I've used a pan head bipod on a 338WM for several years and have found it to be quite useful. Sure better than packing a fence post around to lean on when I need to steady my shot.
bi-pods are becoming almost a requirement for range equipment now-a-days since a lot of ranges don't have sandbag rest or even a block of wood to use as a rest..
Almost all my rifles have bipods, especially if I plan on shooting long distances. Target, hunting, rimfire and varmint rigs. Don't see any negatives with having them on a rifle. If I am planning on doing a large amount on walking in some of the mountain areas, I will pack them in my backpack. Joe
I used to use one on my benchrest guns and it was steadier than a front bag. If the barrel is freefloated there should be no worrys. If it isnt then it still shouldn't make a difference as you already have pressure points.
I've used them. For deliberate shooting at the range or in the field they are useful. I had a nice Harris bi-pod on a Rem. 700 VS-SF in .308 Win. The rifle would shoot .5-.75 MOA off sandbags and the bench. From the bi-pod prone w/ a small bag for the buttstock, I could still get .7-1.0 MOA in the field. Very useful. Not so handy on a rifle that you carry a lot while moving through heavy cover or moving a distance. If I ever again get back into shooting varmints, or plinking at long range, a bi-pod (probably Harris) will be on the rifle.
All of my serious long range rifles have them. For the really long distance guns I use Parker Hale , the next level down I use Kengs and for everything else Harris. I will also use a back pack or small pouch for a rest.
I once had the occasion to use a bipod on an M-60. It worked fine, and my AG was carrying ammo instead of a heavy tripod. I use a bipod on my AR that I shoot F class with, it works fine for that, and is more accurate at long range than trying to shoot without it.