The Mystic Precision MPOD Bipod is an excellent solution for anyone needing an extremely stable, yet lightweight bipod. While it looks like it would be great for F Class as well as Benchrest shooting, the price and flexibility lends itself to all sorts of shooting disciplines. When I found myself testing a 60x scope, I realized that I was going to need something more stable than what I had on hand. So I reached out to EGW, who manufactures the MPOD for Mystic Precision. And they sent one out for some testing and evaluation.
Mystic Precision MPOD Specs & Functions
Constructed of mil-spec anodized aircraft aluminum with steel hardware, the MPOD weighs just 12.8 ounces. That’s less than the Harris BR-S 6-9″ (13.8 oz) and even less than my carbon fiber/aluminum GRND-POD (14 oz for their lightest version). Yet it’s far more stable than either. At its lowest setting, it’s 4.5″ high, and it goes up to 7.75″ at the mounting lug. Longer legs are available if you need more height.
Height adjustment is done by loosening the leg knobs and manually raising or lowering the legs, which are nicely marked with white engraved numbers. Note that unlike similar bipods, the legs get farther apart as you increase height. Where some other bipods draw the legs inward, decreasing stability as they get taller, the MPOD increases stability. It will also handle uneven ground with ease.
What more could you ask for? How about a total of 18 degrees of cant? That’s 9 degrees in either direction, controlled by the knob on the underside. This model is 2.625″ across at the legs, accommodating forends up to 2.55″ wide. And it will support rifles up to 50 pounds. Needless to say, it had no trouble with my heavy barrel CZ 457 in a chassis.
Some Assembly Required
EGW ships the Mystic Precision Bipod MPOD in a flat package. It does require a bit of assembly, but nothing difficult. Attaching the uppers to the cradle might be the hardest part, as there are some inserts for them. The legs slide into the uppers and are tightened with the included knobs. Last thing to do is attach the skis to the bottom of the legs. Start to finish, the whole process is easily under ten minutes.
Choosing a mount
If your stock or chassis already has a T-Slot rail, you’re in luck. The Mystic Precision MPOD will mount right up. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a $25 accessory T-Slot rail compatible with M-LOK. Or just bolt the rail on. Mystic Precision offers a short (3.596″) version, as well as a longer (4.595″) version. Both include mounting hardware.
Installation of the Mystic Precision MPOD
With the MPOD assembled, and the T-Slot rail installed on my chassis, installation couldn’t be easier. Just slide the T-Nut into the rail, choose the correct fore/aft position, and tighten it down using the lever. Note that the lever is spring-loaded, so it can be pulled down and rotated out of the way if necessary. I make sure it’s pointed at either leg before placing it back in my rifle bag, to avoid accidental damage.
Range Time
I used the Mystic Precision Bipod MPOD to shoot prone and off a portable bench. Although my rifle isn’t centerfire, it’s not lightweight. Starting with a CZ 457 action, it’s got a 20″ heavy barrel. Topping that is an Athlon HERAS SPR 15-60×56, which weighs over two pounds, not including the EGW scope rings. All this sits in an HB Industries chassis with a Luth AR stock. All together, it weighs right at 11 pounds with a loaded ten round magazine. I had some concerns about the original bipod I had been using, and the MPOD easily addresses my worries about stability.
With the ground being relatively flat, I only had to make minor adjustments to the cant. At 60x, the image through the scope was rock solid. When shooting between 100 and 200 yards, mirage, and the huge elevation loss of my subsonic rimfire ammo were problematic. My rifle was still as solid as could be. I did go looking for some less even surfaces, and found that adjusting the legs from the shooting position is doable, but not ideal. Although I suspect that most shooters aren’t going to have to worry about that. Unless they’re hunting, and need to change position. And for them, cant is more easily adjusted than leg height.
Overall Thoughts
When it comes to stability, the Mystic Precision MPOD delivers. With a $250 retail price, it’s easy on the budget too. Though if you need to make quick or fine adjustments on the fly, it may not be the best choice. That’s just part of the give and take for light weight and a low price. Where I’m setting my rifle up and staying in that position for the duration of my range time, it’s perfect. And the generous 18 degrees of cant is more than enough for my needs.
What would I change? Nothing. The only option I would like to see is another set of legs without the skis. If there was an option to add rubber feet, claws, or spikes, Mystic Precision MPOD would cover about 90% of my bipod needs across several rifles. As it is, I’ll probably get an extra rail or two so I an use it with a couple of other rifles.
Conclusion
It’s rare that I review a product that seems to do everything well, at a price that doesn’t cause my wallet to recoil in horror. Mystic Precision and EGW set out to build a bipod that’s light, stable, and affordable. They certainly achieved that. If you’re a competitive shooter, or just want to up your game, it’s hard to beat. Check it out at the egwguns.com website.