Genuine Harris bipod Vs knock offs

[HDShark]

What's the consencus on this? I've had loads of knock off versions over the years, and none have lasted me. Are the Harris ones built to a higher standard?

 

[Crowstalker]

So far I've had 2 knockoffs for around 7 years, no bother with them so far.

 

[VSS]

I have a couple of knockoffs and one genuine Harris. Difficult to tell the difference. All are lasting well.
However, I confess that the best of the lot is the result of getting two different make knockoffs, dismantling them, and then reassembling all the best bits from the two into one really good bipod. I also reassembled all of the poorer components into a functional bipod and sold it for use on an air rifle.

 

[Dazb1967]

I have 1 genuine and 1 copy and really can't tell the difference

 

[David.evans]

I have 4 knock offs cause I’m tight , but they work

 

[nun_hunter]

I had one original and a couple of knock offs and personally think they're all terrible.

Way too big, noisy and painful on a stalking rifle and not enough adjustability as a range bipod.

 

[Spikelet]

I've two originals and two copies, the copies have held up but they're not of the same quantity as the Harris. One of my Harris's is about 30 years old, I doubt the copies will last a third of that time

 

[Foxyboy43]

Hmm.
Depends on what it is on and where you are shooting. A long day at the range with a heavier calibre soon found out my cheap bipod. My Harris 6”, 9” and 25” howver are all still going strong after many years of use.
Make sure you buy the “S” for swivel version which lets you cant the rifle on uneven ground.

 

[NickJ]

@JH83 has first hand experience of this, his Chinese knock off version now resides deep in a forest having been far flung in a fit of anger after failing at a crucial moment!

 

[norcan]

Before you spend the money on a Harris bipod, note that there are much better-designed options available.

 

[User00040]

Before you spend the money on a Harris bipod, note that there are much better-designed options available.

Such as...?

 

[norcan]

Depending on application and budget, there's Spartan, Magpul, Warne, Blacklanz, Tier One, NeoPod, Versa-Pod, Cyke-Pod... I mean, pretty much every half-decent bipod on the market beats a rattly old Harris.

 

[rem284]

I've only used genuine Harris bipods. They do the job but are dammed uncomfortable to the shoulder when carrying the rifle on the sling. So much so I normally leave it in the pickup. I am reluctant to buy something else in case they are no better or worse

 

[User00053]

only ever used Harris if it involved rough hard use and have had no complaints, have put cheaper jobbies on air guns which are ok for intended use and do the job.

 

[norcan]

I mean, they still work, but things have moved on somewhat since the '70s and I don't see any reason to get a Harris over a Magpul these days; among other benefits, you get superior ergonomics, faster deployment, lighter weight, better recoil management and less noise for about the same money. For field use, Spartan costs a bit more, but is a really nice option.

 

[20-250]

I have a couple of Harris ones. One I gave away is still going strong after 35 years or so.
I don't get the Spartan thing which relies on a magnet. WTF?

 

[norcan]

The idea is that you carry the bipod off the rifle and only attach it when needed, which simplifies the design and avoids having some bulky protuberance constantly dangling off the forend that spends most of its time making rattling noises, snagging on brush, and stabbing you in the shoulder.

Works great!

 

[jthyttin]

I mean, pretty much every half-decent bipod on the market beats a rattly old Harris.

There are quite many Harris models, but as long as short (BRM-S) and medium (LM-S) height notched leg swivel models are concerned my opinion is quite opposite. They have just the right features you need, and lack the features that are not needed or even harmful. Just make sure you add short podlock.

The design is what it is, of course I'd get rid of external springs etc. if I could. In taller lengths I think Harris style gets a bit cumbersome. And if you only want semi-stable support for prone shooting, there are handier and more "low drag" options. The use cases are different for everybody so you need to take the advise with a pinch of salt and unfortunately test few different models before finding which suits you best.

To the OP, I'd say original Harris is worth it. But this is based on the models stated above, and price at about 100 Euro. Just bought my fourth Harris for that amount, barely used and in mint condition. Two BRM-S and two LM-S since I don't want to swap them out during trip to range or field. I do have, and have used, several others also mentioned in this thread but just keep coming back to Harris.

 

[Foxyboy43]

The idea is that you carry the bipod off the rifle and only attach it when needed, which simplifies the design and avoids having some bulky protuberance constantly dangling off the forend that spends most of its time making rattling noises, snagging on brush, and stabbing you in the shoulder.

Works great!

Hmmm. Professional guide tells me the Highlands are littered with said bipods - great company for the many trigger units from a certain “high-end” rifle manufacturer - apparently…..

 

[User00040]

Depending on application and budget, there's Spartan, Magpul, Warne, Blacklanz, Tier One, NeoPod, Versa-Pod, Cyke-Pod... I mean, pretty much every half-decent bipod on the market beats a rattly old Harris.

Most of those are expensive, crap, or both.

I have broken a few Spartan Javelins without much effort (which they eventually replaced).

Magpul bipod quite nice but legs not long enough (common problem in many cases not just bipods).

MDT Cyke Pod should be good but cost is insane.

MDT cheaper bipod is a Magpul knock-off.

Harris bipods have been issued by numerous armed forces for a reason.

The notched leg 9-13" with swivel/cant is very hard to beat once a Pod-Loc and ARCA/Pic adapter from RRS is added.