Why Podium
Design
The Podium consists of AGR-43 pistol grip, base with extendable supports and a magazine well clamping ring. The overall weight is 357 grams (12.6 ounces) and includes the pistol grip. Without it, the weight equals 237 g (8.4 oz.). The tested unit was made of a strong, dark green plastic. Black and tan colors are also available.
The supports are spring loaded and when collapsed fit into the wide base. The legs are deployed by pressing a small button, placed on the back of the base, near the bottom edge of the pistol grip. As the button is pressed, the supports deploy and remain in this position. The legs can also be deployed partially, but in this case the locking mechanism will not work.
To collapse the supports, the shooter must pull on them in their direction. This can be done by touch only, without taking the eyes off the immediate surroundings. Even in total darkness the shooter knows that the legs are folded as there is an audible click when the lock is engaged.
Assembly
The Podium is fixed to the pistol grip and to the AR-15 magazine well by means of the mentioned clamping ring. It`s easy enough and does not require visiting the gunsmith. Fitting the bipod takes about 4 minutes and requires a screwdriver (used for removing the existing grip). Other tools (2 Allen wrenches) are included in the kit. With a little bit of experience it can easily be fitted in the field.
The original pistol grip has to be removed first. A note of caution here: do it carefully with the rifle resting on its side. The fire selector/safety spring sits just above the grip and if it is yanked hard the spring (which is very small), could very well fly off and be difficult to locate.
The kit consists of 4 elements – grip, 2 parts of clamping ring and a base with integrated bipod. 5 bolts and 2 Allen wrenches are also included.
The FAB Defense AGR-43 grip is then fitted, using the same bolt. It is necessary to use it as the Israeli manufacturer did not want to create a universal base. There are thousands of grips available on the market and creating a fit-all base for all grips was out of question. If the operator wants to use the Podium they will have to get to grips with the FAB Defense grip. Ergonomically, it is better than most pistol grips for AR-15 and a rubberized surface promotes better handling even with wet hands.
Fitting the Podium to the rifle is very easy and takes less than 5 minutes. One has to be careful not to loosen the fire selector/safety spring when removing the pistol grip.
The Mag well ring must be assembled from 2 parts, fixed together by 3 bolts. Interestingly, there is an access hole drilled into it, which enables easy removal of trigger guard pin without disassembly of the clamping ring itself. This can be especially useful in winter when the shooter might be wearing thick winter gloves.
The supports fit into the base, which also serves as an enlarged hand-guard. The forward part of the supports have serrations which improve the grip and prevent the hand from moving.
Using it
After assembly, everything looks quite pretty and part of the ring acts as an enlarged hand-guard. Functionally and ergonomically, the bipod placed in the center of the rifle has its real advantage. The normal front grip can be easily fitted and nothing will get in a way when using it. Traditional bipods, even with collapsed supports can often hinder the front hand. Also the weapon balance remains unaffected. The standard,steel bipod can weigh up to half a kilogram and quite often it is located beyond the usual support points for carrying and shooting the rifle.
When fitted, the bipod does not make the rifle significantly larger and still allows full access to weapon controls and the magazine.
Initially, I was concerned about problems with magazine changes when the Podium supports are deployed. These concerns were unwarranted as the legs move easily and magazine can be changed without any issues.
When collapsed the supports fit into the base. There are no protruding elements that could catch on the shooter`s clothes, equipment or surroundings. This is another advantage of FAB Defense solution.
The rifle equipped with the Podium bipod sits about 40 – 50 mm (1.5 – 2 inches) higher off the ground than one fitted with a traditional bipod. There are no adjustments in the supports and they always extend to the same length. The deployment is very quick, literally at the press of a button. To press it, the shooter must either move his hand on the grip or use the other arm.
At the range
The Podium supported rifle sits fairly high. It does not create any problems with posture or weapon handling and even makes it a bit easier to aim at targets below the shooter. Of course the rifle height makes camouflage slightly more difficult.
When shooting, the rifle is stable and I did not notice any significant difference between the Podium and a typical bipod. One has to realize – this is not a precision shooting accessory and was not designed as one. For proper marksmanship, the traditional, adjustable bipod is better (yet heavier).
While I keep calling Podium a bipod it is in fact an additional accessory similar to a front or side grip. After the supports are deployed the weapon will always sit straight and there is no side movement without taking the legs off the supporting surface. To track the target the shooter has to move the whole rifle.
Despite the rifle sitting higher than the standard bipod, with supports mounted in a different spot, I did not notice any significant increase in weapon jerk. However, I wonder if this would be the case with AK rifles, which recoil stronger than AR carbines.
The supports move easily when the magazine is changed and do not get in a way when handling the weapon.
The release button is located in an easily accessible place (at the lower part of the pistol grip) yet it is hard to press it by mistake.
The Podium supported rifle sits quite high. It does not hinder the shooter in any way and at times might even be easier to aim at targets located below shooter`s line of sight.