I don't know about you guys with Harris Bipods, but I have found that mine are generally satisfactory. Having said that, there has always been one thing that nags me about them - the swivel stud mount. It just seems inherently inadequate for the task of holding a pair of 6 - 18" levers to the bottom of my rifles.
Further, in order to accommodate the stud mount, I've had to either add swivel stud adaptors to my black guns, adding unwanted height or, in the case of a free-float tube, drill and tap a hole for the stud. (Studs on free float tubes, by the way, seldom align back at 6 0'clock after a tube has been unscrewed and reinstalled).
I also can't count the number of times I've needed to check and retighten the mounting thumbscrew while in the field or on the bench. Distracting, to say the least.
Recently, I've come across a few different offerings which specifically replace the Harris Bipod swivel plate. Two of the companies I like are Badger Ordinance and Arasaka Defense.
Both make replacements which do away with the stud mount in favor of a 1913 picatinny mount.
Left is the Badger Ordinance, right is the Arasaka Defense (which I have ordered).
lphm_pic.pngBipod_Adapter_redo_large.JPG
Removing the original plate is as easy as unscrewing a nut, removing a retention pin and sliding the old plate off. Put the replacement on and replace the pin and nut. Done. Below is an image of the Arasaka unit after installation.
Bipod_Assembly3.JPG
While both companies make a 1913 adaptor, Badger Ordinance goes further by also offering an M-Lock and a RACS (Remington Accessory Chassis System) adaptor.
mlok_copy.pngracs_copy_copy.png
These provide about 4" of contact surface with the hand guard, potentially making them a stronger mount, as well.
All three of Badger Ordinance's mounts retail at $69, while the Arasaka Defense mount lists for $50 with free shipping.
While this admittedly does not turn my Harris into an Atlas bipod, it does allow me to eliminate the only offensive aspect of my existing Harris, and with only a nominal investment.
Further, in order to accommodate the stud mount, I've had to either add swivel stud adaptors to my black guns, adding unwanted height or, in the case of a free-float tube, drill and tap a hole for the stud. (Studs on free float tubes, by the way, seldom align back at 6 0'clock after a tube has been unscrewed and reinstalled).
I also can't count the number of times I've needed to check and retighten the mounting thumbscrew while in the field or on the bench. Distracting, to say the least.
Recently, I've come across a few different offerings which specifically replace the Harris Bipod swivel plate. Two of the companies I like are Badger Ordinance and Arasaka Defense.
Both make replacements which do away with the stud mount in favor of a 1913 picatinny mount.
Left is the Badger Ordinance, right is the Arasaka Defense (which I have ordered).
lphm_pic.pngBipod_Adapter_redo_large.JPG
Removing the original plate is as easy as unscrewing a nut, removing a retention pin and sliding the old plate off. Put the replacement on and replace the pin and nut. Done. Below is an image of the Arasaka unit after installation.
Bipod_Assembly3.JPG
While both companies make a 1913 adaptor, Badger Ordinance goes further by also offering an M-Lock and a RACS (Remington Accessory Chassis System) adaptor.
mlok_copy.pngracs_copy_copy.png
These provide about 4" of contact surface with the hand guard, potentially making them a stronger mount, as well.
All three of Badger Ordinance's mounts retail at $69, while the Arasaka Defense mount lists for $50 with free shipping.
While this admittedly does not turn my Harris into an Atlas bipod, it does allow me to eliminate the only offensive aspect of my existing Harris, and with only a nominal investment.
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