This Leapers UTG Recon Flex Bipod is the most stable bipod I’ve ever attached to a rifle. Its attachment method and rigidity make it perfect for long-range target work, but it may not work for every application.
Amazon Links:
1. Recon Flex M-Lok Bipod (8-11.8″):
2. Recon Flex Keymod Bipod (8-11.8″):
3. Recon Flex M-Lok Bipod (5.7-8″):
4. Recon Flex Keymod Bipod (5.7-8″):
As I prepared to test the new CMMG Mk3 DTR2 in 6.5 Creedmoor, I couldn’t decide how to support that heavy muzzle end. The aluminum handguard sports M-Lok attachment points all the way around, but there is no sling swivel stud or picatinny rail on the underside. I could use one of my regular bipods and attach it with an adaptor, but that adds weight and bulk, and it pushes the center of gravity even further above the bipod’s pivot point.
Luckily I found this new bipod from UTG. Available in M-Lok or Keymod, the two legs attach directly to the side of an AR-15 or AR-10 handguard. The Leapers Recon Flex would also work well on any of the new chassis rifles on the market. Much like the Atlas bipod, the Recon Flex allows the maskman to select a leg angle to deal with sloped surfaces, and each leg can adjust its height for uneven terrain. Once situated, the UTG bipod just plain does not want to move. There are no joints to wobble or pivot; the image through the scope remains stable and level. If you’ve considered the new Magpul bipod, this rigidity marks the biggest difference between the two products.
This rigidity does include its own tradeoffs. Moving targets and quick transitions are more difficult to address with this bipod since it resists movement.
I have already tested this rifle in several challenges, including 1-mile use in a big field. The Leapers bipod was the perfect choice for those long-range shots. In the Moving Target Challenge, however, close work on moving targets was a bit more difficult. I recommend that you evaluate your own scenarios before you buy this excellent bipod.
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Kyle Broderick, The Social Regressive
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I was eyeballing those. Good and solid for accurate, single shot placement at distance. Not so good for quick acquisition of moving targets. Thanks for the review pal. Enjoyed it. Thumbs up, as always.
Regarding the comment about the "nuts" not being captured. The T nuts are the heart of M-lok. When you install them you run them all the way down to the accessory finger tight and in line with the rail slots. Do this to both T nuts. Then insert the accessory into the M-lok slot and hold it flush to the rail. Slowly screw the first screw backwards as if removing it until you feel the tension release. At this point do the same to the other screw. No both of your T nuts are oriented so the tightening surface is even with the inner surface of the slots. Slowly tighten them one at a time. They will rotate and then bit and tighten. when you go to remove the accessory you slowly loosen one screw till you feel the T nut come loose and then repeat. You accessory will slip off and the T nuts will be properly spaced to reinstall by just snugging them again. that is the beauty of M-lok. This is my off the cuff interpretation of magpull instructions read a few years ago.
Hey Kyle, what would you think about using this with a RPR .338 Lapua?
It appears to be sturdy and my shooting is mostly fixed long range…
I have had this for a while…good on level ground but once you go on uneven terrain it fights against you…add the fact that you cannot pan or tilt and becomes fairly limited in use. Works great on a nice level surface but fails otherwise. I took it off and put a pic rail and just swap my QD Atlas when I need to. Will say it is rock solid on a level surface.
Thanks for your review, quite thorough I thought. I've been on the fence with this bi-pod and your review was helpful. I didn't realize there were two different sizes, I would have purchased the shorter model if I had not seen your video; you are right about the 8" – 11" length being needed for larger mags. It did occur to me that when stowing the legs, why not fold them back towards the mag. This would also change the weight and balance reducing the "weight feel" and possibly help case fitment issues?
Good information in a very concise well laid out format. All around a great very enjoyable video. Thank you for helping me decide between two UTG bipods.
$50 well worth a shot…
A little threadlock would go a long way to keep those M-lok nuts attached. Or, I haven't tried this yet, but I can't see why it wouldn't work.. Take a chisel & pound an "X" into the threaded end of the bolt, essentially making the M-lok nuts captured. Most of my M-lok nuts only need about a half turn to loosen and align themselves for removal. That would leave enough excess thread to work with in every case that I've seen.
Yes
I’ve been using this bipod on my Aero Ar this past year and it Is my Favorite! And at a really good price
listen those cheap scopes won't hold impact, to know this you needs a scope checker, and a gun that shoots well, with a gun that shoots good with a lower class scope the scope tends to climb right because of the vibrations of the gun moving the internals, thus your groups will open and when your shooting long range your just chasing your tail, because you don't know if the gun or the scope is throwing shots, I'm sorry but I had to say it, it has been tested and it is proven impact matters, you don't have to spend a fortune a good weaver with carbide insides like a T24 T 16 T36 will hold impact, sightron 36br will hold impact and you can see your target much better, and it will not cast over 350.00… you can delete this comment if it strikes a nerve
For more"dynamic" shooting this bipod can work as a vertical grip, like most bipods, by deploying just one leg. Although the leg is too small in diameter to get a full grip it is at about the correct angle for comfortable ergonomics and strong enough to get good support. Obviously not the bipod's intended use, you will need to grip it close to the handguard and be aware of the length beyond your hand when moving around obstacles.
Good review.
What is your measurement of the hand guard vs handguard + bipod? How much extra width does it add?
Good fair review. For zeroing and occasional long range shooting, this is exactly what I want and the price is certainly right. I have Keymod so I think mounting it and dismounting it is easier in keymod. This is the best design so far for me. Thanks.
Magpul new bipod is mlok without an adaptor. I used this bipod for a few days and just didn’t like how wide it made the foot print of my rifle. It would work on a dedicated long range gun which is not what I was trying to use it on
I put these on my 6.5 Grendel build. I really like them.
Wow I would love to have one of them with that 24 inch barrel in a 7mm-08
I absolutely love this bipod. I hope to get my savage 110 into a mdt chassis so I can use one on it aswell. Right now i have this setup on a 6mm-223 AR15.
Awesome points mentioned here! Well done! 👍👍
Great review but I need cant and pan on my bipods. The bipods with the apex of the legs connecting with an imaginary line above the barrel seem to be the most stable like this one or some of the newer model accutac and atlas. His bipod being nice an light seems appropriate for a dmr or great at the range
I just received my brand new magpul m-lok bipod with a set of atlas spiked feet for the bipod.. So far the only problem is the feet dont lock in like they should as magpul says all atlas feet are attachable.
First! I have a pair but it has been to cold to shoot