anyone else looking too, the neopod is just about as expensive but a much better way to solve it.
You may want to check out a B &T Quick Detach Lightweight Bipod - it's a bit hard to find these days, but I think it ticks the boxes you're asking for.
The What Would Stoner Do project is one of the most fascinating ideas on TH-cam (to someone like me). Thank you so much for doing it. I`ll stay away from magnetic bipods, though!
Not sure if anyone has ever given you this tip, but if you tie a piece of paracord between the legs of the harris when its open you only have to open or close one leg of the bipod and it will pull the other leg with it. It's what a lot of us IAR gunners would do for running ranges for ease of use with only your off hand and speed.
I've copped a Smith Enterprise qd bipod and it seems solid enough, if heavy. Too heavy to keep on my light rifle. I'd like to see those blk lbl handguards explored a little more...
Inrange should take a look at NeoPod Bipod. Not sure if it have mount for that type pf guns but belive they have lots of mountsoption but its quite sturdy😁
Spartan apparently watched this video because as of October 2023 both models of the Javelin can lock the traverse function and the heavier "tactical" model can lock the legs open so they don't close on you.
Based on the Atlas design but at less than half the cost. Weighs a little less than the Atlas (which is only marginally lighter than a Harris) but still twice what that Spartan bipod weighs.
perhaps the lightweight bipod should be applied to the DMR rifle and the 'door kicker' one should do without one or use one of the monopod/bipod foregrip thingymabobs
I know this video is old now but on the offchance- you guys test out the newer Spartan 300 bipods? Wickedly expensive but seems to fit the bill between the Javelin and a Harris, at least in theory b
The Harris bipod may be heavy by your standards but it's worth it's weight. Winchester also makes a Harris knock-off for around $30. The Harris is lighter than the carbon fiber units that I've tested of the same design.
Hey Karl, I know in one reply to the many mentions of the Atlas you said it didn't suit the project goals. Was that the cost factor (knowing that if it did the job that wouldn't be a factor), or something else? Great detailed review.
There is a new bipod that I recently heard about called the Heathen Assaulter Bipod. Though it is nowhere near the bipod of either of these two offerings, I feel like it much more closely aligns itself with the WWSD project ideas, Especially Ians. Also, It is 2.9oz. Perhaps something to more strongly consider that even though it lacks compared to a harris, it saves 10oz+
Maybe try the Voltor bi-pod it’s a two piece design you can set up to run with the bi-pod on the front of the hand guard or to the rear like on a dragonov
How about the versa pod it is modular it tilts , pans, different feet available and can be put on and removed quickly. I run the Harris on my DMR AR it works great. It is outside the WWSD concept but I would love to try the atlas 5-h but to big, heavy and costly.
I have a couple of questions that are probably dumb questions: 1) Is there anyone who makes the Harris bipod (or similar) but with some or all parts made out of carbon fiber? Or some other lightweight-version? 2) It only just occurred to me, but in photography monopods are a really great less-intensive, lighter-weight alternative to tripods. Are monopods for guns a thing for real use? Or only on some of the things Ian reviews on Forgotten Weapons? (although obviously we're not talking about tripods here, but I'm still curious.
What about the T-pod? Weight's a ton, but it's still lighter than a Harris. Doesn't swivel on the azimuth, but the early ones did. Has a 6 level adjustment, individual for each leg. And doubles as a foregrip. Mine's a chinese knockoff. The original one's probably not as awkward to fold back. But even the bootleg is built like a tank.
Great is on the super magnet, but I suspected something like this would happen. A simple steel latch system would be far more reliable, and cheaper. And if you want to go *really* lightweight, you go with like magnesium or titanium alloy, maybe eve super steels (as they are *extremely* tough and durable, you can make them much thinner and "ordinary" steel and thus reduce weight). But yeah. Certainly great for hunters, you need to walk to in the woods for extensive periods of time, and they can transport the bipod in a pocket and when the time comes, they just attach it. I'm always up for new things and new technologies, but sometimes the tech just isn't mature enough, or might be a little too far fetched. :D
I think ya'll should look into a different carbon bi pod, the ideas there its just exicusion was not the best for your needs. sadly expensive to try them all. currently have a top mount aluminum bipod CADed up just weighting on college to finish to start development. should be quite an awesome Bi pod in 6065-T6
Really? What didn't you like about the Atlas? From what I've read, It seems like it has all of the benefits of the Harris but half the weight (and 5x the cost)
gebeme11 from my end the Atlas is only around 10% lighter than that Haris but is significantly slower to deploy. I've also heard, but I can't attest to the credibility of it, that the added articulation of the Atlas is a potential weakness.
D-Wreck I’ve used the Atlas on 2 M14’s and an M110 on 3 deployments and never had a problem I have broken a Harris though. The extra articulation has been very beneficial though. My atlas has taken a serious beating jumps, Air Assaults, slides down mountains been in two IEDs which killed the M110 and numerous other things. I still us it on my M1a while competing and hunting as well. Just my personal experience but it’s been an outstanding bipod and I’m sure I could kill it but I think it would be hard without trying and it took more of a beating than any other bipod I have owned.
It seems like if you reconfigured how the magnetic attachment works, you could have it perform the same function as a spring, where it could move out of alignment and then return to center.
i feel the weight of every engineer looking at that and thinking of seven different ways to fix it. not the least of it using a rotating spring to keep it centered while having give and tension and a spring open mechanism to keep it flexed when deployed. would cost an oz of weight and make the whole thing intuitive.
It's a shame that the modern, lightweight bipod isn't really refined enough to be acceptable for rugged use or the military. And, well, the Harris seems a bit bulkier and heavier than it needs to be, these days. I mean, a Harris made out of carbon fiber would probably be substantially lighter. That said, there is something interesting about the carbon fiber bipod: it's so light, compact, and easy/quick to attach or detach, that you could theoretically attach and detach it as needed in the middle of a firefight, provided you had some kind of holster or sling for it on your belt/vest.
You think that betrays the WWSD concept? Heck, mine is gonna have a forward assist, Faxon 16in GUNNER profile barrel, standard front sight tower and a steel rear sight. Would prefer those things were made out of titanium, but nobody does. Finding a carbon fiber handguard to accommodate the standard front sight without dremel work was a royal PAIN.
Need a light bipod that works well. in my old age it's getting harder to sit crosslegged a bipod that mounts directly into the M-LOC of my CC MRR would be cool... save me from having to put a tiny piece of rail on the 6-oclock of it. EDIT: is it this easy? what's the catch?? www.midwayusa.com/product/101960511/caldwell-accumax-premium-bipod-keymod-m-lok-mount-black
I know the WWSD project is over, but I think you should revisit this. Magpul released their bipod at the NRA show and it is very lightweight has m lok, keymod, and 1913 rail attachment capabilities.
Actually the Magpul weighs twice the Spartan (so not that much less than the Harris) but it is still very capable.
The Magpul bipod legs are only polymer, not metal reinforced. I picked a Harris over the Magpul
Now that the Magpul bipod has been released it seems like it would be exactly what they are looking for. Sturdy, light, nice features and adjustability
The Magpul weighs 11 oz. to the Spartan's 5 and most Harris bipods weigh around 12 or 13.
I never had a bipod on my deployments in theater, but i would think that a monopod would be sufficient enough while still being simple lightweight and soldier proof. Thanks for all you do InRange. Keep up the good work.
I finally became a patron to inrange and forgotten weapons
Thank you!
Ehh no biggie. You guys deserve it. 👍
I don't see a reason why the Harris frame could not be made with aluminium and legs with carbon fiber tubes. Naturally it needs slight engineering changes to allow for the different materials but that is doable imho.
Could be cost.
Just regular steel is a bunch cheaper than fiber or aluminium. At least when it comes to mass production. And if they got the machienry set up for the steel stuff, switching to Aluminium is not a overnight thing. I could of course be wrong, it was just the first thought which came to mind. I'm just assuming its some kind of steel though.
Machining aluminum is however, cheaper and easier, because it is softer than steel. Not an overnight changeover, but pretty darned quick, especially if you use 7075 instead of 6061. Unfortunately, 7075 costs quite a bit more per lb.
+Michael Smith
dirt quality aluminium (e.g unalloyed AL1040) is dirt cheap, proper aluminium alloys are always quite a bit more expensive, where-ever you life. In order to substitute a steel part for similar strength aluminium you or need to an aluminium alloy (and might still need some redesigning to counter stiffness issue's) or redesign and make everything 3 times as thick to get a similar strength as regular steel.
carbon fiber legs with aluminum frame for the Harris Is good idea
+Chemech the Harris is designed to support anything from stuff like the WWSD rifle to stupid stuff like M240s, 50 caliber rifles and other absurdly heavy weapons, it's bulk is intended to service all weapons it could be put under.
Thanks for the Saturday morning InRange video goodness! I really love this channel. Everything about it: the high production value, the humor, modern relevance, the historical investigations and the ALWAYS practical first focus. Thanks!
you are using some really good microphone in camera, i don't hear wind that much and it's nice to listen you in headphones :3
I started reading the comments and took a shot every time somebody suggested a GripPod. I'm not as drunk as I feared, but I'm more drunk than I should be. Shame on all of you.
:)
@@InrangeTv steinert neopod?
What's wrong with a Gripod?
@@Funhaus_Ryan Literally everything.
Im glad you guys don’t slam a product. You make sure people know that its good for other roles, just not the role you guys put it in. Thumbs up guys.
What about Spartan's other product the Spartan 300? From my understanding it folds and locks in a way that is closer to the functionality that the Harris provided for you.
Spartan also has the "Fulcrum Bipod" coming out in a few months that could work.
I own the 300 and ran it at Tiger Valley. It suffers from the same issues as the standard Spartan. I took it off my carbine and put it on my Ruger Scout.
Shouldn't be like the other way around - lightweight bipod stays on the rifle most of the time, while a heavier one is quick to remove and attach? So, like many guys already wrote - take the construction of Harris one as a base and develop it onto something much lighter.
Everyone will probably hate me but I'd recommend a utg recon flex bipod. They're solid but stagnant. Like 11oz or something. Affordable for a college student though.
Utg...
That's not much less than a Harris. The Spartan weighs just over 5 oz.
Great for airsoft!! 🔫
Your efforts are certainly appreciated, sharing them with us makes my shooting world a bit better :) Thanks guys!
Weren’t the Marines complaining about the “weakness” of the Harris on the M27? Beating up a bipod that was designed for use on long range precision rifles doesn’t seem to be the greatest idea anyway
Pablo Gappa Well the Marines kind of have a reputation for breaking everything. That's still a good point though, the Harris probably wasn't designed with maximum durability in mind.
ChaseTheStars I guess it’s an infantry thing... threre’s a TFB Video on the M27 where they enlighten the point quite detailed. ... maybe we should start making titanium bipods. But who wants to pay 400$+ for a bipod
The Harris is strong, however the Harris was never designed to be used as a SAW bipod.
Okay... the marines
@@aspenfacer-valentine4397 my cousin is a marine and he broke his own neck. Marines really do break everything
Thanks for a good, 'good and bad' video. The Spartan looks like a good unit to ride in a pouch until needed, like the old clip-on M16 bipod.
“Stamp of hubris”. Absolutely made me laugh out loud. Excellent choice of words.
Also very cool of you to explain the processes that go into this design. I have enjoyed this series immensely and I’m not a gun owner and I don’t want to become one. That’s a level of responsibility which I am not in a financial position to be in (safety classes, the gun itself and enough range time to become a safe gun-owner is just not in the cards currently); plus I live in California so there is that as well. But I love your content and feel I can learn a lot from watching the videos even as a non gun owner with no plans to become one.
Those cacti in the background are REALLY impressive (at least to me, a Northern European who lives nowhere near anything that could be remotely described as 'desert').
Same as the other comments here. Did you guys try a Atlas bipod yet? I've been wanting to try the non quick detach Atlas bipod (screw on variety) with a Kinetic Dev group quick Kinect mlok rail for a quick detach option without having to put a picatinny rail section on your handguard. That keeps everything clean on the handguard but should be a very fast on off operation.
What about a B&T Atlas Bipod?
That's what I was wondering did you consider the atlas bipod
Atlas is a great bipod. It is much slower to deploy when on the clock. Unless they have updated from the model I run.
Generally atlas is easier to “load” on a flat surface.
-Marky
They couldn't afford it
Same problem, they still are heavier then they need to be, they are built to hold crazy 20+ pound precision rifles if needed, so they are over built for the 5 pound WWSD build.
The Atlas is great on my 5.25lb 16” AR. I pop it on for bench shooting.
Presently I use a Weaver "tactical" bipod, very similar...if not identical...to the GG&G Standard XDS. Lightweight and sturdy, lots of adjustments and positive locking. The biggest caveat was needing to pull apart every connection and blue loctite them.
Definately not as bulky/weighty as a Harris, positive locking in positions, QD M1913 mounting, canting is tension adjustable, pans a bit right and left.
Apart from the weight, lower profile is the way forward for a bipod I think.
Top mounted so that the legs can be folded to the side, with rearward folding legs to move some of the weight towards the centre of balance.
I have struggled with this one. My latest solution (which is working very well so far, but needs more testing) is the Kinetic Development KINECT extended bipod mount. It goes onto your harris via the normal swing swivel mount, then just snaps in and out of your mlok slots. The first version had some problems, but the extended seems good to go (so far). I think I showed it to you briefly at Jan. 2GACM. Another interesting but untested possibility is the Heathen Assaulter bipod.
Tango Down bipod. It's polymer, so it's very light. The legs are rigid and stay open. The springs for the legs are internal so they can't be damaged or get dirty. Also, the legs fold backward under the rails but make a good hand grip. I use the folded legs as a fore grip and it really is comfortable. I don't know if they were designed to function that way when folded, but it seems so. The bipod has a pivot. Downsides are that the pivot is very limited. The buttons to release the legs to move forward are independent of each other and on opposite sides of the mounting, so it can be awkward to deploy quickly. Lastly, there's no quick release. When mounted, it's mounted. Still, I think you guys should check it out.
wonder why theres no simple rotating mlok bipods ala the famas. not saying it would be the nicest thing in the world but two mountable, aluminum rods on a pivot seems like it would be really lightweight. wonder if the MLOK slots just aren't up to the stress.
There are. Vltor makes them. They don’t swivel and thus are a no go for us.
Oh cool, didn't know. That's too bad. Sounds like its time for some InRange homebrewed designs.
The French always get it right!! Level tube magazine,Chauchat bipod, Mas 36 bayonet...
“Unrealistic expectation”. If the gun will only ever be used at matches (knock on wood) then match requirements are entirely realistic.
I use the Harris with the American Defense bipod swivel mount. It took a while for me to trim the fat while still having a premium bipod. It fits directly onto the “axel” and removes a lot of weight. It also reduces the space taken up on the rail. I just hope the firearms industry finally starts taking carbon fiber seriously for a lot more applications due to its strength and reduced weight.
try the UTG recon 360° bipod.
its about $55, 12 oz and has a tension adjustable heim/ball joint base with full 360° traverse, about 25° of cant and tilt .
the legs lock into 5 positions through a 180° arc, stow fore or aft, and telescope into 5 positions via a very sturdy lock lever.
its not spring loaded but its very versatile, solid and well made.
i have 3 of them on my go to rifles both 5.56 and 7.62.
id say its just capable of handling a lighter weight .338 lapua but id draw the line there.
its ideal for anything up to 18 lbs id say.
its a great bipod. looks good too.
check it out!
The Spartan weighs only 5 oz. so your suggestion is probably too heavy for them.
UTG has some great bipods actually. I have one on my lr308 it it has done really well. The "UTG New Gen Med Pro Shooters Bipod, Quick Detach, 6.2"-6.7"" should be around 10.5 oz and there is a "high" version that should be around 11.3 oz. There is also a UTG Rubber Armored Full Metal QD Bipod, Height 6.0"- 8.5" which might have better adjustments but I have not tried out that version personally.
The Spartan weighs only 5 oz. so you are still weighing almost what a Harris does.
Love the Atlas PSR Bipod. A lot heavier and much more expensive than the options you discussed. Great articles guys and love the T Shirts.
Leaper's UTG makes a very good light weight rail mount aluminum extending leg bi pod for cheap. It would be a great match for the WWSD rifle. Great series. Please continue "The Lever Action Operator" thought experiment and application.
Try an Mloc bi-pod. Attach one to each side of your rail. They can be mounted as far forward/backward as you want. The problem would be no traverse in it though.
Any chance of revisiting bipods for WWSD2020/2021?
I do think that you should revisit this video with the Magpul bipod. I'm loving mine, and I've hated bipods before.
Ian should have a close look at the NeoPod bipod, it is much lighter and more secure than this magnet weirdo thing, and just as quick. I love mine, and last used it to drop a deer at 200y.
It is seriously what you are describing which is wrong about the javelin bipod. Every bit of it is fixed with the NeoPod bipod. It is also made of lightweight carbon fiber like materials.
Go look it up, you will love it.
For anyone else looking too, the neopod is just about as expensive but a much better way to solve it.
Have you guys looked at the kinetic development group bipod mount? That looks a lot easier than those throw levers.
Maybe check out the Neopod. It’s ridiculously light (2.9 0z) and supposedly strong even with super heavy long range rifles.
Please do an episode on side mounting bipods such as the VLTOR ModPod and the UTG ReconFlex Bipod. Thanks!
You may want to check out a B &T Quick Detach Lightweight Bipod - it's a bit hard to find these days, but I think it ticks the boxes you're asking for.
I didn't read every comment to see if it was mentioned but the Atlas bipods are bomb proof. Definitely pricey, but that's kinda how it goes.
The What Would Stoner Do project is one of the most fascinating ideas on TH-cam (to someone like me). Thank you so much for doing it. I`ll stay away from magnetic bipods, though!
Not sure if anyone has ever given you this tip, but if you tie a piece of paracord between the legs of the harris when its open you only have to open or close one leg of the bipod and it will pull the other leg with it. It's what a lot of us IAR gunners would do for running ranges for ease of use with only your off hand and speed.
How about going retro and using the old Vietnam clap on bipod? It’s light, strong and works when needed and for the price cheap.
Drinking game for the entire WWSD project - drink every time you hear the word "weight".
lasted 4 minutes
Have you considered the Neo-pod, the Versa-pod or the Vertebrae Fusion Bipod?
I've copped a Smith Enterprise qd bipod and it seems solid enough, if heavy. Too heavy to keep on my light rifle. I'd like to see those blk lbl handguards explored a little more...
Are we going to get a bolt carrier group episode? New to rifles so I have no idea what to get
Inrange should take a look at NeoPod Bipod. Not sure if it have mount for that type pf guns but belive they have lots of mountsoption but its quite sturdy😁
Spartan apparently watched this video because as of October 2023 both models of the Javelin can lock the traverse function and the heavier "tactical" model can lock the legs open so they don't close on you.
i use magpods or ranger plates on my mags. lighter, it doesnt fall off, not bulky, and its still very stable
Cannot find a lot of info on the Magpul bipods
Based on the Atlas design but at less than half the cost. Weighs a little less than the Atlas (which is only marginally lighter than a Harris) but still twice what that Spartan bipod weighs.
Would the new magpul bipod potentially fix any of these problems?
It weighs twice the Spartan bipod and only marginally less than a Harris.
perhaps the lightweight bipod should be applied to the DMR rifle and the 'door kicker' one should do without one or use one of the monopod/bipod foregrip thingymabobs
I know this video is old now but on the offchance- you guys test out the newer Spartan 300 bipods? Wickedly expensive but seems to fit the bill between the Javelin and a Harris, at least in theory b
What about the new Magpul bipod?
For the Harris, have you checked out the KDG mount (the longer one)?
I've never been really down with bipods. I typically just shoot off my pack or aid bag.
Nice shirt Ian :)
The Harris bipod may be heavy by your standards but it's worth it's weight. Winchester also makes a Harris knock-off for around $30. The Harris is lighter than the carbon fiber units that I've tested of the same design.
Is there going to be a video about the ambi bolt catch you guys used on these rifles? Or did it happen and I missed it?
Hey Karl, I know in one reply to the many mentions of the Atlas you said it didn't suit the project goals. Was that the cost factor (knowing that if it did the job that wouldn't be a factor), or something else? Great detailed review.
Probably weight. Atlas bipods weigh more than twice that Spartan and not much less than a Harris.
I would check out the heathen systems assaulter bipod, seems to fit the bill perfectly.
No swivel...
Ah didn't even think of it.
What bolt carrier group do you guys use
That was the upper receiver(s) by Aero, the bolt group/assembly hasn't been covered yet in its own video :(
There is a new bipod that I recently heard about called the Heathen Assaulter Bipod. Though it is nowhere near the bipod of either of these two offerings, I feel like it much more closely aligns itself with the WWSD project ideas, Especially Ians. Also, It is 2.9oz. Perhaps something to more strongly consider that even though it lacks compared to a harris, it saves 10oz+
Lack of swivel means it’s not on our list.
You should take a look at the Heathen Assaulter bipod.
Ian Rockin the 90's shades
Maybe try the Voltor bi-pod it’s a two piece design you can set up to run with the bi-pod on the front of the hand guard or to the rear like on a dragonov
No swivel = no go.
How about the versa pod it is modular it tilts , pans, different feet available and can be put on and removed quickly. I run the Harris on my DMR AR it works great.
It is outside the WWSD concept but I would love to try the atlas 5-h but to big, heavy and costly.
I have a couple of questions that are probably dumb questions:
1) Is there anyone who makes the Harris bipod (or similar) but with some or all parts made out of carbon fiber? Or some other lightweight-version?
2) It only just occurred to me, but in photography monopods are a really great less-intensive, lighter-weight alternative to tripods. Are monopods for guns a thing for real use? Or only on some of the things Ian reviews on Forgotten Weapons? (although obviously we're not talking about tripods here, but I'm still curious.
What about the T-pod?
Weight's a ton, but it's still lighter than a Harris. Doesn't swivel on the azimuth, but the early ones did. Has a 6 level adjustment, individual for each leg. And doubles as a foregrip.
Mine's a chinese knockoff. The original one's probably not as awkward to fold back. But even the bootleg is built like a tank.
Weighs a ton makes it less appealing already.
Interesting. What bipod are the USMC now using for the M29 IAR? I understand that they have gone through several iterations.
Harris, I believe.
does someone make a harris style bipod with lightweight materials?
Great is on the super magnet, but I suspected something like this would happen.
A simple steel latch system would be far more reliable, and cheaper. And if you want to go *really* lightweight, you go with like magnesium or titanium alloy, maybe eve super steels (as they are *extremely* tough and durable, you can make them much thinner and "ordinary" steel and thus reduce weight).
But yeah. Certainly great for hunters, you need to walk to in the woods for extensive periods of time, and they can transport the bipod in a pocket and when the time comes, they just attach it.
I'm always up for new things and new technologies, but sometimes the tech just isn't mature enough, or might be a little too far fetched. :D
Great vid..
I also hav a collection of cacti, so I love ur guys background on these vids.
I think ya'll should look into a different carbon bi pod, the ideas there its just exicusion was not the best for your needs. sadly expensive to try them all. currently have a top mount aluminum bipod CADed up just weighting on college to finish to start development. should be quite an awesome Bi pod in 6065-T6
The better solution would be a B&T Atlas, problem is they are hefty pricewise.
I think the Spartan are more money than Atlas, definitely in the UK and Spartan are made over here.
Atlas weighs more than twice the Spartan.
I have been on and off looking for a bipod for many years. I have not really found something right for me yet. Might have to make one.
Just make a modern version of the FAL bipod, it folded away nicely.
What about a QD mounted PSR Atlas (BT46-LW17 PSR)?
What do you guys think about the new magpul bi pod coming this summer?
Nothing, I haven’t used it yet.
Guys question I was out shooting today 1e time, so I got to shoot a mauser converted to shoot 30.06 do you know how many and why they have done that
That harris makes such a satisfying noise
Have you looked into the Atlas Bipod or the VLTOR ModPod?
Yes. Neither work for our intended goals.
Really? What didn't you like about the Atlas? From what I've read, It seems like it has all of the benefits of the Harris but half the weight (and 5x the cost)
gebeme11 from my end the Atlas is only around 10% lighter than that Haris but is significantly slower to deploy. I've also heard, but I can't attest to the credibility of it, that the added articulation of the Atlas is a potential weakness.
D-Wreck I’ve used the Atlas on 2 M14’s and an M110 on 3 deployments and never had a problem I have broken a Harris though. The extra articulation has been very beneficial though. My atlas has taken a serious beating jumps, Air Assaults, slides down mountains been in two IEDs which killed the M110 and numerous other things. I still us it on my M1a while competing and hunting as well. Just my personal experience but it’s been an outstanding bipod and I’m sure I could kill it but I think it would be hard without trying and it took more of a beating than any other bipod I have owned.
It seems like if you reconfigured how the magnetic attachment works, you could have it perform the same function as a spring, where it could move out of alignment and then return to center.
i feel the weight of every engineer looking at that and thinking of seven different ways to fix it. not the least of it using a rotating spring to keep it centered while having give and tension and a spring open mechanism to keep it flexed when deployed. would cost an oz of weight and make the whole thing intuitive.
That like to dislike ratio is amazing
Thank you for doing the test.
It's a shame that the modern, lightweight bipod isn't really refined enough to be acceptable for rugged use or the military.
And, well, the Harris seems a bit bulkier and heavier than it needs to be, these days. I mean, a Harris made out of carbon fiber would probably be substantially lighter.
That said, there is something interesting about the carbon fiber bipod: it's so light, compact, and easy/quick to attach or detach, that you could theoretically attach and detach it as needed in the middle of a firefight, provided you had some kind of holster or sling for it on your belt/vest.
Take a look at RPS titanium bipod. Ore evo bipods
It sure would be awesome if someone made a Stoner 63 skeletonized bipod with the Harris mount and springs.
Did you consider a vertical grip/bipod combo?
I’ve used them extensively before and think they’re junk, to be honest.
attach the harris to one of those qd m lok rail sections
Nice shirt Ian!
Good audio :D and MAGNETS!
Karl looking fit, good job bro!
plz add a link to the "other" bipod
Does this WWSD series plan on including testing of 60rnd magazines?
Funny you mention that. We have the WWSD video about magazines releasing tomorrow. ~K
Unfortunately it's not on TH-cam but I know full30 has it.
I felt a sudden urge to hug the big cactus next to Karl... :v
All the mods you bring up roughly describe an Atlas:-)
Except the Atlas weighs about the same as a Harris.
You think that betrays the WWSD concept? Heck, mine is gonna have a forward assist, Faxon 16in GUNNER profile barrel, standard front sight tower and a steel rear sight. Would prefer those things were made out of titanium, but nobody does. Finding a carbon fiber handguard to accommodate the standard front sight without dremel work was a royal PAIN.
Need a light bipod that works well. in my old age it's getting harder to sit crosslegged a bipod that mounts directly into the M-LOC of my CC MRR would be cool... save me from having to put a tiny piece of rail on the 6-oclock of it.
EDIT: is it this easy? what's the catch?? www.midwayusa.com/product/101960511/caldwell-accumax-premium-bipod-keymod-m-lok-mount-black
I rewatching this and I realized that the ideal bipod they described is the Spartan 300 model. Its beaucoup expensive though.
I'm really surprised you guys didn't try an Atlas bipod. They're much nicer than a Harris, while being just as secure and durable, yet lighter.
The Atlas weighs 12 oz. to a Harris's 13. The Spartan weighs 5.