AR-15 Bipod Mounting: How to Install on Your Rifle

Mounting a bipod on your AR-15 but not sure how to do it? 

Doing this wrong will dramatically decrease the accuracy of your rifle or worse, damaging the barrel. 

Don’t worry, I’m about to show you step-by-step how to do it… safely.

In fact…

It’s the same process I’ve used for nearly 10 years in my gunshop. 

Let’s go. 

And for similar reading see our article on the best rifle bipod on the market.

How to Install a Bipod on an AR-15

Installing a bipod on a rifle is pretty straightforward, but keep in mind that there are several types of bipods for AR-15, such as Picatinny, stud, Keymod, and M-Lok bipod mounts. 

Here are the steps involved based on professionally certified practices. 

Step 1: Safety first. Check if the gun is loaded. This is standard procedure when conducting any work on a rifle.

Step 2: If you have a Picatinny, Keymod, or M-Lok bipod mount, these should be affixed as normal to their respective rail systems before you tighten the retention pin. If you have a stud-type mount, remove the handguard from the weapon before screwing the bipod stud directly into the backplate.

Step 3: On the bipod itself, loosen the screw located at the bottom side of your bipod. This will release the tension from the clamp.

Step 4: Place the bipod’s clamp on the stud. The two retention pins on the clamp’s interior, as shown below, need to go on the sides of the stud’s hole.

Step 5: Finish by tightening the screw at the base of the bipod, which secures the clamp to the stud. And there you have it.

If you’re looking for a video guide, here’s the installation process:

Why Use a Bipod?

The main reason you should use a bipod is for stability purposes. These devices give your rifle a platform to rest on, reducing unwanted motions. Because they help support the rifle, they reduce shooter fatigue, thus increasing accuracy. 

A bipod can come with adjustable legs allowing you to adjust it to multiple heights for different shooting situations.

How to Use a Bipod

Most people aren’t aware that a steady rest contributes to an accurate shot. But you have to use the bipod correctly to get an accurate shot.

As you may be aware, when you place your rifle on a hard surface and allow it to recoil freely, it will shoot away from that hard surface.

Why is that you might ask?

When we attach the bipod to a rifle, it becomes part of the gun. Therefore, when we place the bipod on a hard object and allow it to recoil freely, the shots will go high because the rifle is elevated.

If you want to achieve consistent accuracy when using a bipod, avoid placing the bipod on a hard surface and try to keep the legs as close to the ground as possible. Don’t forget to lean onto the rifle slightly to put some pressure on the bipod legs. This will help you achieve consistent accuracy. (Reference 1: AR-15 Rifle)

Understandably, it’s not always easy to find a soft surface, especially when hunting in mountainous areas. But resist the urge to place your bipod on a flat rock.

On many occasions, I’ve had to use a knife to dig through hard surfaces to find a soft patch for my bipod. Try this tactic if you have to, but always avoid hard surfaces.

Loading a Bipod

The term ‘loading a bipod’ sounds strange, considering that we load rifles and not bipods. But to get a good performance from your rifle, both should be loaded.

Loading a bipod means slightly putting some pressure on it to aid stability. Doing so prevents the rifle from moving carelessly when you shoot. When you don’t load a bipod, it acts like a pivot, and the recoil will cause it to move to one side or hop.

So, how do you load a bipod? It’s pretty simple. Apply some pressure to the bipod using your firing shoulder. The trick is to find a balance so you don’t apply too much or too little pressure.

If you apply too much pressure, you’ll push the bipod forward, and if you apply too little, then your rifle will keep jumping. It’s okay if you don’t get it right the first few times. Most of us get it right after several tries. (Reference 2: Mounting a Bipod) 

My Personal Notes and Findings

While a bipod is an important accessory for your AR-15, how you use it is just as important. 

I’ve found that this accessory can frustrate people’s shooting experience because of incorrect installation and placing it on the wrong platform.

You’ll wonder why you tire easily, even when using a bipod. The answer is in how you install it, load it, and where you place it. If you get these three things right, you’re good to go.

Frequently Asked Question

Where should I mount my bipod on my AR-15?

You should mount your bipod on the swivel stud or rail system on your AR-15.

Should you put a bipod on an AR-15?

You don’t have to put a bipod on an AR-15, as this is an accessory you can do without. However, if you want stability and increased precision, get this accessory.

What is the height of the bipods on an AR-15?

The heights of the bipods on an AR-15 vary based on the bipod model and the shooter’s preference. However, most adjust from 6-9 inches, but others can adjust to 15 inches.

References

1. Chelsea Bailey, How the AR-15 became ‘America’s national gun’ and loved by the NRA. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-65280361
2. Installation Instructions for the YHM Harris Bi-Pod Adapter, SIG SAUER, Retrieved from: https://www.sigsauer.com/media/sigsauer/resources/HarrisBiPodAdapter-English.pdf