Harris Bipod on M1A

[HKguy9]

Hi, which adaptor do I use to put a Harris bipod on an M1A?

[El Rojo]

Just screw a QD screw into your stock. You DO NOT want the #4 mount that mounts on your barrel. I mounted my bipod just behind the existing sling swivel. I did it by taking the bipod attachement out of its slot and putting the bipod as close to that sling swivel as possible. I marked it with a pencil and then just screwed the QD stud screw into the stock. It would be ideal to remove the existing sling swivel on the stock and mount it farther forward, but I didn't want to screw up my stock. Here is a picture (http://home.bak.rr.com/elrojo/pictures/m1acb.jpg)

[HKguy9]

I should have added I have a synthetic stock. It's a Scout model. THere is already a hole forward of the sling loop.

Do I really have to put a hole in my stock?

[Kernel]

http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/SmallHarrisAdapters.jpeg
Skunk, Check out this link to a Previous Discussion (http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50548&highlight=Harris) about how to mount a swivel stud on a M1A.

Don't block the hole that's already there, it's a vent/weep hole for the gas system. You need to drill a new hole, midway between the front sling swivel and the existing vent hole. Some guys will mount the stud 3/4" to 1" behind the front swivel, that works too, but if you mount the stud forward the existing swivel you can better utilize a sling while the bipod is attached.

Think of it this way - You're not putting a hole in your stock, you're putting a stud in it. Done right it'll look factory and enhance the value. All it takes is a hand drill, a $6 Harris 2A flange nut, and 10 cents worth of epoxy. Works the same for a wood or synthetic stock.

El Rojo, This is not meant to be an insult, but your M1A looks strange with the bipod mounted so far back on the stock. Obviously, there's more than one way to skin-a-cat... but I've never seen it done that way before. -- Kernel

[Q-Man]

It's my understanding that the hole forward of the sling loop is a drain hole for when the rifle is submerged and the stock fills with water. The area around the hole is thin. I don't think you can mount a bi-pod there on a regular stock. I used the AR15 mount and drilled a hole behind the sling loop. It's a little too far back for my liking, but there was no other way to do it without getting some sort of special stock.

[HKguy9]

Can I put the bipod right behind the sling loop to put it as forward as possible? I read some threads about someone mounting it 2.75 inches back, but I rather have it forward, because it'll get in the way of my support hand....or would it obstruct the sling?

[El Rojo]

Yes it looks akward with that big Model 25 on there. It doesn't look so bad when you have the model L on there. True, we would all like it forward more, but I didn't want to plug up that hole and that really was the best option. Truely the best place would be right where the existing sling swivel is. Oh well, you just gotta do what you gotta do.

[HKguy9]

What's wrong with plugging up that hole? ARe there any structural strength issues when it comes to mounting the bipod that far forward?

[Good Guy]

Someone once posted that they removed one of the rivets from the front swivel on their M1A and installed a mounting stud in its place. Sounded like the cleanest way to install the Harris bipod on the M1A. I might try it someday since the M2 bipod has a tendency to mar the stock when folded up and also raises the POI on my rifle, unlike a Harris mounted on the stock.

[HKguy9]

http://www.springfieldarmory.com/images/rifles/2001-products-rifles-m21tactical.jpg

Got that picture from the SA website...looks like they mount it where the sling swivel is, not that forward hole.

[m3bullet]

I noticed at least a year ago that Barnes Precision Machine Products (Barnes Precison Machine Products (http://www.barnesprecision.com/products.html)) makes:

"M1A/M14 Harris Bipod Mounting block w/Sling Swivel stud of CNC Machined Aluminum which allows bipod to mount to issue M14 wooden stock".

I don't have any personal experience with this mounting block, but may consider one in the near future.

[Kernel]

The stud can be installed in front of the existing swivel, approx half way between the swivel and the vent hole. The wood there is to thin for a simple wood-screw stud. With a flange-style stud it's no problem. Epoxy it in and it'll be as strong, or stronger, than any other part of the stock. The two advantages are: 1) it allows for easier use of a sling while the bipod is attached, 2) the bipod won't interfere with your hold. I've had mine that way for 5 years, 4,000 rds later (90% shot with the bipod attached), and zero problems.
http://www.brownells.com/images/products/901100000.jpg
If you got a Harris bipod one neat little gizmo I highly recommend is a Tank's Speedy Knob. (http://www.brownells.com/Product/productDetail.asp?ProductID=901100000&CategoryID=0) It replaces Harris' teeny-tiny little tightening screw. It really helps in getting the bipod off and on and lets you torque it down tight by hand. It's a "gotta-have." -- Kernel

[KevlarSix]

Hi, Where can I get a QD stud for my M1A rifle. I have a Harris Bipod L and would like some sugestions on how to mount the bipod to my rifle. Thanks

[kcinaz65]

I have had the same problem, I found an item at Sadlak industries (sadlak.com) part number 140063. it allows you to keep the sling on the front end and adds a picatinny rail with a QD stud attached that is affixed to the M1A through the same two preexisting holes. Hope this helps

[bamaranger]

Despite advice to the contrary, I did mount the swivel stud adapter thru the weephole on a GI synthetic stock. The adapter was a convex plate and a threaded stud, and it might be the same one used for the M16 family.

Anyhow, I relieved an area inside the stock so that the plate would set slightly lower than flush. Once satisfied, I glassed /epoxied the whole works back in place, working the epoxy so that it formed flush in the stock channel. So far, several hundred rounds, its held fine.