Bipod

Most squad automatic weapons, such as this M249, have a bipod to increase accuracy in full-automatic mode.

A bipod is an attachment, usually to a weapon, that helps support and steady it. The bipod provides significant stability along two axes of motion (side-to-side, and up-and-down).

Bipod comes from the Latin and Greek roots bi and pod, meaning "two" and "foot, or feet" respectively.

Firearms

A Sako TRG sniper rifle on its standard factory bipod and its monopod under the stock

Main article: Weapon mount

On firearms, bipods are commonly used on rifles and machine guns to provide a forward rest and reduce motion. They are also seen on other long-barrelled weapons. Bipods permit operators to easily rest a weapon on objects, like the ground or a wall, reducing their fatigue and increasing accuracy and stability. Bipods can be of fixed or adjustable length. Some can be tilted and also have their tilting point close to the barrel's central axis, allowing the weapon to tilt left and right. Some designs also allow the weapon to be rotated side-to-side. There are three ways for bipods to be folded: away from the shooter, towards the shooter, or into a vertical foregrip.

See also

• Grip Pod
• Tripod
• Monopod
• Shear legs - big bipods used for lifting