51Fifty/Optimum were the first to introduce full-length ARCA Swiss handguards as standard equipment at the 2022 SHOT Show. It was surprising how many dealers and end users either didn’t understand their purpose or couldn’t see the need for a flat-bottomed handguard. However, those familiar with the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), National Rifle League (NRL), or Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting, where precision trumps speed and convention, appreciated their value. Fast forward to 2023, and suddenly ARCA add-ons are everywhere, with accessory manufacturers producing similar products and 3-gunners eagerly adopting them. Why the change of heart? That’s easy: stability and accuracy!
ARCA-SWISS was founded by Alfred Oschwald in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1926. The company started as a camera repair business and eventually expanded to produce tripods and stabilization devices, helping photographers achieve crisp, clean images with film cameras. Stability has always been a cornerstone of ARCA-SWISS products.
The precision shooting community adopted ARCA-SWISS technology for its adaptability and stability. Conventional sling stud or M-Lok attachments limit users to specific positions, often requiring awkward adjustments for target transitions or moving targets. Additionally, a bipod placed close to the receiver doesn’t offer as steady a hold as one might think. This setup can result in significant movement after the shot, making it difficult to see the impact or quickly follow up.
Using ARCA to its fullest potential allows shooters to quickly and easily adjust their bipod without detaching it, positioning it further forward where it can best absorb recoil. The flat surface of ARCA handguards provides a balanced platform for resting on various supports like fence posts, tank traps, and barricades.
Our full-length ARCA handguards provide ample real estate for placing the bipod as close to the muzzle as possible, maximizing stability. A shorter handguard limits this capability, effectively “handcuffing” the shooter. In the ELR world, where shots are taken at extreme distances, having the bipod at the muzzle provides a rock-solid base, minimizing firearm movement and improving accuracy.
When designing our flagship bolt action line, the Osiris APR, we partnered with Accuracy Solutions. We needed a compact chassis that offered multiple options for bipod positioning. By integrating their Bipod Extender into the system forward of the barricade stop and built-in ARCA, we provided snipers and ELR shooters with the ability to extend their bipod a full 32 inches from the stop. This feature significantly reduces movement before, during, and after the shot, making a world of difference when engaging targets from 1,000 yards to beyond a mile. It’s also why world record holders utilize this principle.
To achieve the best accuracy from the bench, barricade, or mat, place the bipod as far forward as possible, utilizing every inch of the ARCA rail. If needed, install a Bipod Extender. Combine this setup with a consistent load, a steady trigger squeeze, and a quality optic mount with a level (yes, we make those too), and you’ll be amazed at how your groups shrink.
