A very stable set up was shown on the board not too long ago. It used a surveyors tripod - heavy duty, and a rifle rest/holder similar to the Outers varmint rest. It cradles both the front and rear giving very stable support. By locking the swivel head on the tripod, you could get close to bench stability. A very nice set up. There was even a picture.
Other designs use a front pedestal type bag mounted to the top of the tripod. The rear is unsupported except by the shooter. Still a pretty stable design. Quite common in tactical situations. Would have less bounce then the bipod. Also, shoot from a higher vantage point.
Not a fan of bipods as they wiggle and bounce too much for consistent long range accuracy. I would prefer to use a back pack, log or elbows.
My favorite quick rifle rest amounts to a big beanie bag. It cradles about 1/3 of the stock and is surprisingly stable. Good for truck hood shooting. There is a commercial varmint bag that is more elaborate and probably works better. Looks like an X in cross section filled with sand. Would be very stable and cradle the stock well.
Bipods are easy to carry, aren't too heavy but surprisingly slow to deploy in the field. The swivel model is much better then the non. Sorry, if it sounds like bipod bashing but after spending alot of money on a two Harris (excellent product for what it is), I am finding a $5 beanie bag more useful.
Jerry