Bi-pod Mounting Logic?

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  • DoggyDaddy

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    It seems like I see most rifles that have a folding bipod, have it folding toward the muzzle end of the rifle. That seems counter-intuitive to me. The recoil of the rifle is going to be toward the rear of the rifle, meaning the force exerted on the pivot point of the bipod woud be going in the path of least resistance - the "unlock" position.

    It seems to me that it should fold up to the rear of the rifle, so that the recoil of the rifle would just be forcing it into the "locked" position.

    What am I missing?
     

    d.kaufman

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    Mar 9, 2013
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    I mount mine so they fold towards the muzzle as well. On a few of my rifles having them fold towards the stock would hinder the ability to grab the underside of the stock. Thats the main reason i mount them the way i do. Never had one blow open when not in use and shooting from a standing position.
     

    phylodog

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    Your body prevents the rifle from moving to the rear, not the bipod. I get what you're saying in theory but (for me) shooting from a bipod means I'm "loading" the bipod so the legs need to fold to the front to handle the pressure I'm putting on the rifle.
     

    Goodcat

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    Forward and load bipod, or don’t. Whatever you do, do it consistently, all the time. Either direction isn’t going to affect much of anything if all else is correct in your shot. Loading should be SLIGHT if used, enough that either direction should work. Just enough to not get a skip if bipod feet are on a smooth surface.
     

    Ggreen

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    Your recoil will never overcome the lock up of even a cheap bipod. Your shoulder loading the butt stock will fold one up quick. Also it's nearly impossible to get a good foregrip with a bipod folded backwards.

    I'm firmly in the loaded bipod camp. From every shooting position I have got myself into I can load up the rifle consistently. Unloaded has only proven useful on a bench.
     

    phylodog

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    Either direction isn’t going to affect much of anything if all else is correct in your shot. Loading should be SLIGHT if used, enough that either direction should work. Just enough to not get a skip if bipod feet are on a smooth surface.

    Respectfully disagree. While I wholeheartedly agree with being consistent I have also found that all rifles aren't the same and while some will shoot fine with light loading others will not.
     

    red_zr24x4

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    Your body prevents the rifle from moving to the rear, not the bipod. I get what you're saying in theory but (for me) shooting from a bipod means I'm "loading" the bipod so the legs need to fold to the front to handle the pressure I'm putting on the rifle.

    This
     

    rhino

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    Your body prevents the rifle from moving to the rear, not the bipod. I get what you're saying in theory but (for me) shooting from a bipod means I'm "loading" the bipod so the legs need to fold to the front to handle the pressure I'm putting on the rifle.

    This (and phylodog is a subject matter expert).

    Proper use of a bipod includes the forward pressure.
     

    rob63

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    DD, I have often wondered the same thing. I'm glad you asked, I learned something useful on INGO today!
     
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