content: You don't necessarily need a bi-pod to shoot straight (it just helps). Keep in mind that the US military was re-starting it's sniper program during the Vietnam war- most of the rifles used to begin with were re-purposed hunting rifles. Bi-pods, better optics, heavier barrels, and match grade ammunition came later on, as their success in theater was realized. (I really want to cite some resources, but cannot for the life of me remember the name of the book, and can't find a decent history of US snipers on-line with all the Chris Kyle click-bait sites)