Best bipod and rear bag for a .22 rifle: Harris, MDT, Ckye-Pod and shooting bags compared
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We haven't tested these hands-on yet. Picks are based on published specs, prices listed by retailers and what's common at rimfire matches. Prices as seen October 2026.
Bipods compared
| Bipod | Price seen | Mount | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris S-LM 9–13 in | Check price | Sling stud; Picatinny via adapter | Proven, swivel (S-LM) for leveling, light | Leg lengths fixed range; adapter needed for rails |
| Harris S-BRM 6–9 in | Check price | Sling stud | Low prone, bench | Too short for sitting |
| MDT ORYX bipod | $99.99 | See listing | Budget price from a chassis maker | Check weight and mount type for your rifle |
| Ckye-Pod Gen3 Single Pull | $599.99 | See listing | Common at PRS and NRL22 matches for barricade work | Cost |
MDT and Ckye-Pod prices from MDT's listing (universal MDT accessories).
Mounting options
- Sling stud: most sporter stocks (T1x, CZ 457 American, BMR, RAR) have a front stud; a Harris clamps right on.
- Picatinny: add a LaRue Picatinny adapter for Harris or A.R.M.S. QR Picatinny adapter.
- ARCA rail: chassis users often add an ARCA rail so the bipod can slide fore and aft: ORYX ARCA rail, MDT M-LOK ARCA rail, Tikka Arca-Lite.
Rear bags
| Bag | Use |
|---|---|
| Caldwell DeadShot rear bag (filled) | Bench and prone; good value |
| Armageddon Gear Squishy rear bag | Prone and positional; squeeze to fine-tune elevation |
| Armageddon Gear Game Changer | Barricades, rooftops, tank traps in NRL22 and PRS |
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
What to buy for your use
Bench and plinking
A Harris S-LM plus a DeadShot rear bag. That's enough to zero and test ammo; see how to zero a .22.
Hunting
A light bipod or shooting sticks if you sit; many squirrel hunters skip the bipod and use trees as rests. A Magpul MS1 sling doubles as support.
NRL22 Base
Bipods and bags count as accessories, not part of the $1,650 MSRP cap [1]. Most shooters run a Harris or ORYX plus a Game Changer. Builds in NRL22 Base builds.
NRL22 Open, PRS rimfire
The Ckye-Pod is common at matches for barricade and uneven-ground stages. See rimfire chassis builds.
Bipod technique for rimfire
- Load the bipod lightly. Rimfire recoil is tiny, so heavy forward pressure can shift groups more than it helps. Be consistent either way.
- Same surface every time when testing ammo; a bipod bounces differently on concrete, wood and dirt.
- Rear bag does elevation; your non-firing hand squeezes it for fine adjustments.
- Level the rifle (a scope level helps), especially past 100 yd where cant moves impacts.
Common mistakes
- A bipod too tall for prone, forcing your head up off the stock.
- Over-tightening a sling-stud clamp on a thin synthetic fore-end.
- Buying a heavy bipod for a 5 lb hunting rifle.
- Forgetting a rear bag; most of the stability comes from the back of the rifle.
Related gear
- MidwayUSA shooting mat for prone stages.
- MidwayUSA competition range bag to carry it all.
- More in T1x support gear and CZ 457 support gear.
Bipod height guide
| Position | Typical bipod height | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bench | 6–9 in | Harris S-BRM 6–9 in |
| Prone | 9–13 in | Harris S-LM 9–13 in |
| Sitting / barricades | Longer legs or a bag instead | Game Changer bag |
Leg ranges as listed by the retailers; check your stock height and scope height before choosing.
Swivel vs fixed
A swivel ("S") model lets you level the rifle on uneven ground without moving the legs, which helps past 100 yd where cant moves impacts sideways. A fixed bipod is a little steadier on a flat bench. Most rimfire shooters choose a swivel model.
Rear bag fill and shape
A firm rear bag gives repeatable elevation for benches; a softer, squeezable bag lets you fine-tune elevation while prone. Bags with a rabbit-ear shape cradle the toe of the stock. Many shooters use one firm bag for testing ammo and one squeezable bag for matches.
Barricade bag tips
- Lay the bag over the barricade and press the rifle into it, rather than balancing the rifle on top.
- Use the same spot on the bag every time for repeatable point of impact.
- Practice with a timer so building positions becomes automatic (CED 7000 shot timer).
Budget kit and match kit
- Budget (bench and prone): Harris S-LM plus DeadShot rear bag.
- Match kit: Harris or ORYX bipod, Squishy rear bag, Game Changer barricade bag and a mat.
- Premium: Ckye-Pod on an ARCA rail plus the same bags.
Bipod vs bags for NRL22 stages
NRL22 courses mix prone, barricade and improvised positions within a time limit, so many competitors run the bipod for prone stages and a barricade bag for everything else [1]. A bipod that folds quickly matters more than one that adjusts in fine steps, because you'll be setting it up against the clock. Practice transitions at home with an unloaded rifle.
Shooting sticks and tripods
For hunting from a sitting or standing position, shooting sticks or a tripod with a rifle clamp give support where a bipod is too short. They're popular with varmint hunters who glass from a chair. If you hunt mostly in trees and brush, a sling used as a support (a "hasty sling") may be all you need.
Care and maintenance
Wipe grit off bipod legs after use and put a drop of light oil on spring and swivel joints occasionally. Check sling-stud and rail clamps before each session, since a loose bipod moves point of impact. Refill or replace rear bags if they lose shape.
Does a bipod affect accuracy?
It can change point of impact compared with sandbags, because the rifle recoils and vibrates differently. Zero and record dope with the support you'll use in the field or match, and re-check if you switch.
FAQ
What is the best bipod for a .22 rifle?
The Harris S-LM 9–13 in is the proven, affordable default. The MDT ORYX is a budget option, and the Ckye-Pod is the premium choice for barricades.
Do I need a rear bag with a bipod?
Yes for precision. The rear bag supports the stock and lets you fine-tune elevation.
Do bipods count toward the NRL22 Base price limit?
No. Bipods, bags and similar items are accessories outside the rifle plus scope MSRP cap.
How do I mount a bipod on a rail?
Use a Picatinny adapter for Harris bipods or an ARCA rail with an ARCA-compatible bipod.
Sources
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · contact@rimfirebuilds.com