I currently have a Harris bipod which I love and have been switching it between two rifles.  Obviously this is not ideal.  I would like to get a second bipod but not sure I want to shell out the cash for another Harris. How are the offerings from Leapers UTG, Caldwell and NC Star?  They seem to use a similar design as Harris and cost less than 1/2 as much... reviews I have read have been positive for the UTGs.

You get what you pay for.



 

^ This. I have a few Harris bipods and I love them, but I have a $20 UTG bipod on a cheap Remington 770 in 7MM Rem Mag and it has been perfect, but I wouldn't count on it for anything more than a bit of hunting and going to the range.

I have a caldwell from Academy on my 16" mid length that i use primarily for range plinking out to 250yds and it works fine. It's not as smooth and heavy duty feeling as a Harris or other but it serves its purpose for me. Just be sure to put loc-tite on the screws. I had mine come off once. I caught it before firing though.

I picked up a Blackhawk!!!!!!! brand bipod from walmart.  I have zero issues with it.  It is harris style for a fraction of the price.  I haven't really beat on it but it works.

A forked stick works too.
 

I have a UTG bipod (TL-BP78) I've been using for years and am actually fairly impressed with it...especially for the price. It opens and closes solidly and gives a very sturdy front rest. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

I do have experience with higher end bipeds as well. I had a nice Harris a few years back and currently own an Atlas. The UTG does a great job....even when compared to the top dogs.

Are you using it to shoot off the bench or hunt?

If you are hunting with it, Google Varmit Al's Fur Pod Page.  I made one and it works great, depending on what you are using it for.  Made a few for friends as well.

Also, check out the Bog Pod, they have a light duty one for about $30 bucks.

If you buy another Harris, get a different size than the one you have so you have a variety of bipods to use for different applications.

They are all an accessory to use from one rifle to another.  Don't get two of the same thing.

This is one I have been considering... Probably my top choice at the moment.
Does this bipod swivel?
Also is the height sufficient to clear a 30 round mag when shooting from the bench or prone?

Bench and from the prone.  Good advice BTW, I wont get two of the same.

I have a harris on my Savage 110FP and picked up a Blackhawk for a 10/22 and it seems to be a pretty nice solid bipod



 

Has anyone had any good experience with the foregrips that snap into a bipod?

You are not making a case for a the more expensive Harris any better.

My experience with the cheap ones is limited to one Caldwell that was given to me.  Compared to my Harris pods, it is a bit more flimsy.  It does not go on straight, being slightly skewed to one side.  I can work with it and get it pretty straight.  The feet, when extended the same length also cant the rifle slightly to the side.  I can work with it and get it adjusted so that it is square and level, but it takes a bit of work.  Once in place and locked down, it does deploy and retract just fine and stays put.

I have relegated it to a .22LR bolt gun.  It stays on the rifle, so I don't have to go through all the realignment of the more slopply machined or stamped parts.  But, I can say this:  If mine is any example, for an "install once and use" without moving on a low recoiling rifle, it actually works fine.   Just don't think you are getting a Harris build quality, or that you can easily move it from rifle to rifle.

So I went with the Calwell, with swivel.  Same features as the Harris I have but a smaller size.  It works OK.  Definitely not as solidly built as the harris, nor does it work as welle but as always you get what you pay for.  For now, considering the price I payed.  I am happy with it.