Best M1A Bipods | Rated & Reviewed 2022

| Last Updated:
October 4, 2024

Bipods have been around since the 1930s and as most of you may already know, a bipod represents a complementary gear to your rifle and overall shooting accessories, that greatly benefits your target acquisition and ongoing work in the field. It secures and stabilizes your firearm to improve accuracy, provide comfort, and imbue confidence for better results and performance wherever you are.

Here, we will give you all the necessary information on the reasons why you need one, in which situations, its main features, how to handle a bipod, and a few extensive reviews of the best ones out there for the M1A rifle.

Comparison of the Best M1A Bipods

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  • Added weight steadies the gun and legs extend between 9-13 inches
  • Attaches to sling swivel mount and works well for all uses
  • Rotates 45 degrees for instant leveling on uneven ground
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  • Lightweight aluminum construction with steel locking components
  • Independently adjustable 5-9-inch five-position telescopic legs
  • 30-degree of cant and pan adjustment for optimal performance
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  • Attaches directly to the gas cylinder of the weapon
  • Easy to install using a simple clamp and includes a sling swivel
  • Heavy-duty construction will surely last for decades to come
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  • Adjustable spring-loaded legs extended between 6-9 inches
  • Quickly attach or detach using existing swivel stud
  • The most economical, versatile, and budget-friendly bipod
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  • Lightweight and slim profile for quick movement while shooting
  • Notched legs for quick indexing and 18-degree bi-directional cant
  • Available in different lengths, designs, and colors
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Does the M1A Really Need a Bipod?  

If you are trying to expand your shooting experiences in fields with high vegetation or are facing lots of natural and/or urban barriers to acquiring your target, you may want to get yourself a bipod to evade all these obstacles, stabilize your gun, and prepare you for good shots at distances above 200 yards.  

M1A with a bipod (Source)

There are several types of purpose-built items that do this, among which are the shooting sticks and bipods. Shooting sticks are sometimes equally productive, but do not offer varying heights and can easily sway.

Therefore, one of the other reasons you might need a bipod is when using the M1A rifle for a longer time. Additionally, using a sling alone will decrease your accuracy and stabilize your weapon, but without a bipod, you will tire quickly and easily. A bipod certainly ensures comfort and prolonged work and focus in the field.

Features of a Great M1A Bipod

It doesn't matter whether you are a professional marksman or a novice shooter, all bipods have a few well-known features and aspects that are easy to comprehend and employ.

Lightweight

Bipods are usually lightweight, a vital component for trouble-free transport to the field. When attached to the rifle, they don't usually add substantial weight to an already relatively heavy firearm, or compromise your readiness.

The more it can extend its legs, the heavier it will be, but even high-end bipods built out of more expensive components will weigh little and seem unnoticeable when carried along with your weapon. Depending on their size and individual features, a bipod can weigh from 8 to 15 ounces, so it certainly won’t hugely impact your decision!

Adjustability/Height

Depending on the purpose and the required position of the body and the shooting area, the height of a good bipod should adjust to almost any scenario. Bipods usually come in low-profile heights for prone shooting positions and higher ones for sitting or kneeling positions.

Harris - S-l Bipod Sling Swivel Mount has a height of 9 to 13 Inches

Logically, the smaller the bipod, the more of a stable platform it will be, but this “rule” doesn’t apply to all guns. Below, we have chosen some of the best low/middle-profile bipods for the M1A.

One of the techniques to implement when customizing the height of your bipod and wanting to, for example, drastically improve stability, drop the legs as low to the ground as possible. However, quality extendable bipod-legs will remain locked and provide stability at any of their available heights.

Rifle Attachment

There are several ways to attach your bipod to the rifle, but proper installation is as important as the sun. Some bipods attach to a swivel stud on your rifle (Harris Bipods are a good example); Others can only mount with the help of a Picatinny rail, while still others attach directly to the stock of your rifle. Regardless, installation is usually straightforward with the help of the manual, in order to avoid scratches, damage, or short bipod-life.  

With a few tools, a good bipod will also easily attach to the sling of the gun and provide light and secure carry, without having you tangled up in the process.

Strength and Durability

Premium bipods are made of aluminum that ensures durable action and lightweight companionship to your gun. The more rigidity and the less flex there is, the more durable the bipod will be.

On the other hand, a strong bipod will adapt well and provide diverse adjustments to uneven terrains and handle quick deployment and motion. So, you need a sturdy, yet sufficiently adjustable, M1A bipod.

By increasing the mass of the firearm, and due to the vibrations going into the ground, a strong bipod will also reduce the already manageable recoil of the M1A.

Review of the Best M1A Bipods

With all the specifications and usages in mind, we have gathered information on the most useful bipods for the Springfield M1A rifle. The following are our recommendations of the most suitable and popular bipods on the market for this great semi-automatic. Without further ado, let's get started.

1. Harris - S-l Bipod Sling Swivel Mount

Harris is among the most reputable suppliers of bipods and they maintain their meritable reputation with continuous reliable manufacturing and delivery of great bipods. This specific model of a Harris bipod comes in multiple levels with different height options. The S designation on a series stands for swivel, in case you are positioning yourself on uneven ground, or you can opt for the series that does not rotate and has a solid base.

It is made of solid, aluminum-made, heat-treated steel, with a pleasing aesthetic and all-weather matte finish. It is suitable and useful in all conditions, as in competitive shooting, hunting, tactical, or target practice.

This is attached by QD swivel studs on both, bolt action or single-shot rifles. You can easily fold this back, parallel to the gun barrel and have no worries when carrying since it weighs only 19 ounces. No matter the series you choose, the mounting is super easy and they all match whatever adapter you may use.

Regarding the height set-up, the friction-lock model allows you to adjust by loosening the lock to extend the legs and tightening it to fix the height. You can also use the set screw as an alternative option for this mechanism. The second height adjustment mechanism is the second leg notch on models that use a spring to release the extension of the legs to maximum height.

Pros

  • Doesn't Change Zero
  • Tension Adjustment of the Hinged Base
  • Aluminum and High Carbon Steel Construction
  • Buffer Springs That Extend Legs from 9-13 Inches

Cons

  • Design is Outdated
  • Swivel Adjustment Often Moves

Bottom Line

Easily removable and secure attachment when needed, this bipod is very lightweight and sturdy for a lifetime of guaranteed use. Harris is a no-brainer deal, so we highly recommend it, with its numerous lifelong loyal customers!

2. Accu-shot - Atlas Bipod Picatinny Mount

This Accu-Shot Atlas bipod is a very robust, however, surprisingly lightweight (even less than 11 ounces) mount and we can assure you that it can stand up to pretty heavy loads.

There are three available attachment methods to use on it: the ability to mount a quick-detach Picatinny lever, a more permanent mount using a two-screw Picatinny, or an alternative no-clamp mount that fits lever-style mounts on any 17S size when used with the proper adapter that is sold separately.

You can pan the firearm up to 30° left or right, depending on your needs, just by loosening the tension adjustment beneath; or/and adjusting the cant to 30°, to ensure easier alignment of the crosshairs on any type of ground.

A very intuitive design with easy to use knob enables leg extension and the ability to adjust their angle to even 45 degrees backward or forward, for any terrain and desired height. The rubberized immovable, but replaceable feet, guarantee stability on all sorts of grounds.

Pros

  • Noiseless Adjustment
  • Height Range Approximately 4.75 - 9.0"
  • Very Quick and Easy Detachment  Lever
  • Legs Securely Lock Into Five Positions Through 180-Degree Arc
  • Very Rugged, Yet Extremely Lightweight Aluminum and Steel Construction

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Feet are Glued on
  • Not a Very Quick Deployment

Bottom Line

This exceptional Atlas bipod, with its simple to manage but very useful features, is especially good for long distance shooting and totally worth the extra cash. The unit is made in the USA and is rated as one of the top-notch bipods out there.

3. Springfield Armory Sprgfld M1a M2 Bipod

By the same company that designed and manufactured the semi-automatic M1A rifle, comes a solid bipod on the rise. This USGI (United States Government Issue) bipod, meaning it is made for military contract and issued to the nation's finest, clamps directly to the gas cylinder of all M1A and M14 models.

It is made of quality steel, is tough and well-built by an independent subcontractor. Its black attractive finish makes it look very cool. It is eight inches tall and weighs 14.1 ounces. It provides a solid fit and reliance, whether on a bench or solid ground.

It installs in seconds and requires no modifications to the firearm because this bipod attaches to the bolt on the front gas lug very smoothly. As an advantage, since it attaches around the gas cylinder of the gun, it works with any stock.

It doesn't have any springs but assists surprisingly well. It can be attached to a sling through the added ring, hence making for a light, secure integrated carry.

Pros

  • Sturdy Build
  • Improves Accuracy
  • No Adapter Needed
  • Installation is as Easy and Quick as a Breeze

Cons

  • Rattles
  • No Mounting Instructions Included

Bottom Line

This item is a faithful reproduction of its forerunner, the M14 bipod. Once fixed, it doesn't come off the firearm easily and positively affects accuracy. It ensures improved stability and durable action, one of the reasons we decided to include it on this list.

4. Cvlife 6-9 Inches Tactical Rifle Bipod Adjustable Spring Return With Adapter  

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This recent CvLife bipod edition is made of hardened steel and aircraft aluminum alloy, with spring-loaded legs that extend from six up to nine inches. It comes with five notches/leg lengths that you can choose for distinct heights and can lock the legs to the desired height by lightly pressing on the button.

For the process of mounting it, you can use the included Picatinny adapter for a Picatinny rail to create a perfect space between the bipod and the firearm. Together with the springs on the legs and its lightweight but heavy-duty design, this makes for a very silent and nonintrusive fold-up.

A sling can be coupled up to the ring of the bipod and allow all the items to be carried together.

Pros

  • Very Affordable
  • Simple Installation
  • Lightweight (10 ozs)
  • Tight Mount Tension Screw
  • Easy Deployment and Collapse
  • Rust-Free Anodized Black Finish

Cons

  • Average Rubber Feet
  • No Instructions Included
  • Doesn't Come With a Front Swivel for Finer Adjustments

Bottom Line

If you had to invest even more on this bipod, you wouldn't be disappointed. It is almost identical to higher-end bipods and very easy to install. Therefore, we are wholeheartedly recommending it to you.

5. Caldwell Xla Pivot Model Bipod

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This Caldwell pivot bipod is really simple to use and features quality built, spring-loaded legs that extend with an easy press of the buttons. It comes in three different sizes: one from 6-9 inches, 9-13", and a third from 13-23 inches. The notches on the legs are indexed to four height levels.

The pivot model allows you to cant your weapon up to 20 degrees on level ground and to quickly acquire a target that is very far away from you. By turning the knob, you can adjust the tension/stiffness of the pivoting motion and lock the gun to a certain position to prevent the gun from flopping or shaking too easily.

It is perfect for the M1A, as well as almost any other weapon, and steadily attaches itself to a sling swivel stud on the forearm of the rifle. You can also run a sling through the two strips of metal underneath and have both the gun and the bipod attached to a swivel at the same time for easy carrying. Weighing around 11 ozs., this bipod is not burdensome at all.

Pros

  • Great Price
  • Installation is Effortless
  • Legs Deploy and Retract Easily
  • Great for Long-Range Targeting
  • Sturdy and Stable Aluminum Design

Cons

  • Falls Off on Moderate to Strong Recoil
  • The Pivot Function Cannot be Fully Disabled
  • Feet are Hardened Rubber and Can Cause Slipping

Bottom Line

This bipod has proven to be greatly functional and satisfying among clients and many users remain confident in Caldwell's products at the lower price but reliable quality. It is as durable as many other more expensive bipods and guarantees efficient assistance.

Tips for Using a Bipod

After learning the advantages of possessing a bipod, we would like to finish by sharing a few tips for how to best use a bipod.

Consider it an Important and Necessary Part of Your Gear

Though bipods usually cost less than the rest of your shooting gear, they are essential and supposed to be used carefully as with the rest of your equipment.

However...

Do Not Hesitate to Use it as Aggressively as You May Need

A good bipod will never fail you and will last long enough, no matter how quickly you need to deploy and use it.  

In Action, Put More Shoulder in to Load the Bipod With Pressure and Prevent Unwanted Movement

Even though putting pressure on such a small tool might seem risky, your bipod will endure it and be thankful for a bit of pressure from your side.

Carefully Read the Manuals on Installation and Adhere to the Instructions

Like we previously said, proper installation is one of the most important factors that will save you a great deal of time and ammo, so we suggest you make sure it’s mounted nice and tight.

Conclusion

Why restrict yourself to suspicious bipod imitations, when you can confidently rely on our top five picks and fair-minded reviews?

We have done our best to choose the top five bipods to substantially improve your accuracy and overall results, while preventing any dangerous situations a poorly equipped shooter may face. Just trust your instincts, check out our recommendations, and give one of these bipods a chance.

Good luck!

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