Innovative Over-The-Top Phoenix Bipod Reviewed
Our friend Vince Bottomley of TargetShooter.co.uk recently reviewed the new Phoenix “over-the-top” tactical bipod. The innovative Phoenix bipod fits to a Picatinny-type rail on the TOP of a handguard. A cross-over bridge carries the legs out wide to the sides. This suspends the rifle’s weight BELOW the bipod mount for a lower perceived center of gravity. The “suspension” design really works. With this low COG system, according to Vince, the suspended rifle sort of acts like a “pendulum”, making for a steadier hold. You can rotate (cant) the rifle slightly to match the horizon line without having the rifle flop from side to side as with conventional bottom-mounted or spigot-mounted bipods.
CLICK HERE to Read Full Phoenix Bipod Review by Vince Bottomley
The Phoenix is very stable according to Vince. That comes from the wide wheelbase as well as the oversized, skid-type feet on the Phoenix. Take a look at this photo below. This shows an Atlas bipod mounted on the Lower Pic-rail, with the big Phoenix mounted forward, on the top Pic-rail. Notice the vast difference in span. The legs of the Phoenix extend out much further, for true “wide-track stability”.
Compare the Wide-Track Phoenix with the Atlas Bipod — Quite a Difference!:
Vince was impressed with the Phoenix Bipod in use: “It’s just so solid…The large feet swivel to conform with the ground you’re shooting off and the two-part sliding legs will add another three inches to the height and a further four inches to the span, making 16 inches in total. At the lowest height, with the bi-pod mounted on my AX chassis top Pic-rail, the barrel is a mere six inches off the ground – lower than my Atlas, though of course I can swivel the legs forward on the Atlas to make it a similar height. The sliding leg arrangement is nicely done, offering very positive push-button ‘lock-steps’ every half an inch or so.” The Phoenix Bipod costs £220 (about $293.00 USD) including the adapter. For more information, visit PhoenixTactical.co.uk.
Vince Compares Phoenix with with Four Other Bipod Types
Vince’s review is well worth reading because he compares the Phoenix with a variety of other tactical bipods including the Atlas bipod, LRA bipod, Mystic Precision bipod, and the SAKO TRG-rifle accessory bipod. Vince identifies the key features a field bipod should provide and then explains how the Phoenix stacks up compared to these other designs.
Similar Posts:
- New Magpul Sling Stud QD Bipod Fits Hunting Stocks
- Bipod Options for F-TR and PRS/NRL Competition
- High-Tech Carbon-Fiber Bipod for F-TR Competition
- Picatinny Forearm Rail Adapter Mounts on Swivel Stud
- New Sinclair Height-Adjusting F-Class Bipod (3rd Generation)
Tags: Atlas, Bipod, Mystic Precision, Phoenix, Sako TRG, Target Shooter, Vince Bottomley
1. Seems odd to do a comparison pic with the Atlas retracted and the Phoenix extended. Also, such a comparison would be more appropriate to the new Atlas 5-H (http://www.accu-shot.com/5-H_Atlas_Bipod.php).
2. Possibly just the pic angle but seems all the top-side attach structure would turn up right in your sight picture.
3. I Googled to see if there were any US resellers only to find none…and a Phoenix Precision bipod (F-class style, bottom attach – http://www.phoenixprec.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=13&zenid=kfopomoapbkv750r04qva7ani0), which is also sold by Creedmoor, and a Phoenix Tactical reseller of various rifle bits and pieces, including Harris bipods. I’ve e-mailed the UK crew to find out if they have a US reseller or will ship to the US.
Received a reply:
“Happy to ship to US. I have built it as a sporting item so I foresee no problems.
Will add your name to list and update you as soon as first batch ready to ship.”
I’ll update with another comment when he advises further.
ELR Researcher – I was merely using the Atlas to give an idea of size – plus I just happen to have one.
I do address the sight-picture issue in the article – if you care to read it.
Vince
Hi,
Changing (verticaly) the center of gravity of a bipod is a very good idea for a greater stability.
But sorry, nothing new !
Look at the Walther 2000 at http://www.carlwalther.com/images/wa2000.gif
Happy new year from Switzerland !
Best regards
Florian
Vince:
Hard to imagine that if you needed to work well into the bottom half of the scope’s elevation range you would not have a sight picture issue. At least the photo in the article strongly suggests that (as do the pics on the manufacturer’s site).
Looks like the Fortmeier Bipod for .50bmg! Look on http://www.50bmg.de
I got one last x-mas;-)
ELR, the scope’s focal point is WAY beyond where the bipod mount is. Same as when using scope on an AR15 with the iron sights still in place up front.
You won’t see a thing, no fuzz, nada.
The bipod mount DOES NOT appear ANYWHERE in the sight picture.
I use one and can assure you of that !!
Seller is very helpful too – UK based but is happy to ship worldwide.
Originally a Henrich Fortmeier bipod from Germany. Sometimes supplied (for extra $$) with a Steyr SSG 08
http://www.50bmg.de/Zweibein/zweibein.html
what material is this made with?