Editing Bipod (section)

== Firearms ==
[[File:Sako TRG folding stock + Zeiss 3-12x56 SSG P.JPG|thumb|A [[Sako TRG]] [[sniper rifle]] on its standard factory bipod and it's [[monopod]] beneath the rifle's butt]]
[[File:PK machine gun.jpg|thumb|The right bipod leg of the [[PK_machine_gun#Accessories|PK]] [[general-purpose machine gun|GPMG]] accommodates links of a cleaning rod]]

{{main|Weapon mount}}
Bipods are commonly used on [[rifle]]s and [[machine gun]]s to provide a forward rest and reduce unwanted motion. They are also seen on other long-barreled weapons. Bipods permit operators to easily rest a weapon on objects, such the ground or a wall, reducing 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.{{clarification needed|date=November 2023}}<!-- it's not entirely clear why this is useful --> 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.

=== History ===
The first known use of bipods on firearms can be traced back to [[hand cannon]]s of the [[12th century]], which were cast iron barrels laid on top of short poles.<ref>[https://blklblbipod.com/two-legs-are-better-than-one-the-evolution-and-history-of-bipods/ BLK LBL Bipod | Two legs are better than one–the evolution and history of bipods]</ref>

Bipods on rifles are first known to have been used in an improvised fashion during the mid-19th century, particularly by [[American frontier|frontiersmen]] hunting [[American bison]] and other wild animals. For example, the painting "The Long Shot" by [[Howard Terpning]]<ref>[http://www.artcountrycanada.com/images/terpning-long%20shot.jpg The painting "The Long Shot" by Howard Terpning]</ref> shows native American hunters shooting a rifle with an improvised bipod consisting of two crossed arrows.

During the 20th century, use of dedicated bipods increased, and was seen on different types of rifles during wars. For example the [[Lewis gun]] (1914) was fitted with an adjustable bipod.<ref>[http://www.nfldww1.com/3/weapons.html Weapons History - Lewis Gun]</ref> The technology became more advanced, with hinged legs and even extendable or retractable legs. The Brixia M1923 machine gun used a bipod that could also be used as a harness allowing the user to move around firing the weapon handling only the spade grips.

One of the first companies to manufacture commercially successful bipods was Harris Engineering, Inc founded in 1979 in [[Barlow, Kentucky]] by Gerald Harris, Margaret Harris, and Susan Wilkerson. Before starting the company, Gerald had applied for a patent on the bipod.<ref>[https://patents.google.com/patent/US3327422A/en US3327422A - Bipod for attachment to a firearm - Google Patents]</ref> In 2019, their successful Harris Bipods have been produced for nearly forty years, and have remained relatively unchanged.

Recent advances in manufacture of bipods include use of lightweight materials such as aluminium, carbon fiber and titanium, use of different quick attachment and detachment mechanisms (Picatinny, M-LOK, etc. or even magnets<ref>[https://www.gunmart.net/shooting-accessories/equipment/bipods/steinert-neopod-bipod Steinert NeoPod Bipod | Bipod Reviews | Gun Mart]</ref>) and various types of feet materials such as rubber, metal, or a "basket" designed to stop the bipod from sinking into soft surfaces such as fine sand or deep snow (inspired by [[ski pole]]s and [[snowshoe]]s).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://missioncriticaldesigns.com/s-s-b-p/ |title=Soft Surface Bipod Platform (SSBP) by Mission Critical Designs |access-date=2019-07-18 |archive-date=2019-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626231004/http://missioncriticaldesigns.com/s-s-b-p/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Mounting standards ===
There are several mounting standards for attaching a bipod to a rifle, of which some well known are [[sling swivel stud|swivel stud]], [[Picatinny rail|Picatinny]], [[M-LOK]] and Versa Pod spigot mount. Starting in the late 2010s, the [[Tripod head#Arca-Swiss style|Arca-Swiss style]] also gained popularity in shooting competitions such as the [[Precision Rifle Series]] since the rail allows for stepless adjustment.<ref>[https://precisionrifleblog.com/2018/02/17/shot-show-2018-really-right-stuffs-new-products/ SHOT Show 2018: Really Right Stuff's New Products - PrecisionRifleBlog.com]</ref>