The Caldwell #571-429 BiPod XLA is a well-made swivel-stud-mount bipod made primarily of anodized aluminum. Here are the advertised features:

• Durable, lightweight design
• Quickly attach or detach from rifle using the front swivel stud
• Attachment point for sling
• Maximum stability design
• Pad to protect forend of gun
• Spring loaded legs are notched to extend to multiple lengths between 9" and 13"
• Folds for carrying
• Weighs a mere 13 ounces

We mounted our bipod on a heavy-barrel Ruger .22-250 Varmint rifle in a few moments. We found the XLA to be sturdy, easy to deploy (the legs are spring-loaded) and extremely stable. We particularly appreciated the job that Caldwell did with the rubber feet. They are steady on rough ground. The legs are spring loaded, so extension is immediate and they lock into six positive positions. This is the pivoting model, so you can quickly compensate for up to twenty degrees of cant. A knurled knob at the rear of the base plate adjusts the tension on the pivot. Turn clockwise to increase tension.

The weight is about three-quarters of one pound and the textured/rubberized surface glued to the mounting plate both stops slip and protects your rifle’s forearm finish. It is just the ticket for “walking varminter” type applications where your prey might be coyotes and you need quick access to a steady shooting platform. Ideal for .204, .223, .22-250 and .220 varmint/predator rifles. We suspect Guns and Shooting Online .17 HMR fans will find it handy for shooting sand rats and similar rodents.

The Caldwell BiPod XLA Pivot Model is good product, well packaged, at an attractive retail price of around $50, half the cost of similar bipods. It will help you get more out of your rifle anytime you want a mobile, quickly available, stable platform for long range shooting. Caldwell is a division of Battenfeld Technologies and you can visit their web site at wwwbattenfeldtechnologies.com