Long-range shooting has its own set of challenges and without proper gear, it can do a number on you. The level of accuracy required in long-range shooting needs you to have stability from all angles if you are to make any lethal shot. A rifle bipod for long-range shooting is an important accessory to have in your arsenal.
Shooting off sandbags or other forms of rest is good more so if your target is immobile but wait until they start to move and you are forced to haul that bag around.
A scope on a rifle is good but combining the two with a bipod is better. You will move from shaky to steady quickly. A bipod is an essential tool for any marksman that gives stability for accuracy in shots, especially in moving targets.
To achieve this, you will need the best rifle bipod you can get which is why we compiled a list of the things you will need to look for when getting one and more importantly why you need to get it in the first place.
Why Use a Rifle Bipod
Owning a bipod has numerous benefits that include:
- Enables hunting from a fixed position
- Incomparable added stability to the rifle
- Accuracy in long-range shots as they increase forward focus
- Wide movement range with some models giving even 360 degrees sideways, up, or down rotation
- Easier to carry around as they are lightweight
7 Best Rifle Bipod for Long-Range Shooting
Whether for sport shooting, tactical shooting, or hunting a good rifle bipod should feature some of these aspects. So, what are the best rifle bipods for long-range shooting? Let’s check them out
#1) Leapers UTG Shooter’s Bipod
Leapers UTG Shooter’s Bipod features a body constructed out of high-tech long-lasting aluminum. The use of aluminum promises it will withstand recoil force. The construct holds long rifles comfortably in position and those using it for target shooting find it the best rifle bipod in achieving accuracy for ranges between 100 to 600 yards.
When you check for compatibility, you will be pleased to find that this rifle bipod has dual mounting; the Picatinny mount combined with the Swivel Stud mount. If you are a fan of paintball, you must have noticed the Picatinny rails are a common feature in paintball markers.
The Swivel Stud addition introduces the aspect of panning so you can easily move your firearm from left to right as you focus on mobile targets.
The legs extend for adjustability to fit the point of aim. They also have rubber caps to enhance stability. To strongly hold in place after adjusting height, the bipod is made with the addition of a unique Posi-lock.
The legs are at 6.2 to 6.7-inch height which is useful for hunting but if you are dealing with a rifle carrying a magazine you might find this height impracticable for use. However, looking at the price it is an affordable choice that has the most essential features you will need for long-range shooting.
Main Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 7x4x3
- Mounting: Picatinny and Swivel Stud mount
- Height: 2”-6.7”
- Buttons: Posi-lock
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy attachment
- Comes with dual mounting
- Durable aluminum construction that withstands recoil and tough hunting terrains
- Adjustable rubber feet
- A lightweight rifle bipod
Cons
- Not suitable for rifles with magazines
- Wobbles a little in the fold joints
#2) Atlas BT46 NC and LW17 PSR Atlas Bipods
What makes Atlas BT46 NC and LW17 PSR Atlas Bipods rank highly among the best rifle bipod for long-range shooting is their sturdy construction. Their manufacture encompasses strong 6061-T6 aluminum with reinforced 7075-T6 aluminum inner legs to make the bipod as stable as possible.
Being heat-treated alloys, they allow comfortable use even in harsh environments. To enhance stability, the bipod’s outer leg does not rotate around the inner leg. With these bipods, the rubberized legs can assume five different positions that can be quickly set by the use of either hand.
The legs go from 5 to 9 inches. For long-range shooting, accuracy is a must which is why with this rifle bipod, preload pan and cant is at 30 degrees for each to enable moving the firearm in relation to the object for preciseness.
There is the addition of a knurled knob for tightening into position. Picatinny rail mount interface is a pleasant addition to make mounting a breeze for ARMS17S lever mount or standard screw fastener-based clamp styles.
Fore and aft motion is controlled by the pivot limiting bosses. At 13.6 ounces, setting up and stowing it with other hunting gear is made very easy.
Main Features
- Material: 6061-T6 and 7075-T6 aluminum
- Weight: 6 ounces
- Leg Position: 5 positions; 0,45,90,135,180 degrees
- Mounting: Picatinny rail mount
- Pan: Preload 30 degrees
- Cant: Preload 30 degrees
- Leg Style: Independent
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Contains five different leg positions
- Uses strong aluminum for durability
- Easy to set up and use
- Can withstand harsh environments and has rubberized legs to enhance stability
Cons
- Is a bit highly-priced when compared to other rifle bipod brands
#3) Harris Engineering S-BRM Hinged Base 6 – 9-Inch Bipod
This is by far one of the best rifle bipods for long-range shooting with huge percentage popularity among shooters. Harris bipods are what you could simply define as the standard against which other rifle bipods are compared.
In case you do not understand the hype and are left wondering why the Harris Bipods, here are a few reasons to justify the craze for these bipods and with our focus being on the Harris Engineering S-BRM Hinged Base 6 – 9-Inch Bipod.
When you find yourself on the clock when sport shooting or trying to get a hold of a fast-moving target, the legs unfold quickly. The notched leg style helps with easy adjustments. The hinged base with tension adjustment possibility has your rifle fixed in position because wobbling will have you missing a perfect shot.
The recoil in some rifles can be too much on some bipods but not this one as it comes with buff springs to form great resistance especially at the crotch area of the bipod. The buff springs also eliminate looseness to keep the rifle firmly pointed on the area of aim.
Sling swivel stud enables attachment to the sling. The swivel tension lever associated with this bipod will help you move about your firearm for better aim.
Harris Engineering S-BRM Hinged Base 6 – 9-Inch Bipod combines aluminum and steel strength to deliver durable service over long periods. Steel is used in the construction of critical parts. This explains why the Harris rifle bipod models have been used by the military over the years.
Main Features
- Weight: 13oz
- Dimensions: 5
- Height: 6-9 inches
- Mount: Swivel Stud
- Leg action: Spring-loaded
- Material: Aluminum alloy and steel
Pros
- Robust durable construct
- Deploys are easily enabled by quickly adjustable feet
- Buff springs for strength against recoil and looseness
- Hinged based for tension adjustment
- Spring-loaded legs make adjustments fast even when using one hand
- Swivel tension lever for better accuracy in shots
Cons
- Harris bipods may need little addition of other products to match the customization you need when setting it up. That is, Harris is quite slow on innovations therefore if you want it to match some newly present item in the market that you added to your gear collection you may need to purchase an item to bridge that gap.
#4) HBLS Harris Bipod
This is the next popular rifle bipod from Harris and it is a game-changer in long-range shooting. The exciting feature of this bipod is how the springs retract to allow extension of the legs which feature a 9 to 13-inch adjustment allowance.
The legs have a notched design that forms an ‘M’ sort of appearance that allows the legs to be adjusted at equal heights and to avoid overcorrecting when making slight adjustments. Swivels are availed to compensate for uneven terrains you may come across when hunting.
The absence of panning may be a turn-off to some firearm owners but if you do not mind working with the tilts only then this will do. The tilting without necessarily adjusting leg height is critical in getting perfect shots for long ranges. Its sturdy robust design guarantees zero wobblings so rest assured you are setting a new record.
Main Features
- Height: 9-13”
- Leg Action: spring-loaded function
- Canting: Enabled
- Panning: No
- Mount: Swivel stud
Pros
- Spring-loaded leg function
- Ideal for use on uneven terrain and long-range shooting
- Sturdy robust compact design
- Ultra-lightweight
- Zero wobblings during shooting
- Quick attachment and detachment of rifle
Cons
- Eliminates panning
- It may require an adapter to fit on a Picatinny rail
#5) Caldwell XLA Pivot Bipod with Adjustable Notched Legs
Judging from its name, this is a pivot bipod made to suit long-range shoots and hunts. It encompasses the use of a sling swivel stud to hold your rifle firmly when shooting. It is the best rifle bipod you can get for a tight budget.
This bipod has a slim profile made from aluminum and comes with rubber feet along with a non-marring padded surface on the base to protect the front area. Use is as easy as pushing a button to release the legs when you want to use and folding up when you want to store or transport.
The bipod offers you an 18-degree bidirectional cant with the upper and lower parts of the bipod pivot moving independently of each other to enable quick leveling on uneven ground. This model comes with a sling stud for easy swivel stud mounts.
Main Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Height: 6-9, 9-13, 13.5-27 and 13-23 inches
- Mount: Swivel Stud
- Legs: Spring-loaded
- Cant: 18-degrees bidirectional
Pros
- Slim lightweight design
- Rubber feet to balance out on rugged surfaces and stabilized shots
- Easy to attach
- Comes in four different heights
- Offers five leg positions
Cons
- May cause rifle fall off from time to time
#6) UTG Heavy Duty Recon 360 Bipod
To strike a good balance between price and reliable performance, UTG Heavy Duty Recon 360 Bipod is the best rifle bipod to get for long-range shooting. The hallmark of this bipod is its ability to tilt and rotate 360 degrees hence the ‘Recon 360’title.
With this feature, you will be able to move your gun to focus on the target without having to let go of it or lifting it off the bipod. To ensure you do not go overboard on height correction, Recon 360 features two adjustment screws that customize flexibility on movement depending on the aim of the firearm.
The bipod has a fluted leg design with the legs assuming five different positions and is easily replaceable to the original position using the finger-friendly posi-lock buttons. Attachment is easy using Picatinny rail and swivel stud kit options.
To add to its uniqueness is the offhand Picatinny deck that is moved away from the center of the bipod to allow freehand movement during offhand shots. On the mount base, you find a square steel cross bolt that adds to the overall strength of the bipod. It is one of the best rifle bipods for long-range shooting to use for tactical shooting and saves you fatigue during hunts.
Main Features
- Height: 59-7 inches
- Material: Steel
- Mount: Picatinny and Swivel Stud
- Panning: 360 degrees
- Legs: Flute design with Spring-loaded function
Pros
- 360 degrees rotating and tilting design
- Two adjustment screws for customized adjustments
- Has five possible poi-lock positions
- Comes with a swivel stud adaptor and user manual
- Leg design renders it ultra-light
- Easy to attach and detach
Cons
- Some users experience adjustment issues
#7) GG&G XDS-2 Tactical Bipod
Thanks to its extremely rugged construction renders it much sturdier than others in its category and the best rifle bipod to use in rough terrains. You will love its quick tool-less installation process together with the beautiful matte finish.
The bipod has a silent spring lock that supports height adjustments. The leg height adjustment is given in two options: 45 degrees leg forward position or straight down position at a minimum 6-inch height. This will allow you to shoot well on any ground you come across.
The Picatinny mounting rails support the mounting of most rifles but you may need other rail attachments in case your rifle fails to mount. For instance, if you need to attach to a key mod rail, you will need a Picatinny rail adaptor or GG&G’s key mod bipod mount.
Pros
- Durable rugged construction
- Easy installation
- Silent spring lock for height adjustment
- Two height adjustment options
- Beautiful matte finish
- Ideal for long-range sport shooting
Cons
- Extends up to 9 inches therefore not ideal for shooters looking to go higher than that in height
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How to Choose the Best Rifle Bipod for Long-Range Shooting
Construct
A good rifle scope for long-range hunting should not move. By movement, we mean that the bipod should only be movable when you are folding it up for carrying as you move about otherwise the construct of it should not allow it to move when the rifle is mounted on it.
The more stable the bipod is the more accurate a shot you will get. The material used should be strong enough to stay tolerant to rough affair shooting. Most brands go for aircraft-grade aluminum, others steel others settle on a cocktail of the two metals.
It should also be light in weight while still providing much-needed strength to the rifle it supports. Having a lightweight bipod makes it easy for you to carry it around.
Leg length and Size
Bipods come in different leg lengths and sizes from which you choose based on your needs and style of shooting. A good rifle bipod should have adjustable leg length heights and a quickly responsive one every time you need to move it up or down.
Adjustability usually helps in setting up the bipod in uneven terrain. The leg length also dictates the height so you should go for one that fits shooting in long ranges.
Read: Best Long-Range Nightforce Scopes
Panning and Canting
Panning allows the bipod left and right movement which helps focus on moving target while canting gives up and down bipod movement without the need to adjust the height. A good bipod should contain this feature.
Attachment
Depending on the rifle you use, there are different accessories to assist in fitting the rifle on the bipod. They are a great tool for when height and position adjustment are needed. Picatinny and swivel stud mounts feature in most bipods.
Some bipods come with mounting accessories to fit a rifle in place especially when its construct does not go with the one on the bipod.
Adaptability
A good rifle bipod should have the ability to hold almost all rifle types and sizes. So, whether you have a collection of small or large rifles, a single bipod should suffice.
However, if you find this difficult to achieve you always have the liberty to choose a bipod that is designed to match your rifle rather than going for a one-fits-all design.
Budget
The cost of a bipod depends on its features and usage. High-quality bipods are not cheap and as much as you want to make a saving, a cheap bipod may not give you desired durability, stability, and reliance
Read: Best Riflescopes for Beginners
Best Rifle Bipod for Long Range Shooting FAQs
Q: What Exactly is a Rifle Bipod?
A rifle bipod is a V-shaped sort of attachment that is portable and is used as an accessory during shooting to steady a gun to achieve a perfect shot. It also helps you not have to support full gun weight as you hunt.
Q: Are Rifle Bipods Universal?
If we go by the strict definition of the word universal then no, bipods are not universal. However, with the many attachment options available any rifle can attach to a given bipod.
Q: What are The Benefits of a Pivoting Bipod?
Pivoting bipods are mainly beneficial when it comes to tracking moving targets because you do not need to lift the rifle together with the bipod to have it in position.
Conclusion
Finding the best rifle bipod for long-range shooting is no easy task especially with a market teeming with different brands to choose from. The most important thing is to check out the specifications and how best they suit your needs.
We did some of the heavy lifting for you and with a selection of any bipod on our list, we are sure you will not get disappointed. These rifle bipods are of the highest quality and provide great value.