Item being reviewed: BALS MK-1 Sniper Bean Bag -
Description of item: The MK-1 from Ballistic Adjustment Leveling Systems, LLC. (BALS) is the answer to precision marksmen who want the functionality of a beanbag, without the inconvenience and hassle of having to carry one and store it everywhere they go. The Patent Pending design allows for simple installation onto a wide variety of stocks, including most factory bolt gun stocks and McMillan stocks. The MK-1 will also fit on standard M16 A1 and A2 stocks, as well as the Accuracy International AICS and Magpul PRS. As we like to say, a beanbag on the gun is worth two on the bench.
The beanbag on the MK-1 is incorporated with a stock harness that stores it conveniently up against the rearmost part of the stock, and can silently be released for immediate usage. When deployed, the beanbag can lay horizontally or vertically via a slider, to maximize the amount of adjustment capabilities. Whether in storage or operational mode, the beanbag does not interfere with the shooter's cheek weld, and it does not interfere with off-hand shooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUk8J43R4b4Description of review tests: I've had this for about 6 months or so, I saw it in a NRA rag and ordered one. I have a Choate USS stock, they don't specifically list one for fitting it, it's a little snug, but fits fine.
I used it to shoot a LRTR match in Parma and it worked great. The bag was always there ready to be deployed, and stored out of the way when not needed. I was climbing towers, had the sling on, once I was up the tower, the bag was ready to go. Very slick, works well.
Pros: Alwasy there when you need it, it's not in the way for shooting when in the stored position.
Cons: Bag could be a bit bigger, BUT if it was it wouldn't fit so nice where it does, so for some shots, there may not be quite enough bag there...
Best Uses: Sniper rifle, when you want a bag for support it's there.
Duration Used: about 6 momths.
Where purchased:
http://www.skdtac.com/BALS_MK_1_Sniper_Bean_Bag_p/bal.501.htmCost: $30, but current price is $37 price has gone up.
Rating: 5 - IMHO a great addition for the Long Range weapon
