I am considering a bipod for a couple of rifles of mine... Generally I would be using them for hunting and would normally be in a sitting position... At the same time I would want to do my site in and general range shooting with it in order to be completely comfortable with it..

Any suggestion you guys might have for brands and models would be greatly appreciated... Any pros or cons to having a bipod on a rifle is equally as important...

Ken....

I like the Harris S25c for a sitting bipod.

Ken,
I tried the Harris bi-pod's and liked the design and functionality. I have since sold all three that I had for two reasons -

1. They are an encumberance on the gun and not at all handy for shooting off hand. They are bulky and heavy as well.

2. I started using shooting sticks. They are easy, light and out of the way.

The Harris bi-pod is the best in my opinion, however, I won't be using them anymore due to having found something that works better for me.

yup just what dogcat said

The Harris bipod is fine for someone that has a stand and a specific place he shoots(alley).

Other than that I far prefer to find someother kind of rest.....trees work great!!!

The polecat shooting sticks are way more versatile. You don't have to fight them on uneven ground, etc. plus you can use them offhand.

I've used a bipod for some Antelope hunts where they were "fairly" handy but not perfect, if shooting steep uphill or down you may be at a real dis advantage with a bipod (can't get the gun pointed low or high enough because the terrain is too steep, or messing around with the bipod setting it up while the animal is making off into the timber). All of my other game hunting is not conducive to bipods or shooting sticks at all and I find that lots of practice shooting off your butt and using your sling are the very best. That coupled with lots of practice shooting over your backpack and makeshift rests and for me that beats the hell out of any stick or pod ever made.
My son learned these lessons first hand this year, he practiced all summer with a bipod and became "bipod dependant", wouldn't listen to his dad who told him not all shots can be made with that thing on your gun. He learned and weaned his self off that thing and ended up killing his first buck this year laying prone in the snow and his first bull elk shooting over my upright backpack while seated in the snow.

Very good information guys.. I was almost guessing that they might be a hinderance at times... Though I might consider some sticks as the areas we tend to hunt is generally somewhat open and available tree stumps or branches are far and few between... We don't have to hike far enough to need the backpack but I guees I could consider carrying it...

At the same time I guess I could consider buying a bipod and see how it works for my hunting situation and if it doesn't suite me I can simply not use it... Almost too many considerations, course I could just continue the way I have and just use my sling ..

Thanks again guys... Any additional opinions are welcome...

Ken....

I bought a "Snipe Pod" which I really like if I have time to set up for a long shot ( spot & stalk Pronghorn or Coues deer)

The one I have is for sitting or kneeling.

I like the wieght - about 6oz. - and it is made like tent poles, aluminum tubes with bungee cords inside - folds up into a belt case about 8 inches long.

Unlike the harris type bipod you dont keep it on the rifle all the time - it just snaps on when you need it.

My daughter uses the B-Square Roto-tilts with just enough leg extensions to make for comfortable sitting. She leaves the legs extended all the time, but tucked forward, and just plops down, pulls the legs down and is ready to go. Her rifle is light, so the extra weight is not an issue. That is the way she wants to go until she gets better off-hand.

Stoney Point Polecat. Great tool for walking, shooting and glassing--especially glassing. I tried bipods and didn't like them but this Polecat is something I don't leave camp without any more. Sitting or standing, resting a rifle or binoculars it's a winner. Also handy as a light walking stick.

Did I meniton I like it?

I've used the Harris brand and don't like them. I think these are better:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=132109

Read the customer reviews. I'm not alone.

Learn to shoot sitting with a shooting sling and you won't need anything - you will also be a lot steadier. I am totally confident out to 600 yards unless the wind is strong. Then I use a Harris sitting bipod, which I carry in my daypack. A Harris bipod with a shooting sling (I have written about the technique before) is the absolute steadiest shooting position in the field - better than anything short of a benchrest.