OK, here is my best presentation of the M16 bipods and their cases.  If this goes over well, I will probably redo the photos a little more professionally.  Everything I am presenting is information that I have read or observed.  If other members have any of the missing photos, or have other pertinent info please add to this as well.

The first Armalite bipod, was unmarked, held together with two "C" clips, and notched to work with the bipod adapter found on the Armalite AR-15 prototype rifles.  Below is a 1959 photo showing one such bipod.  The next photo is of a bipod I modified to fit my AR-15 clone by adding these same notches.

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The next model was unmarked, and held together with two "C" clips, one on each end of a steel pin.  My best guess would be that these were probably produced from about 1960 through 1961 or 1962.

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These first model bipods proved too fragile with a "C" clip on both ends of the connecting pin, and this style of pin was abandoned after this model. The first model bipod case was an open topped  case for both of these early model bipods that did not have a cleaning rod pocket on the front.  I have included photos of this case below (borrowed from vietnamgear.com).

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The next model, and the most desirable & valuable, is the duel Colt/Armalite marked bipod.  This bipod was held together with a pin that had a head on one side, and a "C" clip on the other side.  Both legs have the same markings, one with the markings on the top side, and the other leg with the markings on the back side.  My best guess on the production of these bipods would be approximately 1961 or 1962 through  early 1963. It was issued in the second model open topped case, with a short cleaning rod pouch on the front. The correct, early, cleaning rod was made of aluminum.

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The next model in line was the Colt 62122 marked bipod that was held together with a pin that had a head on one end, and a "C" clip on the other end. Both legs have the same markings, one leg on top, and the other leg on the back side. The correct case for this bipod is the third model open top case,  with a long cleaning rod pouch on the front of the case.  The correct cleaning rod set for this pouch was the M11 or M11E1 cleaning rod. M11E2 cleaning rods, when found in their original packaging, are usually dated 1967.  So, that would indicate that this third style of bipod and case were probably produced from about 1963-1966.

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The last Vietnam era bipod was also marked Colt 62122, but the legs were held together with a rivet instead of a pin with a "C" clip. Both legs have the same markings, one with the markings on the top side, and the other with the markings on the bottom side.  The correct case for this bipod is the forth model case, which is the closed top canvas XM3 case.  The earliest date that I have seen on one of these cases is 1967. The correct cleaning rod for the long cleaning rod pocket located on the side of this canvas case is the M11E2.  Every M11E2 cleaning rod that I have found in it's original packaging, has been dated 1967 or later.  This would coincide with the new canvas case production of 1967.  There is nothing definitive to show that the riveted bipod came out in 1967.  The case could have come out before the riveted bipod, so the riveted bipod could have come out in 1968 or later.  However, when you insert and remove a "C" clip bipod into one of these later cases, there is a good chance that the "C" clip will snag and pull off.  So, it is my best EDUCATED GUESS that the riveted Colt bipods came out in approximately 1967, or shortly thereafter, when it became known that the new bipod cases had become a "disassembly hazard" to the "C" clip bipods.

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One interesting thing about Colt 62122 Vietnam marked bipods is that the welds used on the legs are always rusting right at the welds. Look carefully at the welds below in the first picture, and you can see the welds cracking and rusting.  In the next photo you don't have to look so hard to see the same damage.

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A nylon bipod case, model designation "M3", came out in the late 60's or early 70's when the US military was switching all of their canvas field gear to nylon.  As far as I know, this was the last Vietnam era bipod case, and it would be correct to use with any of the Vietnam era bipods.  When this case came out, the M16A1 was already in production, complete with its trap door butt stock to hold the cleaning rod.  Because the cleaning rod was now stowed inside the weapon, there was no provision on this nylon case for holding a cleaning rod.  This is the fifth model, and as far as I know, the last Vietnam bipod case,

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I have noticed two post Vietnam manufacturers markings on M16 bipods, examples of which are posted below.  Again, both legs are marked, one on top, and one on the bottom.  These bipods are either held together with rivets (early) or a welded pin (even later).  These bipods were issued with Vietnam era cases, or various post Vietnam nylon cases.

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One last bipod that I will include here,  is one that is occasionally encountered.  It is totally unmarked, like the first model bipod, but it is held together with a rivet (identical to late Vietnam bipod rivets) instead of a pin with two "C" clips.  Conjecture is that these started out as the first model double "C" clip variety, and later had the flimsy double "C" clip replaced with a more durable rivet.  Another possibility is that these WERE later bipods ordered by Armalite, for use with the AR-180's.  Until any evidence comes to light, we will never know for sure.  However, looking at the pictures below of one such bipod,  you can see that the legs have radically different finishes on them.  This, in my opinion, would lend credence to the thought that the early bipods were reworked, and this particular bipod ended up with legs from two different bipods.

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Good stuff to know, thank you for the post.

Vietnamgear.com has a photo of the first pattern open top bipod case with no pocket on the front for a cleaning rod. As you noted there are two more versions of the open top bipod pouch, a short cleaning rod pocket and a long cleaning rod pocket. Over the weekend attending a gun show I purchased a Colt 62122 bipod with the single C clip and the second series bipod pouch with the zippered pocket on the front, both appear to be in unissued condition. The pouch is marked, Case Carrying Bipod XM3 USASCR. No stock number etc, possibly mfg in 1966? After experimenting with the case and C clip bipod I could see why the C clip bipods were eliminated., the real problem was with the new style pouch. It was very difficult to remove the bipod from the case, it appears the clip catches on the stitching and the clip will likely be pulled off. Losing the C clips wasn't an issue with my open top bipod pouch when removing the bipod.

Sticky time! And glad I mentioned wanting to know about bipod and cases!

If they do make it a sticky, I will make sure that the photos are permanently hosted, and won't go away.

Just wonderful.  I'm startin to look into these and this couldn't have been more timely!



Thanks M16Indiana

Posting for keep up front. Make this a Sticky, moderators!

Thanks for the post. Will these work with .750 barrels? Im guessing they wont.

Kinda related, has anyone seen these before?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1977-Israeli-Military-Pouch-for-M16-Bipod-/251982024984?hash=item3aab4c9118:g:hi8AAOSw3xJVbtWP

would you mind listing what each one is worth based on when they were made and what is stamped on them? I have one somewhere and may dig it out his weekend.

Thank you

Yes, that is an Israeli bipod pouch.  They are pretty much worthless for collectors value.  As far as a "use value", they can be found for a couple of dollars.

I don't own any AR's with .750 barrels to try them on, so I can't answer your question.

OP thanks for sharing.  Kinda old news for me but one never tires of looking at retro.

Recently less pouch there was an early Armalite bipod with c-clips, unmarked on e-bay with original box with original $3.95 price tag on box.  Bipod was rusted same as OP's rusted  in welds pics.  Opening bid was $1 but shipping was $50.  No takers. Auction # 161972619937 if one wants to look as pic is still up.  I asked about markings and was told $3.95 price tag only.  I'm pretty sure heads up is a no, no today but someone might want to view pic.  Item was never relisted.

Kinda related, has anyone seen these before?

Posted on those a few years back when IDF was popular.  $14.95 pouch with bipod at Numrich today.  Bipod is riveted with the numbers on both legs.  Think they were $9.95 when I got mine.

Just as good as any USGI.  Really only good for a truck / beater weapon as they will tear up a decent barrel rather quickly.  Bipod even Chinese off bayo lug is much better for actual use or grip pod off rail,  Harris off stud, just not retro.

They have welded pins, not riveted, but otherwise they aren't bad bipods.

M16indiana I'v been checking the Black Rifle, period photos and film/videos showing the bipod pouches/bipods/cleaning rods and attachments. In my estimation the most important was the cleaning items as a major reliability issue developed from the lack of AR15 cleaning/maintenance/training for the harsh tropical climate of Vietnam. If we could add photos/descriptions of all the cleaning rods, attachments, lubricants, patches etc, to this thread it would really round it out by consolidating everything in one thread.

M16 Indiana this is the most accurate listing of the AR-15 bipods/pouches/cleaning rods there is all in one place. The only thing I might add is that I believe the first 4 piece black alloy cleaning rod transitioned into a parkerized steel model for the short pocket open top bipod pouch and then soon after within a year the three piece cleaning rod and matching long pocket open top bipod pouch was issued. My guess is the alloy rod was subject to damage in the harsh combat environment. The early cleaning rods were 8/32 thread and starting with the M11E1 cleaning rod and after 8/36 thread. WillyP mentioned the parkerized steel four piece 8/32 cleaning rod in his list that they came from military stores. The early Colt SP1 cleaning rod appears to be the same expect for a black finish.

The SP1 rods came in black OR parkerized, so there would be no way to tell if you had an early four piece steel rod or an SP1 rod

They will work on .750, but the legs will not open as wide and the shooting position will be higher. Not ideal

M16Indiana no doubt the four piece 8/32 thread parkerized steel cleaning rods were part of the very early SP1 accessories and I'm guessing the subsequent SP1 cleaning rods probably transitioned to a black finish. It seems from what I'v observed that Colt and the US military many times used what was at hand at the time. I'v been looking for early USGI AR-15 8/32 thread bore brushes and just acquired a Colt numbered bore brush still new in the package. Again like the parkerized or black finish cleaning rod the question was is this bore brush for the AR-15 or SP1? If a member has a very early (1964-1965) SP1 manual with the bore brush part number it should help answer my question.

I thought I'd add to this conversation a bit, after spending months and months researching the pouches, I believe that the "1st pattern" "no pocket" pouch as shown on the Vietnam Gear site isn't actually U.S. in origin and is either a limited trial used item by a friendly country (most likely the Aussies, thats a long drawn out discussion in and of itself) OR it is a long pocket with the pocket and flap removed. In either case I do believe that it was made after or during the "long pocket" period, based on construction details of all 3 patterns.

Of the 2 "long pockets" I own and the 1 "short pocket" I've got to play with and compare, If you look closely at the "short pocket" the rear alice clip webbing is 2 1/4" and the top of the pouch is constructed different than the other 2. Its basically a U with a flat top, and uses 3 separate pieces of edge binding. On the "No pocket" and the "long pocket" model the base construction is the same with the Alice clip webbing being 2" and only uses 2 pieces of edge binding in the end making the piece a gigantic round edged rectangle. I just can't imagine (I know, I know, talking about the government here BUT) based on my years of gear collecting and manufacturing mil gear, why would they flip flop patterns in that short of a time frame, eventually reverting back to the supposed 1st design. Even with time and labor considering, the short pocket is more time consuming and adds a couple extra steps meaning more time on the assembly line.  Is there actually any photo evidence I've missed somewhere (era pic or in a manual/T-Pub/ Ect.) showing the no pocket?

Well, photobucket is now holding my photos in the original post for a PERPETUAL RANSOM of $40 per MONTH, which I REFUSE to pay.  I still have all of the above photos, so if someone has another way to post them, please let me know.