Bipod

A bipod is a support device that is similar to a tripod or monopod, but with two legs. It provides significant stability along two axes of motion (side-to-side, and up-and-down.)

Related Topics:
Tripod - Monopod - Axes

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On firearms, bipods are commonly used on sniper rifles to reduce motion and permit more accurate shooting. They are also seen on other long-barreled weapons, especially light machine guns or squad automatic weapons. Machine guns are capable of firing long continuous bursts of fire, but at the cost of increased recoil (which decreases accuracy), and increased weight (machine guns are heavier in order to absorb the stresses of prolonged fully-automatic fire.) The bipod permits the operator to rest the weapon on the ground, a low wall, or other object, reducing operator fatigue and permitting increased accuracy.

Related Topics:
Sniper rifles - Barrel - Light machine gun - Squad automatic weapon - Machine gun - Recoil

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~