5 Tips for Using a Bipod at the Shooting Range
- Daniel Defense
- May 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12, 2024
Are you struggling to improve your shot groups with your 308 AR at the range? It might be time to try a bipod. From hunting to range shooting, the bipod has been used for more than a century to help shooters stabilize their rifles and improve their accuracy. Knowing how to use a bipod correctly can help you better control your rifle and help you shoot more accurately. Here are a few tips to know.
Make Sure to Install the Bipod Correctly
Correctly installing a bipod is the obvious first step. Check if your AR15 upper receiver has Picatinny, keymod, or M-LOK, and attach a corresponding mount adapter. Some rifles already feature a swivel stud. The trick is placement, as the bipod should not be too far forward or too far back on the rail. If you feel any slack or play in the bipod when bracing it against something, it means there’s slack in your shooting. Make sure you have a tight, secure, balanced fit.
Fixed vs. Twisting Bipods
Some bipods are static, either deployed and fixed or tucked away against the rifle. Twisting bipods, however, give you more options for mounting your rifle. Think of using a branch of a tree while hunting. Being able to brace at odd angles can be beneficial in many cases. A fixed bipod is likely the best choice if you are just shooting at the range. However, if you need a bipod for shooting out in the field, you might need more flexibility, making a twisting or tilting bipod the better option for you.
Brace Against a Softer Surface
You might think the bipod attached to your Block 2 M4 should be braced on a hard bench. This won’t actually mitigate recoil, as the bipod will slide on the hard surface. Using soft dirt is better as the bipod can dig into the dirt for additional stability. It’s not uncommon to dig your own holes for the bipod, which can reduce recoil and help you with better, faster follow-up shots.
Emphasize Cheek Weld and Trigger Pull
Cheek weld and trigger pull are both important factors in precision shooting. However, it can be difficult to maintain both when shooting with a bipod. You need to keep pressure against the bipod. “Loading” the bipod so it doesn’t move when you fire while maintaining your cheek weld can be tricky. Make sure to practice it before going hunting or shooting in a competition. You also need to squeeze the trigger gently, all while keeping the rifle and bipod steady. It can take some getting used to, but once you have these principles down, you should see your accuracy improve.
Don’t Shoot Too Many Rounds Too Quickly
While you’re probably excited to fire off a dozen rounds with your new bipod attached, less is more when it comes to sharpshooting. Shooting a few rounds in short succession causes the barrel to heat up and expand, reducing overall accuracy. Keep the rifle in place and the bipod “loaded” so you are still ready to shoot, but let the barrel cool down between each shot. Take your time, control your breathing, and focus on the target before firing a second shot.
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Original Source: https://bit.ly/3WZJ54O
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