Bipod mechanism for small arms

Abstract

A bipod mechanism for a light weight machine gun comprising a pair of individually telescopically adjustable leg assemblies and a mounting structure connectable in supporting relation with the gun mounting the pair of leg assemblies for movement between a folded transport position wherein the leg assemblies extend generally parallel alongside the longitudinal extent of the gun and a gun supporting and firing position wherein the leg assemblies extend downwardly in outwardly converging relation with respect to the longitudinal extent of the gun. Each of the leg assemblies includes an inner leg member of generally L-shaped cross-sectional configuration and an outer leg member of generally L-shaped cross-sectional configuration mounted in generally nested relation therewith. Pins sliding in slots provide for relative longitudinally sliding movement between the inner and outer members while in nested relation. The movements provided are controlled by resilient locking assemblies which enable the leg assemblies to be yieldingly moved from their transport position into a firing position where they are automatically locked and the outer leg member of each leg assembly to be yieldingly moved into any one of a plurality of extended positions where automatic locking occurs.