Yeah, that makes sense. You can attach the support equipment to yourself in Open, but not to the gun. Seems like an attached bipod for prone would also fit into the Open Class since the girdle is already allowed….
Bricker, don't you ever get tired of stirring stuff up? I made a completely innocuous comment, no dig nor disparaging remark to anyone or anything, just commented on how much stability a harness can give, and somehow.........
On a more serious note.....yes, an attached bipod could be used in the prone position in the Open class, as far as I understand the rules. Traditionally, most Open class shooters sit on a bumbag and use a harness (most, not all). But "Open" really does mean pretty much wide open, use whatever shooting aides you want.
I think there's a seat height requirement is all, and that the seat can't be propped under the gun as a shooting bag. But otherwise, go to town!!!
Here, rules from AAFTA handbook for Open:
"Open Division Rules
The Open Division shall abide by the Common Division Rules defined in this Handbook, as well as by the following rules.
Equipment
A. Rifles shall not exceed 20ft-lb of energy measured at the muzzle.
B. All forms of clothing are permissible.
C. Body support straps or harnesses are allowed, if they do not provide any means of support to the gun.
Sights Any form of sighting system may be used.
Shooting A single rifle sling is permitted that shall be attached to the rifle at a minimum of one and maximum of two points when a shot is taken.
Seating
A. The maximum height for any form of seat is 6 inches from the ground to the highest point of the seat, measured with the shooter sitting on the seat.
B. The seat can only be used as a seat and not any other means of shooting support, EXCEPT to support the rear instep/ankle in the kneeling position, or as back support on free-position extreme angle targets."
Really, very few restrictions.
Might be a chance for you to shoot from prone position and see how it works.