Barrel mount a Harris Bipod??

[ruger438]

Hi , Just bought my first Contender, a Stainless 10" 223. Primary use is for groundhogs. I have scoped it, but I need to develop some steady field positions.
 
 I really was looking for a 12" barrel so I would have a forward sling stud to mount a harris bipod, but found this 10" used at my local gun shop, so I bought it.
 
 Problem is, how can I mount a bipod or other rest for it? I considered Harris's barrel clamp, but in my experience with rifles , anything on the barrel can make accuracy erratic.
 
 Does the clamp setup work fairly well on a Contender, or are there other better options for a field rest?

Or, has anyone put a sling swivel stud on a 10" forearm for bipod use?

[jhalcott]

  i installed a sling stud on a couple fore arms for bipod use. I had an Uncle Mikes barrel mount on a 45-70 MANY years ago. I got the sling wrapped around some thing .When I shot the gun ,the barrel ring was pulled apart. Lucky for me there was no other damage. It is not hard to install a stud. Either a screw in or a bolt on can be done in a few minutes.

[giturgun]

I have used the barrel clamp for several  years and like it . Currently have it on my 222 14" barrel. It has shot several 3/4 inch groups and shoots about the same with or without the clamp. The stud would make it easier to mount a sling also.

[Ladobe]

While it probably won't be as prevalent on a 10" bull barrel, the barrel clamps for bipods can mess up the barrels harmonics.   I'd opt for a stud installed as a replacement for the single forend screw as an acceptable scenario if you insist on shooting short barrels off a bipod.   Better would be to just shoot off a bag placed right in front of the trigger guard IMO.   That's how I have always shot short barrels and I leave the bipods for the longer barrels.   Bipods just fit and offer solid support better on longer forends with 2 screw support, especially with bipods that have a large base like the Harris models do.   FWIW