The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter Made a Bold First Impression
In the world of shooting accessories, a reliable bipod can be the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter promises stability and quick deployment, but does it deliver? This review dives deep into my hands-on experience, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.
I was searching for an affordable, yet durable bipod for my hunting rifle to improve my accuracy in prone and bench shooting positions. Budget was a key factor, as was ease of attachment and adjustment in the field. The promise of the Truglo bipod being lightweight, compact, and quickly deployable definitely piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The black finish was clean, and the spring-assisted deployment felt snappy and responsive. The padded, rubberized feet gave an immediate impression of stability.
I had been considering a Caldwell XLA bipod and a Harris S-BRM, but ultimately opted for the Truglo due to its lower price and promising feature set for my specific needs. The Caldwell seemed a bit flimsy, while the Harris, although legendary, was more than I wanted to spend at this time. Initial impressions leave me cautiously optimistic, but the real test lies in the field.
- ## Real-World Testing: Putting Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on bench shooting with my .308 bolt-action rifle. The weather was clear and dry, ideal for getting a feel for the bipod’s stability and ease of use. I wanted to assess the bipod’s ability to provide a steady platform for consistent shots at varying distances.
The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod proved remarkably easy to attach to the sling stud, requiring minimal effort. Deploying the legs was intuitive and quick, thanks to the spring-assisted mechanism. However, leveling the rifle using the pivoting base took a bit of getting used to, but once adjusted, it provided a stable platform.
After the first few shots, I did notice a slight wobble when applying heavier pressure to the rifle. I realized that I needed to tighten the pivot base adjustment knob further to eliminate the movement. Overall, my first experience was positive, with the Truglo bipod noticeably improving my shot groupings compared to shooting unsupported.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter during multiple range sessions and a weekend hunting trip, it has held up well. There are a few minor scratches on the legs from resting it on rough surfaces, but nothing that impacts its functionality. The construction quality seems better than expected given the price.
The bipod has proven durable and reliable in both dry and slightly damp conditions. The rubberized feet provide excellent grip on various surfaces, including concrete, dirt, and grass. Cleaning is simple, typically just requiring a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after use.
Compared to other bipods I’ve used in the past, the Truglo Tac-Pod offers a good balance of affordability and functionality. While it might not be as robust as a higher-end model, it performs admirably for its intended purpose. It’s noticeably more stable than shooting offhand and more convenient than carrying shooting sticks.
- ## Breaking Down the Features of Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter
Specifications
Adjustment Range: The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod offers an adjustable height range from 13 to 23 inches. This range provides ample height for both bench and prone shooting positions, catering to different shooter preferences and terrain conditions.
Attachment: Designed to attach to standard sling studs. This universal compatibility makes it easy to mount on a wide variety of rifles without needing specialized mounting hardware or gunsmithing.
Construction: The bipod is constructed from durable materials for long-lasting performance in harsh environments. While the exact material composition isn’t explicitly stated, it appears to be a combination of aluminum and polymer components.
Feet: Padded, rubberized feet ensure a stable grip on various surfaces. This feature minimizes slippage and provides a solid platform for accurate shooting, regardless of the terrain.
Pivoting Base: The pivoting base allows for precision leveling on uneven surfaces. This helps shooters maintain a consistent shooting platform and improve accuracy, especially when shooting in the field.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the usability and effectiveness of the bipod. The adjustable height range, for example, allows shooters to adapt to different shooting positions and terrain, while the pivoting base ensures a level shooting platform. The sling stud adapter ensures compatibility with most rifles, while the rugged materials provide confidence in its durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter performs its primary function – providing a stable shooting platform – admirably. It significantly reduces wobble and allows for more precise aiming, resulting in tighter shot groupings. The spring-assisted deployment is quick and reliable.
The bipod’s strengths lie in its ease of use, affordability, and functional design. Its main weakness is that the pivoting base, while useful, could be more robust and offer smoother adjustments. A locking mechanism for the pivot would also be a welcome addition.
Overall, the Truglo Tac-Pod meets my expectations for a bipod in this price range. It provides a noticeable improvement in stability and accuracy compared to shooting unsupported. It excels for casual target shooting and hunting in relatively stable environments.
Design & Ergonomics
The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter has a functional and straightforward design. The black finish is aesthetically pleasing and provides some degree of corrosion resistance. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field.
The bipod is relatively user-friendly, although the pivoting base requires some practice to master. The spring-assisted leg deployment is intuitive and can be operated quickly with one hand. The rubberized feet ensure a solid grip and contribute to overall stability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Truglo Tac-Pod appears to be reasonably durable, especially considering its price point. While it may not withstand extreme abuse, it should hold up well under normal use conditions. Proper care and maintenance will undoubtedly extend its lifespan.
Maintenance is simple, usually only requiring wiping down the bipod after use to remove dirt and debris. Periodically checking and tightening screws or fasteners can also help prevent issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter comes ready to attach to a rifle with a sling stud. There are not any specific customization options available from Truglo.
It is compatible with any rifle that utilizes a standard sling stud for bipod attachment. Aftermarket sling studs can be used to add a sling attachment point to rifles that may not already have them. While no direct accessories are offered, the universal attachment point allows flexibility in using it across numerous rifles.
- ## Pros and Cons of Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter
Pros
- Affordable Price: The Truglo Tac-Pod offers excellent value for its price point, making it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Easy to Install and Use: Attaching the bipod to a sling stud is quick and straightforward, and the spring-assisted leg deployment is intuitive.
- Adjustable Height: The 13-23 inch height range allows for versatile use in both bench and prone shooting positions.
- Pivoting Base: The pivoting base enables precision leveling on uneven surfaces, improving accuracy in the field.
- Lightweight and Compact: The Truglo Tac-Pod is easy to carry and doesn’t add excessive weight to the rifle.
Cons
- Pivot Base Stability: The pivoting base could be more robust, as it can exhibit some wobble if not properly tightened.
- Limited Customization: There are no specific customization options available from Truglo for this bipod.
- ## Who Should Buy Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter?
The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter is perfect for recreational shooters, hunters on a budget, and anyone seeking a simple and affordable way to improve their shooting stability. It’s a great entry-level bipod for those new to shooting with support.
Competitive shooters or individuals requiring extreme durability in demanding environments should consider higher-end bipods. Additionally, anyone needing rapid and significant height adjustments may want to look at more adjustable systems.
While not strictly necessary, a quality gun cleaning kit and thread locker for the pivot base adjustment screw are helpful accessories. A gunsmith can also install an aftermarket sling stud for non-compatible rifles.
- ## Conclusion on Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter
The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter is a solid, affordable option for shooters seeking improved stability without breaking the bank. It provides a noticeable improvement in accuracy and ease of use compared to shooting unsupported. While it may not be the most rugged or feature-rich bipod on the market, it delivers excellent value for its price.
The price is absolutely justified. It fills the need for a budget friendly bipod.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable entry-level bipod. If you’re ready to take your shooting accuracy to the next level, the Truglo Tac-Pod is definitely worth considering. Grab one today and experience the difference a stable shooting platform can make!