Gentlemen,
Do you know any alternative to Harris bi-pods?
And the second question:
Any experience with Defiance/Templar action? Trying to configure light weight walking rifle for long range shots in NZ. Different shooting positions, 7 mm RemMag, synthetic stock.

I shoot the Atlas on personal guns and the Harris on my work guns. I prefer the Atlas.

7mm,

Please tell me what is the difference between the two bi pods.

I can buy Harris in South Africa but will have to import an Atlas.

I have seen on a lot of forums that guys preffer the Atlas.

Thanks,

Atlas looks like "too many levers". How you deal with that?

I use an atlas. It has just enough play that if I load it forward it will rock back with recoil then return and I can spot the impact. Some of the others will drag the feet with recoil and usually sink deeper. The atlas legs are not infinitely adjustable, but the mount pivots so I can get the length I want close then just tilt the rifle so it's level. It's not as quick to use as some. I've seen people put a cord on the two legs of a harris so they can pull the cord and flip down both legs quickly. For long range I think the atlas is good. It can handle a heavy rifle, and for long range the extra setup/adjustment time is not usually a problem because you already have to figure wind, drop, consider the terrain, etc.

A good set of shooting sticks might be about the same weight and prove more useful. Some are collapsible, and the top short part can be used prone.

There are a few titanium actions available now, and one of those would save some weight.

Thanks. Really helpful

And Russian, check your point of impact with the bi-pod compared to any zero shot off bags on a bench rest.

Bigger calibres such as 7mm Magnum will have significant POI changes, especially with a fibreglass stock. Laminate stocks tend to be more forgiving, but are heavier.

quote:

Originally posted by Blair 338RUM:
And Russian, check your point of impact with the bi-pod compared to any zero shot off bags on a bench rest.

Bigger calibres such as 7mm Magnum will have significant POI changes, especially with a fibreglass stock. Laminate stocks tend to be more forgiving, but are heavier.

I fully agree. Also, I don't want to use Remington action on the rifle. What do you think about Saco action or Defiance/Templar action? Defiance is also Remington but I heard it is a modified one.

I'm going to try a Defiance Tactical action for my next PRS rifle. Right now I use Remington and Pierce actions.

I like the Atlas because it is more versatile and the legs will never accidentally spring on me like a Harris. I can't tell you how many times I have had a Harris get bumped and the leg springs out an extra notch. The Atlas collets prevent that.

I also like that I can tension the pan/tilt without a lever. I also, as stated above, find I recover better with an Atlas than a Harris.

That Atlas is also modular and can be adapted for length and feet applications. Instead of owning several Harris bipods one could own one Atlas with parts to modify it if one needed. I don't do that, I just shoot it as is and if I need more height I shoot from a tripod.

That said I have shot Harris for about 8 years in combat and competition and they work just fine. If it's what is given to me I'm fine with them but if I'm paying I'll buy Atlas.

Thanks. Atlas then. On action I couldn't find good advise. Thinking between Saco and Defiance.

quote:

Originally posted by Russian:

quote:

Originally posted by Blair 338RUM:
And Russian, check your point of impact with the bi-pod compared to any zero shot off bags on a bench rest.

Bigger calibres such as 7mm Magnum will have significant POI changes, especially with a fibreglass stock. Laminate stocks tend to be more forgiving, but are heavier.

I fully agree. Also, I don't want to use Remington action on the rifle. What do you think about Saco action or Defiance/Templar action? Defiance is also Remington but I heard it is a modified one.

I'd go with Defiance.

My gunsmith has done a few builds on them, says they are the best of the bunch. By FAR.

Thanks. How defiance different from the straight out of the box remington?

Tolerances are much, much tighter. Primary extraction is fantastic compared to a Remington. Integral recoil lug, Sako extractor and just the overall finish, which is great.

I'll go for it then

You will not be sorry.