Bipod ?

[dgfavor]

I have an N=1 for sheep hunting experience but I was set up with a Rokstedi P242 bipod, practiced a ton thru the summer from prone, to kneeling, to seated, to angled sidehills, to steep downhill, to steep uphill. I had my day pack set up with one large batwing that popped right off in two snaps and made for a great rear bag. Totally dialed...then when it was gametime and we were moving in to close the deal I forgot the bipod. As it turned out I had a 60yd offhand standing shot that I practiced zero times!






Fortunately the setup is not unique to sheep hunting and I did get opportunity to use it on a whitetail at 216yds from sitting position and rear gun resting on top of my bino harness which I'd set the height on for just such an occasion.

 

[jpengel]

For the past few hunts I have carried a Spartan Bipod, not totally sure if I would use it but wanted the optionality for any potential shooting scenario and 'better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it'.

I really liked the idea of the Spartan. After using it on a few stalks it was one more thing to think about it and add to get set up, slowing me down. I was also not a fan of how much slop is in the connection point and the adjustable legs, too much wobble on your point of aim/impact. (this may not apply to a fixed bipod on the rifle but those can be heavier).

This September I left the bipod behind and took the mollinator pillow from UM. It was about 4-5oz lighter than the bipod set up. Throw it down and that's it. No added wobble zone acquiring target, no extra forces induced into the rifle. And it doubles as a wonderful glassing pillow. The only downside is that it takes up some volume in the pack.

 

[OMB]

So do you carry a bipod on your rifle sheep hunting? I use to believe in them but most of my hunting now I’ve carried shooting stix that is an adjustable trigger walking stick that I love but know that may not be practical for a sheep hunt. I do have the Wiser Precision adapter for my walking stix on the way. If you do…. What make and model do you have? What has that done to your rifle weight?

Where are you going to be hunting and what ranges are you comfortable with? How comfortable are you with whatever bipod you're shooting with, and not off a bench?

Lots of good suggestions in this thread, but I'd rather shoot off a pack. There's a bomber Dall ram that died of old age because there's a person out there that insisted on deploying the bipod on a 90 yard shot.

 

[ColeyG]

Being set up to shoot off of your tripod that you’ll have with you anyway is the key. Much more versatile than a bipod as you can shoot away from steep slopes or in really awkward terrain.

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Agreed.

 

[USMCret]

Where are you going to be hunting and what ranges are you comfortable with? How comfortable are you with whatever bipod you're shooting with, and not off a bench?

Lots of good suggestions in this thread, but I'd rather shoot off a pack. There's a bomber Dall ram that died of old age because there's a person out there that insisted on deploying the bipod on a 90 yard shot.

I hunt all over but my sheep hunting will be Alaska. As my tag says, I’m a retired Marine and more than comfortable shooting LONG ranges. I don’t want to necessarily quote a specific distance because they are all dependent on the circumstances and variables of each situation. I’m sure you are aware of that but I understand you asking the question. I am capable of sub MOA shooting. I’m really interested in how many actually use a bipod and is it worth the weight added to a rifle vs using a scope tripod that you would have or using walking stix or even your pack. Thanks for the help

 

[Matt W.]

Being set up to shoot off of your tripod that you’ll have with you anyway is the key. Much more versatile than a bipod as you can shoot away from steep slopes or in really awkward terrain.

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Nice setup Ben!

 

[7layerburrito]

I killed my sheep off a Spartan bipod but found that a lot of the fun of prepping for that hunt in particular was getting comfortable with a variety of setups, pack, top of the pack, off rocks, off an Argali trekking pole, and feeling fluid enough that I could pick whichever one fit the moment. I don't think any bipod by itself is a cheat code to precision, but one you like and gives you confidence is definitely a plus.

One more thing I would practice or consider is the move from hiking to deploying the bipod -- I keep mine in the front thigh pocket of a my pants and it's just become automatic to grab it if I feel like the situation is right.

Enjoy your hunt!

 

[Theringworm]

Never sheep hunted but have mtn goat hunted. I took a Cykepod double pull and it was a life saver. The angle I had to shoot from was so steep upwards that without a tall enough bipod of some sort it would have been very difficult. Yes, shooting off a tripod or trekking poles would be possible as well, though I am less comfortable with that set up. The cykepod is heavy, but I wouldn’t go without it. Since I bought it the Gunwerks bipod is the only other one I feel is a strong contender. The new MDT Mtn and Backcoutry bipods are lighter but, less solid and not as tall as the double pull I have or the Gunwerks. I think the Gunwerks is a home run imo.