First off I think your dealing with two problems. One is the finicky fore end of the Handis/NEFs, the second is bipod hop,especially noticeable on larger calibers often worsened by anticipated recoil by the shooter. I shoot my 223 Ultra heavy barrel with fixed bipod, a swivel- notched legged bipod, shooting sticks, and off my ruck/pack. The answer with my problems with the fore end was full length pillarbedding using Devcon 10110 and also bedding the plastic fore end cap. this eliminated all problems with where to "rest" the fore end and the use of the existing swivel as the attachment point for the bipod. As far as the bipod goes I use Harris, but there are enhancments (1) Tanks speed knob and (2) Pod-Loc lever for swivel type bipods. Using your bipod does require practice , but realize that surface (dirt ,gravel,cement,wood,uneveness etc.) effects grip of the legs, also avoid leaning into the bipod which presprings your hold. Remember that sighted in off a bench/shooting vise is not sighted in with a bipod. sight in the way your going to use the rifle. Remember that it is not "practice" but "PERFECT PRACTICE" that improves you.