Bipod for a BAR

smith revolver cop · Jul 30, 2012

This is kind of an obscure request, but I figured one of the knowledgeable people here might be able to help. I am about to take possession of a Model 1928 BAR. It is the "civilian" model, roughly the equivalent of the Colt Monitor. It has a Cutts Compensator threaded to the front of the barrel, right in front of the strap connecting the barrel to the gas tube. So, the traditional military style bipod will not fit. I was thinking I might be able to attach a "universal" bipod to the gas tube. But, it would have to be sturdy enough to handle a weapon this heavy, especially on full auto, and clamp on securely without damaging the gas tube. Any ideas or suggestions, or should I just plan on bringing a large sandbag or something if I plan to shoot prone?

Gunslinger808 · Jul 30, 2012

You can still find BAR bi pods out there, they run from 2-300.
Or you MIGHT be able to modify a FAL bi pod to fit, they run about 30 bucks.
Either way, the BAR bi pod attaches to the barrel in front of the front sight.
Do not attach to the gas tube, you bend or crimp it, then you'll have all sorts of problems.

peyton · Jul 30, 2012

Well remember to post pictures of the BAR when it arrives. Where did you find it?

2152hq · Jul 31, 2012

No room on the bbl between the back of the front sight and the front of the gas tube?

The Monitor has a couple of inches of free barrel there,,
Your 1928 may be configured differently.

Joe Kent · Jul 31, 2012

I would recommend not trying to "attach" anything other than what would be original parts designed for that ,or any other, highly collectible expensive gun. Please do post pictures when you get it . All my best, Joe.

Joe Kent · Jul 31, 2012

I forgot to add in the above post, you might contact Ohio Ordinance and see what Mr. Landies might have available. They are good BAR suppliers and of course the makers of their 1918 semi-auto BARs. Their semi-auto models are way cool in their own right and neat to own and shoot. As my 31 year old son said when he picked up a Blued WW1 model, "AR's are for pussies" . It brought a good laugh from all those around.

41RF · Jul 31, 2012

FWIW, a few years ago some FND (Belgian BAR) kits were being sold; some had a bipod included. It attached to the gas tube, and had about a 20mm inside diameter on the mounting. The entire kits were about $70, so if the size sounds right, might be worth looking for. The gas tubes are very strong and thick steel....

smith revolver cop · Jul 31, 2012

Thanks

Thanks for all of the advice. While the Colt Monitor has several inches of barrel between the sight/gas tube and compensator, this is actually a Carl Gustav's model, and the threads for the compensator are immediately in front of the gas tube. I was worried that the gas tube might be too prone to damage to use for a bipod. I will probably contact Ohio Ordnance Works. I know they made some decent semi-auto rebuilds of the BAR a few years ago.

smith revolver cop · Jul 31, 2012

Good point. I am having this transferred from my father, who is now in his 80s. The wood doesn't match, and there are some scratches in the receiver, but just based on the small numbers of transferable BARs, I know roughly what it would sell for. He bought it in the early 1980s. He was always intrigued with the BAR, because his older nrother carried one throughout a scenic tour of the South Pacific Islands, including Tarawa, courtesy of the Second Marine Division. I think in 30 years, it has been out to be shot once (when my uncle was visiting), cleaned, then put away. I will need to become versed in field stripping and cleaning!

Joe Kent said:
I would recommend not trying to "attach" anything other than what would be original parts designed for that ,or any other, highly collectible expensive gun. Please do post pictures when you get it . All my best, Joe.

ParadiseRoad · Jul 31, 2012

smith revolver cop said:
Good point. I am having this transferred from my father, who is now in his 80s. The wood doesn't match, and there are some scratches in the receiver, but just based on the small numbers of transferable BARs, I know roughly what it would sell for. He bought it in the early 1980s. He was always intrigued with the BAR, because his older nrother carried one throughout a scenic tour of the South Pacific Islands, including Tarawa, courtesy of the Second Marine Division. I think in 30 years, it has been out to be shot once (when my uncle was visiting), cleaned, then put away. I will need to become versed in field stripping and cleaning!

...I would recommend the book "Rock in a Hard Place" by James Ballou...an interesting read and probably all you'll ever need to know about the BAR. It was/is printed by Collector Grade Publications...collectorgrade.com

Waldo · Jul 31, 2012

The bipod on the 1918A2 changes the whole feel of the gun. It is very muzzle heavy with the bipod mounted. I have talked to several WWII and Korean War vets. They all said they took the bipod off in combat. I would not do anything to alter the original configuration of the gun. I would shoot it off sandbags prone, which is the only position the where bipod helps. You will be surprised how quick those 20 round magazines empty.

smith revolver cop · Aug 1, 2012

I'm figuring big sandbags or beanbags will be the way to go. I know my uncle said the bipods never made it to the beach. I'm not sure if he did most of his firing from the belt/hip or shoulder.

Waldo said:
The bipod on the 1918A2 changes the whole feel of the gun. It is very muzzle heavy with the bipod mounted. I have talked to several WWII and Korean War vets. They all said they took the bipod off in combat. I would not do anything to alter the original configuration of the gun. I would shoot it off sandbags prone, which is the only position the where bipod helps. You will be surprised how quick those 20 round magazines empty.

Bipod for a BAR

smith revolver cop

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smith revolver cop

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