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Hey guys, just wanted to get some opinions from anyone that has experience with Javelin bi-pods. I'm currently using a Harris and don't think ill be changing anytime soon but the concept seems intriguing to have something you can quickly attach when required while also being light weight. Cheers
Got one and can't see me using my Harris anymore. I like carrying the rifle without the bipod, the Harris is clumsy to fit and remove - or if you leave it on I find the rifle awkwardly weighted with all that weight forward. The Javelin is sturdy enough for my purposes, you can lock the cant and it gets quite stable. I'm happy with it.
I like the javelin, I've only really used it for bunny shooting so far - tend to just use pack for a rest instead of taking a bipod if going for a bigger walk, but its light enough to be convenient for that too.
Keep it in pocket while taking offhand shots, only takes seconds to take it out of pocket and pop it on for a prone shot. Nice not having the weight of a harris (or cheap copies which are usually heavier) hanging out the front of the rifle all the time messing up the balance.
Whether its worth the RRP cost might be another question, I got mine cheap second hand when they were pretty much completely unknown.
I enjoyed using it from a prone position but it was difficult if you had to move quickly around bluffs or bush to a new position, if the legs folded like a Harris or Atlas I would still have it.K
I have a Mk1.
Pros are: Super light weight. Good pan and tilt. Easy to use. Real quick attach and removal.
Cons are. Legs have no stop (they will come completely out if your not careful). Tilt screw needs a lot of tension to lock up fully and maybe a little more height would be nice.
Moved from a Harris. So far though, I think the Javelin is better than the Harris and the Mk2 Javelin should be even better.
I'm greedy, I have two of them and for what I do, I like them.
I had two cheap copies of the Harris bipods and they were a bloody nuisance. I found them heavy and cumbersome, especially with a suppressor fitted. Pan was limited and while there was a bit of tilt it wasn't much. Swapping them between rifles was painful and I felt there always had to be a better option.
I purchased a Javlin and quickly saw the advantages. It's light. The ability to pan a wide span without relocating the legs is excellent, the tilt normally avoids having to make any leg height adjustments and the bipod is only fitted when its needed. This means that when you're bush stalking there's nothing hanging up front to catch on surrounding foliage. Taking a quick standing shot or having a quick look through the scope? No weight forward to upset the balance of your rig.... nice. Want to use a bipod? Put it on, take the shot, pull it off. Fast as that.
I bought a couple of additional bipod attachments so each rifle is set up ready to go. Now when I walk out the door I grab a bipod and don't need to swap anything around. Fast and easy.
There were a couple of teething isues and I'm pleased to be able to inform you that the owner of the company appreciated the feedback and implemented changes. One thing that doesn't appear to have been remedied is retention of the tension nut on the cant axle stud. I managed to lose the tri-nut twice. The simple quick fix for this is to take a dot punch and lightly tap a detent on the stud. This prevents the tri-nut from completely coming undone. I've modified both mine in this manner, as well as for friends. If you want details PM me.
I have never had the lower legs come out. I think mine are both the MKII version so maybe that's why. Anyhow, its not ever happened to me or on those used by friends. Once I got used to the leg adjustment it became second nature but initially I did think it was slower than other bipods I've used. We're talking nanoseconds here. Insignificant really. The legs are infinitely adjustable, not in predetermined stages. Personally I like that.
Notably I bought the taller version. I'm very pleased I did. Effectively it means I rarely need to adjust the leg height. Most people seem to buy the shorter version but I don't see the sense. Because the bipod is not normally fitted when you're walking around, it doesn't matter if the bipod is longer.
I purchased a Niggleoh sling from Spartan so the bipod is housed on the sling when not in use. The idea is brilliant, however the execution turned out to be a problem for NZ conditions. I lost my bipod out of the sling twice. The first time had me backtracking for 4km to find it. Yeah... you'd think I'd have learnt the first time, huh. I made a modification and now the bipod is secure in the sling. Job done. If anyone wants details on this feel free to PM me.
I do agree with stickle7 that moving location means you have to consider one of two options - leave the bipod in place and move, or remove the bipod and the refit it. To be honest I do both, depending on circumstance. Often when rabbit shooting the bipod remains on for extended periods. I often even shoulder the rifle this way. It doesn't bother me at all. When hunting big game I typically just pull the bipod off, relocate and clip it back on. It's no drama. With the bipod in the sling it's no hardship at all to access and its always with the rifle.
It's a shame you're in Wellington @ElDax because you're welcome to come and have a hunt with mine. They're not cheap however they are good and I'm in no hurry to change to anything else. Friends who have used mine have quickly converted too.
Hope that helps. Happy to chat if you have questions.
I borrowed a harris clone and used it briefly, horrible thing, altered the weight and handling of the rifle, and got caught up in scrub but for fixed position shooting it was great. So I made my own from the clip off an old set of jumperleads and some fibreglass electric fence standoffs. Used a chainsaw file to put little detents in the rods to control height and it clips on the front sling swivel when needed. Weighed 125 grams and works bloody well dont use it much anymore except on the 22, as I prefer shooting over a pack.
Can you put up more pics of the one you made? I've been mucking around making my own one as well so interested to see yoursQuote:
Originally Posted by Marty Henry
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@hillclima that one broke the top cheap plastic so I clip it on the 22s barrel. I made another afterwards that incorporated a few improvements.
Better quality crocodile clip in red to make it easier to find if I dropped it
Different fixing system to get more cant. Screwed a swivel lug in in front of the sling and left it proud of the stock, gives 15 degrees cant.
Longer legs max extn 12 inches min 7 inches
Same detent system, the only drawback is its quite a noisy click unless you rotate the rod when moving it.
This one weighs 25 grams more but works much better. I often carry it on my pack and used it a lot down south doing wallabies.
I bought a javelin with the long legs version, the short legs model looks too short and I would not recommend it.
@Marty Henry thats a masterpiece of engineering, nice work.
Oh wow lots of info here! thanks guys haha i hadn't logged in for awhile but what a pleasant surprise. Ive actually decided to give it a try and ordered a mkII javelin, heading out for a hunt on Saturday so might have an update then :thumbsup:
Hi Team,
The latest version of the Javelin which we have in stock, it has an improved tension locking lever instead of the old nut. Brilliant for locking off the cant in head.
Cheers
Joel
I’m sold on the Javelin bipods. I have the long version plus I have bought the 50cm legs so I can sit and use it. My cousin fitted the gunsmith adapters to 3 of my stocks ( he has fitted them flush and I believe this is the most professional look). The bipod is light and well made. I have used it on three deer so far and can’t fault the product or concept. Pricy though.
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Sounds like there may be a Harris or 2 out there for sale?
So I bought a set of the 70cm legs for the Javelin to shoot from a sitting possie (over tussocks etc) - what carry case/bag are people using for them?
Interesting. I didn't know they did those. Can you use them as walking sticks?
@Low_box how are those longer legs working out? I'm interested to hear how you're carrying them, how quickly you can swap them over and what your thoughts are on these. I like the idea of sitting in the tussocks and still being able to take a shot off the bipod.
