Short answer: use a bipod for prone, bench and field shooting where you can rest the rifle on the ground or a table. Use a shooting tripod for standing or kneeling shots, which is common when hunting pests in tall grass. Wide-body bipods suit benchrest and long range. Compact, adjustable bipods suit hunting. Make sure the attachment (Picatinny, ARCA or M-LOK) matches your rifle.
Bipod vs Tripod
| Bipod | Shooting tripod | |
|---|---|---|
| Positions | Prone, bench, low sitting | Standing, kneeling, sitting |
| Stability | Very high when grounded | High, and adjustable height |
| Speed | Fast to deploy | Slower setup, more flexible |
| Best for | Benchrest, long range, field | Hunting in tall cover, uneven ground |
Bipods We Carry
| Bipod | Key features (per product page) |
|---|---|
| Accu-Tac WB-4 | Wide body with lowered center for stability. 4 leg positions, 5 height notches, lockable cant, QD 1913 Picatinny mount, billet aluminum |
| Accu-Tac WB-5 | Wide body design for long range and bench-rest |
| Accu-Tac FC-5 G2 | F-Class style. 4 leg positions, 9 height notches, lockable pan and cant, made in USA |
| Accu-Tac BR-4 G2 | Smaller bipod for lower shots. 5 heights plus extensions, lockable cant |
| Atlas PSR BT46-LW17 | Mounts to 1913 Picatinny via ADM-170-S lever, 6061/7075 aluminum |
| UTG Recon 360 TL | 360 degree panning plus tilt, center heights from 5.5 in to 12 in in versions |
| UTG Over Bore | Mounts on top or bottom rail, 7 to 11 in center height, 22 degree panning |
See all bipods, including Accu-Tac, Accu-Shot / Atlas and UTG.
Tripods We Carry
- Skout ARCA Rail Tripod System: ARCA rail compatibility with extendable carbon fiber legs.
- Leofoto LS-324CX: carbon fiber Ranger Series tripod paired with the LB-75LRC leveling ball head.
- Leofoto LM-364CX shooting tripod.
Browse tripods.
How to Choose
Match the attachment
- Picatinny: most bipods above mount to a 1913 Picatinny rail.
- ARCA: tripods often use ARCA. The FX Dynamic MKII has a full-length ARCA rail, and Saber Tactical makes an ARCA to Picatinny adapter.
- M-LOK: the Karma Red Panda has M-LOK accessory rails.
Match the height
Prone needs low heights. Sitting over grass needs taller legs. Check center height ranges.
Pan and cant
Cant lets you level the rifle on uneven ground. Pan lets you track across the field without moving the bipod.
Benchrest Tip
Wide-body bipods like the WB-4 and FC-5 G2 let the rifle sit lower between the legs, which Accu-Tac says supports accuracy and reduces movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bipod for an air rifle?
It isn't required, but a bipod or tripod greatly improves stability for precise shots, especially at longer ranges.
What is the best bipod for airgun benchrest?
Wide-body designs like the Accu-Tac WB-4 or FC-5 G2 are built for bench and long-range stability.
Will a bipod fit my rifle?
Most mount to Picatinny. If your rifle has ARCA or M-LOK, use the matching mount or an adapter.
Tripod or bipod for hunting?
A tripod works better standing or kneeling in tall cover. A bipod is best prone or from a rest.
Can a bipod change point of impact?
A bipod can change how the rifle recoils and rests. Re-check your zero with the bipod you'll use in the field.
Always follow the manufacturer manual, wear eye protection, and know your local laws before buying, carrying or shooting an airgun.
Talk to The Pellet Shop
Have a question about a specific rifle, caliber or setup? Visit our showroom in Westbury, NY, call or text (718) 450-4146, or email info@ThePelletShop.com. You can also browse every airgun we carry online. Specs in this article come from our product pages and manufacturer documentation and can change, so check the current product page before you buy.