The first step in assuming this position is to affix the bipod to the rifle's front swivel stud. Once you have the bipod on, attach the sling (it helps to use a sling that you have already adjusted for the sitting position) so that the longer loop is toward the front by inserting the swivel through the stud on the bipod. Attach the rear swivel to the rear swivel stud.

Next, extend the legs of the bipod so that they are a comfortable height when you assume a sitting position. When hunting, I almost never carry my rifle with the bipod attached; instead, I carry it in my daypack and attach it after seeing game. Any game spotted beyond 300 yards will normally not be aware of you, and anything at shorter ranges can be dispatched using the normal sitting position with sling.

When I attach the bipod, I do so with the legs facing toward the buttstock because I find it is easier to extend the legs when crouched behind a rock, bush, etc.

After extending the legs, put your left arm (assuming you are right-handed) through the sling loop and tighten the keeper against your left bicep with your right hand.

Assuming the game is at the 12 o'clock position, place your left leg at two o'clock, your right leg at three o'clock and place the butt stock on your right knee. With your left arm, reach under your left leg and grab the sling where it attaches to the buttstock. Using your right hand, grasp the pistol grip as you normally would. Finally, relax your left leg; you are now in one of the steadiest field positions possible.

You will find that the rifle's recoil pad does not contact your shoulder pocket but instead rests on your bicep. For varmint calibers and other mild-recoiling cartridges, this is fine. It is normally not a problem with deer class cartridges such as the .30-06, .308 or 7mm Remington Magnum, although it can be a problem if the rifle is very light.

It will definitely be a problem if you're shooting .300 or .338 magnums or above as scope cuts to the forehead are in your future. There are two solutions. Installing a muzzle brake will reduce the recoil to an extent that scope cuts will not be an issue. I prefer Vias muzzle brakes because they reduce recoil significantly without appreciably increasing muzzle blast or noise. Alternatively, you can raise the bipod legs until the buttstock reaches your shoulder.

If you have a large spare tire around your middle, you may find it difficult to get into the bipod sitting position I'm describing. But most shooters will find that it is not only easy to get into but fast as well. With practice, it takes 10 to 15 seconds to assume the bipod sitting position with sling--not much longer than if you tried shooting sitting with a bipod sans sling.

You will find, however, that the rifle is dead steady--so much so that you will find it a useful substitute for a benchrest when checking your zero. And, in fact, I always zero from this position.

You will also find that it takes a veritable hurricane to move the crosshairs. Of course, it is up to you to calculate the proper wind drift, but you will not have to worry about being buffeted by strong winds.

Using the bipod sitting position with a shooting sling I have fired four-shot groups at 700 yards that measure less than three inches, and I've put eight shots into less than four inches at that distance. With an accurate rifle, I can always keep my shots within one mo.a.

Of course, this shooting position doesn't lend itself to every hunting situation. It wouldn't be applicable to, say, hunting whitetails in heavy forest, but it can come in handy in many situations.

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