In my experience (that is, in action against nothing more threatening than cardboard and a scorecard) there is never a need for speed, in deploying a bipod. At bipod distance (more than 250 yards), and if you're prone, you have lots of time before the putative BG musters enough skill or luck to come even close to hitting you.
(Is that also true in real life? You know much better than I.)
I tend to agree. I do think, though, that DVC applies to rifles as well as pistols. The less time you spend getting ready to shoot, the more time you have to concentrate on delivering a good shot. I'm not sure I'd limit bipod use to 250+ yards. If you can get steadier, get steadier, no matter the range.
We had some guys who bolted Harris bipods (available through the supply system) to the M4s. SDMs and snipers might have used them, but most engagements are of short duration and close range, negating any call for a bipod.
The reason for the stock-stowable bipod (Clifton, Steyr, Kel-Tec) is only that it's always there when you need it, and it isn't cluttering up your belt (or vest, or harness, or whatever). Speed isn't the issue.
Ideally, I'd like one that offers both. If I can get the bipod out fast, I am more likely to have a steady shot in the field, regardless of distance.
First, you're stuck with Steyr magazines, and you can reload only by switching them out. I like the M14 system best, which gives you the choice of switching mags or reloading from the top with stripper clips. I like the Mauser/Springfield system next-best because its feed lips are just about indestructible. You never can "run out of" usable magazines, and you can use strippers or you can single-load.
Realistically, anyone who can swing the price of a Steyr can keep a few spare mags handy. It's not like we're carrying these things into battle. These guns are primarily hunting rifles and range toys, and are generally treated very well compared to combat rifles.
Second, the Steyr's ejection port is a little too small. It's hard to clear jams, and you can't use stripper clips.
But the detachable box magazines render the stripper clips obsolete. Why load from the top when you can just swap out magazines? Especially since the Steyr carries a spare mag in the buttstock. My Steyr hasn't ever jammed, but I haven't yet put a lot of rounds downrange. Anyway, a jam in a rifle not intended for dangerous game or combat is less important, since you'll have the luxury of time to clear it.
Why have a down-bore scout scope, and leave the port clear, if you can't use strippers? Seems silly to me.
Because the forward mounted scope offers other advantages:
1. It's faster than a conventional scope when used properly, especially in "snap shooting."
2. It allows two-eyes open shooting, so one eye can track the game.
3. It allows carry at the rifle's point of balance, with hand wrapped around the action.
Third, the Steyr uses rear locking lugs. It probably doesn't matter, and it's probably my imagination, but I believe that rear locking lets the bolt body bow and spring, thus letting cartridge brass stretch enough to shorten case life significantly, when you reload.
Never heard of that problem with the SBS action. I don't reload, though, so it matters not to me. :mrgreen:
Fourth, I prefer real iron sights (well, steel actually), to back up my all-too-vulnerable scope. The Steyr's are plastic.
I agree. The Steyr sights would indeed be better made of metal. But they are back-ups that are highly unlikely to ever be used on what is, in reality, a sporting rifle. BUIS do get used on fighting rifles - ever seen what an IED will do to an Aimpoint?
But I would really, really like to use the Steyr's bipod arrangement! If a truck ever runs over your Steyr, would you please, please send me its remaining bipod parts?
Since my Steyr was an anniversary gift from SWMBO, if I let it get run over by a truck, there would be no one left alive to send you any parts. :mrgreen: