Harris Swivel Bipod Locks: KMW POD-LOC and EAB S-LEVER

The Harris bipod is widely viewed as the benchmark for precision rifle use.  Most shooters prefer the “S” version with a swivel base for shooting on uneven ground.  The big downside to the factory configured “S” version, is the small swivel locking knob which doesn’t provide the shooter a lot of torque to lock the bipod into position.  To address this short coming, bipod locks have been developed.  In this post we will look at two, the KMW POD-LOC and the E. Arthur Brown S-LEVER.

KMW Long Range Solutions, owned by master gunsmith Terry Cross, was the first company to introduce a locking lever for the Harris “S” bipods.  The KMW POD-LOC is a beefy lever made in the US.  It is in use by military and law enforcement units around the world.

I’ve been using POD-LOCs on my Harris Bipods for the past ten years.  I find they enhance usability of the bipod so much, that I have a difficult time using a bipod without one.


KMW 1

The E. Arthur Brown Company, also offers the S-LEVER.  The S-LEVER is made from imported parts and has a lighter duty construction.  It sells for about half the price of the KMW POD-LOC.

s-lever

 

Both bipod locks are installed in a similar fashion.

The factory lock knob needs to be removed.
The factory lock knob needs to be removed.
A 1/4" socket is used to remove the nut.
A 1/4″ socket is used to remove the nut.
The factory locking knob is unscrewed.
The factory locking knob is unscrewed.
The new lock, in this case a KMW POD-LOC is screwed into place.
The new lock, in this case a KMW POD-LOC is screwed into place.
This is what the S-LEVER looks like installed.
This is what the S-LEVER looks like installed.
KMW POD-LOC (left) and S-LEVER (right).
KMW POD-LOC (left) and S-LEVER (right).

Both locks work better than the factory knob.  If you look at the two locks next to each other, you see how much sturdier the KMW POD-LOC looks.   Between the two, I prefer the KMW POD-LOC.  However, if you are on a budget, the S-LEVER is a serviceable option.

Harris bipods, the KMW POD-LOC, and the E. Arthur Brown S-LEVER are available from Brownells.