![KMW 1](https://i0.wp.com/rifleshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/KMW-1.jpg?resize=500%2C381&ssl=1)
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.
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.
Both bipod locks are installed in a similar fashion.
![The factory lock knob needs to be removed.](https://i0.wp.com/rifleshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/factory-harris-bipod-lock-nut.jpg?resize=620%2C412&ssl=1)
![A 1/4" socket is used to remove the nut.](https://i0.wp.com/rifleshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/removing-nut.jpg?resize=620%2C412&ssl=1)
![The factory locking knob is unscrewed.](https://i0.wp.com/rifleshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/removing-threaded-nut.jpg?resize=620%2C412&ssl=1)
![The new lock, in this case a KMW POD-LOC is screwed into place.](https://i0.wp.com/rifleshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/KMW-pod-loc-installed.jpg?resize=620%2C412&ssl=1)
![This is what the S-LEVER looks like installed.](https://i0.wp.com/rifleshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/S-Lever-installed-on-bipod.jpg?resize=620%2C412&ssl=1)
![KMW POD-LOC (left) and S-LEVER (right).](https://i0.wp.com/rifleshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/pod-loc-versus-s-lever.jpg?resize=620%2C412&ssl=1)
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.
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