Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter Review

First Thoughts on the 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 promises a lightweight, stable shooting platform for both bench and prone positions. Made by Truglo, a name often associated with affordable and functional firearm accessories, this bipod aims to offer quick deployment and a stable base, even in challenging environments. Its spring-assisted design and pivoting base are intriguing features at this price point.

For years, I’ve relied on sandbags and improvised rests in the field. While effective, they lack the speed and adaptability I need when hunting varmints in open fields, where a steady shot can make or break a successful hunt. I needed a bipod that was easy to attach, quick to deploy, and provided a stable platform on uneven terrain.

Upon unboxing, the Truglo Tac-Pod felt surprisingly solid for its price. The black finish is clean and the legs extend smoothly. My initial assessment is that while it’s not going to compete with high-end, carbon fiber bipods, it certainly appears to offer a good value proposition.

Compared to something like a Caldwell XLA bipod, the Truglo Tac-Pod has a slightly more robust feel in the leg locking mechanism. I also considered a Harris bipod, but the price of the Truglo made it more attractive for this particular rifle, which isn’t used in competition. It was the advertised spring-assisted deployment that really caught my eye.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seems adequate, and the features are promising, especially given the price of $31.99. I was excited to see how it would perform in the field, but also prepared for potential limitations at this price point.

Real-World Testing: Putting Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Truglo Tac-Pod was at an outdoor shooting range, primarily focusing on prone shooting with my .308 Winchester bolt-action rifle. The terrain was a mix of hard-packed dirt and short grass. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze.

The bipod’s spring-assisted deployment proved to be genuinely quick and efficient. Attaching it to the sling stud was straightforward, and the pivoting base allowed for easy leveling on the slightly uneven ground. The rubberized feet provided good grip, and the overall stability felt adequate for consistent shot placement.

Initially, I noticed that the leg extensions, while functional, felt a little less robust than I’d prefer, and the height adjustment wasn’t as precise as I’d hoped for. After about 20 rounds, the sling stud adapter seemed to loosen slightly, requiring periodic tightening. Despite these minor issues, my groupings at 100 yards were noticeably tighter than when using a basic sandbag rest.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Truglo Tac-Pod has held up reasonably well, but some limitations have become more apparent. The finish has proven to be surprisingly durable, with only minor scuffs after being used in brushy areas. However, the leg locking mechanism has started to feel a little less secure with continued use.

While there are no significant signs of wear and tear, the leg extensions still feel a little wobbly, and I’m starting to wonder about their long-term durability. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use. The spring mechanism still functions reliably.

Compared to using just shooting sticks or sandbags, the Truglo Tac-Pod offers a significant improvement in stability and speed of deployment, especially in prone shooting. However, it doesn’t quite match the rock-solid stability of a high-end bipod with individually adjustable legs and a more robust locking system. It’s a decent value for the price, but not a replacement for top-tier options.

Breaking Down the Features of Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter

Specifications

The Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter features a fixed length adjustable from 13 to 23 inches. It’s designed for use with rifles equipped with a standard sling stud. The bipod boasts a spring-assisted deployment mechanism and padded rubberized feet.

The pivoting base allows for quick leveling on uneven surfaces. Its construction consists of durable materials suitable for harsh environments, though the exact materials aren’t explicitly specified. The weight is not listed, but it feels relatively lightweight, a desirable characteristic for a field bipod. These specifications are important because they dictate the bipod’s suitability for different shooting scenarios and rifle types.

Performance & Functionality

The Truglo Tac-Pod performs its primary function of providing a stable shooting platform reasonably well, particularly in prone or bench shooting positions. Accuracy is noticeably improved compared to shooting without any support, or with improvised rests. The spring-assisted deployment is quick and easy to use.

However, the leg locking mechanism could be more robust, and the height adjustment lacks precision. The sling stud adapter can loosen with repeated use, requiring periodic tightening. The bipod meets basic expectations for its price point, but falls short of delivering premium performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Truglo Tac-Pod features a simple, functional design. The black finish is unobtrusive, and the padded rubberized feet provide good grip. The bipod feels reasonably well-built for its price, though the materials aren’t top-of-the-line.

While not uncomfortable, the leg extensions could be smoother, and the overall feel isn’t as refined as higher-end bipods. There’s a slight learning curve in getting accustomed to the spring-assisted deployment and the pivoting base, but it’s generally user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Truglo Tac-Pod is expected to last for a reasonable amount of time, provided it’s not subjected to extreme abuse. The finish seems durable, but the leg locking mechanism and the sling stud adapter are potential weak points. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning.

Repairing specific components may be difficult or impossible, as replacement parts are not readily available. Given its price point, it’s likely more cost-effective to replace the entire bipod rather than attempting repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Truglo Tac-Pod comes with a sling stud adapter. There are limited customization options. The primary means of “customization” would be to adjust the leg length and use the pivoting base to level the rifle.

It is compatible with any rifle that has a standard sling stud. Compatibility with aftermarket sling studs or rail adapters may vary. There are no integrated rails for attaching lights or lasers, so its modularity is limited.

Pros and Cons of Truglo Tac-Pod Fixed Bipod Black 13-23″ with Sling Stud Adapter

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 budget-conscious hunters, recreational shooters, or anyone needing a basic, functional bipod for prone or bench shooting. It’s a good entry-level option for those new to using bipods or for rifles that don’t warrant a high-end accessory.

Those who require extreme stability, precise height adjustment, or plan to use the bipod in extremely rugged terrain should skip this product. Must-have accessories would include a high-quality sling stud adapter and thread locker to prevent loosening.

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 offers a solid value proposition for its price. While it has limitations in terms of robustness and precision, it delivers on its promise of providing a quick-deploying and stable shooting platform. For $31.99, it’s hard to argue with the level of functionality it offers.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and functional bipod for occasional use. It is a solid product. Just manage expectations and understand its limitations. If you are looking for an inexpensive bipod to try out, then this Truglo bipod is definitely worth consideration.