Bipods on Shotguns?
 

This actually came up in one of my other posts, but I thought I'd address it separately.

Why don't guys use bipods on shotguns? Tons of guys are putting sights and or scopes on shotguns for slug hunting deer, or for turkey hunting or predator calling, there are even a few very respectable models of bolt action shotguns running around (always have been), and guys carry shooting sticks and mono-pods all the time, but why not add a mounted bipod?

I'm guessing it's just the "philosophy" of a shotgun, that it's not that accurate, and you don't need "rifle like" precision, but if you're shooting a shotty like a rifle, why not treat it like one?

Except for a very small percentage of shotguns that are used for longer range slug shooting, I can't think of a real practical application for a bipod.

For carrying in the field hunting birds, rabbits or even squirrels there's no use for one. For wing shooting there's no use for one. For Turkey hunting there's no way to know how a bird will approach. You really need to be able to move and adjust quickly. Except maybe for very limited applications in a blind or with a young hunter that can't hold up the gun very long, a bipod would only get in the way.

Also, many of the bipods you see on rifles lately aren't there because they are needed, but for looks.

Hunters who shoot coyotes with shotguns use a very small bi-pod which is just large enough to keep the gun off the ground (and in the upright position), so that it is easy to pick up at just the "right" moment.

Some guys carry both a rifle (attached bi-pod or shooting sticks) and a shotgun to their "stand" (where they set-up).

I'm not sure about which pods you're using, but mine aren't bolted to the ground? I find the advantage for turkey, deer, coyotes, etc etc, anything really, with a bipod is that my gun is pointed down range and closer to shooting ready than it would be if it were laying in my lap. I shoulder it, swing the pod onto target, rest it, and bango.

Whatever works for you.

I know I don't want a bipod hanging off my gun when I have to stand up and/or swing around and shoot a turkey coming in from behind me. Just more stuff to get hung up on a twig or whatever.

Do you run a bipod on your rifles? I'm curious mostly because it sounds like you're adverse to bipods in general (based on the comment about bipods on rifles being "for looks"), rather than specifically bipods on shotguns?

Nope, no bipods. I'm not opposed to them either. I never shoot game at ranges where a bipod would be a benefit. 100 yds is a long shot where I hunt. I also do a lot of still-hunting, at least as much as I hunt from stands. If I hunted where a bipod would be an advantage, I'd use one.

So that makes sense, you just don't have a use for bipods. In general, I either shoot EVERYTHING (shot a doe LITERALLY within 30ft this season) off of some type of support, whether it's a mounted bipod, shooting sticks, or a telescoping monopod, especially when shooting from a seated position, like a coyote set, turkey blind, deer stand, etc. I don't mind shooting off handed, but when I can, I afford myself every advantage I can get.

I actually had a brain-fart about this topic a few days ago which made me realize why bipods really don't work on most shotguns. The benelli supernovas I run have the sling mount "stud" positioned on the bottom of the barrel band, so it's easy to cut an adapter and mount a bipod straight away. A buddy wanted me to make a similar adapter for his 870 this weekend, but when he brought it by, it hit me like a truck... Duh, the mount is out the end of the mag tube. His will require a different type of bipod, and frankly he's just no interested in buying another one, so he's just going to do without. I LOVE mine, just kinda curious why more guys don't use them (the mounting options is a pretty big kicker that I had overlooked).

Actually I use a Monopod bungeed to my scoped 1187 turkey gun all the time. Its a Prinos model. I got used to using it when I had shoulder surgery and now don't leave home with out it.

JW