By Mike Schoby
Gunwerks is best known for its uber precision, extremely innovative rifle systems. That said, the innovation, attention to detail and real-world problem-solving ideas put into the rifles transcends into everything else they do—which often gets overlooked. Take for example their meticulously handloaded ammo or the Revic rangefinder and smart riflescopes with ballistics installed or the Revic tripods and optical accessories—all top notch, class-leading products that don’t always get the fanfare they deserve.
I thought about this when I first examined the Elevate 2.0 bipod. It is all Gunwerks. Thoughtful design, high-quality materials and designed to fix myriad field shooting scenarios.
I cut my teeth with Harris bipods hunting out West. Hell, everyone did. You hardly ever saw a rifle anywhere in the 90’s that didn’t have one hanging under the barrel. And to Harris’ credit—for the era and technology available, it was best-in-class and a game changer. The Harris is easily deployed, solidly constructed, and provides a stable shooting platform. But it had (and has) its challenges. Harris bipods are relatively heavy, have some steel components that rust in harsh environments and attach via an arcane system of securing to the front sling swivel on a traditional profile sporter stock. The world has moved on.
Next Gen Tech
The Elevate 2.0 features some pretty cool technology. Three different leg deployment angles, combined with dual, adjustable legs, allow for shooting heights of 5 to 19 inches. Double-extending legs provide quick deployment with square notch detents for failproof deployment; a twist-lock system enables micro adjustments. If you are shooting in uneven terrain (when is a hunter not?) the Elevate boasts 120 degrees of cant.
Instead of steel, Gunswerks utilized carbon fiber legs and aluminum components, which are super strong, resist elements well, and the entire unit weighs only 12 ounces. But in my opinion, the Neolock Picatinny attachment sets the Elevate apart from the pack. It is a simple twist-and-lock system that is instant, tool-free and allows the user to attach or detach the unit in seconds.
Just like Gunwerks didn’t invent the bolt-action rifle, they didn’t invent a bipod—they just refined it.
Cost — $395.
Pros — light, stable, adaptable with an innovative quick-detach mount.
Cons — your rifle must have a Picatinny attachment point.
